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Get transported to your favourite Outlander locations! Outlander tours (Scotland) will whisk you away to walk in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire at the grand entrance of Castle Leoch, maybe pick herbs in Claire’s herb garden and stroll the cobbled streets of Cranesmuir.
Our guide to Outlander tours in Scotland includes day trips and multi-day tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow as well as a popular Edinburgh walking tour.
Outlander, originally a series of books by author Diana Gabaldon, has taken the world by storm since being made into a British-American hit TV show.
Outlander has fans worldwide and sees visitors flocking to Scotland to tour the sites used during filming. Starting in 1945 Scotland Claire, played by Catriona Balfe, is a wartime nurse who returns to her husband Frank (Tobias Menzies) who whisks her away to ‘Inverness’ for a second honeymoon.
Here, after finding a collection of standing stones, Claire is hurtled back in time to Jacobite Scotland where she meets Highlander Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan).
The Outlander filming locations, mainly in Scotland, have seen their visitor numbers double, even triple and you too can see the sights of this hit show with Outlander tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
But aren’t some seasons set in the US? Don’t be fooled by Jamie and Claire’s immigration to North Carolina, Scotland’s locations were still used for filming!
Best Outlander Tours Scotland
Why should you book a tour of Scotland’s Outlander sites? There are a couple of reasons why visiting the hotspots as part of a tour is better than doing it alone.
Tranport in Scotland
Although Scotland’s cities are well connected by train lines, many of the Outlander filming locations are not in the city.
For example, the stunning Hopetoun House’s (season one, two, three and four) closest train station is Dalmeny (South Queensferry) but it takes at least one hour to walk from Dalmeny to Hopetoun House. Scotland’s infrastructure is notoriously poor.
The further north you go, the worse it gets. Expect Sunday service for buses every day of the week.
Our ‘A’ rounds (single track) in the Highlands and on the West Coast are not for everyone, cautious drivers may not enjoy the experience.
The Outlander Effect
The Outlander Effect is real, most locations have seen an increase in footfall (more people visiting = busy), Doune Castle enjoyed a 91% increase in customers!
Tours often have pre-arranged time slots so you don’t have to fight your way through the crowds.
Expert Guides
You get more bang for your buck with Outlander tours. They include transport, knowledgeable and passionate guides and often entry fees.
Local History
Tour guides will give you more than just Outlander information, you get to spend time with a real local. One of my favourite things about tours is being able to ask questions about real-life topics!
Outlander Community
Bonus reason – you get to spend the duration of the trip with fans, I’m sure you can find at least one thing in common (Jamie?)
Quick Look – Outlander Tours
- From Edinburgh: 1-day Outlander Explorer tour (I did this, awesome)
- From Edinburgh: 2-day Outlander tour (new tour)
- From Edinburgh: Outlander, Palaces and Jacobites Tour
- From Edinburgh: Outlander Private Tour
- Edinburgh City: Outlander Walking Tour (very popular)
- From Glasgow: 1-day Outlander tour
- From Inverness: Full Day Outlander
Outlander Tour Edinburgh
Tours from Scotland’s capital leave daily which means visitors do not need to attempt to tackle our infamous A roads or drive on the left.
There are a few options for Outlander day tours from Edinburgh so you can prioritise what you want to see.
Affordable Outlander Day Tours from Edinburgh
This full-day tour by a very respectable tour company in Scotland is not private but kinder on the purse strings and touches base at the following Outlander scenes:
- Visit Doune Castle aka Castle Leoch.
- Culross starring as Cranesmuir.
- Falkland – Inverness 1940s (see me doing the Jamie pose below!)
- Dysart Harbour – Le Havre Port.
- Meeting point: 60 High Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH1 1TB.
- Price £50 per person.
It’s not just an Outlander tour but also a Scottish history tour. You hear about the wars and celebrities that inspired Diana Gabaldon in her writing. You can read about my tour experience here.
» » This tour sells out – Book your spot now « «
Outlander Edinburgh Tour (In The City)
Short on time but still want some Outlander fun?
This Edinburgh Outlander walking tour might just scratch that itch.
Although no substitute for seeing the real filming sites, still popular with our readers.
- Starting at Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, your guide (in clan character) will take you through the Old Town telling tales of the Jacobite Rebellion.
- See the famous Tolbooth Jail and Canongate Kirkyard.
- Price £25.
» » This tour sells out – Book your spot now « «
Private Tour Guided – Good for Small Groups
Enjoy this eight-hour small bus tour of Scotland’s Outlander literary locations.
Highlights include:
- Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie.
- Captain Jack Randall’s Stronghold.
- The train station where Claire and Frank said their goodbyes.
- Price: £900 for 6 member group.
