Edinburgh to Outlander Film Locations Day Trip & Castles

Summary

Walk the real Outlander sites from Edinburgh with stories and castle stops

You’ll step into Outlander’s world on this Edinburgh day trip—wandering Falkland’s streets where Claire walked, feeling history at Linlithgow Palace and Doune Castle, then pausing outside Lallybroch itself. With a local guide sharing stories and plenty of time for photos (and maybe some shortbread), you’ll leave feeling like you brushed against another time.

What’s the experience like?

Hands in pockets, I was squinting at the stone archway before our guide nudged me—“Recognize it?” It took a second, but then I saw it: Lallybroch, or well, Midhope Castle standing quiet under the Scottish sky. We’d started out early from Edinburgh, still half-awake as we rolled past the Forth Bridge (our driver called it “the old red one”—he’s right), but by the time we reached Falkland I was wide awake. The square looked almost too familiar—my friend kept pointing out spots where Claire and Frank wandered in the show. There’s something about seeing TV magic layered over real cobblestones that makes you grin for no good reason.

Culross was next—tiny winding lanes, painted doors, and a sharp sea breeze that smelled like salt and chimney smoke. Our guide, Jamie (not that Jamie), had this way of pausing just long enough for us to imagine Geillis Duncan peering out her window or Jamie Fraser riding up the lane. He told us about how locals sometimes watch filming from their windows—one lady even offered us shortbread when we got lost looking for the Mercat Cross. I tried to pronounce “Culross” properly; Jamie laughed and said even Scots get it wrong sometimes.

Doune Castle was an optional stop (we went for it). Inside those thick walls, you could almost hear echoes—Outlander scenes, sure, but also Monty Python jokes if you listened hard enough. Linlithgow Palace felt different: colder somehow, maybe because of all those empty windows staring down at you. Our guide pointed to a spot in the ruins and said quietly, “That’s where Jamie was held prisoner.” I didn’t expect to feel much standing there but…well, it stuck with me.

We finished at Midhope Castle for photos—no going inside (they’re strict about that), but honestly just walking around was enough. On the way back to Edinburgh we caught a last glimpse of the Forth Bridges in late afternoon light. It wasn’t fancy or perfect—the weather changed three times—but if you’re an Outlander fan or just curious about Scotland’s old bones, this day trip is worth every mile.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Outlander filming locations

• Visit Falkland, Inverness stand-in
• Explore Culross, Cranesmuir village
• Optional visit to Doune Castle
• Tour Linlithgow Palace ruins
• Photo stop at Midhope Castle
• Return to Edinburgh via Forth Bridges

Top questions

How long is the Outlander day trip from Edinburgh?

The tour lasts one full day with morning departure and evening return to central Edinburgh.

Is entry to Midhope Castle included?

No entry inside; visits are limited to photo opportunities outside as entry isn’t permitted.

Are lunch or meals included on this tour?

No meals are included; there’s free time in Linlithgow town with plenty of lunch options nearby.

Which Outlander filming locations are visited?

The tour visits Falkland, Culross (Cranesmuir), Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison), Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), and views of Forth Bridge.

Is hotel pickup available?

The tour includes drop-off in central Edinburgh city centre; pickup details should be confirmed after booking.

Can all fitness levels join this tour?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator.

Are there seasonal restrictions for any locations?

Midhope Castle is only available April through December; sometimes Doune Castle may be substituted for Blackness Castle depending on availability.

What’s included

Your day includes guided transport from central Edinburgh with a fully trained driver-guide who shares stories along the way. Entry fees are covered except where access is restricted (like Midhope Castle). There’s free time in Linlithgow town for lunch before returning to Edinburgh city centre in the evening.