Craigmillar Castle

There is a temporary access restriction. The Northwest Gilmour Tower is currently closed.

On Craigmillar castle road, in the south of Edinburgh. 

View Craigmillar Castle on a Google Map

Walking and wheeling

Craigmillar Castle is within 15 minutes’ walk of various bus stops which link directly to Edinburgh city centre. There is no pavement on Craigmillar Castle Road, so we suggest using alternative pedestrian paths through the park.

By bike

The castle is a 10 minute cycle from the Innocent Railway Tunnel, which forms part of National Cycle Network Route 1. The route between the tunnel and the castle includes busy on-road sections. There is cycle parking outside the visitor centre.

By Bus

There are regular bus services from central Edinburgh to 'Craigmillar Castle Road' bus stops on both Peffermill Road and Old Dalkeith Road. The castle is around a 15 minute walk from both bus stops. Make sure to follow the pedestrian path through the park grounds to the castle. 

Plan and save with Good Journey

Plan your journey by public transport using Good Journey. Book a car-free visit online with the code GOOD25 and receive a 25% discount.

Car

Parking is very limited at the castle and spaces cannot be guaranteed. We would recommend using one of the sustainable travel routes above to visit the castle.

Coach or minibus

Visitors arriving by coach or minibus should email ticketing@hes.scot to check space availability before booking entry tickets. Spaces are limited. 

Carers' tickets

Visitors with disabilities are charged standard admission rates (adult/concession/child). Proof of disability is not required. Up to two accompanying carers receive free entry per transaction.

Assistance dogs

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

Parking

There is a level, tarmac surfaced car park with one accessible bay.

Approach to the site

The visitor centre is on ground level and has a level threshold. The castle is reach from the visitor centre by a gently inclined 100m long tarmac path. Halfway between the visitor centre and the castle there is a wooden bench with armrests.

What to expect at 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. To access the second floor, there is a one-way route up a narrow, historic stone staircase, returning down a wide spiral stone staircase with uneven steps and a single rope handrail. The third floor and fourth floors are accessed by a narrow spiral staircase with uneven steps and a single rope handrail. If any route is not suitable for you, please ask staff for assistance

Light levels can be low inside the castle, especially on the spiral stairs.

There is a bench in the castle courtyard.

• Accessible by public transport
• Bicycle rack
• Car parking
• Shop
• Self-service tea/coffee
• Water bottle refill