Craigmiller Castle

Craigmiller Castle, is Edinburgh's other castle. It's a medieval fortress just outside the city center. It is a short 15 minute Uber ride to this well preserved ruin. You can get here by bus as well.

Craigmiller castle has been used in movies & tv shows like Outlander and the Outlaw King. 

These huge double doors lead to the courtyard. Just inside are gorgeous yew trees planted on both sides of the doors in honor of Mary Queen of Scots. She sought refuge here after her private secretary David Rizzio, was murdered in front of her. The plot to kill her jealous and reckless husband, Lord Darnley, was hatched here.

I loved this view so much. It's exactly what you want in a castle courtyard. I wish I had something like this in my house! It also kind of reminds me of the Doors of Durin, or St Edward's Church door in the Cotswolds.

I enjoy touching history. This original tower house was built in the 14th century.

The tower house contains a maze of rooms, tunnels, and passageways. There are so many nooks and crannies, that it's hard to keep track of where you've already been and which way you haven't seen. 

In the 18th century, a skeleton was found walled up in a vault!

Who doesn't love a castle to themselves? Craigmiller castle is way less crowded than Edinburgh Castle. Give it a wee nosy.