Nothing says love like the Netflix drama, Outlander, a combination of fantasy, action, and romance. Most of the action takes place in atmospheric Scotland, in and around fantastic castles with breathtaking views imbued with Scottish Gaelic. Just by watching it you get drawn to this mysterious world where you could easily be Claire Randall or Jamie Fraser.
Well, imagine how it feels to actually see those places in real life. Walking in the footsteps of such great warriors, passing through alleyways still hearing whispers of love and visiting enchanted places where blood was shed for country and love.
If you haven’t watched it, just be prepared to be swept up in your own love story, as these Scottish sights will make you fall in love for sure.
Start off in Edinburgh
Image by Peter H from Pixabay
Although not part of the Outlander filming locations, Edinburgh is a jewel of a city with the old town full of old-world charm. While you might think Paris and Rome should be on your list, you should definitely give Edinburgh a chance.
After walking the streets of the old town and stopping for some chocolate in the narrow streets, you can head over to the Royal Observatory for some stargazing.
As the night comes upon you, commence your first story of this Scottish journey at the Mary King’s Close, a historic close located under buildings on the Royal Mile. Walk along the 17th century streets and even pass by abandoned houses.
Address: Warriston's Close, 2, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, United Kingdom
Continue to Falkland or 1940s Inverness
Image by NT Franklin from Pixabay
Claire’s story starts in 1940s Inverness, which was actually filmed in Falkland, a heart-breakingly beautiful village at the foot of the Lomond Mountains. Just an hour drive from Edinburgh, lies the honeymoon destination of Claire and Jonathan, Scotland’s first conservation area. You can even stay at the guest house featured in the show, the Covenanter Hotel. If you wish to be completely immersed in the Outlander story, you can book this whole day tour from Edinburgh, that will show you rural landscapes, an expansive coastline, and gorgeous rolling hills.
Doune Castle or Castle Leoch
Claire’s next important stop is at Castle Leoch, in real life known as Doune Castle. Built in the late 13th century, due to its geographic location in the centre of Scotland, it was of immense importance. Doune Castle has survived, relatively unchanged and complete. It is not only featured in the Outlander but also in ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ and in the pilot scenes of Game of Thrones as Winterfell.
Address: Castle Hill, Doune FK16 6EA, United Kingdom
Culross or Castle Leoch’s garden and Cranesmuir
Image by Emphyrio from Pixabay
Although you might think they are in the same place, Claire’s herbs garden is actually situated in Culross, a charming village on the north shore of the Firth of Forth, behind Culross Palace. The quaint garden and beautiful village is the home of Claire's friend, Geillis Duncan and is featured a lot in the show and for good reason.
Linlithgow Palace or Wentworth Prison
Image by Amanda Llewelyn-Jones from Pixabay
You’ll understand why we chose the starting point of this article’s story in Edinburgh. Our next location is Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots (true story), built in the 15th century. In the Outlander story this is Wentworth Prison, where Jamie is taken and treated gruesomely, however, the castle is much nicer in real life and definitely worth the visit.
Address: Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL, United Kingdom
Blackness Castle or Fort William
Image by Maksym Symonenko from Pixabay
Another place of torture for Jamie, Black Jack Randall’s Fort William, is Blackness Castle. The castle wears the nickname of "the ship that never sailed" because of how much it is shaped like a boat. From here enjoy breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and marvel at the castle's immense fortifications.
Address: Blackness, Linlithgow EH49 7NH, United Kingdom
You can also book the whole tour package departing from Edinburgh here.
Midhope Castle or Lallybroch
Midhope is a 16th century tower house that rises up on the outskirts of magnificent Edinburgh, on the Hopetoun Estate. It is portrayed as Jamie’s home in the show and while the castle is not safe for entering, the surrounding area will for sure bring back many memories of the show. On the same estate also lies Hopetoun House (Bellhurst Manor), the Duke of Sandringham’s estate.
Address: Midhope Castle, Abercorn, South Queensferry EH30 9SL, United Kingdom
You can book a visit for Midhope Castle also through this tour departing from Edinburgh.
If you decide to start your journey in Glasgow, you can visit all of the Outlander filming locations on this tour.
