Craigievar Castle

Craigievar Castle

Craigievar Castle is located in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is a medieval castle ruin situated about 3 miles southeast of the city center, on a low hill with the modern suburb of Craigievar to its south.

Craigievar Castle was built in the late 14th century by the Preston family, and local feudal nobles carried out renovations and expansions during the subsequent 15th and 16th centuries. In 1660, the castle was sold to Sir John Gordon, who made further modifications. Sir John left Craigievar Castle in the 18th century, after which it gradually fell into disrepair. The castle is now protected by Historic Environment Scotland.

Craigievar Castle is famous for being a refuge for Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1566. In the same year, the Earl of Bothwell and other nobles conspired at the castle, ultimately leading to the murder of Mary's second husband. Here you can see prison cells equipped with complete sanitation facilities, which foreshadow the design of modern British prisons—though such standards were not fully implemented until 1966.

Craigievar Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland, featuring a prominently towering tower house surrounded by exquisite 15th-century courtyard walls. The courtyard also includes a small chapel and a dovecote, making it one of the most captivating castle ruins in the region.

Craigmillar Castle

Must-visit reason: One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Britain[Britain]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Edinburgh [Edinburgh]

City where the attraction is located: Edinburgh [Edinburgh]