From Edinburgh: 1-day Outlander Tour – attractions included

Planning a day trip that combines stunning scenery, iconic castles, and some Outlander magic? This 1-day Borders and Alnwick Castle tour from Edinburgh offers a bit of everything, and based on the rave reviews, it’s a trip worth considering. While I haven’t done it myself, I’ve researched what makes it stand out—and where it might fall short—to help you decide if it fits your travel vibe.

What I really like about this tour is how it mixes well-known filming locations with authentic Scottish landmarks. You get a good balance of sightseeing, history, and some fun moments like wandering through Midhope Castle or taking a peek inside Alnwick Castle (famous from Harry Potter). Plus, the guide seems to make a real difference—many reviewers highlight how knowledgeable and personable their guides are. The price point, around $98, also feels fair considering the full day’s itinerary and included entrance fees.

However, a potential drawback is the packed schedule—there’s a lot to see in just nine hours, so don’t expect to linger long at each stop. If you’re someone who loves to take your time exploring, this might feel a bit rushed, especially at places like Melrose Abbey or Alnwick. Still, if you’re after an overview, it could be just right.

This tour is best suited for Outlander fans, history enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a taste of Scottish and northern England scenery without the hassle of driving. It’s also ideal if you prefer guided trips that handle the logistics—you just sit back and soak in the views.

Key Points

• All-in-One Day Trip: Combines Scotland-England border crossings with castles, abbeys, and filming locations.
• Expert Guides: Known for knowledgeable guides who add stories and personality to the experience.
• Full-Day Adventure: Lasts around 9 hours, packed with sightseeing, which means a busy schedule.
• Cinematic & Historic Mix: Perfect for Outlander fans and history lovers alike.
• Good Value: For under $100, you get transportation, many entrance fees, and a memorable day.
• Limited Flexibility: Short stops and a tight schedule might mean rushing through some sites.

The Itinerary in Detail

Falkland: The Charming Village

Your journey begins in Falkland, a village famous for appearing as Inverness in Outlander. Here, you’ll stroll through cobbled streets lined with 17th-century buildings, feeling like you’ve stepped into a period drama. The highlight for Outlander fans is the Bruce Fountain, where Frank first encounters Jamie’s ghost in the series. It’s a brief stop—just 30 minutes—but enough to snap photos and soak in the cinematic atmosphere.

Reviewers say Melrose Abbey is stunning even in its ruins. One reviewer loved it so much they said, “Melrose Abbey is beautiful, even in its current state.” It’s a peaceful spot that’s perfect for a quick walk and some atmospheric photos.

Doune Castle: A Medieval Marvel

Next, you’ll visit Doune Castle, a 14th-century fortress with plenty of character. It’s famous to Outlander fans as Castle Loech, the residence of Clan MacKenzie, and has appeared in “Game of Thrones” and “Monty Python.” The views from the ramparts are lovely, and wandering through the grand halls really brings history to life.

Guests rave about this stop, with comments like, “Doune Castle offers breathtaking views,” and it’s clear the castle’s well-preserved state makes it a highlight of the day.

Callendar House: Elegant and Educational

In Falkirk, Callendar House offers a glimpse into Scotland’s social and industrial past. The house itself is a lovely French-style mansion, and the grounds include part of the Antonine Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stop is longer—about an hour and a half—allowing for a more relaxed visit to learn about Scotland’s history and walk through beautifully maintained gardens.

Many reviewers appreciate the insight they gained here, especially those interested in the social history of Scotland. One noted how the house’s displays are captivating: “Strolling through Callendar House, I felt like I’d stepped back in time.”

Midhope Castle: Lallybroch in the Flesh

For Outlander fans, Midhope Castle is the big draw—famous as Jamie Fraser’s family home, Lallybroch. The exterior is still recognizable from the series, and it’s a photographer’s dream. While the interior isn’t open to the public, the grounds offer plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to feel connected to the show’s characters.

Multiple reviews mention how special this site is: “Wandered around the grounds and felt like I was right there with Jamie and Claire.” Do note that filming schedules can affect access, but even just seeing the exterior makes it worth the stop.

Hopetoun House: Baroque Beauty

Your last stop is Hopetoun House, a stunning example of Scottish baroque architecture. The estate doubles as the Duke of Sandringham’s residence in Outlander, and it’s easy to see why—grand staircases, red sandstone, and sweeping views of the River Forth make it a perfect cinematic setting. The grounds are gorgeous, and many say the gardens are worth exploring, even if just for a quick walk.

The tour includes entry to the grounds, giving you a chance to soak in the scenery. If time permits, you might want to upgrade to tour the interior, but many visitors are happy with just the exterior.

Transportation and Group Size

This tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle with panoramic windows—perfect for taking photos on the move. It’s generally a small group (max 16 travelers), which allows for a more intimate experience and easier engagement with the guide. The driver/guide is often praised for being both knowledgeable and personable, making the long day enjoyable.

Price and Value

At $98.91 per person, this is quite a competitive price considering the number of sites visited and the included entrance fees. Several reviewers feel the value is good, especially since they didn’t have to worry about driving, parking, or planning. Plus, the guide’s commentary adds depth that you’d miss if self-driving.

Timing and Logistics

Starting at 9:00 am from central Edinburgh and returning around 6:00 pm, it’s a full day but well-organized. Keep in mind, with so many stops, the schedule is tight. If you’re someone who prefers lingering over each site, this might feel a bit rushed.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Reviewers consistently rate this tour highly, with a 4.8 out of 5 from 27 reviews. They love the knowledgeable guides, with many mentioning how they added stories and context that enriched each stop. One reviewer said, “Brodie, our guide, was extremely entertaining and knowledgeable,” highlighting how much a good guide can make a difference.

Many also appreciate the scenic views. “Even in September, the gardens at Alnwick were spectacular,” one comment noted, and the photos of the castles look just as good in real life.

Food isn’t included, so plan to bring snacks, but reviewers mention that even the quick stops are enough to fuel you for the day.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal if you want a full-day, immersive experience that hits many of the key Outlander filming locations and Scottish landmarks in one go. It’s perfect for those who prefer guided tours, especially if they don’t want the hassle of driving or planning multiple stops. If you’re a fan of castles, history, or the Outlander series, you’ll get a lot of joy out of this trip. However, if you prefer to explore at your own pace or are sensitive to long days, you might find the schedule a bit too tight.

Final Thoughts

This Edinburgh Outlander tour offers a well-rounded taste of Scotland and northern England’s highlights, with enough cinematic and historical charm to satisfy most travelers. The combination of castles, abbeys, and filming locations makes it particularly appealing for Outlander fans, but history buffs and scenery lovers will also find plenty to enjoy.

For under $100, you’re paying for transportation, multiple site entries, and a guide who is often praised for being entertaining and informative. The busy itinerary means you’ll see a lot in one day, so if you’re after a relaxed experience, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re looking for a fun, info-packed adventure that covers a lot of ground, it’s a solid choice.

This tour feels like a smart way to tick off some Scottish and borderland highlights, especially if you’re short on time but want to maximize your experience.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children under 3 are not accepted. The tour involves a lot of walking and sightseeing, so consider your children’s stamina.

How long is the drive between stops?
While the specific drive times aren’t detailed, you can expect several short to moderate drives during the day, as the sites are spread out across Scotland and into England.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bring snacks or plan to purchase food during the stops.

What’s the best part of the tour?
Many agree it’s the mix of iconic castles like Alnwick and Midhope, coupled with the cinematic touches at Falkland and Hopetoun House.

Can I upgrade my entrance tickets?
Yes, at Hopetoun House, you can choose to upgrade from just grounds entry to a full interior tour.

How many people are in the group?
Tour groups are limited to 16 travelers, making it easier to interact with the guide and enjoy a more intimate setting.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
The data doesn’t specify, so it may be best to contact Highland Experience Tours directly for accessibility questions.

What time does the tour start and end?
It starts at 9:00 am from Edinburgh and usually finishes around 6:00 pm.

Is there free cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What kind of vehicle is used?
An air-conditioned vehicle with panoramic windows ensures comfort and good photo opportunities during the drive.

If you’re eager to explore a mix of Scottish castles, Outlander filming locations, and historic sites without the hassle of planning, this tour could be a great pick. Just be prepared for a full, busy day that covers a lot of ground—and enjoy the stories, scenery, and maybe even a little magic along the way.