Outlander Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town

The Outlander Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town offers fans of the TV series and novels a detailed exploration of the filming locations and historic sites within the city’s historic core. Priced at $404.42 per group (up to 8 people), this 1 hour 30 minutes guided walk is perfect for small groups seeking an intimate experience. The tour takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland, starting at St Giles’ Cathedral and concluding outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

This tour stands out for its focus on Outlander fans, offering visits to specific film locations like Bakehouse Close, the scene of the Printshop steps, and the John Knox House Museum, where the reunion street with Claire and Fergus was filmed. The guides also share insights into life during and after the Jacobite uprisings, adding historical context to the series’ backdrop.

While the tour is praised for expert guides and a personalized experience with small group sizes, the price might seem higher compared to other options, especially since food, drinks, and transportation are not included. It suits fans eager to revisit their favorite scenes and learn more about Edinburgh’s history, but those visiting in winter should consider the limited daylight hours.

Key Points

• Price and size: Costs $404.42 for a small group (up to 8), ensuring personal attention.
• Duration: The 1 hour 30 minutes walking tour covers multiple Outlander filming locations.
• Location highlights: Stops include St Giles’ Cathedral, Bakehouse Close, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides explain both series-specific filming details and historic background.
• Focus on film and novel sites: The tour is perfect for fans looking to see iconic locations and learn about Edinburgh’s past.
• Weather and attire: Operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for walking in comfortable shoes.

Starting at St Giles’ Cathedral in the Heart of Edinburgh

The tour begins at St Giles’ Cathedral, a prominent city landmark that also features in the series’ filming. The guide quickly points out what was filmed nearby and provides context for the cathedral’s importance. The visit here is brief, around 5 minutes, focusing on the filming connections rather than the cathedral’s architecture.

This starting point is convenient, being near public transportation, and sets the tone for a walk through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. The tour is designed to be accessible and suitable for most travelers, with a recommendation to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Visiting the John Knox House Museum and the Reunion Location

The John Knox House Museum is a highlight, especially for fans who recognize the close used for filming the reunion street with Claire and Fergus. The museum itself offers a glimpse into Edinburgh’s Reformation-era history, though the main draw for many is the film location. This stop lasts about 5 minutes, making it a quick but meaningful peek into the series’ filming spots.

The proximity of this site to other key locations allows the guide to weave historic facts into the storytelling, enriching the experience beyond just the series’ scenes.

Exploring Bakehouse Close and the Outlander Printshop

Bakehouse Close is a well-known Outlander filming location. Here, visitors see the steps of the Printshop, where some of the series’ iconic scenes take place. The guide explains the significance of this location in both the books and TV adaptation, providing contextual details that make the visit more engaging.

Spending around 10 minutes at Bakehouse Close allows enough time to appreciate the setting while listening to stories about how the location was used in filming. The close’s narrow, atmospheric streets give a real sense of Edinburgh’s medieval charm, enhancing the Outlander experience.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse and Bonnie Prince Charlie

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a major highlight, especially since it features in the series and the novels. The guide shares stories about Bonnie Prince Charlie and his time at the palace, offering a blend of history and fiction.

Though the admission to the palace is not included in the tour price, the exterior view and contextual commentary about its role in the series and Scottish history enrich the visit. The stop lasts about 5 minutes, focusing on historical anecdotes and series references.

Visiting Canongate Kirk and Its Series Connection

The tour includes a brief stop at Canongate Kirk, famous as a novel location in the series. The guide references moments that occurred here in the books and series, helping fans recall key scenes.

This 5-minute stop offers a chance to appreciate the church’s architecture and its significance in the series’ storyline. It’s a compact yet meaningful part of the walk, tying together literature and history.

The Tour’s Focus on Film and Series Locations

Throughout the walk, the guide emphasizes specific Outlander scenes and filming sites, ensuring fans can connect visual memories with actual Edinburgh locations. The tour includes season 3 filming spots and other notable sites, making it a film-location-focused experience.

The tour’s small-group format ensures that each visitor receives personalized attention, with ample opportunity to ask questions about series details, filming secrets, or Edinburgh’s history.

Practical Details: Meeting Points and Weather

The tour starts at St Giles’ Cathedral on High Street and ends outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Canongate. The mobile ticket system makes entry smooth, and the tour operates in all weather conditions, so travelers should dress appropriately for rain or cold.

Comfortable shoes are recommended because the tour involves walking through Edinburgh’s cobbled streets. The tour does not include transportation, food, drinks, or hotel pickups, so plan accordingly.

The Experience Provider and Booking Details

Operated by Edinburgh Tour Guides, this private tour is designed for up to 8 people, providing an intimate experience. The confirmation is received instantly upon booking, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

The guide, often a fellow Outlander fan, combines historical expertise with passion for the series, making the tour both informative and lively.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This walking tour is ideal for dedicated Outlander fans who want to see exact filming locations and learn more about Edinburgh’s role in the series. It’s suitable for most ages and physical Fitness levels, provided participants wear comfortable shoes.

However, those visiting in winter should consider the shorter daylight hours, which might limit outdoor visibility during evening tours. The tour’s small-group format makes it perfect for travelers seeking a personalized experience without large crowds.

Final Thoughts on the Outlander Walking Tour

This 1 hour 30 minutes guided walk offers a compact, in-depth look at Edinburgh’s film locations and historical sites relevant to the Outlander series. The expert guides and small-group size create an engaging environment for fans and history enthusiasts alike.

The tour’s focus on specific filming locations like Bakehouse Close and John Knox House helps fans relive their favorite scenes while gaining interesting insights into Edinburgh’s past. Although the price may be higher than some similar tours, the personalized experience and series-specific content make it a worthwhile choice for dedicated Outlander followers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a professional guide, small-group experience, and visits to multiple Outlander filming locations.

Are admission tickets to sites included?
No, admission to the Palace of Holyroodhouse is not included, but other sites like St Giles’ Cathedral and John Knox House are free to enter.

How long does the tour last?
The guided walk lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at St Giles’ Cathedral on High Street and ends outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Canongate.

Is the tour suitable in bad weather?
Yes, it operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for rain or cold.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Can children participate?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is transportation to sites included?
No, the tour is on foot; transportation is not included.

How many people will be in my tour group?
The group is limited to up to 8 people for a more personal experience.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour start time.