» » Check availability of this tour led by a former member of Scottish BAFTA «
Outlander Tours Glasgow
This Outlander day tour leaves from Scotland’s biggest (and best?!) city, Glasgow and not only focuses on the show locations but also the Jacobite story.
The 4th oldest university in the English speaking languages is used as the show’s Harvard University where Frank teaches.
Close to the University, you will find Kelvingrove Park aka Outlander’s Boston Park. In the city centre, head to the Glasgow Cathedral to see where Claire volunteers as a nurse at L’Hospital Des Anges in Paris.
Highlights include:
- Doune Castle, home of the Clan MacKenzie as well as Deanstoun Distillery, Jamie’s cousin’s warehouse.
- Culross (Claire’s garden) and Falkland (Inverness) in the Kingdom of Fife.
- Blackness Castle headquarters of Black Jack Randall.
- Meeting point: 266 George Street, Glasgow (08:30).
- Notes: refreshment stops along the way including a stop at Deanston Distillery.
- Price £39 per person.
» » Popular Glasgow tour check availability and book here « «
Inverness Outlander
So you’ve made it to Scotland’s real Inverness and now you are looking for an Outlander tour?
There is a one-day tour which shows you where Outlander got its influence from.
This Full-Day Outlander features the real Culloden (the filming location was Glen Affric) where Claire and Jamie said their tearful goodbyes.
It is also where the Jacobites, who were supporters of the Roman Catholic James VII of Scotland and II of England, took their last breath as they fought for their country on 16th April 1746.
The tour also includes a stop at Clava Cairns, a Loch Ness cruise (optional), lunch at Beauly and then a dram at a Highland whisky distillery.
10 Outlander Filming Locations – Where is Outlander Filmed?
1. Clava Cairns/Culloden
Although Culloden wasn’t officially used for filming, the event is such a major part of the series so visiting the battlefield is an emotional and saddening experience.
The award-winning visitor centre has brilliant exhibitions and a 360-degree immersion theatre puts you right in the centre of the battle.
There is an audio guide to listen to while you walk the battleground so you can listen to Gaelic, songs and tales and immerse yourself in the story of this momentous battle.
Nearby are the amazing Clava Cairns standing stones, including a majestic cairn with an atmospheric split.
However, it must have lost its magical power as there have been no reports of transportation, only visitors staying firmly in this century, disappointingly.
You may also like our Scotland-inspired gifts including Outlander ideas!
2. Highland Folk Museum
The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore is a favourite location used by the Outlander production team.
With the mighty Cairngorm mountains set as a backdrop, the 17th-century township really makes you feel like you are in the heart of the gritty Jacobite Highlands and lucky for us, it is live all year around.
You can witness how people used to live.
The township was used in the rent episode where Claire helped Dougal to collect the rent.
Every year the museum holds an Outlander day where you can “waulk the wool”, sing traditional songs and meet traditional crafters, Highland cows and fellow fans.
3. Doune Castle, Outlander
Another of the most popular locations, Doune Castle in Perthshire, was the setting for Outlander Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his Clan.
This 14th-century courtyard castle was also used for Monty Python and the Holy Grail and (this is a lesser-known) it was Winterfell in the pilot of Game of Thrones.
A castle of many talents! Update 2018, Netflix Outlaw King also used Doune Castle as Black Douglas’s home. Find out more here.
4. Falkland Outlander
Falkland, in the Kingdom of Fife, stood in for 1945 and 1960’s Inverness. The original thatched roof houses, cobbled streets and the pretty square made it the ideal location. Here you’ll find
- Mrs Baird’s B&B (which is actually functioning accommodation, check out availability at The Covenanter Hotel).
- Bruce Fountain where Jamie watches Claire in the window.
- Campbell’s Coffee Shop (same name in real life).
- Farrell & Sons Hardware store [Fayre Earth shop – repainted] is where Claire sees the blue vase.
Pre-Outlander effect, Falkland was a lovely village to visit, it’s great to see the show give visitors a catalyst to visit.
Falkland features as the 1940’s location in season one and then is revisited in season two when we skip to the 1960s Inverness.
5. The Reaper Tall Ship
Sailing off into the distance on the Cristabel might not be possible but you can see the two-masted ship itself in the harbour of the fishing village of Anstruther in Fife.
Anstruther is a popular Summer village in its own right, famous for its fish and chips!
Le Harve Port is actually located at Dysart Harbour near Kirkcaldy and also worth a visit to see where Claire and Jamie escape to France from.
Heading to Fife? Don’t miss our ultimate guide on what to do there.
6. Culross
If you want to see first hand what Scottish villages were like in the 17th-century visit Culross in the Kingdom of Fife.
This time warp is often said to be one of the most picturesque villages in the UK. Culross was used a lot during filming as Cranesmuir.
