Access

This site is open for you to enjoy but there are currently some access restrictions in place as a precautionary measure. Find out more about our conservation work

What will remain closed/unavailable during your visit

Two rooms in the Gilmour range, the wine cellar and passage beneath the tower house remain closed
There is some safety fencing in place in the West garden and around the Dovecot and the chapel

Carers tickets

In line with best practice in the visitor attractions industry, visitors with disabilities are treated on an equal basis with all other visitors and entry is charged at the appropriate admission category rate - Adult/Concession/Child. Proof of disability is not required.

We recognise that some disabled visitors may need help to visit our sites and we offer free entry for accompanying carers, these can be added when making your booking. Please note this is limited to two carers per transaction.

Parking

The car park next to the visitor centre is smooth tarmac and has one accessible space.

Parking is limited at the castle and spaces are on a first come first served basis and where possible if visitors can arrive via public transport or on foot this would help alleviate issues. Visitors can also call the castle (0131 661 4445) in advance for further details on alternative nearby parking. Alternatively, there are good public transport links to nearby Old Dalkeith Road (Edinburgh Royal Infirmary) or Peffermill Road.

Approach to site

The visitor centre is on ground level and has a level threshold.

The castle is reached from the visitor centre by a gently inclined 100m long tarmac path. There is a wooden bench with armrests halfway between the visitor centre and the castle.

Dogs

Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas.

Visitors' dogs are allowed at Craigmillar Castle, but are not permitted in roofed areas.

Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and not left unattended at any time. Owners must pick up after their dogs.

Visiting the site

The castle is situated on relatively level ground. There is a steep grassed approach to the inner courtyard, which can be slippery in wet weather
The courtyard is reached via a stone threshold
The castle has five levels:
- The basement, containing pit prison and bakehouse, will be closed at this time
- The ground level contains the Dovecot (exterior view only), Inner Courtyard, Stables, Drawing Room and bottom level of the Towerhouse
- The first floor has a kitchen, old dovecot and bedchambers. The second floor has the great hall, wall walk and a kitchen. These one-way route to floors is up a narrow, historic stone staircase, returning down a wide spiral stone staircase with uneven steps and a single rope handrail. If this route is not suitable for you, please ask staff for assistance
- The third floor has the great hall gallery, and bed chamber. The fourth floor offers good panoramic views of Edinburgh. These floors are accessed by a narrow spiral staircase with uneven steps and a single rope handrail
Light levels can be low inside the castle, especially on the spiral stairs
There is a bench in the castle courtyard