Edinburgh and Outlander by Rail from London 3-Day Tour

Discover Edinburgh and Outlander Filming Locations in Just 3 Days

The Edinburgh and Outlander by Rail from London 3-Day Tour offers a well-rounded taste of Scotland’s capital and its famous series. Starting from London King’s Cross station, the tour includes a scenic train voyage with reserved seats, a full day exploring Edinburgh’s historic sites, and an immersive visit to iconic Outlander filming locations. Priced competitively and organized by Evan Evans Tours, this experience is ideal for fans of the series and history enthusiasts alike who want to see Lallybroch, Doune Castle, and Blackness Castle.

While the tour does not include guided days beyond the Outlander exploration, it offers valuable access to major sights, flexible free time in Edinburgh, and the comfort of reserved train seats. A notable feature is entrance to Edinburgh Castle, along with a hop-on hop-off bus tour, providing both structure and flexibility. This tour suits those who enjoy scenic train travel, castle visits, and series filming locations, though it may be less suitable for travelers with mobility issues due to the nature of stops and walking involved.

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Key Points

• Three-day guided rail tour departing from London with reserved train seats
• Includes entrance to Edinburgh Castle and a hop-on hop-off bus tour of Edinburgh
• Focuses on Outlander filming locations such as Midhope Castle, Doune Castle, and Blackness Castle
• The full-day Outlander Explorer Tour is fully guided by Highland Explorer Tours
• Free time on Day 3 allows for exploring Old Town, New Town, and Castle Hill
• Designed for fans, history lovers, and series enthusiasts seeking an organized yet flexible itinerary

Departing from London and Arriving in Edinburgh with Scenic Comfort

The tour begins with an early morning departure from London King’s Cross station, with the train leaving at 7:00 am. The journey to Edinburgh’s Waverley Station lasts roughly 4 hours and 20 minutes, arriving at 11:20 am. Passengers benefit from reserved seats on the LNER train, ensuring comfort for the scenic ride through the countryside. The return journey departs from Edinburgh at 5:30 pm, arriving back in London at 10:09 pm.

This organized train travel provides a relaxed start to the trip, with plenty of time to enjoy the views. Since tickets are allocated in advance, travelers should check their e-tickets sent one week prior. The unescorted nature of Days 1 and 3 means travelers are responsible for their own transfers to and from stations, but the guided Outlander day on Day 2 provides a structured experience.

Exploring Edinburgh Castle and Castle Rock

Upon arrival in Edinburgh, guests gain entrance to Edinburgh Castle, a 1100-year-old fortress perched on Castle Rock, a volcanic hill. The castle’s long history includes military, royal, and prison roles, presenting a vivid picture of Scotland’s past. Visitors can appreciate the Stone of Destiny, a symbol of Scottish monarchy, and explore the dungeons, royal chambers, and battlements.

The castle visit is a highlight, offering panoramic views of the city and the chance to see historic artifacts. The ticket is included, making it convenient to start sightseeing without additional costs. After the castle, the hop-on hop-off bus takes travelers to 14 impressive locations, including the Grassmarket, John Knox House, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse—the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh City Tour with the Hop-on Hop-off Bus

The hop-on hop-off guided bus tour covers key parts of Edinburgh, with 14 stops at significant sites. This flexible option allows visitors to explore at their own pace, hopping off to visit locations like Holyrood Palace or John Knox House and then hopping back on. The bus ticket is valid all day, making it easy to navigate the city’s lively streets and historic neighborhoods.

This approach is ideal for those who want an overview of Edinburgh’s highlights without the constraints of a fixed schedule. The commentary provided by the guide enriches the experience with stories of the city’s history and architecture. The bus ride complements the castle visit, giving a rounded introduction to Edinburgh’s medieval and Georgian districts.

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The Outlander Explorer Day Tour: Filming Locations and Historic Sites

Day 2 is dedicated to the Outlander-themed exploration, starting with Midhope Castle, known as Lallybroch, the home of Jamie Fraser. This castle is the real-life setting for the fictional estate and is a key stop for fans. Next, the tour visits Doune Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress used as Castle Leoch in the series, and also featured in Game of Thrones and Monty Python.