The ochre (yellow) Palace was used in filming and Claire’s herb garden is, in fact, the palace’s gardens, which you can explore.
The Mercat Cross was where the little boy had his ear nailed to the post and Geillis Duncan’s house is behind it.
A lot of Outlander action for such a small (but cute) village.
Dunfermline, next to Culross made it into the best places to visit in Scotland this year. Find out more here.
7. Bo’ness Railway
If you fancy a trip on a steam train while you are in Scotland why not visit Bo’ness Railway Station and take a journey on the same train Claire waved from? You can even have afternoon tea on board!
8. Blackness Castle
The formidable Outlander Blackness Castle, overlooking the Firth of Forth was the perfect choice as the show’s version of Fort William.
The castle was once used as a prison and a military fort and was built purely for defence.
The courtyard was the setting for the horrific scene of Jamie’s whipping and where Claire and Jamie ran along the walls to escape.
9. Midhope Castle aka Lallybroch
Yes, you can visit the home of Jamie at Lallyborch and see where he was flayed (whipped) at the archway.
This spot is usually very busy with tourists so you have to be patient!
The building cannot be accessed, only the exterior was used in filming Outlander, like many of the locations on the Outlander tours.
10. Outlander Standing Stones
So where is Craigh na Dun? Unfortunately, it doesn’t exist, but you can see where it was filmed if you look hard enough.
On the long, winding road between Queens View, near Pitlochry, to the village of Kinloch Rannoch, you may spot the hill, with the trees.
The producers added the stones. I have travelled this road at least ten times since I knew of the filming and I’ve yet to find it but I know others have. I know it’s on the left-hand side, that’s about it, so if you happen to spot it let me know.
Bonus: Glencoe
Glencoe is shown off beautifully at the very start at the opening credits and it’s the perfect place to truly see what makes Scotland so special.
If you ask any Scottish travel lover what their favourite place is in Scotland most will say Glencoe.
The huge, majestic mountains tower above you as you travel through and the scenery around you is truly stunning.
Looking to meet a man in a kilt? Here my guide on where to find them.
Frequently Asked Outlander Questions
- When will season 7 of Outlander be aired? Season seven has been confirmed!
- Where is the Outlander studio? Outlander is filmed at Wardpark Studios at Cumbernauld near Glasgow.
- Outlander Craigh na Dun – is it real? Unfortunately not, you would have to use your imagination near Kinloch Rannoch to find the location.
- Where are the standing stones used in Outlander? Like many good things in life, the standing stones are fiction but you can see similar standing stones around the UK.
Outlander Virtual Tour
Follow the steps of Jamie and Claire around Scotland without leaving your home.
All you need is access to Zoom and 1-2 hours to devote to Jamie. Not hard, right?
The super sweet Anne and Emma from the award-winning Mary’s Meanders have lots of experience of running Outlander tours, six years to be exact.
In this online Outlander tour, you join your guide and fellow Outlander fans/friends via conference call and enjoy a tour of some of the below Outlander locations in my home country, Scotland!
For more information and the booking form, click here. Tell them Two Scots Abroad sent you!
Final Thoughts
These locations are just the start. With more Outlander locations being added every year and Outlander Season 7 confirmed there will always be more.
You can download an Outlander locations map from Visit Scotland and why not consider an Outlander style wedding?!
Save for later + share with others Pin our Outlander map of Scotland
Are you an Outlander fan?
Tell us more in the comments below
» » Not found what you are looking for? Here are all of the Outlander tours in Scotland « «
This Outlander tour review is a collaboration with Gemma (Two Scots Abroad) and Nicola (FunkyEllas Travel). Nicola is a Scottish Travel blogger from, you guessed it, Scotland. She likes to inspire people to visit with epic tales from around the country. Nicola explores with daughter and pup and loves nothing better than a forest walk, a castle ruin or a beautiful beach. She loves the outdoors, colourful villages, quirky places to stay and good food to eat. A little Outlander obsessed and thrilled that it’s being filmed in Scotland so she can visit the filming locations. She’s also over the moon that it’s promoting Scotland’s stunning scenery.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to read the Outlander series yet, but that won’t stop me to visit these wonderful locations you listed. Thanks a ton!
I’m the same with Game of Thrones! Thank you, have fun.
I would love to visit these Outlsnder filming sites and hope to this season
I absolutely adore Culross, such a cute village in Fife! I hope you find something suitable to book from above and have a great time in Scotland when arrive. We have a full Scotland guide here if you are looking for more inspiration.
I did an Outlander tour around Fife before – it was great!! The show also really makes me want to visit Drummong Castle Gardens – the Versailles garden scenes were shot there, I think!
The new Netflix film, Outlaw King, was filmed in Dunfermline – excited to see it! Filming in Fife has had such a big impact on the region!
