Craigmillar Castle

Tucked away on the edge of Edinburgh, Craigmillar Castle is easily overlooked, but it’s one of those places that rewards a bit of curiosity. The old stone towers and courtyards are impressively intact, feeling less like a ruin and more like a secret waiting to be found. From the battlements, you’re treated to views that stretch right across the city and out to the Firth of Forth. It’s a spot locals love and visitors often miss.Craigmillar’s story starts in the late 1300s, when the Preston family laid its first stones. Over time, it grew into a royal hideaway. Mary Queen of Scots herself sought shelter here after heartbreak at Holyroodhouse, returning more than once. The castle’s walls even witnessed whispered conspiracies - the notorious plot against Lord Darnley, her husband, is said to have started right here.If you’re an Outlander fan, you might spot Craigmillar as Ardsmuir Prison - the windswept fortress where Jamie Fraser is locked up in Season 3. Its hilltop ruins look even more dramatic in real life. Unlike the crowds at Edinburgh Castle, Craigmillar is usually quiet, watched over by Historic Environment Scotland. Strolling these grounds, you get a real sense of the past, and on a clear day, the view from the towers stretches from Arthur’s Seat all the way to the Pentland Hills.