Edinburgh and Outlander by Rail from London 3-Day Tour

Discover Edinburgh and Outlander Filming Locations by Rail from London: A Practical Guide

Planning a trip from London to Edinburgh that combines history, scenery, and a touch of TV magic? This 3-day tour offers just that—an opportunity to see Scotland’s capital and its iconic Outlander filming sites, all without the hassle of planning your own logistics. While it’s not a tour for everyone, especially if you’re after a more relaxed pace or are traveling with mobility challenges, it’s a solid choice for anyone eager to hit the highlights with guided insights and scenic train rides.

What really shines here are the knowledgeable guides and the variety of experiences packed into just three days—castle visits, a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and a full day exploring Outlander locations. That said, the itinerary can feel quite packed, especially if you’re a slow mover or prefer more free time. This tour tends to suit curious travelers who want a mix of structured sightseeing and storytelling, with a special interest in Outlander fans or history buffs.

If you’re someone who enjoys a good blend of organized activities, stunning views, and a taste of Scottish culture, this tour might be right up your alley. Just keep in mind that it’s a fast-paced adventure with some long travel legs and a focus on highlights rather than deep exploration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Efficient 3-day format combines rail travel, guided tours, and sightseeing to maximize your time.
• Highlights include Edinburgh Castle, Outlander filming locations, and panoramic city views.
• Knowledgeable guides provide engaging stories and historical context.
• The scenic train journey from London offers reserved seating, making travel comfortable.
• The trip isn’t geared for those with mobility issues or young children under five.
• Overall value depends on your interest in castles, TV locations, and Scottish history.

The Journey Begins: From London to Edinburgh

Starting in London at King’s Cross Station, the journey kicks off bright and early with a reserved seat train with LNER. The departure time is usually around 7:00 am, arriving in Edinburgh at around 11:20 am. While a bit early, it’s a good way to make the most of your first day in Scotland’s capital. The train ride itself is comfortable, with reserved seating that lets you settle in and enjoy the views of the countryside.

Once you arrive in Edinburgh, you’re immediately greeted by a city that looks like it’s straight out of a storybook. The first stop on your itinerary? Edinburgh Castle. This 1,100-year-old fortress, built on the volcanic Castle Rock, is a must-see. The entrance fee is included, giving you access to explore its walls, royal chambers, and the famous Stone of Destiny. Expect stories of royal intrigue, sieges, and the castle’s role as a military stronghold. Many reviews mention that the castle is both impressive and packed with history, although some found it a bit crowded during peak times.

Exploring Edinburgh: The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

After the castle, you’ll hop onto a guided bus tour that takes you around 14 key spots across the city. The hop-on hop-off system offers flexibility, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Destinations include Grassmarket, a lively historic marketplace with fantastic views of the castle, as well as John Knox House, a medieval building steeped in history, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh.

This setup is perfect for those wanting to get a broad sense of the city without walking endlessly. The guides provide intriguing stories about each location, giving historical context and local color. Many travelers say this is a highlight, especially as it helps orient you for the rest of the day. Just keep in mind, if you get caught up in exploring some spots, you might find the bus’s schedule a little rushed, especially if you want to linger somewhere.

Day 2: Outlander’s Scotland

The next day is dedicated to the world of Outlander, and it’s truly a fan’s dream. The tour from Highland Explorer Tours takes you to several filming locations, with a fully guided experience. The day starts with visits to Midhope Castle, known as Lallybroch, the home of Jamie Fraser. It’s a picturesque spot, and many fans enjoy walking around the ruins and imagining life in the series.

Next, you’ll visit Doune Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress that served as Castle Leoch in Outlander, but also appeared as Winterfell in Game of Thrones and in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The guide’s stories about the castle’s history and filming touches make the visit lively and informative. Some reviews mention that Doune Castle is “one of Scotland’s best-preserved castles,” and the views from there are quite striking.

