Confirmed · Edinburgh & Lothians · Attraction

Craigmillar Castle

Ardsmuir Prison in Outlander. Ticketed Historic Scotland site; allow 1½–2½ hours.

On screen as: Ardsmuir Prison
Series and episodes: Season 3 · S3 E3
Access: Ticketed Historic Scotland site
Time needed: 1½–2½ hours
Where: Edinburgh

On screen

How Craigmillar Castle appears

Craigmillar Castle becomes Ardsmuir Prison in season three, providing the stone setting for Jamie’s imprisonment after Culloden. It features in episode three, ‘All Debts Paid’, as Jamie adjusts to life within the prison. The courtyards and chambers belong to a real medieval castle; Ardsmuir is the fictional identity placed upon them. This is a different prison location from Linlithgow Palace’s Wentworth passages. Comparing the two illustrates how the production assigned separate emotional and architectural settings to periods of captivity rather than using one Scottish ruin for every prison scene.

S3 E3: All Debts Paid

The real place

What you can visit

Craigmillar is a substantial ruined castle on Edinburgh’s outskirts, with surviving chambers, stairs, courtyards and elevated views over the city. It rewards a visit on its own architectural terms, not only a search for prison scenes. The exterior approach introduces the building’s scale before visitors move through the spaces used to evoke enclosure on screen. Historic fabric and uneven levels shape the experience, and the route available on a particular day may be affected by weather or conservation. It is a heritage visit within a city, not simply an urban façade.

Compare the castle’s open city views with the enclosed chambers; the contrast explains how selective framing creates a prison setting.

Forever Edinburgh ↗

Getting there.

Check the current Historic Scotland visitor notice before travelling and allow time for the ruin beyond one courtyard photograph. Admission and access to upper areas are separate from seeing the castle from outside. Ask the operator about the route if stairs or uneven surfaces are a concern, including which chambers your party can comfortably reach. Plan the journey from central Edinburgh with a current transport source rather than assuming an Old Town walking stop.

Official visitor information ↗Open in Google Maps ↗Read the visiting guide →

Common questions

Planning a responsible visit

Is Ardsmuir a real prison here?

Ardsmuir is the fictional prison represented by Craigmillar. The real site is a medieval castle with its own history and visitor route. Its Outlander role should not be mistaken for the building’s historical name or purpose.

Was Wentworth Prison also filmed here?

The guide attributes Wentworth’s passages and entrance to Linlithgow Palace. Craigmillar represents Ardsmuir in season three. Visiting both can be worthwhile, but they are distinct locations and belong to different stages of Jamie’s story.

Can every level be visited?

Do not assume that it can. Weather or conservation restrictions can affect historic buildings, with different levels offering different access challenges. Check the operator’s current access guidance and ask about the specific levels important to your visit.

Plan your visit