From Edinburgh: The Outlander Experience Guided Tour

If you’re a fan of the Outlander series or just love Scottish history and scenery, chances are you’ve considered a tour that takes you behind the scenes and into the landscapes that inspired the show. This guided full-day tour from Edinburgh aims to do just that, combining iconic filming spots with a splash of history and a good dose of Scottish charm.

What we really appreciate about this experience is its affordable price point—around $61 per person—especially considering the number of filming locations and scenic stops you’ll visit. Plus, the expert guides seem to make a real effort to bring the stories alive, with reviews praising their knowledge and humor.

However, a note of caution: the timing can be tight, and some locations—like Doune Castle—may be substituted depending on the day. Also, the tour doesn’t include entrance fees or meals, so you should plan on bringing some extra cash and snacks.

This tour suits Outlander fans eager to see the show’s iconic locations, history buffs interested in Scottish castles and villages, or travelers who simply want a well-organized day exploring the countryside with a friendly guide. If you’re okay with a packed schedule and a bit of walking, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Affordable and value-packed at $61 per person for an 8-hour experience
• Knowledgeable guides who add humor and context, making the day memorable
• Scenic stops in charming villages and historic castles, perfect for photography and exploration
• Variety of locations that bring Outlander’s story to life, from Inverness stand-ins to Lallybroch
• No included entrance fees or meals—prepare to budget extra for tickets and snacks
• Long but rewarding day with around 105 minutes in Linlithgow and plenty of time at each location

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

Starting at the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel, you’ll hop onto an air-conditioned coach and head out into the Scottish countryside. It’s a full-day trip that balances scenic drives with enough time at each stop to soak in the atmosphere and snap photos.

Falkland – Inverness and Honeymoon Spot

The first stop is the charming village of Falkland, a favorite for Outlander fans since it’s the stand-in for Inverness—where Claire and Frank honeymoon in the series. The village’s historic charm, with its cobbled streets and old buildings, helps transported fans into the show’s world. The reviews mention this as a photo-worthy spot, perfect for capturing that Outlander vibe. It’s a quick 20-minute break, but enough to get a sense of the place.

Linlithgow Palace – Wentworth Prison

Next, you’ll visit Linlithgow Palace, the site of the infamous Wentworth Prison in Outlander. The palace—though in ruins—is quite impressive, especially since it’s also the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Here, you’ll get a chance to explore the ruins, enjoy some refreshments, and imagine Jamie’s imprisonment scenes. Several reviews highlight this as a highlight, with many mentioning how intense the prison scenes were on-screen.

Culross – Cranesmuir and Outlander’s Village

Then, it’s off to Culross, a beautifully preserved 16th-century village that doubles as the fictional Cranesmuir. Fans will love walking through the streets and recognizing the buildings used in the series. The guide will point out these spots, making the visit feel even more immersive. Expect a 45-minute stop with chances to wander, take photos, and imagine life in this historical setting.

More Great Tours Nearby

Doune Castle – Castle Leoch (or Blackness Castle)

The day’s dramatic centerpiece is Doune Castle, known as Castle Leoch in Outlander. It’s a major filming location from Season 1, especially for Jamie and Claire’s first adventures. The castle’s exterior, courtyard, and great hall are all used in the series, so it’s a real treat for fans.

A quick note from reviews: sometimes, Doune Castle is replaced with Blackness Castle, depending on logistics, so don’t be surprised if the exact castle varies.

Midhope Castle – Lallybroch

The last main stop is Midhope Castle, the exterior of Jamie’s family home, Lallybroch. It’s only open from March to December, so if you’re visiting in winter, this might be skipped. The castle offers great photo opportunities and a chance to really live out your Outlander fantasies. Most reviews rave about how iconic and photogenic this site is, with plenty of time allocated for exploring.

How the Day Unfolds

The tour begins at around 8:20 AM outside the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel. From there, it’s a long day—roughly 9 hours—full of sightseeing, history, and storytelling. With a driver-guide at the helm, you’ll get engaging commentary that mixes facts, anecdotes, and a bit of Scottish humor.

Depending on the day, the itinerary might shift slightly, especially with the substitute of castles or the timing of stops. The total time at each site varies, with the stop in Linlithgow being the longest at 105 minutes, giving enough time for a quick lunch or some shopping.

Transportation & Group Size

Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, you’ll be part of a small group—reviews suggest this makes the experience more personal and less rushed. The guides are frequently praised for their enthusiasm, knowledge, and sense of humor, making the long day feel lively and fun.

Costs & Extras

The price includes transportation, access to Midhope Castle grounds, and the driver-guide’s expertise. However, entrance fees to castles or palaces and meals are not included, so budget extra cash for tickets and snacks. Many reviewers note that the overall value is good, especially considering the scenic beauty and the chance to see multiple filming locations in one day.

From the Reviews: What Travelers Are Saying

Multiple reviewers mention how much they loved the guides’ knowledge and humor—one called Brendan “excellent” and others praised Ian or Dougie for making the day engaging and informative. Several mention the scenery as being stunning, with many taking dozens of photos.

Even in less ideal weather—some reviews mention rain—the experience remained enjoyable. As one reviewer put it, “Despite the terrible weather, the trip was thrilling,” which speaks to how memorable and immersive these locations can be.

Some criticism points include the cost of entrance fees (like the £10 to visit Doune Castle) and the shorter time in each location for those who want to linger longer. Also, the lack of included meals might be a downside for some, but most see it as a minor inconvenience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for dedicated Outlander fans eager to see the filming locations up close. It also appeals to those interested in Scottish castles, villages, and scenic drives, especially if they want a guided perspective rather than exploring solo.

Travelers comfortable with a long day of sightseeing and who don’t mind additional costs for entry tickets will find great value here. It’s also suitable for those who love stories, history, and beautiful landscapes, all wrapped into one tour.

Final Thoughts

This guided tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenery, history, and TV magic. The price feels reasonable for the amount of places you’ll visit and the expert guides’ insights. While it’s a busy day, most reviewers agree that the fun guides and stunning locations make it worthwhile.

If you’re a Outlander fan, this tour will deepen your appreciation for the series and Scotland’s scenery. If you love castles and charming villages, you’ll enjoy wandering through the filming locations that bring the stories to life. Just come prepared for some walking, extra tickets, and possibly changing weather.

This is a strong choice for anyone wanting a memorable, scenic Scottish adventure with a touch of television magic. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who enjoy stories, picturesque settings, and guided insights.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
While designed for adults, children over 6 years old who enjoy castles and scenic drives might find it interesting. Keep in mind, the day is quite long and involve some walking.

Does the tour include meals?
No, lunch and refreshments are not included. You’ll have time to buy snacks or eat in town during the longer stop in Linlithgow.

Are entrance fees included?
No, you need to pay for entrance fees separately, such as the £10 for Doune Castle or any other site you wish to explore more thoroughly.

What is the meeting point?
You meet outside the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel at 8:20 AM.

How long is the tour?
It lasts around 8 hours, providing a full day of sightseeing and exploration.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the guide knowledgeable and friendly?
Absolutely. Multiple reviews mention guides like Brendan, Ian, Dougie, and Brandon as engaging, humorous, and well-informed.

Will I have enough time at each location?
Most reviews suggest yes, with enough time to explore, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere, though some might prefer longer.

What if the weather is bad?
While weather can vary, many travelers still enjoyed the trip despite rain. It’s wise to bring waterproofs or umbrellas, even if not provided.

If you’re after a day that combines scenery, Scottish history, and the Outlander magic, this tour is a compelling choice—just be ready for a full, fun-packed day.

You can check availability for your dates here: