Outlander Filming Locations Day Tour from Edinburgh

If you’re a fan of the Outlander series or just curious about Scotland’s scenic spots, a full-day Outlander filming locations tour from Edinburgh might be just what you’re looking for. We haven’t done it ourselves, but based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear this experience offers a blend of stunning scenery, historical insights, and a chance to walk in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie.

What really catches the eye are the expert guides, often praised for their friendliness and knowledge, and the beautiful stops that bring Outlander’s fictional world to life. On the flip side, one consideration is that some of the castles only offer exterior views, which might be a disappointment for those hoping for interior tours.

This tour is probably best suited for Outlander fans, history buffs, or anyone wanting a comprehensive look at Scotland’s iconic film locations with a relaxed, guided approach. It’s a solid choice if you value storytelling, scenic views, and a comfortable group setting.

Key Points

• Popular and well-reviewed: The tour has a perfect rating of 5.0 based on 36 reviews, with 94% recommending it.
• Cost-effective for a full-day experience: At around $89, this tour packs in multiple locations and expert guides.
• Includes stunning stops: Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, Falkland, Culross, and Midhope Castle.
• Guides are highly praised: Knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging guides make a difference.
• Timing and group size: About 9 hours long with a small group (max 16 travelers), ensuring personalized attention.
• Flexible substitutions: When castles are closed, the tour swaps in other historic sites like Linlithgow Palace.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect at Each Stop

Blackness Castle – Fort William’s Exterior

Your day kicks off with a visit to Blackness Castle, a striking fortress perched on the Firth of Forth. Known to Outlander fans as Fort William, this location is where some of Captain Jack Randall’s darker deeds are portrayed. It’s an impressive spot, especially for fans wanting to see the type of Scottish castle that lends itself perfectly to the series’ rugged aesthetic.

Expect: About 55 minutes wandering around the outside, snapping photos, and soaking up the medieval atmosphere. Keep in mind, admission isn’t included, so you might want to budget extra if you plan to go inside.

Doune Castle – Castle Leoch

Next, you’ll head to Doune Castle, which many Outlander fans recognize as Castle Leoch, the seat of Clan MacKenzie. This well-preserved castle is a film favorite for its authentic medieval look. Fans love the audio guide with behind-the-scenes stories, which adds an extra layer of fun.

Expect: Around an hour here, exploring the castle’s exterior and, if open, possibly venturing inside. The reviews highlight that guides share unique filming tidbits, making this stop especially engaging.

Falkland – Inverness Back in Time

Falkland is a postcard-perfect village, and a favorite for those wanting a taste of Inverness’s 1940s look from Outlander. The charming streets and old-world architecture make for great photo ops and a chance to walk through an era that feels like stepping into the series.

Expect: About 45 minutes to stroll around — enough to take pictures and soak in the scenery. Reviewers note this as a delightful, peaceful stop.

Culross – Crammer’s Corner

Culross is a highlight, known for its stunning village square that serves as Cranesmuir in Season 1. It’s a picturesque place, with cobbled streets and historic buildings that seem frozen in time. Travelers often enjoy walking around and getting a real sense of the setting.

Expect: 1.5 hours here, which includes time for lunch. The town’s beauty makes it a favorite, and several reviews mention it as a perfect spot for wandering and photos.

Midhope Castle – Lallybroch

The famous Lallybroch from Outlander is at Midhope Castle, which is a real-life castle home to Claire and Jamie. It’s a fan favorite, and many travelers appreciate having time to explore the exterior and take photos. However, the interior isn’t open, which some might find a slight letdown.

Expect: About 45 minutes, with the understanding that only the outside is accessible. During the off-season (December to March), it’s closed for filming, and Linlithgow Palace may be substituted.

What the Tour Includes — And What It Doesn’t

The package features a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking guide who is praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and storytelling skills. With a small group size (up to 16 people), this tour feels personalized and relaxed.

What’s included:
– Transport
– Guided commentary
– Plenty of photo stops

What’s not included:
– Entry to castles (except for some exterior views)
– Lunch (which allows you to choose exactly what you want to eat at Culross)

This setup offers good value, especially considering the expert guidance and the number of stops packed into a 9-hour day.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

From reviews, it’s clear that the guides make or break the experience. Many praise guides like Ryan P, Steve, Allister, and Charlie as friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging, sharing a mix of Outlander trivia and Scottish history. The small group size also means more personalized attention and space for questions.

Several travelers mentioned that even if you’re not a huge Outlander fan, the castles and villages alone make this trip worthwhile — especially Blackness Castle, which is often called “worth it for Blackness Castle alone.”

The scenic drives between locations are smooth, and the stops are well-paced, giving plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed. The blend of historic sites and Outlander-specific filming locations keeps the experience varied and interesting.

Critical Considerations

While many reviews are glowing, some points are worth noting. For instance, interior tours of castles aren’t included, and at some sites, only exteriors are accessible. If visiting inside castles is a priority, you might find this limiting.

Plus, weather can impact the experience — rain or wind might cut down on photo opportunities or make outdoor exploration less comfortable. The tour’s flexible substitution of sites like Linlithgow Palace when castles are closed shows some adaptability.

Pricing around $89 for a full-day tour is pretty good considering the stops and guides—though extras like castle entry fees are on you. It’s also wise to arrive at least 15 minutes early, as late arrivals can’t be refunded or accommodated.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for fans of Outlander wanting to see the series’ locations firsthand, history enthusiasts, and scenic lovers. It suits travelers who prefer guided tours with small groups, ensuring more personal attention. Families with children over 5 should find it manageable, especially as the pace is relaxed and the stops are mostly outdoor.

If you’re after interior castle tours or a more in-depth historical experience, this might not be the best fit. But for a casual, well-organized day exploring some of Scotland’s most iconic film spots, it’s hard to beat.

The Sum Up

For those wanting to combine beautiful scenery, historic castles, and filming locations from Outlander, this Edinburgh day tour offers a lot of value. The small group size, expert guides, and thoughtfully curated stops make it a memorable experience. While it doesn’t include inside castle visits, the exterior views and storytelling more than compensate.

This tour is especially well-suited for Outlander fans eager to see their favorite series come to life on Scottish soil. It also works for anyone interested in Scottish history or just looking for a scenic day trip with a friendly guide leading the way.

In the end, if you’re looking for an engaging, scenic, and informative experience that captures the magic of Outlander and Scotland, this tour fits the bill.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the minimum age to participate is 5 years old, and the relaxed pace makes it manageable for families with older children.

Are entry tickets included?
No, the entry to castles like Doune, Midhope, and Blackness is not included. You’ll be exploring mainly exterior views.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel time, stops, and sightseeing.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing for outdoor walking, a camera, and possibly an umbrella if the weather looks rainy.

Is this tour good if I’m not a big Outlander fan?
Absolutely — the castles, villages, and scenery make it worthwhile even without series knowledge.

How many people will be on the tour?
The maximum group size is 16 travelers, providing a more intimate experience.

What’s the best way to get to the meeting point?
The tour departs from Haggis Adventures, 60 High St, Edinburgh. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

What if some castles are closed on the day?
The tour will substitute sites like Linlithgow Palace or Callendar House when needed, so your experience stays full and interesting.