Glasgow to Outlander Castles: Filming Locations Day Trip

Summary

Outlander filming sites, Highland castles and Scottish tales

You’ll walk through real Outlander filming locations like Doune Castle and Lallybroch on this day trip from Glasgow with a local guide sharing stories and laughs along the way. Stroll cobbled streets in Culross, have lunch in Falkland by Jamie’s fountain, and end at Blackness Castle by the sea — it feels more personal than you’d expect.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the cold stone of Doune Castle — honestly, it’s bigger than I pictured from the show. Our guide, Isla, handed me a story about Clan MacKenzie before I’d even finished my coffee. She had this way of making 14th-century history feel like gossip you’d overhear at a pub. I tried to imagine Jamie riding up the muddy path (not easy with a minibus parked nearby), but somehow it worked. The air smelled faintly of wet grass and old wood inside. Someone in our group tried to quote a line from Outlander and totally blanked — we all laughed, even Isla.

Culross was next, and I’ll admit I didn’t expect much from “just” a village. But those crooked lanes and yellow-washed houses really do look like Cranesmuir — you can almost hear Claire’s footsteps on the cobbles if you stand still long enough. There was this little garden tucked behind a stone wall; Isla said they used it for Claire’s herbs. A cat watched us like it owned the place (probably does). Lunch in Falkland was slow and warm — soup that tasted like someone’s gran made it, right near the Bruce Fountain where Jamie’s ghost stood in episode one. Weirdly moving, just standing there.

I’d seen so many photos of Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), but being there is different — quieter than I thought, with wind rattling through empty windows. We all took turns posing at the door; some folks got emotional, which surprised me. The last stop was Blackness Castle out by the water — Fort William for Outlander fans. It’s got these battered walls and views over the Firth of Forth that make you feel tiny. On the way back to Glasgow, everyone was quieter than before. Maybe just tired or maybe letting it all sink in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Outlander castles and countryside tour

• Depart from Glasgow
• Visit Doune Castle (Castle Leoch)
• Explore Culross village and Claire’s herb garden
• Lunch and visit landmarks in Falkland
• Visit Midhope Castle (Lallybroch)
• Admire Blackness Castle (Fort William)
• Return to Glasgow for dinner

Top questions

How long is the Outlander castles day trip from Glasgow?

The tour lasts approximately one full day, returning to Glasgow in time for dinner.

Which Outlander filming locations are included on this tour?

You visit Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Culross (Cranesmuir), Falkland (1940s Inverness), Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), and Blackness Castle (Fort William).

Is lunch included on this Outlander day trip?

Lunch is not included; you have free time to enjoy lunch in Falkland at your own pace.

Are entry fees to castles included?

No, entry fees are not included; reserve tickets when booking if needed.

Is hotel pickup provided for this tour?

No hotel pickup is offered; you meet at a central departure point in Glasgow.

Can children join this Outlander filming locations tour?

Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.

Will we have a local guide during the whole tour?

Yes, an English-speaking local guide leads your group throughout the day trip.

What happens if one of the castles is closed for filming?

If a castle is closed for filming or other reasons, Linlithgow Palace will be visited as an alternative exterior stop.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable travel by air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking local guide who brings each location to life through stories and context. Entry fees are not included but can be reserved when booking; lunch is at your own pace in Falkland before heading back to Glasgow together in time for dinner.