Edinburgh: Iconic Outlander Locations Guided Day Tour

Exploring the Scottish Highlands through the lens of Outlander offers a captivating experience for fans and history lovers alike. The Edinburgh: Iconic Outlander Locations Guided Day Tour from Mary’s Meanders Ltd provides a well-organized itinerary that spans eight hours, starting from Linlithgow Train Station. Priced for convenience, the tour includes guided visits to Doune Castle, Culross Palace, Hopetoun House, Midhope Castle, and Blackness Castle. It is suitable for those who enjoy storytelling, stunning castles, and filming location history, with the added bonus of passing the Kelpies en route. It’s a full-day adventure that balances iconic sights with behind-the-scenes insights into the filming of the popular Outlander series.

While the tour is comprehensive and accessible, it’s important to note that many locations involve uneven terrain and cobblestones, making it less suitable for travelers with mobility restrictions. The group size is private, and the transport is by air-conditioned coach, ensuring comfort on the roughly eight-hour journey. The tour offers entrance fees for most filming sites and includes a professional guide who shares fascinating stories about the show and real Scottish history.

Key Points

• Starts at Linlithgow Train Station with options for pickup from Stirling, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
• Includes guided visits to filming locations such as Doune Castle, Culross, Lallybroch, and Blackness Castle.
• Passes the Kelpies and Forth Rail Bridge, adding scenic views along the way.
• Tour duration is 8 hours, with departures typically at 9 am depending on availability.
• All entrance fees to major sites are included, but food and drinks are not.
• Suitable for fans of Outlander and those interested in Scottish castles and history, but not ideal for travelers with mobility issues due to uneven terrain at many locations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Outlander Filming Sites in the Scottish Highlands

This guided day tour transforms a typical sightseeing trip into a journey into the world of Outlander, the hit series based on Diana Gabaldon’s books. It starts from Linlithgow, famous as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and then makes its way through the central Scottish landscape that fans recognize from the show.

The tour’s core feature is the visit to Doune Castle, known in Outlander as Castle Leoch. This 14th-century fortress offers a guided tour lasting about 45 minutes, where visitors can step onto the iconic castle grounds and imagine the life of the MacKenzie Clan. Close by, the quaint Culross village provides a beautifully preserved 17th-century setting that served as Cranesmuir in the series. Its cobbled streets and steppe gardens give a tangible sense of the show’s fictional town, with many buildings featured in the series.

From the Kelpies to Castle Leoch

En route, the tour passes the Kelpies, Scotland’s impressive horse-head sculptures that stand as a symbol of local heritage and modern art. The route then proceeds to Doune Castle, which is a highlight for Outlander fans. The guided tour at Doune offers insights into its medieval architecture and its cinematic role in the series.

The Charm of Culross and Its Herb Gardens

The visit to Culross is a major highlight, offering a 45-minute guided exploration of this well-preserved town. The cobbled streets and historic buildings help visitors picture Jamie and Claire wandering around in the series. Culross Palace, with its stepped herb garden, offers a peek into 17th-century Scottish life and features prominently in the show, especially the witch trial scene at the Mercat Cross.

The Grand Setting of Hopetoun House

Next, the tour visits Hopetoun House, where guides take you through the interior and exterior of this grand estate, which served as the Duke of Sandringham’s residence and other locations. The one-hour guided tour here highlights the architecture and history of this stately home, adding depth to the Scottish estate experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lallybroch on the Stairs of Midhope Castle

Depending on availability, the tour offers a chance to visit Lallybroch, known in real life as Midhope Castle. While only the exterior is accessible for photos, standing on the house stairs allows fans to capture a famous Outlander moment. The visit lasts about 30 minutes and is a favorite for those wanting a photo opportunity.

Fort William and Blackness Castle

The last major filming site is Blackness Castle, which in Outlander becomes Fort William—the fortification of Black Jack Randall. This imposing fortress sits on the River Forth and offers a 40-minute guided tour filled with stories about its medieval architecture and its role in Scottish history.

Extra Stop at Linlithgow Palace

If time permits at the end of the day, visitors can enjoy a visit to Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. This site also appears in Outlander as Wentworth Prison. The visit provides a final immersion in Scottish history and a chance for memorable photos.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour runs daily at 9 am, with summer (March-September) and winter (October-February) itineraries. The duration is approximately 8 hours, including travel and guided site visits. The meeting point is outside Linlithgow Train Station, with transportation provided by air-conditioned coach.

The group is private, and entry fees are included for all major stops. Travelers should bring comfortable footwear, a camera, cash or credit card for optional purchases, and ID. The tour is not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments due to uneven terrain at many locations.

Value and Overall Experience

This tour offers a comprehensive look at the most famous Outlander filming locations within central Scotland. The guides are known for passion and storytelling ability, adding a layer of depth to each site visit. The entrance fees are included, providing convenience, and the scenic drive offers views of notable landmarks like the Forth Rail Bridge.

While the lack of food and drinks is a minor consideration, the overall value lies in the expert storytelling and the chance to experience Scottish castles and villages that bring the series to life. It’s especially suited for Outlander enthusiasts or those who want an immersive day combining history, filming locations, and Scottish scenery.

Edinburgh: Iconic Outlander Locations Guided Day Tour — Final Thoughts

This full-day journey captures the essence of Outlander’s Scottish setting through carefully selected sites and engaging storytelling. The private group format and all entry fees included make it convenient for visitors seeking a stress-free experience. The stops at doune Castle, Culross, Lallybroch, and Blackness Castle stand out as the tour’s highlights.

The scenic drive and passing the Kelpies add visual interest, and the guide’s expertise helps bring the locations to life. However, travelers should be prepared for some walking on uneven terrain and limited accessibility. This tour is an excellent choice for fans eager to see the real-life settings of the beloved series, with a balance of history, scenery, and showbiz magic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes transport by air-conditioned coach from Linlithgow and back, with pickup options from Stirling, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.

What locations are visited during the tour?
Stops include Doune Castle, Culross Palace, Hopetoun House, Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), and Blackness Castle. A possible final visit to Linlithgow Palace may be included if time permits.

Are entrance fees covered?
Yes, all entrance fees for the major sites are included in the tour price.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, departing at 9 am from Linlithgow.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility restrictions?
Many locations have uneven terrain and cobblestones, making the tour not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments.

Can I visit Lallybroch?
Yes, if available, the tour offers a chance to visit Midhope Castle and take photos on the house stairs.

What should I bring?
Visitors are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a camera, cash or credit card, and ID. No smoking is permitted during the tour.

Is food or drink included?
No, meals and drinks are not included; travelers should plan accordingly.

How do I book or cancel?
You can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations made earlier are fully refundable.

What is the guide like?
The tour features a professional guide known for passion and storytelling, providing fascinating insights into both the series and Scottish history.

Is the tour suitable for all seasons?
Yes, the tour runs in summer (March-September) and winter (October-February), with itineraries adjusted for each season.

Can I book this tour as a private group?
Absolutely, this tour is designed for private groups, enhancing the experience with personalized attention.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby