Outlander filming locations in Scotland: sites to visit

The Outlander filming locations attract fans from all over the world to Scotland every year. Medieval castles, preserved villages and Highland valleys: the series has indeed showcased some of the most beautiful sites in the country.

In short: Around Edinburgh: Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Hopetoun House, and Craigmillar Castle. In Fife and near Stirling: Culross, Falkland (which serves as Inverness's equivalent), and Doune Castle (also known as Castle Leoch). In the Highlands: Glencoe, Rannoch, then Culloden and Clava Cairns near Inverness. Ideally, allow six days to visit all these places, from Edinburgh to Inverness.

Here are the main locations to visit, their role in the series, and a suggested route between them. Most are located less than two hours from Edinburgh. Between locations, also explore... What to do in Edinburgh.

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Outlander filming locations around Edinburgh

Midhope Castle, aka Lallybroch

This 15th-century tower house represents Lallybroch, the estate of Jamie's family. It is located on the Hopetoun estate, west of Edinburgh. However, check access conditions before visiting, as the site is private.

Hopetoun House

Located nearby, this sumptuous residence notably served as the setting for several aristocratic interiors in the series. Its gardens and views of the Firth of Forth are also worth a visit.

Blackness Castle, aka Fort William

On the shores of the Firth of Forth, Blackness Castle represents the garrison of Fort William, where Captain Randall holds sway. Its shape is reminiscent of the prow of a ship.

Linlithgow Palace, aka Wentworth Prison

The ruins of this royal palace, where Mary Stuart was born, served as the setting for Wentworth Prison. They are located about thirty minutes from Edinburgh by train.

Craigmillar Castle and Old Edinburgh

South of the capital, Craigmillar Castle notably served as a filming location for scenes in the third season. In the Old Town, Bakehouse Close, near the Royal Mile, was used as Jamie's printing shop.

Outlander filming locations in Fife and near Stirling

Culross, aka Cranesmuir

This remarkably well-preserved 17th-century village embodies Cranesmuir, the village of Geillis Duncan. Its cobbled lanes and ochre houses give the impression of stepping back in time.

Falkland, aka Inverness

In the heart of Fife, the village of Falkland played the role of Inverness in the 1940s, at the very beginning of the series. Its royal palace can also be visited.

Doune Castle, aka Castle Leoch

Near Stirling, Doune Castle represents Castle Leoch, the castle of the MacKenzie clan. Incidentally, film buffs will also recognize sets from Monty Python and the Holy Grail!

Outlander filming locations in the Highlands

The Highland landscapes finally appear throughout the series. The Rannoch region and the Glencoe valley, in particular, provided their panoramas for the opening credits and outdoor scenes. Glencoe also served as a backdrop for Harry Potter in Scotland.

Near Inverness, the Culloden battlefield then recounts the Jacobite defeat of 1746, which lies at the heart of the plot. The nearby Clava Cairns standing stones are often cited as a source of inspiration for the Craigh na Dun circle. To understand this period, read our article on...’history of Scottish clans.

What route should I take to visit the Outlander filming locations?

• Days 1 and 2: Edinburgh, Craigmillar Castle, Midhope Castle, Hopetoun House and Blackness Castle.
• Day 3: Linlithgow Palace, then Culross and Falkland in Fife.
• Day 4: Doune Castle and Stirling.
• Day 5: the Rannoch and Glencoe region.
• Day 6: Inverness, Culloden and Clava Cairns.

Six days is therefore sufficient for the essentials. If you have more time, extend your trip to include Loch Ness, as detailed in our guide. What to do around Loch Ness.

Our tips for visiting Outlander filming locations

• Book your visits in the summer first, as the most popular sites are very crowded.
• Several castles, such as Doune, Blackness, Linlithgow and Craigmillar, are also part of Historic Environment Scotland: a pass may therefore be worthwhile.
• Then check the winter hours, which are often reduced.
• Finally, rent a car to easily connect the sites of Fife and the Highlands.

To discover other fortresses, also check out our selection of most beautiful castles in Scotland. The official website VisitScotland It also offers a map of the locations featured in the series.

Also read: Things to do in Inverness: sightseeing, Culloden and Loch Ness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Castle Leoch in Outlander?

Castle Leoch was filmed at Doune Castle, near Stirling, about an hour from Edinburgh.

Can we visit Lallybroch?

Lallybroch corresponds to Midhope Castle, on the Hopetoun estate, west of Edinburgh. The site is privately owned: so check access conditions before you go.

Which village served as the setting for Cranesmuir?

This is Culross, a 17th-century village located in Fife.

How many days does it take to see the Outlander filming locations?

Allow approximately six days to travel between the sites around Edinburgh, Fife, Stirling, and the Highlands as far as Culloden. To extend your trip to the Cairngorms and Fort William, see also our 8-day Outlander tour in Scotland.

Where are the Craigh na Dun stones located?

The circle in the series is a set design. However, the standing stones of Clava Cairns, near Inverness, are often cited as a source of inspiration.

Visit Outlander filming locations with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, our Edinburgh-based team organizes tailor-made trips following in the footsteps of the series. We book tours and choose accommodations close to the locations.

Discover our Outlander tour of Scotland or our road trips in Scotland.

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