Lunch is in Culross, a quaint village that stands in for Cranesmuir, the fictional witchcraft town in Outlander. The village is full of 17th and 18th-century charm, with cobbled streets and historic buildings. Many visitors find Culross one of the most charming stops of the day, with some noting that it feels like stepping back in time.

Finally, the day wraps up at Blackness Castle, which played Fort William in the series. The views of the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are breathtaking. Many appreciate the mix of filming locations and actual castles, and the guide’s storytelling helps bring the sites to life.

More Great Tours Nearby

Day 3: City Stroll and Final Highlights

Your third day offers a more relaxed pace, giving you time to explore Edinburgh at your leisure. You might walk up Castle Hill to stand in the footsteps of Scottish kings and queens, and see the Stone of Destiny—a symbol of Scottish sovereignty that’s been used in coronations for centuries.

If you prefer, you can wander through Old Town’s winding streets, visit local shops, or head to Calton Hill for sweeping panoramic views of the city. The afternoon is your chance for last-minute sightseeing or shopping. The tour ends back at the King’s Cross station around 10:09 pm after a scenic and comfortable train ride.

Practicalities and What’s Included

This tour is structured to give you a comprehensive taste of Scotland’s capital and its country charm. The return train journey from London is a highlight, providing reserved seating and a smooth ride. The package also includes entry to Edinburgh Castle, a hop-on hop-off bus ticket, and a full-day Outlander tour with an expert guide. These inclusions make the price quite reasonable when you consider separate entrance fees and guided experiences.

However, the tour doesn’t include lunch, so you should plan to bring snacks or enjoy meals at your own expense during the day. Also, hotel pick-up or drop-off isn’t provided, so you’ll need to arrange your accommodation in Edinburgh separately.

The tour isn’t suited for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as some sites like castles and old streets can be challenging to navigate. It’s also not recommended for children under five, mainly due to the length of travel and the nature of the activities.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

If you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates a well-organized, multi-faceted experience that combines history, TV magic, and scenic travel, this 3-day tour offers a lot of value. It’s especially great for Outlander fans eager to see the filming locations firsthand, as well as history buffs who enjoy exploring castles and old towns.

The guided elements and the scenic train ride make it a more comfortable option than planning everything independently, but be prepared for a fast-paced schedule. If you prefer to take your time at each site or have mobility needs, this might feel a bit rushed.

In short, this tour is ideal for curious, active travelers who want a balanced dose of sightseeing, storytelling, and Scottish scenery within a manageable timeframe. It’s a good introduction to Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, especially if you’re coming from London and don’t want the hassle of arranging trains and guides on your own.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is not recommended for children under 5 years old, mainly because of the long travel times and walking involved at castles and sites.

What’s included in the price?
You get a return train journey with reserved seating from London, entrance to Edinburgh Castle, a hop-on hop-off bus tour, and a full-day Outlander film locations tour with a guide.

Are the train tickets flexible?
Your train tickets are reserved and timed for the specific schedule. The outward train departs at 7:00 am and the return at 5:30 pm, arriving back in London around 10:09 pm.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since the tour is largely structured, you can hop off the bus at your chosen stops but should follow the schedule for the guided Outlander day and train times.

Is there free time during the tour?
Yes, especially on Day 3, you have several hours to explore Edinburgh at your own pace before heading back to the station.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, snacks, water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended for comfort and flexibility.

Are the sites accessible?
The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, as some sites involve uneven terrain and historic structures.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead ensures you get your preferred travel times and guarantees your spot on the guided Outlander tour and train.

What if sites like Midhope or Doune Castle are closed?
If either castle is closed for filming or maintenance, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly, but alternative sites or views may be substituted.

This tour offers a practical, engaging way to see Edinburgh’s essentials and indulge your Outlander enthusiasm—all in a manageable package. If you’re looking for a well-organized, sightseeing-focused trip that covers the highlights without the fuss, it could be just the ticket.

You can check availability for your dates here: