From Glasgow: Outlander Castles and The Scottish Countryside

If you’re a fan of Outlander, or just want to soak in the historic castles and sweeping landscapes of Scotland, this guided tour from Glasgow offers a tempting glimpse into both. We’ve looked into what makes this experience special, and it’s clear that it’s designed for those who love scenic drives, iconic filming locations, and a dash of history—all within a single day.

What stands out for us is the opportunity to visit several well-known filming sites like Doune Castle and Midhope Castle, plus the chance to stroll through charming villages like Culross and Falkland. These stops aren’t just about the scenery—they’re about feeling like part of the story, even if just for a day.

On the flip side, one consideration is that entrance fees aren’t included—you’ll need to pay for castle entries separately if you wish to go inside. While this might add to your costs, it also means you can choose which spots to explore more thoroughly rather than being committed to every site.

This tour suits Outlander fans eager to see the locations in person, history lovers who enjoy Scottish castles, and anyone looking for a comfortable, well-organized day out that mixes scenery, storytelling, and a bit of adventure.

Key Points

• Iconic filming locations like Lallybroch (Midhope Castle), Castle Leoch (Doune Castle), and Blackness Castle.
• Charming villages like Culross and Falkland, offering a taste of historic Scotland.
• Comfortable transportation with a knowledgeable local guide to enrich your experience.
• Flexible itinerary with stops for sightseeing, photos, and free time.
• Includes audio guides in multiple languages, making it accessible for international visitors.
• Not including castle entry fees means added costs if you want to go inside.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Day Trip Into the Heart of Outlander Country

If you’re in Glasgow and craving a taste of Scottish castles, history, and the world of Outlander, this tour offers a compelling way to spend a full day. While it’s a long day—about 13 hours—it’s packed with scenery, stories, and a bit of Scottish magic.

Starting bright and early from Buchanan Street Bus Station, the journey begins with a one-hour coach ride out into the countryside. From there, the itinerary takes you to some of the most iconic Outlander locations, as well as a few surprises along the way.

Visiting Doune Castle: Castle Leoch

First up is Doune Castle, famously known as Castle Leoch in the series. Built in the 14th century, it’s an impressive fortress that has stood the test of time. Stepping onto its grounds, you’ll immediately feel transported to the Highlands. While you can’t enter every part of the castle, exploring its ramparts and courtyards gives you a real sense of the medieval Scottish landscape.

Many reviews mention how well-preserved and atmospheric Doune Castle is. One traveler noted, “The castle is stunning, and walking around it really helps to bring the show to life.” It’s a highlight that Outlander fans especially treasure—imagine reliving Jamie’s world amidst stone walls and scenic vistas.

Exploring Culross: Cranesmuir and Claire’s Herb Garden

Next, the tour takes you to Culross, a picture-perfect village that doubled as Cranesmuir in the series. Its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and the famous herb garden where Claire plants her herbs are all worth wandering through. The village’s preserved 16th and 17th-century architecture makes it feel like stepping back in time.

One of the appealing aspects is the relaxed pace, with about 70 minutes to explore at your leisure. It’s a chance to snap photos, browse local shops, or simply soak in the atmosphere. Several reviews praise Culross for its authenticity and beauty, with one mentioning how “it’s like walking into the show, but in real life.”

Falkland: Inverness in the 1940s

After Culross, the tour heads to Falkland, a charming town that played the role of Inverness in the 1940s. Here, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch and have time to explore. The Bruce Fountain, a key landmark in the series, is a popular photo spot. The town itself is full of historic buildings and offers a glimpse into Scottish life in the mid-20th century.

This stop is praised for its scenic views and relaxed vibe. One traveler wrote, “Falkland feels like stepping into a different era, and the setting is just lovely.”

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Lallybroch: Midhope Castle

One of the most eagerly awaited stops is Midhope Castle, or Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s ancestral home. While you can’t go inside, standing outside this iconic building is enough to send Outlander fans into a thrill. The peaceful estate and the surrounding scenery make for great photo opportunities.

Visitors often comment on how pictures don’t do it justice—the quiet beauty and the sense of history are palpable. It’s one of those moments where you feel like you’re stepping into the show, if only for a few minutes.

Blackness Castle: Fort William

The final major stop is Blackness Castle, which portrayed Fort William in the series. Perched over the Firth of Forth, it offers some of the best views of the day. Walking around its ramparts, you get sweeping vistas of the water and surrounding landscape, making it a photographer’s dream.

While it’s a large fortress with plenty to explore from the outside, access inside may be limited. Still, the scenery makes up for it, and many visitors find the panoramic views here to be a fitting end to the day.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

This tour is billed as a 13-hour experience, which means you’ll want to come prepared for a long day. The coach ride is about an hour each way, and the itinerary includes several stops, some with free time to explore on your own.

Transportation and guides are highlights—many reviews mention how the local guide’s passion and knowledge add richness to the experience. The audio guides in multiple languages help non-English speakers enjoy the stories and background details.

A key point to remember is that entrance fees are not included—so if you want to go inside any castles, plan for extra costs. That’s especially true at Doune, Blackness, and Midhope. Many travelers say it’s worth it if you want to see the insides, but a few note the additional expense.

The tour does not include hotel pick-up or drop-off, so you’ll need to organize your transportation to Buchanan Street ahead of time. Arriving 15 minutes early is advised, as late arrivals cannot be refunded.

What to Bring

• Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain
• A camera to capture the scenic views and iconic locations
• Weather-appropriate clothing, as Scottish weather can be unpredictable

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re an Outlander enthusiast, this tour is a dream come true—seeing the real-life versions of the places you’ve watched on screen. It’s also suitable for history and castle lovers who appreciate Scottish scenery and architecture. Keep in mind it’s a full day, so good footwear and patience are key.

Final Thoughts

This guided day trip from Glasgow delivers a well-rounded taste of Scotland’s Outlander-inspired scenery and history. You’ll visit some of the most recognizable filming locations, walk through charming villages, and enjoy stunning panoramic views along the way.

While it’s a straightforward, comfortable experience, it does require some planning—especially if you want to visit the castles’ insides. The long hours and travel time are offset by the scenic beauty and the chance to step into the world of Jamie and Claire, if only for a day.

Ideal for fans eager to see the locations in person, or anyone curious about Scottish castles and landscapes, this tour offers a memorable way to explore beyond Glasgow’s city limits.

FAQ

Are entrance fees included in the price?
No, the tour price does not include entrance fees for Doune, Blackness, or Midhope Castles. You’ll need to pay separately if you want to go inside.

What languages are the audio guides available in?
The audio guides are available in Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Mandarin, making the experience accessible for a wide range of travelers.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 5 years old, and children aged 5-17 must be accompanied by an adult. It’s a full-day trip, so consider your children’s stamina and interest in castles and scenery.

How much free time is there at each stop?
Culross has about 70 minutes, Falkland offers approximately 1.5 hours, and Lallybroch and Blackness have limited time for photos and exploration.

Do I need to organize my own transport to the meeting point?
Yes, you should arrange your own transportation to Buchanan Street Bus Station and arrive at least 15 minutes before departure.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, weather-appropriate clothing, and your headset if you want to use the audio guide.

If you’re looking for an easy way to combine Outlander magic with scenic Scottish landscapes, this tour strikes a good balance of storytelling, sightseeing, and comfort. Just remember to plan for those extra castle entry costs, and you’ll be set for a memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: