Craigmillar Castle

Explore this intriguing castle once a secret retreat for Mary Queen of Scots.

Welcome to our learning hub

An excellent setting for cross curricular learning and discovering more about local heritage, landscape and environment. With lots to explore and plenty of green space this is an excellent place for outdoor and play based learning and inspiring creativity in learners of all ages. It’s history links to key topics and characters from Scotland’s past including castle life and Mary Queen of Scots and the summit offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding area.  

A smart phone displaying Historic Scotland website pages is sitting on top of a laptop keyboard.

Book a learning visit

Contact: Craigmillar Castle staff

Telephone: 0131 661 4445

Use our site information sheet to help plan your visit.

Please contact us in advance to discuss the needs of your group or to arrange a planning visit.

A mum, dad and young boy are doing craft activities at the art cart (a craft station with blackboard, pencils, paper activities).
A Historic Scotland member of staff is handing over a quiz sheet to a young boy and his mother.

What's on offer for learning groups

Contact us to arrange:

  • orientation
  • an object handling session, options are:
    • a staff facilitated session
    • box provided for you to lead a session with your group

Other self-led things to do are:

  • arts and crafts
  • build the arch kit
  • children's quizzes
  • games

Virtual visit

Explore the castle with our Junior Tour Guides and learners from Castlebrae Community Campus. 

Watch our YouTube playlist