Outlander

Scotland’s history and scenic beauty were the inspiration for American author Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series of novels.

The resulting TV series now features many of the Scottish locations mentioned in the books.

Others double for their fictional versions. Follow in Claire and Jamie’s time-travelling footsteps on our Outlander tours.

Scotland’s history and scenic beauty were the inspiration for American author Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series of novels. The resulting TV series now features many of the Scottish locations mentioned in the books. Others double for their fictional versions. Follow in Claire and Jamie’s time-travelling footsteps on our Outlander tours.

Fun Facts

  • Sinister Blackness Castle is the atmospheric setting for the Fort William headquarters of Black Jack Randall. From the sea the walls resemble the bow of a ship earning the castle the nickname "the ship that never sailed".
  • When you are visiting Edinburgh don't forget to check out historic Tweedale Court. In real-life you can access it off the famous Royal Mile (near John Knox House). In Outlander it's where Claire and Fergus were reunited.
  • The ancient burial mounds of Clava Cairns are between three and four thousand years old.
  • Built in the 15th century by one of Scotland's most powerful families, the Crichtons, the roles of Blackness Castle were those of garrison fortress and state prison. The present castle was designed as the bow of a large ship heading into the Firth of Fort
  • Hopetoun House is one of the most splendid examples of Georgian architecture In Britain being the work of Scottish architects Sir William Bruce and William Adam. Both Bruce and Adam were architects to the Royal house of their day.

Things to see...

Outlander - Culross (Cranesmuir)

The historic Fife village of Culross doubles as the fictional Cranesmuir in Outlander. Culross is one of Scotland’s most picturesque villages, looking much today as it did in the 16th century.

Outlander Doune Castle

Doune Castle is a 14th-century courtyard castle which poses as Castle Leoch in Outlander. You may also recognise Doune from its role in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and the pilot for Game of Thrones.

Outlander highland folk muse

The museum recreates Scottish Highland daily and working life from the 1700s to the 1950s. The Highland Township has been used as a filming location for Outlander.

Linlithgow Palace

This 15th century ruin played a starring role in the Jamie Fraser story, with its corridors and entrance doubling up as a prison when our hero was held behind bars. Linlithgow Palace is around an elegant courtyard, its mighty walls still echo with fascinating history, as you would expect from the former home of Scottish royalty and birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.

Falkland

Eagle-eyed viewers will instantly recognise this 300-year-old Fife village, whose streets and buildings have appeared in many episodes. Take a tour and visit the site of Mrs Baird’s guest house, Farrell’s Hardware & Furniture Store and Campbell’s Coffee House. Or why not linger awhile by the Bruce Fountain and recreate your own version of the classic ghost scene?

Callendar House

Set within lushly rolling grounds of Callendar Park, this ornate 14th century home took centre stage in one of the show’s most memorable episodes, Vengeance Is Mine. Travel back in time yourself with a tour of its grand corridors and rooms, pausing on the sweeping staircase to admire the many artworks before descending to the Georgian kitchen, which is still in use today.

The Fairy Pools

This formidable stronghold has become a magnet for Outlander fans thanks to its on-screen role. Explore the imposing ramparts of Doune Castle that became the show’s Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his 18th century clan. Descend the winding stairs and wander the Great Hall and courtyard, imagining memories of medieval banquets, royal jousts and bloody duels.

Blackness Castle

With its unmistakeable ship-like shape, this 15th century fortress will be instantly recognisable to TV aficionados. Run your hands across the rugged stones that once served as Black Jack Randall’s fictional base in Fort William. Or enjoy the same sweeping views across the Firth of Forth as Jamie Fraser during his on-screen capture and confinement.

Hopetoun House

This magnificent stately house has played many starring roles in the time-travel epic, including the home of the Duke of Sandringham. Wander the Hopetoun Estate grounds and spot other locations, including the Hawkins Estate, the Helwater stables or even bygone Parisian streets. You might even be able to see which parts were digitally removed for TV!

Deanston Distiller

This former cotton mill will be instantly familiar to fans after it was used as the setting of a French wine warehouse owned by Jamie Fraser’s cousin. Sitting beside the beautiful Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Natural Park, its walls echo with centuries of history as you explore behind the scenes and see traditional whisky-making methods at work.

Dysart

This bewitching Fife harbour was reimagined as the 18th century port of Le Havre for the small screen. Stroll its sleepy streets and see where Jamie and Claire Fraser made their fictional escape to France. Or take the Fife Coastal Path and enjoy the enchanting views of this conservation area and its period buildings, including the harbourmaster’s house.

Tours that visit Outlander


Skye and the Scottish Highlands

Skye and the Scottish Highlands 3 Day Tour from £400.00
from Edinburgh and Glasgow
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Outlander Experience

Outlander Experience 1 Day Tour from £55.00
from Edinburgh
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Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness

Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness 5 Day Tour from £810.00
from Edinburgh
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West Highland Lochs, Mountains and Castles

West Highland Lochs, Mountains and Castles 1 Day Tour from £57.00
from Edinburgh
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Heart of the Highlands

Heart of the Highlands 2 Day Tour from £210.00
from Edinburgh and Glasgow
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St Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife

St Andrews and the Kingdom of Fife 1 Day Tour from £54.00
from Edinburgh
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Loch Lomond, The Trossachs and Stirling Castle

Loch Lomond, The Trossachs and Stirling Castle 1 Day Tour from £45.00
from Glasgow
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Loch Ness, Whisky and Outlander Small Group Tour

Loch Ness, Whisky and Outlander Small Group Tour 1 Day Tour from £58.00
from Inverness
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Outlander Film Locations Small Group Tour

Outlander Film Locations Small Group Tour 1 Day Tour from £53.00
from Edinburgh
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Scottish Clans and Castles

Scottish Clans and Castles 10 Day Tour from £2,440.00
from Glasgow
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Scottish Isles and Glens

Scottish Isles and Glens 12 Day Tour from £3,000.00
from Glasgow
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St Andrews, Falkland and the Fishing Villages of Fife

St Andrews, Falkland and the Fishing Villages of Fife 1 Day Tour from £56.00
from Edinburgh
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The Outlander Trail Small Group Tour

The Outlander Trail Small Group Tour 2 Day Tour from £250.00
from Edinburgh
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