From Edinburgh: Outlander Adventure Day Tour with Entry

Explore Outlander’s Iconic Filming Locations with a Guided Day Tour from Edinburgh

The From Edinburgh: Outlander Adventure Day Tour with Entry offers a comprehensive journey through Scotland’s most famous Outlander filming sites. Priced at $122 per person and lasting around 8 hours, this tour provides a well-paced look at historic castles and a 16th-century village. Starting from the Scottish Citylink Travel Centre in St Andrew Square, the tour takes you through striking landscapes and notable landmarks, with visits to Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Doune Castle, and the charming village of Culross.

What makes this tour especially appealing is the inclusion of entry to Doune Castle and Blackness Castle, as well as the guidance of knowledgeable tour guides with rave reviews. While the tour does not include hotel pickup or food, it offers a flexible, small-group experience that suits Outlander fans and history enthusiasts alike. The average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from nearly 1,000 reviews affirms its popularity and quality.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: Priced at $122 per person for an 8-hour adventure, this tour offers good value for a full day of exploration.
• Filming Locations: Visits include Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Blackness Castle, and Culross, a well-preserved village portraying Cranesmuir.
• Expert Guides: The guides are highly praised for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling ability, making the experience both fun and informative.
• Convenient Start and End: The tour departs from the Scottish Citylink Travel Centre and returns there in the late afternoon, making logistics straightforward.
• Small Group Size: Bookings are limited to 8 passengers, ensuring a personalized and engaging atmosphere.
• Not Included: Food, drinks, and attraction entry fees beyond those specified are not covered, so plan for your own lunch and additional expenses.

Starting Point at Edinburgh Bus Station

This tour begins at the Scottish Citylink Travel Centre inside Edinburgh Bus Station, located at St Andrew Square. The meeting point is at Gate J and Gate K, where the driver-guide welcomes your group. The small group size and clear instructions help ensure a smooth start. The tour ends back at the same location in the late afternoon, allowing easy access to your accommodations or further exploration.

Visiting Midhope Castle: Lallybroch and Its Famous Steps

Your Outlander adventure kicks off with a visit to Midhope Castle, the iconic home of Jamie Fraser known as Lallybroch. Although visitors can’t explore the ruins inside, they can sit on the famous steps of Lallybroch and take photos, recreating the show’s most memorable scenes. The castle’s external appearance remains striking, and the site offers a photo stop that captures the essence of Outlander’s setting.

Exploring Blackness Castle: The Ship That Never Sailed

Next, the tour moves to Blackness Castle, a formidable fortress often called the ship that never sailed because of its shape resembling a giant stone vessel. Guided by reviews praising the walk along the ramparts, visitors get a sense of the castle’s imposing presence. The castle served as Jack Randall’s fictional headquarters in the series, adding a layer of narrative excitement. The walk around the ramparts offers views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular stop.

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Lunch and History at Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace, famous as Wentworth Prison, provides a scenic setting for your lunch break. The ruins of Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace are a highlight for many visitors. The site offers options for trying local specialties or enjoying a picnic by the loch. The relaxed atmosphere allows time to take in the romantic ruins and snap photos of the palace’s historic walls, enriching the Outlander story with real-life history.

Passing By Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument

While Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument are only passed by during the drive, their proximity to the route underscores the richness of the Scottish landscape. The scenic drive offers glimpses of these historic landmarks, with commentary from guides about their significance in Scottish history. This approach keeps the day engaging without long stops, maintaining a comfortable pace.

Doune Castle: Castle Leoch in the Series

Doune Castle is the most prominent film location on the tour, serving as Castle Leoch in Outlander. Visitors get to explore the castle’s medieval architecture and learn about its real history from the audio guide. The guide shares insights into how the castle was used as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, adding a fun twist. The visit provides an up-close look at the castle’s towers and interiors, illustrating the scale and design that made it a perfect stand-in for the series.

Culross: The 16th-Century Village of Cranesmuir

The tour’s highlight for history and Outlander fans is Culross, a virtually unchanged 16th-century village located on the sea. The village’s well-preserved buildings and streets serve as the fictional Cranesmuir. Visitors have time to explore Claires herb garden, the palace, and the old streets, imagining life in Scotland 400 years ago. The village’s historic charm and authenticity make it a favorite stop, especially for those interested in Scottish architecture and scenery.

Returning to Edinburgh: End of the Day

After a full day of exploring castles, villages, and film locations, the tour returns to the Scottish Citylink Travel Centre in Edinburgh. The late afternoon arrival makes it easy to plan your evening activities or continue your Scottish adventure. The small group size and professional guide ensure a relaxed end to the day.

The Experience with Rabbie’s Guides

Guides like Mac, Ewen, and others receive high praise for their storytelling, humor, and knowledge. Many reviews highlight the guides’ ability to make Scottish history engaging, blending facts with personal anecdotes. Some guides quietly sing traditional Celtic tunes or share insightful historical context, enriching the journey. The tours also accommodate individual pacing, giving time for photos and reflection.

Practical Tips for the Tour

Bring comfortable shoes since walking around castles and villages is involved. A windbreaker is recommended, especially in unpredictable Scottish weather. The tour limits luggage to 14kg (31 lbs) per person, suitable for a carry-on-sized bag plus a small personal bag. The group size of no more than 8 ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This guided day trip is perfect for Outlander fans, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see Scotland’s castles and countryside without the hassle of planning individual visits. The expert guides and well-organized itinerary make it ideal for travelers seeking a mix of entertainment and education. The 8-hour duration makes it a full but manageable day, though those with mobility issues should come prepared for some walking at stops.

Final Thoughts on the Outlander Adventure Tour

The From Edinburgh Outlander Day Tour offers a rich experience combining filming locations, historic castles, and scenic villages. With highly rated guides, an efficient itinerary, and entry to key sites, it delivers good value and memorable moments. The tour is especially suited for fans of Outlander and those interested in Scottish history and architecture.

While food and drinks are not included, the tour’s stops for lunch and sightseeing are ample to keep everyone satisfied. The small group size, flexible pacing, and professional guides create a relaxed and engaging environment. For those wanting a full day of Outlander magic and Scottish culture from Edinburgh, this tour stands out as a trustworthy and enjoyable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this tour include hotel pickup? No, the tour starts and ends at the Scottish Citylink Travel Centre in Edinburgh.

What is the duration of the tour? It lasts approximately 8 hours, with starting times available based on availability.

Are entrance fees included? Entrance to Doune Castle and Blackness Castle are included, but other attraction entry fees are not unless specified.

Is this tour suitable for children? It is not recommended for children under 5 years old.

Can I bring luggage on the tour? Yes, but it should be one piece no heavier than 14kg (31 lbs) plus a small personal bag.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes and a windbreaker are advised, as Scottish weather can be unpredictable.

How many people are in each group? The maximum group size is 8 passengers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? The data does not specify accessibility for wheelchairs; contact the provider for details.

Can I cancel this tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a rating for this tour? Yes, it boasts an impressive 4.8 out of 5 from 994 reviews, indicating strong satisfaction among past travelers.

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