Edinburgh: Outlander and Castles Filming Locations Day Tour

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $110 per person and lasts 7 hours, making it a full-day experience.
• Expert Guide: An English-speaking guide leads the tour, sharing insights into the series and Scottish history.
• Highlights: Visit Blackness Castle, Culross, Falkland, Dysart Harbour, and Midhope Castle (Lallybroch).
• Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.
• Transport: Travel is by air-conditioned vehicle, with several stops and short drives.
• Notes: Entrance fees to Blackness Castle and Midhope Castle are not included, so bring cash.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Filming Locations of Outlander in Scotland

The Edinburgh: Outlander and Castles Filming Locations Day Tour offers fans of the series a chance to see famous filming sites while soaking in Scottish scenery and history. Priced at $110 per person, this 7-hour guided tour from The Jolly Botanist makes for a well-structured exploration of key Outlander landmarks. The tour’s small size, limited to 8 participants, ensures that everyone enjoys a more intimate and engaging experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and learn from the expert guide.

The tour starts in the morning, with check-in at 8:45 am, and returns to the same starting point after a full day of sightseeing. This makes it convenient for those staying in Edinburgh, and the live English tour guide helps bring the locations to life with fascinating stories about their history and their role in the series. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or simply curious about Scottish castles and villages, this tour offers a mix of film magic and real Scottish heritage.

From the Firth of Forth to Outlander’s Castle Scenes at Blackness Castle

The first stop is Blackness Castle, a striking fortress on the Firth of Forth often called the “Ship that Never Sailed” because of its unique shape. The 1-hour visit allows you to explore dramatic fortifications and enjoy spectacular views over the water. Fans of Outlander recognize it as the location for Fort William, where some of the series’ most intense scenes are filmed.

The castle’s commanding position and historic architecture make it a favorite for film scenes, and your guide shares the film and series connection along with historical tidbits about the fortress itself. The short drive between stops keeps the pace lively, and plenty of photo opportunities await you here, highlighting the rugged beauty of Scotland’s coast.

Exploring the 17th-Century Village of Culross, Known as Cranesmuir

Next, the tour visits Culross, a perfectly preserved 17th-century town that appears as Cranesmuir in Outlander. This village charms visitors with its cobblestone streets and historic Culross Palace. Outlander fans will recognize it as the home of Geillis Duncan.

Spending about 50 minutes wandering through the streets, visitors can imagine life during the Jacobite era. The village’s authentic atmosphere makes it a favorite filming location, and the guide explains how the real history of Culross is woven into its appearance on screen. Visitors should allow extra time if they want to explore the palace or browse local shops, but the tour provides a great glimpse into the setting of the series.

Falkland and the Fountain of Time

In Falkland, a picturesque village, the tour stops for 70 minutes. The village stands in for 1940s Inverness in Outlander, and here, visitors can see the famous fountain where Claire gazes into the past, an iconic series scene.

Falkland’s historic charm is enhanced by its well-preserved buildings and quiet streets. The guide shares stories about how the village’s architecture fits into the series and offers insight into its 17th-century history. You can enjoy a lunch break at a local café or pub, giving you a chance to relax and soak in the Scottish village atmosphere.

More Great Tours Nearby

Dysart Harbour: Outlander’s Le Havre Port

A short drive takes visitors to Dysart Harbour, which stood in as the Port of Le Havre in the series. The harbor’s colorful fishing boats and historic maritime setting provide a perfect backdrop for photos. The 40-minute stop allows for a quick exploration of this coastal spot, highlighting Scotland’s maritime heritage.

The guide explains the harbor’s role in the series and its real-world significance. The scenery here offers a peaceful contrast to the castle and village stops, rounding out the day with authentic coastal views.

Visiting Jamie’s Lallybroch at Midhope Castle

The tour’s highlight for Outlander fans is the visit to Midhope Castle, known in the series as Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s home. The 30-minute exterior visit offers a chance to walk around the impressive ruins and relive favorite scenes from the show.

While the interior is not accessible, the exterior’s rugged charm captures the essence of Jamie’s home. The guide discusses the filming here and shares some behind-the-scenes stories. This stop is ideal for taking photos and imagining life on Fraser’s estate.

Logistics, Pacing, and Practical Tips

The tour begins at The Jolly Botanist and follows a clear itinerary, including several short drives between stops. It features planned visits with specific durations, ranging from 10 to 70 minutes, ensuring a steady pace without feeling rushed. The group size of up to 8 participants allows for personalized attention and flexibility.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing due to Scotland’s changeable weather. Entrance fees to Blackness Castle and Midhope Castle are not included, so bringing cash for these is recommended. Photography is permitted, but drones are not allowed at any site.

The Overall Experience and Suitability

This guided day tour offers a balanced mix of filming locations and historic sites, with a focus on Outlander’s filming scenery. The expert guide provides engaging commentary that links the series’ scenes with their real-life settings, enriching the experience. The small group size fosters a relaxed atmosphere and more interaction.

While the interior of Midhope Castle is closed, the exterior visit still provides a meaningful connection to the series. The cost of $110 is reasonable considering the inclusion of several locations, transportation, and guide services. However, entrance fees are extra, so budget for that if you wish to go inside castles.

This tour is perfect for Outlander fans eager to see filming locations firsthand or anyone interested in Scottish castles and villages. It suits those who enjoy guided storytelling and are prepared for some walking and weather changes. It isn’t suitable for children under 12 years, but older fans and history enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy.

Outlander Filming Locations and Historic Scotland Collide

This full-day experience offers an enjoyable combination of series magic and Scottish heritage. The visits to Blackness Castle, Culross, Falkland, and Lallybroch bring the series to life, enhanced by knowledgeable commentary. The scenic drives and authentic villages deepen the sense of connection to the series’ setting.

The tour’s 7-hour length makes it an immersive experience without feeling overly long. The flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later, add to its appeal. It’s a practical choice for fans and history lovers wanting a curated, manageable day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes transportation by air-conditioned vehicle from and back to The Jolly Botanist.

Are entrance fees included? No, entrance fees to Blackness Castle and Midhope Castle are not included. It’s recommended to bring cash for these.

How long is the tour? The tour is 7 hours long, with scheduled stops and drives, starting around 8:45 am and returning in the late afternoon.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and cash for entrance fees are advised.

Is this tour suitable for children? It is not suitable for children under 12 years due to the walking involved and site restrictions.

Can I photograph at the sites? Photography is permitted, but drones are not allowed at any of the locations.

This guided tour offers a practical, well-organized way to see some of the most iconic Outlander filming locations, along with a taste of Scottish history and scenery.

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