Craigmillar Castle ***
Region: Edinburgh
Description:
One of the most perfectly preserved castles in Scotland. Even today, the castle very much retains the character of a medieval stronghold.
Building began in the early 15th century, and over the next 250 years the castle became a comfortable residence surrounded by gardens and pastureland. The castle's history is not only closely involved with the city of Edinburgh, but plays an important part in the story of Mary Queen of Scots who fled to Craigmillar Castle following the murder of Rizzio. It was here that the plot was hatched to murder Mary's husband, Lord Darnley.