I still have a few of these to visit! Reading the series (even before the TV program!) is partly what made me want to come to Scotland haha.
I didn’t know that! Man, that’s some kudos to the books.
This series is doing wonders for Scottish tourism. I’ve always been a fan of the Highland Folk Museum and glad it’s getting the attention it deserves.
It really is! And now we have the Netflix Outlaw King – oooh!
As much as I’ve loved watching the Outlander series, I’m disheartened to find the ‘real’ location of the ‘real’ Jamie Fraser was never mentioned or used in the series and moreso for these tours. The fans are visiting a film set location, nothing to do with The Frasers at all. Foyers village on the South side of Loch Ness is where Jamie Fraser lived, his home, Foyers Mansion House was near the stone bridge in Lower Foyers. The cave he hid in for 7 years is near the Upper Falls of Foyers. The Outlander books and series are a wonderful mix of fantasy and romance, but let’s not forget they are based on historical events, people and locations. It would be sad to think that Jamie Fraser’s story could become just another fairytale – the truth and often harsh reality lost in the manufacturing of a Tourist Attraction.
They do visit the filming locations, there’s no shade about that!
Hi – Feasgar math! Have you been to the cave yourself? A film crew could not reach it and there is not much to view or film there as it’s very tiny, well hidden and difficult to climb to. Remember, the books did not mention the Foyers area either. Diana got the idea about the cave years from this real and historic James Fraser of Foyers, but I think it ends there. We take people up that side of the loch sometimes and stop to walk around the falls on our tours, but we decided long ago that it was not feasible or safe to take guests to the cave.
I’m assuming you mean shame? Not at all, I agree. But to include the real location of this historical story would surely not be beneficial?! Otherwise, it’s just another Harry Potter attraction.
James Fraser was real and stayed in Lower Foyers. He hid in a cave in the same location for about 7 years. At least include some of the actual facts of his story.
No shade, which means secret. There’s nothing Harry Potter about visiting Scotland’s historic castles and sites which were used in the filming of Outlander. I suggest you contact the tour operators to discuss their choice of filming location spots.
I truly enjoyed reading this article. So informative and the photos are great! Hope to some day visit Scotland and the sites you so beautifully described. Thank You!
Hope you make it too Dee!
Are they still actively filming at these locations? (obsessed series watcher over here) hoping to catch a glimpse at filming during a visit. Thanks for the complete guide – pinning for our future visit.
Haha! Unfortunately not. You’re best bet is to live in Scotland keep an eye out on social media for rumbles… Not very helpful, sorry. Great locations nonetheless.
Looking for a tour and stay in Scotland to enjoy all the sights of Outlander, we love the series and the interest its spawned for Scotland. My friend and I were thinking in the Spring of 2021, something short and sweet, say 4-5 days max. We’d love a nice room, meals included and a few fabulous tours to highlight the scenery of Outlander. Can you give us an idea and a price please. Suggestions welcome.
Thanks and regards,
Donna
Hi Donna. You can get full details by clicking through the links to the tours. Have a blast, Scotland awaits!
Hello,
What a fabulous Scottish destination trip! My husband and I love the Outlander series and he is part Scottish to boot! We’d love to do a full-blown Outlander tour, so it appears that we need to book each of the ‘options’ offered. I don’t see one trip that includes all trips. Please correct me if I’m wrong. Also, how do these trips accommodate a person who needs a walker due to a horribly bad back? Which trips are best for that reason as well?
Thank you and hopefully we’ll be able to travel safely (due to the pandemic) soon.
Best wishes,
RCP
Lovely to hear from you Paige! Could you send me an email and I will help get you in contact with the right people. You can reach me at [email protected] ~ Thank you! Gemma
Hi I am interested in the cost of the tour that takes you to the Outlander filming sights. Places to stay and if you have information on airfare, and which city to land at to be closer to the Outlander filming sights. Thank you.
Hi Kathy, you can click on any of the tours which suit your travel needs best. This will show you the prices. Edinburgh is the best location to land at as most tours leave from Scotland’s capital. However, you can take tours from Glasgow. Both city tours are described in the guide above. Best ~ Gemma
Oh so exciting!!! We are booked for a tour in April of 2022 through Tour The Scottish Highlands Limited or the Outlander Past Lives Experience…It’s a 7 day tour…Have you heard of this one?
Hi there Mamie! Thanks for taking the time to read our guide to the best Outlander tours and leave a comment. I’ve not seen these tours in action myself unfortunately. I’m sure you will have a fab time in Scotland!
I am wanted to book a 2 day Outlander tour. I have not be able to access your site to set up. This will be in May anytime between 22 – 27th. Can this be done by phone? Your help is most appreciated.
Thank you,
Pam
Hi Pam, you can click through the link to the tour that suits your travel needs best and book from there. Have a great time.