Edinburgh: Outlander Day Trip Castles, Palaces & Filming Sites

Summary

Walk through Outlander’s Scotland from Edinburgh to Culross

You’ll step into Outlander’s world on this Edinburgh day trip—wandering Culross’s cobbled lanes, touching cold castle stones at Doune and Blackness, and hearing local stories from your guide. With transport included and plenty of time for photos (and maybe a sausage roll), you’ll feel both part of history and right in the middle of your favorite show.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t think I’d get goosebumps just standing in front of a pile of old stones, but there I was at the Tullyies Standing Stones, grinning like an idiot. Our driver-guide (I think his name was Stuart?) had this way of tossing out little stories that made even the wind feel like it was whispering something ancient. The bus was warm, thankfully—Scottish weather does what it wants—and everyone seemed just as excited to spot their first “Outlander” location as me.

Culross was next, and wow, that place really does look like you’ve walked straight into the 1700s. There’s this herbal smell in the air—maybe from someone’s garden or just damp stone—and I kept catching myself peeking around corners half-expecting Claire to pop out. Stuart pointed out the Mercat Cross and laughed when I tried to say “Cranesmuir” with a Scottish accent (definitely butchered it). It felt easy to wander here; locals didn’t seem bothered by us poking around with our cameras.

The drive towards Doune Castle went by in a blur of green fields and sheep—so many sheep. We passed Stirling Castle perched up high (I snapped a photo through the window but it came out blurry), then finally reached Doune itself. If you’re into “Game of Thrones” or even Monty Python, you’ll probably recognize bits of it too. Inside, the stones felt cold under my hands and there was this echo every time someone spoke—kind of haunting but comforting too.

Lunch at Linlithgow gave me time to thaw out and try a sausage roll (not bad). The palace grounds were muddy but worth it; looking out over the water, I got why royals would want to retreat here. Last stop for us was Blackness Castle—the so-called “ship that never sailed.” Walking along its walls with the Forth’s wind in my face made me feel small in a good way. The view down toward Edinburgh is something I still think about sometimes—grey water, those three bridges stretching across centuries. We didn’t make it to Midhope Castle since it was closed for filming, but honestly? Didn’t matter. The whole day felt like slipping between TV scenes and real life.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Outlander filming locations tour

• Photo stop at Tullyies Standing Stones
• Visit Royal Burgh of Culross village
• Pass Stirling Castle en route
• Visit Doune Castle (optional)
• Lunch and visit Linlithgow Palace
• Visit Linlithgow Palace and Wentworth Prison (optional)
• Visit Blackness Castle (optional)
• Visit Midhope Castle (optional, summer only)
• Visit Forth Bridges (winter alternative)

Top questions

How long is the Outlander day trip from Edinburgh?

The tour lasts one full day, departing from Edinburgh with several stops before returning in the evening.

Are entry fees included for castles on the tour?

No, entry fees for some castles like Doune Castle and Linlithgow Palace are optional extras.

Is lunch provided on this Outlander tour?

No lunch is not included; you’ll have free time at Linlithgow to buy your own lunch.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is not included; you meet at a central location in Edinburgh.

Is Midhope Castle always part of the itinerary?

Midhope Castle is only visited April–September if open; otherwise you visit Forth Bridges instead.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 4 years old so children can join if accompanied by adults.

Can wheelchair users join this Outlander day trip?

Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated if someone assists with boarding/disembarking.

Are digital translations available during the tour?

Yes, digital translations are available in several languages upon request including French and Mandarin.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned vehicle from Edinburgh with live commentary from a knowledgeable driver-guide throughout each stop. You’ll have time to explore filming locations like Culross village, Doune Castle (optional extra), Linlithgow Palace (optional extra), Blackness Castle (optional extra), plus see landmarks such as Stirling Castle and the Forth Bridges depending on season—all without worrying about logistics or getting lost along winding Scottish roads.