Sarah from Edinburgh

About me Hi! I’m Sarah. I’m a marketing professional and travel writer. Based in Edinburgh’s city centre, I’ve worked for some of Scotland’s most prestigious tourism boards, hotels and attractions. Teaching people about my beautiful city and country is one of my favourite pastimes. I love storytelling. My own website focuses on vegan travel on a tight budget. My love of animals ...
Oct 2, 2025

Craigmillar Castle Edinburgh

Outlander location

""Craigmillar Castle" is another historical castle in Edinburgh you can make the journey to without the use of a car. It recently appeared in Outlander..."

Tourists flock to Edinburgh for its famous city centre castle; but did you know that the capital has another historical castle that you can make the journey to without the use of a car?

The construction of the medieval Craigmillar Castle started in the 1400s and the ruined structure is most famous for its association with Mary, Queen of Scots. It’s told that, after the birth of her son, she fled here after the murder of her personal secretary, David Rizzio. Despite its ‘ruined’ status, the castle is in remarkable condition and (once inside) you’re free to explore its winding stone stairways, grand entertaining rooms and hidden staff quarters. The large stone building recently found a new lease of fame after appearing in the popular historical drama television series Outlander.

Although its much easier to get here by car, Craigmillar Castle can also be reached from the city centre by bus. At only 3 miles out from Edinburgh’s main Princes Street, there are many buses that pass by the old structure. Both the number 33 and 49 buses run past Edinburgh Royal Infirmary stop, and this is your destination/get off point. From here it’s a short 10-15-minute walk.

002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Craigmillar Castle Road

Adult ticket:

£

6

Our Edinburgh Guide

Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Edinburgh guide.

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh

Muschat's Cairn

Gory history under rocks

I have to confess I've walked past the spot thousands of times before I actually realised it was anything to pay attention to!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Fiona

Diack

Oct 11, 2025

Leith Victoria Swim Centre

An architectural gem

The "Leith Victoria Swim Centre" in Edinburgh is a beautiful pool surrounded by an ornade, Baroque, cast-iron colonnade. Well worth a visit!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Tamsin

Grainger

Oct 10, 2025

Pickles

Cosy wine bar

"Pickles" is a tiny wee wine bar in Edinburgh. The bar has a rustic Scottish feel to it, but the main reason I like it is their cheese and wine...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Fiona

Diack

Oct 9, 2025

Manna House Bakery

Incredible bakery/eatery

"Manna House Bakery" in South Queensferry in Edinburgh has great views over the Forth Rail Bridge. Come here for the super value-for-money homemade food!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Mark

Gorman

Oct 6, 2025

Craiglockhart Hill

The overlooked hill

Craiglockhart Hill is one of Edinburgh's 7 hills. In contrast to Calton Hill, Castle Hill and Arthur's Seat, even many locals can't name this one!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Fiona

Diack

Oct 3, 2025

Corstorphine Hill

Not just the zoo

The zoo is one of Edinburgh's most popular tourist attractions. Next to it is "Corstorphine Hill" that's in my opinion much more interesting to explore!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Fiona

Diack

Oct 2, 2025

Little Free Library

Birdhouse book stops

"Little Free Library" in Edinburgh is a project for neighbourhood book exchanges. It has really caught on here -- look for the birdhouse mini libraries!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

Oct 2, 2025

Antony Gormley Sculptures

River statues

The "Antony Gormley Sculptures" are six human-like statues across Edinburgh. Four of them are actually in the river! I love introducing visitors to them...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

Oct 2, 2025

The Cactus House

Henderson Row

"The Cactus House" is one of my favourite little hidden gems (and photo stops). This impressive doorstep is adorned with flowers, cacti and so much more!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

Oct 2, 2025

The Forgotten Railway Tunnel

Scotland Street

There's a forgotten railway tunnel on Scotland Street in Edinburgh. I like toake people down there to give them a lesser-told history lesson...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

Oct 2, 2025

The ‘Heave Away’ Hoose

"I'm not dead yet"

"The ‘Heave Away’ Hoose" tells the story of a young boy who was the sole survivor of the collapse of a tall house in Edinburgh. So many such stories...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

Oct 2, 2025

Grow Urban

Plant & coffee shop

"Grow Urban" in Edinburgh is an independent plant shop that also has its very own coffee shop! Entering feels like stepping inside a jungle...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

Oct 2, 2025

Heading to Edinburgh?

138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Edinburgh app Home
Edinburgh app Home
Edinburgh app Map
Edinburgh app Home

Heading to Edinburgh?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

138 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Edinburgh

Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
53
Made with the 💚 of 499 Spotters.
Filters