Craigmillar Castle

One of Scotland's best-preserved medieval castles, this ruin on the southern edge of Edinburgh grew from a fourteenth-century tower house into a substantial fortified residence. It is associated with Mary, Queen of Scots, who stayed here after the birth of her son, and where plans were reputedly laid against her husband Lord Darnley. Visitors can climb the tower for wide views, explore vaulted chambers and walk the surrounding walled gardens. Its relative quiet compared with the main castle gives a strong sense of a working stronghold.