The journey then takes travelers to the Kingdom of Fife, an area of significant Scottish history. In Culross, visitors explore a 17th-century burgh that served as Cranesmuir, where Claire was accused of witchcraft. The village’s authentic architecture offers a glimpse into historic Scotland. The day concludes with a visit to Blackness Castle, a commanding fortress used as Fort William in Outlander, with spectacular views of the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This guided day immerses visitors in the scenic and filming locations that make Outlander a series loved by many. The full-day tour combines historic castles, charming villages, and iconic scenery, offering a rich narrative behind the series’ beloved scenes.

Free Time and Historic Sights on Day 3

The final day of the tour grants free time until late afternoon to explore Edinburgh independently. Visitors can choose to wander through Old Town’s winding streets and courtyards, soak in the Georgian elegance of New Town, or visit Calton Hill for panoramic city views. Walking in the footsteps of Scottish kings and queens on Castle Hill reveals the city’s royal past.

Highlights include seeing the Stone of Destiny and enjoying last-minute shopping in the city center. This flexibility allows travelers to customize their day based on personal interests, whether that be visiting more historic landmarks, museums, or shopping districts. The tour officially ends in the late afternoon, with options to extend the visit at leisure.

Practical Logistics and What’s Included

The return train journey from London to Edinburgh includes reserved seats, with entrance to Edinburgh Castle and a full-day hop-on hop-off guided bus tour. The Day 2 Outlander Explorer Tour is fully guided by Highland Explorer Tours, with stories and historical insights provided by the guide.

Inclusions also cover visits to Midhope, Doune, and Blackness Castles, providing a comprehensive Outlander experience. Transport between locations is typically by coach, and entrance fees are included for the key sights. The tour does not provide lunch, hotel transfers, or guided assistance on Days 1 and 3, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

This tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, due to the nature of castle visits and walking involved. Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and essentials like snacks, water, and a camera. Since smoking is not allowed, designated areas should be used for breaks.

The train times are subject to change due to operational reasons, so it’s important to stay updated with electronic tickets and tour information sent in advance. The tour operates with unescorted days, except for the guided Outlander excursion.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This 3-day Edinburgh and Outlander rail tour is perfect for series fans, history buffs, and those seeking a well-organized itinerary. The combination of castle visits, city exploration, and series locations makes it especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers.

However, travelers needing mobility assistance might find the tour challenging due to the walking involved in castle visits. The inclusive train journey, flexible day in Edinburgh, and engaging Outlander stops make this tour a practical choice for many, as long as expectations align with the itinerary’s structure.

Edinburgh and Outlander by Rail: A Concise Summary

This tour offers a balanced mix of historic sites, scenic train travel, and Outlander filming locations over three days. Its reserved train seats and full-day guided Outlander tour ensure comfort and engagement, while the free time on Day 3 allows personalized exploration.

While it does not include hotel transfers or lunch, the cost-effective package provides access to Edinburgh’s key highlights and the series’ most iconic sites. For fans of Outlander and visitors wanting a taste of Scotland’s capital, this trip offers both convenience and memorable scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the train journey comfortable?
Yes, the reserved seats on the LNER train are designed for passenger comfort and scenic viewing during the scenic route from London to Edinburgh.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, lunch is not included. Travelers should plan to bring snacks or dine during free time in Edinburgh or Culross.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 5 years old. Children between 5 and 15 can participate but should be prepared for walking and castle visits.

What locations are visited on the Outlander Day Tour?
Stops include Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Culross (Cranesmuir), and Blackness Castle (Fort William).

Is the tour fully guided?
The Outlander day is fully guided by Highland Explorer Tours. Days 1 and 3 are unescorted, with travelers managing their own transfers.

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

Can I visit additional attractions in Edinburgh after the tour?
Yes, the free afternoon allows ample time for self-guided exploration of Edinburgh’s Old Town, New Town, and other landmarks.

Are all castles open during the tour?
Not necessarily. Midhope Castle and Doune Castle are included, but they may be closed on certain days, in which case the itinerary could be adjusted.

How flexible is the hop-on hop-off bus tour?
The bus ticket is valid all day, allowing hopping off and on at any of the 14 stops, offering flexibility to suit your interests.

What is the overall rating of this tour?
The tour has a 4.5-star rating, reflecting satisfaction with the itinerary, guides, and overall experience.

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