Edinburgh: Outlander Film Locations & Scottish Castles Day Trip

Five Scottish Castles in One Day: Where Outlander Was Really Filmed

You visit five filming locations across the Scottish Lowlands and Fife in a single day: Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Culross (Cranesmuir), Falkland (1940s Inverness), and Blackness Castle (Fort William). A local guide provides the history and behind-the-scenes detail at each stop, and transport, the vehicle, and all entry fees except Linlithgow Palace (if substituted) are included. The tour runs around eight hours with a lunch break, and groups are capped at ten people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Doune Castle1h
2. Culross1h
3. Falkland45m
4. Blackness Castle55m

Outlander film locations tour

• Visit Midhope Castle (Lallybroch)
• Explore Doune Castle (Castle Leoch)
• Stop at Culross village (Cranesmuir)
• Visit Falkland village (1940s Inverness)
• Tour Blackness Castle (Fort William)

The experience

You're in the minibus before nine, heading out of Edinburgh with nine other people and a guide who knows which scenes were shot where and why the producers chose each location. The first stop is Midhope Castle (Lallybroch, Jamie's home) a real 17th-century fortress that sits quietly in farmland, nothing like the glossy version on screen. Your guide walks you through the grounds and explains what the show changed, what it kept, and the actual history of the families who lived there. It's the kind of detail that makes the difference between a photo stop and understanding why this place mattered.

After that you're at Doune Castle, one of Scotland's best-preserved medieval strongholds, used as Castle Leoch in the series. You get time to explore inside: climb the stairs, look out from the ramparts, read the plaques about who built it and when. The guide doesn't follow you room to room. Instead they point out which scenes were filmed in the courtyard or the great hall, then let you wander. If Doune is closed for filming that day (it happens), you visit Linlithgow Palace instead, where Mary Queen of Scots was born and where other Outlander scenes were shot. There's a small entry fee for Linlithgow if that's the swap.

Lunch happens somewhere in the middle, and then you're into the Kingdom of Fife: Culross first, a village so perfectly preserved from the 17th and 18th centuries that it barely looks real. This is where Claire was accused of witchcraft in the show, and the cobbled streets and stone cottages do feel like stepping into another time. Your guide tells you the actual history of the burgh alongside the Outlander plot, so you're not just standing in a set. You're standing in a place that has its own story. After that, Falkland, a village with 28 listed buildings that was dressed up to look like 1940s Inverness for the show. The contrast between what's real architecture and what's set dressing becomes obvious once someone points it out.

The last stop is Blackness Castle, a 15th-century fortress on the Firth of Forth that doubled as Fort William. By then you've been moving for most of the day, but the light usually hits the water well in the late afternoon, and the castle sits right on the shore. The drive back to Edinburgh takes about an hour depending on traffic. Groups stay under ten people, which means the minibus doesn't feel crowded and the guide can actually hear questions. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in. The bus won't wait for late arrivals, and the tour runs on a fixed schedule.

What’s included

• Your day includes hotel or city pickup (arrange in advance), air-conditioned minibus transport to and from Edinburgh, a local English-speaking guide at all five locations, and entry to Midhope Castle, Doune Castle (or Linlithgow Palace if Doune is closed), Culross, Falkland, and Blackness Castle. A lunch break is built into the itinerary. Return times are approximate and depend on traffic and weather.
• allow at least three hours after the scheduled return time for onward travel or connections.

Options for this experience

2 options

Day trip from Edinburgh to Outlander film locationsGuide in English · 08:45

Entry to castles is included in the tourGuide in English · 08:45Doune, Midhope and Blackness

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:45

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (17 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (5 to 16 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Audio guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd

Is this one for you?Book this if you're an Outlander fan who wants to see the real filming locations without renting a car or planning five separate stops. The guide handles the history and logistics, and the small group size means you're not herded through like a tour bus crowd.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 16 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the Outlander day trip from Edinburgh?

Around eight hours total, including stops at five locations, a lunch break, and travel time to and from Edinburgh.

What happens if Doune Castle is closed?

You visit Linlithgow Palace instead, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and another Outlander filming location. There is a small local entry fee for Linlithgow.

What's included in the tour price?

Air-conditioned transport, a local English-speaking guide, and access to the filming locations. Entry fees to Doune Castle and most other sites are included. Linlithgow Palace has a separate fee if it's the substitute stop.

What's the group size?

Maximum ten people per booking, which keeps the minibus small and the guide accessible.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure for check-in. The bus will not wait for late arrivals or offer refunds if you miss the start.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is listed as suitable for all fitness levels, but it involves walking around castles and villages. Check with the operator if you have specific mobility concerns.

Can the itinerary order change?

Yes, the order of stops may change depending on conditions, and the tour may occasionally run on a larger bus due to vehicle availability.