From Edinburgh: The Outlander Experience Guided Tour

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This full-day Outlander tour from Edinburgh costs $61 per person and lasts approximately 8 hours.
• Filming Locations: Visit famous sites like Falkland, Culross, Doune Castle, Linlithgow Palace, and Midhope Castle, each tied to the Outlander series.
• Expert Guides: The tour is led by knowledgeable guides, with many reviews praising Ian, Brendan, and Dougie for their storytelling, humor, and Scottish history insights.
• Comfort and Convenience: Travel is in an air-conditioned coach with hotel meeting points, and all transportation is included, making it easy to relax and focus on the sights.
• Popular with Outlander Fans: This tour offers a genuine behind-the-scenes look at filming locations, making it perfect for fans of the series, though non-fans also enjoy the scenic castles and villages.
• Limitations: Midhope Castle is only accessible from March to December, and the tour does not include entrance fees or meals, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Outlander’s Scotland: A Guide to the Full-Day Tour from Edinburgh

This guided day trip from Edinburgh offers a deep dive into the filming locations of Outlander, one of the most popular historical television series. For $61 per person, you get an 8-hour journey that combines scenic drives, castle visits, and charming villages, all led by an experienced driver-guide.

The tour departs from the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel at 8:20 AM, and the group size is small enough to ensure personalized attention, making it a comfortable way to explore the Scottish countryside. The air-conditioned coach keeps travelers comfortable throughout the day, and the itinerary includes several stops at notable locations.

While the tour is designed for Outlander fans eager to see the series’ real-life settings, it also appeals to anyone interested in Scotland’s architecture, history, and landscapes. The absence of entrance fees and optional lunch means travelers can customize their experience and budget accordingly.

Falkland: Inverness and Claire & Frank’s Honeymoon Spot

The first major stop is Falkland, a picturesque village located between the Lomond Hills in Fife. This spot stands in for Inverness in Outlander and is famous for being the location of Claire and Frank’s honeymoon scenes. Visitors can take photos of the charming village streets and appreciate its quiet beauty.

This stop lasts about 20 minutes, giving enough time to capture photos and soak in the atmosphere. Many reviews highlight the lovely scenery and how well Falkland captures the historic feel that fans recognize from the series.

Culross: Cranesmuir Village and Outlander Filming Site

Next, the tour visits Culross, a 16th-century village that serves as the fictional Cranesmuir in Outlander. Several scenes from season 1 were filmed here, making it a must-see location for series enthusiasts.

Travelers explore the village and see how parts of Culross come to life with their historic buildings and cobbled streets. The tour includes a photo stop and some free time for sightseeing. The picturesque views and authentic medieval architecture make Culross a highlight, and many appreciate the chance to walk through a real-time filming location.

Doune Castle: Castle Leoch in Outlander

A key stop is Doune Castle, known as Castle Leoch in the series, especially prominent in season 1. Tour participants explore the exterior entrance, courtyard, and the great hall, all scenes used during filming.

This castle’s medieval architecture and history make it a fascinating site, whether or not visitors are familiar with Outlander. The tour notes that Doune Castle may sometimes be replaced with Blackness Castle, but the focus remains on Scottish castles with strong historical ties.

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Linlithgow Palace: Wentworth Prison and Mary Queen of Scots

In Linlithgow, travelers visit Linlithgow Palace, which served as the set for Wentworth Prison — a pivotal location in Outlander. This is where Jamie was held captive and endured intense scenes of torture, making it a dramatic spot to see in person.

The stop includes free time, sightseeing, and options for refreshments. The palace’s impressive ruins and historical significance as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots make it a worthwhile visit.

Midhope Castle: The Iconic Lallybroch

The final major location is Midhope Castle, the external shot of Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s ancestral home. It’s a favorite for Outlander fans eager to see the real-life setting of one of the series’ most beloved homes.

Access to Midhope Castle is only available from March to December, and visitors spend around 15 minutes here to take photos and soak up the atmosphere. Many reviews praise it as the highlight of the tour for fans, who enjoy live out their fantasy of visiting Jamie Fraser’s home.

Practicalities: Meeting Points, Transport, and Group Size

The tour begins at 8:20 AM outside the Apex Waterloo Place Hotel in Edinburgh. The journey is in a comfortable, clean coach with live commentary from the guide. The group size remains small enough to encourage interaction and make the experience more personal, and hotel pick-up or drop-off is not included.

The tour includes all transportation costs, but entrance fees and meals or refreshments are not covered, so travelers should bring cash or cards for extras. The duration of about 8 hours balances sightseeing with enough time at each location.

The Guides: Knowledge, Humor, and Scottish Stories

Many reviews emphasize the knowledge and personality of the guides, especially Ian, Brendan, and Dougie. They are praised for their storytelling skills, humor, and Scottish history insights.

Guides make the experience engaging, often sharing interesting facts and adding some humor during the drives. Several reviews mention the guides’ ability to keep the group entertained, making the long day feel lively and informative.

Value for Money and Overall Experience

At $61, the tour offers strong value for money, considering the number of locations and the quality of storytelling. The reviews consistently highlight the expert guides and scenic stops as key strengths.

While entrance fees are not included, the ability to visit multiple filming locations and castles in one day makes this a convenient, enjoyable option for Outlander fans and those interested in Scottish castles. The small group size and comfortable transport enhance the overall experience.

Limitations and Considerations

Midhope Castle is only accessible March through December, which could be a drawback for winter travelers. Plus, the tour does not include lunch or entrance fees, so travelers may want to plan for meals and additional expenses.

The itinerary can sometimes change, with Doune Castle substituted by Blackness Castle, but the focus remains on Scottish castles and historic sites. Some reviewers note the cost of entrance fees at certain locations, like Doune Castle, which is £10 for entry.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This Outlander filming locations tour suits fans eager to see the series’ iconic spots in person, with many reviews praising the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guides. The scenic villages, castles, and historic sites also appeal to anyone interested in Scottish history and architecture.

The 8-hour pace allows for a comprehensive visit that balances sightseeing with some free time, making it a good choice for a full day of exploration. The affordable price combined with positive reviews about the guides’ storytelling makes this tour a practical choice for those visiting Edinburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 6 years are not recommended, likely due to the full-day length and walking involved.

What should I bring on the tour?
Guests are advised to bring a camera and cash for souvenirs, refreshments, or entrance fees.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch or refreshments are not included, so travelers should plan to buy food during the stops.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour date, with a full refund.

What locations are included in the tour?
Stops include Falkland, Culross, Doune Castle (or Blackness Castle), Linlithgow Palace, and Midhope Castle.

Are entrance fees covered?
No, entrance fees are not included in the price; visitors should budget for these separately.

How long is each stop?
Most stops last between 15 to 105 minutes, depending on the location, allowing for photos, sightseeing, and brief exploration.

What is the tour guide like?
Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, humor, and storytelling ability, making the day both informative and fun.

How accessible is the tour?
The tour involves some walking around the castles and villages, so comfortable shoes are recommended. No specific accessibility information is provided.

Would non-Outlander fans enjoy this tour?
Yes, many reviews mention that the scenic castles, villages, and landscapes make it worthwhile even for those unfamiliar with the series.

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