For fans of the Outlander series, a trip to Scotland offers a chance to step into the captivating world of Claire and Jamie Fraser.
With stunning landscapes and rich history, Outlander tours provide an immersive experience that brings the novels to life.
From the iconic Lallybroch to the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands, these tours take visitors on a magical journey through the very locations that inspired Diana Gabaldon’s beloved characters.
Exploring historical sites like Doune Castle and Culloden Moor, travelers not only enjoy breathtaking views but also gain a deeper understanding of Scotland’s past. Each tour presents an opportunity to connect with the culture and heritage that shaped the nation.
Best Outlander Tours Scotland
Exploring Scotland through its Outlander tours provides fans with an immersive experience, connecting them to the breathtaking landscapes and rich history depicted in the series. Below are some key highlights of what to expect during these tours.
Transport in Scotland
Although Scotland’s cities are interconnected by train lines, many Outlander filming locations lie beyond urban areas.
For instance, Hopetoun House, featured in multiple seasons, is about an hour’s walk from the nearest train station, Dalmeny.
Travelers should be aware that navigating the Highlands can be challenging due to narrow, single-track roads that might not suit every driver.
The Outlander Effect
The Outlander Effect significantly boosts visitor numbers at filming locations. Doune Castle, for instance, has experienced a 91% increase in foot traffic! Many tours arrange specific time slots, allowing guests to enjoy their visit without battling the crowds.
Expert Guides
Outlander tours provide great value, including transportation, access to knowledgeable and passionate guides, and often covering entry fees. These experts enhance the experience with engaging stories and insights about the locations.
Local History
Tour guides share more than just Outlander trivia; they also impart local history and culture. Travelers can engage with locals and ask questions about the real-life inspirations behind the series, enriching their understanding of the area.
Outlander Community
- From Edinburgh: 1-Day Outlander Explorer Tour
- From Edinburgh: 2-Day Outlander Tour
- From Edinburgh: Outlander, Palaces, and Jacobites Tour
- From Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour
- Edinburgh City: Outlander Walking Tour
- From Glasgow: 1-Day Outlander Tour
- From Inverness: Full Day Outlander Tour
Outlander Tour Edinburgh
Experience the magic of Outlander with various tour options directly from Edinburgh. From affordable day trips to intimate private tours, enthusiasts can explore the captivating landscapes and historic sites that inspired the beloved series.
Affordable Outlander Day Tours from Edinburgh
This full-day tour offers a budget-friendly option that isn’t private but allows participants to visit iconic Outlander filming locations.
- Visit Doune Castle, known as Castle Leoch.
- Explore Culross as Cranesmuir.
- Discover Falkland, representing Inverness in the 1940s.
- Tour Blackness Castle, the headquarters of Black Jack Randall.
- Meeting point: Edinburgh Bus Station.
- Price: £59 per person.
This also serves as a Scottish history tour, sharing insights into the wars and celebrities that inspired Diana Gabaldon.
Outlander Edinburgh Tour (In The City)
Short on time but eager for an Outlander experience? This walking tour in Edinburgh is a great option.
- Start at Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, led by a knowledgeable guide.
- Learn about the Jacobite Rebellion while visiting notable sites like the Tolbooth Jail and Canongate Kirkyard.
- Price: £16.
This tour remains popular with many readers wanting a taste of Outlander’s heritage.
Private Tour Guided – Good for Small Groups
Enjoy an intimate eight-hour small bus tour focusing on Scotland’s Outlander literary locations.
Highlights include:
- Castle Leoch, the home of Colum MacKenzie.
- Captain Jack Randall’s stronghold.
- The train station marking Claire and Frank’s farewells.
- Price: £935 for a group of up to six people.
Experience this personal tour for a deeper connection to the Outlander saga.
Outlander Tours Glasgow
Outlander tours from Glasgow offer fans a convenient way to experience the series’ iconic sites. With expert guides leading the way, travelers can explore significant locations tied to Claire and Jamie Fraser’s adventure.
Highlights include:
- Doune Castle – Visit the stunning seat of Clan MacKenzie and the Deanstoun Distillery, Jamie’s cousin’s warehouse.
- Culross – Stroll through Claire’s herb garden, located in this charming village.
- Falkland – Discover this picturesque village, standing in for Inverness in the series.
- Blackness Castle – Explore the headquarters of the infamous Black Jack Randall.
- Meeting Point: Begin your journey at Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station.
