Craigmillar Castle
BEST FOR
Ages 7-15
ENTRY
from £4.50
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Edinburgh
What it’s like
A ruined tower house south of the city where kids climb five levels of narrow stairs to see over Edinburgh.
This is a proper ruin, not a rebuilt heritage centre, and that's the point. Kids get to climb the tower house itself, poke round the great hall and the old prison, and come out the top to a view across the city that's a decent reward for the legs it takes to get there. It suits the seven to fifteen bracket the site pitches it at; younger children will struggle with the stairs and there's not much here to hold a toddler's attention.
Book ahead, because you have to. It's £4.50 for a child and £7.50 for an adult if you book online, a pound more each if you turn up and pay at the gate, so there's no reason not to sort tickets before you go. Last entry is half an hour before closing, which is 5pm in summer and 4pm from October to March, so plan a mid-afternoon visit rather than an end-of-day dash.
The catch is getting there. Parking is genuinely limited and not guaranteed, so if you're driving you might not get a space at all. There's no pavement on Craigmillar Castle Road itself, so the site points you towards the pedestrian paths through the park instead, and if you fancy skipping the car altogether there's a 25% discount code for booking a car-free visit online. Buses stop about 15 minutes' walk away, and it's a 10-minute cycle from the Innocent Railway Tunnel if anyone in your group is on two wheels.
Once you're in, there's a café and a gift shop for the inevitable end-of-visit negotiation. The five levels and narrow historic stone staircases mean wheelchair access is limited, though there is one accessible parking bay and staff will help if a route looks unsuitable. Anyone with a disability pays the standard admission rate rather than a reduced one, but up to two carers get in free per transaction.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 7 to 15, the stairs and climb suit older kids
- Last entry
- 30 minutes before closing
- Parking
- Very limited spaces, not guaranteed
- Wheelchairs
- One accessible parking bay. Castle has five levels with narrow historic staircases
- Getting there by bus or train
- Regular bus services to Craigmillar Castle Road (Peffermill Road and Old Dalkeith Road stops), around 15 minutes' walk
- There's a 25% discount code, GOOD25, if you book a car-free visit online.
- Disabled visitors pay standard admission, but up to two carers get in free per transaction.
- No pavement on Craigmillar Castle Road itself; use the pedestrian paths through the park instead.
- There's a café and gift shop on site.
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£4.50 for a child and £7.50 for an adult if you book online, about a pound more each if you pay in person on the day.
Do we need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is required and there's a link to do it online, which also gets you the cheaper price.
What age is it suitable for?
The site pitches it at 7 to 15 year olds. The stairs and steep levels make it a tough climb for younger kids.
Is there parking?
Very limited, and a space isn't guaranteed even if you turn up early. Sustainable travel is genuinely recommended here rather than a token line.
How do we get there without a car?
Buses stop on Peffermill Road or Old Dalkeith Road, about 15 minutes' walk from the castle. It's also a 10-minute cycle from the Innocent Railway Tunnel on NCN Route 1.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs or buggies?
Not really. The castle has five levels with narrow historic staircases, though there's one accessible parking bay and staff can advise if a route won't work.
What time do you need to arrive by?
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing, so 4.30pm in summer and 3.30pm from October to March.
Can coaches or groups visit?
You need to email ticketing@hes.scot first to check space before booking, since spaces for coaches and minibuses are limited.
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