Edinburgh: “Outlander” Filming Locations Guided Tour

The Edinburgh: Outlander Filming Locations Guided Tour offers a full day of exploring some of Scotland’s most famous sites featured in the popular TV series Outlander. Priced at $86 per person and lasting approximately 9 hours, this tour is perfect for fans of the show and anyone interested in Scottish history and scenery. Departing from Haggis Adventures in Edinburgh, the tour guides you through a series of remarkable filming locations, including Lallybroch, Castle Leoch, and Cranesmuir, with additional visits to Blackness Castle and the Forth Bridges.

While the tour covers a lot of ground and features many highlights, it’s worth noting that entry fees to Midhope, Blackness Castle, and Doune Castle are not included. Some stops, like Midhope Castle, are seasonally closed or may be substituted with other sites, such as Linlithgow Palace. The tour is suited for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and walking, and it does not include hotel pickup or food, so plan accordingly. This experience combines Scottish history, TV magic, and breathtaking landscapes into one engaging package.

Key Points

• Full-day Outlander filming locations tour lasting around 9 hours from Edinburgh
• Visit iconic sites like Lallybroch, Castle Leoch, and Cranesmuir
• Includes Blackness Castle and views of the Forth Bridges
• Transportation and a knowledgeable guide are provided, with audio guides in multiple languages
• Entry fees are not included for castles and filming spots
• Seasonal closures may affect some stops, with substitutes like Linlithgow Palace

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Exploring Outlander Locations from Edinburgh

This tour starts in Edinburgh and takes you across the Scottish countryside, focusing on locations that bring the TV series to life. It is designed to appeal strongly to Outlander fans as well as history enthusiasts eager to see filming sites and historic castles. The tour emphasizes scenery, storytelling, and authentic locations, making it a well-rounded day trip from the city.

Visiting Midhope Castle: Lallybroch’s Famous Exterior

The journey begins with a photo stop at Midhope Castle, known as Lallybroch, the fictional home of Jamie Fraser. This castle remains a highlight for Outlander fans, who appreciate the chance to see the exterior of the beloved setting. Guidelines note that Midhope is seasonally closed from December to March, but the tour may substitute it with other sites, like Linlithgow Palace. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, offering enough time for photos and soaking up the atmosphere.

Doune Castle: Castle Leoch and More

Next, the tour visits Doune Castle, a medieval fortress famous for standing in as Castle Leoch in Outlander. This site also appears in Game of Thrones and Monty Python & the Holy Grail, showcasing its versatile character. The photo stop and sightseeing here last about an hour, providing a chance to explore the castle’s grounds and learn about its history. The guides are known for sharing engaging stories that bring the castle’s past to life.

Falkland’s 1940s Inverness Scene

Traveling over the Kingdom of Fife, the tour stops in Falkland, which doubles as 1940s Inverness in Outlander. The village square is a particular highlight, with the possibility of spotting Jamie’s ghostly figure roaming around. Visitors get free time here to explore the charming streets, take photos, or just enjoy the scenery. The stop lasts about 45 minutes and includes a visit to the village, making it a delightful mix of film scenery and local charm.

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Culross: Cranesmuir and Its Colorful Streets

The tour’s lunch stop is in Culross, a vibrant village that served as Cranesmuir, the fictional Scottish town featured in Outlander, where Claire and Geillis nearly face burning at the stake. The free time here allows visitors to walk through the stunningly preserved streets, take photos of the colorful houses, and imagine the scenes from the series. The visit lasts about an hour, giving enough opportunity for sightseeing and light exploration.

Blackness Castle: Fort William’s Shadowy Outlander Home

The next major highlight is Blackness Castle, famously used as Fort William, a key setting in Outlander. This impressive fortress offers 55 minutes of sightseeing and photos, with views of the castle’s towering walls and strategic location. The guides point out its role in the series and its significance in Scottish history, adding depth to the visit. It’s a powerful location, especially for fans interested in the series’ darker episodes.

The Forth Bridges: Spectacular Views and Photo Opportunities

Before returning to Edinburgh, the tour makes a stop to admire the Forth Bridges, where photography opportunities abound. These iconic railway bridges are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and travelers appreciate the stunning panoramic views. This stop is about a few minutes long but leaves a lasting impression with its architectural grandeur and scenic backdrop.

Practical Details and Group Size

The tour operates as a small group experience, with transportation provided in a coach. Guides are experienced, and audio guides are available in multiple languages, including German, French, Italian, Chinese, and Portuguese. The meeting point is at Haggis Adventures, where travelers check in 15 minutes before departure. The itinerary may vary depending on weather or seasonal closures.

Booking, Cancellations, and Accessibility

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and offers a reserve now, pay later option, making it flexible for travel plans. Children under 18 are not suitable for this experience, and travelers should allow extra time for check-in and potential delays. No hotel pickup or food is included, so packing snacks or planning a meal is advisable.

The Guide Experience and Customer Feedback

The guides are praised for their knowledge, storytelling, and humor. Many reviews mention guides like Tiegan, Dusty, Charly, and Euan, noting their charisma and entertainment value. Reviewers appreciate the local insights and the ability to make the long day enjoyable, even in rainy weather. Some mention that entry fees are separate from the ticket price, which is common in castle visits.

What Sets This Tour Apart

What makes this Outlander filming locations tour stand out is the inclusion of both iconic castles and picturesque villages, combined with the storytelling prowess of enthusiastic guides. The scenic drives and photo stops are well-paced, and the variety of locations offers a comprehensive look at the series’ Scottish backdrop. The price point is competitive, especially considering the full day of sightseeing.

Potential Limitations and Considerations

Some sites, like Midhope Castle, are seasonally closed, so travelers should check availability. Entry fees are not included, so it’s wise to budget for additional costs. The itinerary can change due to weather or filming restrictions, and some stops may be brief. Travelers should also note that children under 18 are not accommodated.

Final Thoughts on the Outlander Filming Locations Tour

This tour offers a solid mix of TV magic, Scottish history, and stunning landscapes. It’s particularly appealing for Outlander fans who want to see their favorite locations in person, but it also suits those interested in castles and local villages. The guides’ storytelling and the beautiful scenery make for a memorable day, though some stops may be limited in time.

With positive reviews praising the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, the experience is likely to be enjoyable. The cost is reasonable for a full-day adventure, and the flexibility with booking adds convenience. This tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Scotland’s Outlander universe in a comfortable and engaging way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided in a coach from Haggis Adventures in Edinburgh.

Are entry fees to castles included?
No, entry to Midhope, Blackness Castle, and Doune Castle are not included in the ticket price.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, with specific stops and sightseeing.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children under 18 are not suitable for this experience.

What languages are audio guides available in?
Audio guides are available in German, French, Italian, Chinese, and Portuguese.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour starts and ends at Haggis Adventures in Edinburgh.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included; there are stops for lunch and sightseeing.

What if some locations are seasonally closed?
Some sites like Midhope may be closed seasonally, and the tour will include substitutes such as Linlithgow Palace.

How is the group size?
The tour operates as a small group experience, enhancing comfort and interaction.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its focus on Outlander filming locations, engaging guides, and scenic stops set this tour apart from general castle or Scotland day trips.

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