Outlander Adventure Day Tour from Glasgow Including Admissions

If you’re a fan of the Outlander series or just love exploring Scottish castles and villages, this guided day trip from Glasgow offers a fantastic way to tick off some of the show’s most famous filming sites without the hassle of driving yourself. We’ve looked into this popular tour, and what stands out is how it balances convenience, depth of insight, and stunning scenery — all in one package.

What we really like about it: First, the small-group format, which means more personalized attention and fewer crowds. Second, the expert guides who don’t just narrate the show’s locations but also weave in the actual history behind them. On the downside, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickups or lunch—so you’ll want to plan accordingly. It’s best suited for travelers who want a well-organized, comprehensive Outlander experience with a touch of Scottish history, especially if you’re not keen on driving or navigating train schedules.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience: Visit multiple iconic Outlander locations in a single day.
• Expert guides: Highly praised guides connect the series to real Scottish history.
• Comfortable transport: Travel in a high-end, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach.
• Small groups: Max 16 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Price point: Offers good value considering admissions and the guided storytelling.
• Flexible options: Some sites aren’t included in the ticket price, so plan for extras if you want to visit them.

What to Expect from the Outlander Tour

This tour is designed for fans and curious travelers alike, aiming to bring the series to life while giving you a true sense of Scotland’s scenic beauty and history. It’s roughly a 9-hour journey, beginning early in the morning at Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow. The comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes mini-coach sets a relaxed tone, and with small groups capped at 16, you’re unlikely to feel lost in a crowd.

The Itinerary in Detail

First Stop: Doune Castle
Right at the start, you’ll visit Doune Castle, where the admission is included in the tour price. This spot is a favorite for Outlander fans since it’s the filming location of Castle Leoch. The castle itself is a striking medieval fortress with a commanding gatehouse, a grand great hall, and lovely views of the River Teith. The guide will tell you how it’s been used in the series and share some of its real history, which many travelers find surprisingly fascinating. Reviewers rave about how connecting the series to the actual site enhances the experience, with one noting the guide was “amazing with connecting the parallels between Outlander and Scottish history.”

Second Stop: Falkland
Next, you’ll head to Falkland—a charming town that’s instantly recognizable from the series. Here, scenes set in 1940s Inverness come to life. You can stroll past Mrs. Baird’s Guesthouses and catch the Bruce Fountain, all while imagining the story’s characters. This stop is free to explore and tends to be a quick, atmospheric walk. One traveler mentioned it was a “fantastic tour,” especially for appreciating how the series captures the town’s charm.

Third Stop: Midhope Castle
This is the outside location of Jamie’s family home, Lallybroch. While admission isn’t included in the tour, many choose to purchase a ticket if they want to see the interior. The outside is as picturesque as it appears in the show—perfect for photos. It’s a quick stop, about 20 minutes, but one that fans find particularly memorable.

Fourth Stop: Blackness Castle
Included in your tour fee, Blackness Castle is a formidable fortress that looks like it could withstand anything. The views here are dramatic, and in Outlander, it’s used as Fort William. The guide will highlight its role in the series and share some intriguing historical facts. Reviewers have called this location “amazing,” especially for its commanding presence.

Fifth Stop: Culross Palace
Culross is a 16th-century village that doubles as Cranesmuir, which appears in the series. It’s also starred in movies like Captain America: First Avenger, adding to its cinematic appeal. The tour stops here for about 30 minutes, giving you a chance to wander the historic streets and soak in its old-world charm. Note, the admission isn’t included, so plan to pay on the spot if you want to explore further.

What’s Included and What’s Not

You’re getting access to the most iconic castles and villages, with admissions to Doune and Blackness castles covered. The transport is top-notch, and the small group size makes it more personal. Your guide will share insightful commentary blending the Outlander series with real Scottish history — a highlight for many travelers, as reviews mention guides being “knowledgeable” and “engaging.”

However, hotel pickup isn’t included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point at Buchanan Bus Station. Also, food and drinks aren’t part of the package, so bringing snacks or planning a stop for lunch is a good idea. You can purchase meals at stops like Falkland or Culross if you wish.

The Real Value

Priced at around $113 per person, this tour offers solid value when you consider the admissions included and the guided storytelling. Many travelers rave about how much they learn—not just about Outlander locations but also about Scottish culture and history. One review highlighted a guide who “shared a lot of good information and history,” making the day more enriching than just sightseeing.

The vehicle, a Mercedes mini-coach, provides a comfortable ride, and the small group enhances the experience, avoiding the feeling of being part of a large tour. Since the tours cap at 16 people, it’s easier to ask questions and really connect with your guide.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This is a fantastic choice for Outlander fans eager to see filming locations in person, especially if you prefer guided tours over self-driving. It’s also suitable for anyone interested in Scottish castles and villages, even if you’re not a series enthusiast—many reviews mention the historical sites and scenery as highlights on their own. People who enjoy a relaxed, small-group atmosphere will find this tour a highlight, as the guides seem genuinely passionate and well-informed.

If you’re traveling with family, note that the minimum age is five, and the bus isn’t wheelchair accessible, but the locations are generally suitable for a broad range of travelers. Just be prepared for some walking and outdoor exploration.

The Sum Up

All in all, this Outlander tour from Glasgow offers an engaging, comfortably paced way to explore Scotland’s most iconic filming locations while learning about its history. The combination of knowledgeable guides, stunning castles, and scenic villages makes it especially appealing for series fans and history buffs alike. Its small-group format means you won’t feel like just another tourist, and the included admissions help keep the costs reasonable.

If you’re looking for a well-organized day out that blends pop culture with Scottish heritage, this tour is a solid pick. It’s most ideal for those who want an immersive experience without the stress of planning logistics themselves. Whether you’re a die-hard Outlander fan or just curious about Scottish castles and scenery, this trip provides a memorable slice of Scottish life and film magic.

FAQ

Q: Where does the tour depart from?
A: It departs from Buchanan Bus Station on Killermont Street in Glasgow. It’s near public transportation, so getting there should be straightforward.

Q: Is there parking nearby?
A: Parking can be tricky in the city center, so public transit is recommended.

Q: How early should I arrive?
A: Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure at 9:15 am to check in comfortably.

Q: Can I bring luggage with me?
A: Yes, you can bring up to 14kg (31lbs), which should be one carry-on size bag plus a small personal item.

Q: What should I wear?
A: Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are best, since some walking is involved outdoors.

Q: Are admission fees included?
A: Admission to Doune and Blackness castles is included, but not at Midhope Castle or Culross Palace.

Q: Is food provided?
A: No, meals aren’t included. There’s a stop for lunch, and you can choose to buy food or snacks there.

Q: How big is the group?
A: Max 16 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and flexible.

Q: Can children join?
A: Yes, children five and older can participate, but the bus isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Q: Is this tour suitable if I’m not familiar with Outlander?
A: Absolutely. Many reviews mention that even travelers unfamiliar with the series enjoyed the sites and Scottish scenery.

If you’re after a day that blends film locations, history, and scenic Scottish villages in a relaxed, friendly environment, this Outlander tour from Glasgow checks all the boxes. It’s a chance to see the series’ iconic spots without the hassle, guided by experts who love sharing their knowledge.