- Notes: Enjoy refreshment stops along the way, including a visit to Deanston Distillery.
- Price: £70 per person.
Inverness Outlander
Inverness serves as a pivotal location for Outlander fans, immersing them in the historical backdrop of the series. Visitors can explore scenes of Claire and Jamie’s journey right from this vibrant city.
- Culloden Battlefield: Guests can visit the site of the last battle fought on British soil. Guided tours often include an in-depth look at the events leading up to the battle, which greatly impacts the characters’ arcs. Statues and memorials on site provide a profound connection to Scottish history.
- Inverness Castle: Visitors can admire the striking architecture of this 19th-century castle, located on a hill overlooking the city. While the interior is not open to the public, the exterior offers ample photo opportunities. This location symbolizes the connection between Claire’s life in the 20th century and her experiences in the 18th century.
- Craigh na Dun: Tours frequently take fans to this iconic standing stone circle, which marks where Claire first travels back in time. Witnessing the stones in person allows fans to relive the magical moments portrayed in the series.
- Fraser’s Ridge: While this location is more symbolic, Inverness serves as a gateway for fans to imagine Jamie’s family roots. Knowing the historical context enriches the tour as guests learn about the Fraser Clan’s significance throughout history.
- Local Guided Tours: Many tour companies based in Inverness offer specialized Outlander experiences. These tours often combine visits to several filming locations while sharing intriguing stories about the characters and their real-life inspirations. Knowledgeable local guides provide insights into Scotland’s rich cultural tapestry, enhancing the overall experience.
- Herb Gardens: Stop by Claire’s herb garden, often referenced throughout the series. Here, fans can see a variety of plants used for medicinal purposes, showcasing Claire’s skills as a healer and further connecting them to the narrative.
By exploring Inverness, fans not only deepen their appreciation of the Outlander series but also gain valuable insights into Scotland’s history, landscapes, and culture. The seamless blend of fiction and historical fact captivates visitors as they journey through the locations that brought Claire and Jamie’s story to life.
Outlander Filming Locations – Where is Outlander Filmed?
Falkland Outlander
Falkland, located in the Kingdom of Fife, served as the stand-in for Inverness in Outlander. Its charming thatched-roof houses, cobbled streets, and picturesque square capture the essence of 1940s Scotland. Key sites include:
- Mrs. Baird’s B&B, an operating accommodation.
- Bruce Fountain, where Jamie watches Claire from a window.
- Campbell’s Coffee Shop, sharing its name with the show.
- Farrell & Sons Hardware store, which is where Claire spots the blue vase.
Falkland remains a delightful village for fans and visitors alike.
The Reaper Tall Ship
The Reaper, a two-masted ship, can be seen in the harbor of Anstruther, a fishing village in Fife famous for its fish and chips.
While sailing into the horizon may not be possible, the vessel represents the boat Claire and Jamie use to escape to France.
Dysart Harbour, near Kirkcaldy, doubles for Le Havre Port. A visit to Fife guarantees scenic beauty and poignant connections to Outlander.
Culross
Culross is often hailed as one of the UK’s most picturesque villages, transporting visitors back to the 17th century. Frequently appearing as Cranesmuir in Outlander, the ochre palace features Claire’s herb garden, which is part of the palace’s grounds.
The Mercat Cross served as a backdrop for key scenes, including the moment the boy had his ear nailed to the post. With numerous filming locations in such a quaint village, Culross is an essential stop for Outlander fans.
Blackness Castle
Overlooking the Firth of Forth, Blackness Castle doubles as Fort William in Outlander. Built for defense, this formidable structure has a rich history as a prison and military fort.
The castle’s courtyard is infamous for the shocking whipping scene involving Jamie, where Claire and Jamie dash along the walls to escape their dire circumstances.
Midhope Castle aka Lallybroch
Visiting Jamie’s home at Lallybroch offers fans a glimpse of where crucial moments unfolded, including the archway where Jamie faced punishment. Though the building is typically busy with visitors, patience pays off.
Like many Outlander locations, access to the interior is restricted, making the exterior a must-see for fans capturing photos.
Outlander Standing Stones
While the famed Craigh na Dun may not exist, fans can see the filming location by searching for a wooded hill along the winding road between Queens View and Kinloch Rannoch.
Producers added the standing stones digitally, creating a magical scene in the series. Though finding the precise spot can be challenging, enthusiasts venture time and again to spot this iconic landmark.
Alicia Richards