From Edinburgh: Outlander, Palaces, and Jacobites Day Trip

From Edinburgh: Outlander, Palaces, and Jacobites Day Trip

This full-day tour from Edinburgh whisks you through some of Scotland’s most iconic filming locations and historic sites, including Culross, Blackness Castle, and Linlithgow Palace. At just $74 per person and around 9 hours, it offers a well-rounded taste of Scotland’s scenic beauty, history, and pop culture, especially if you’re a fan of Outlander. The tour is operated by Timberbush Tours, known for their knowledgeable guides and smoothly run trips.

We particularly enjoy how this experience combines stunning landscapes with film history in a relaxed, approachable way. The stops at Culross and Blackness Castle stand out for their authenticity and cinematic appeal, making you feel like you’ve stepped right into the scenes of your favorite series. Plus, the optional visits to Doune Castle and Hopetoun House add extra layers of Scottish history and grandeur.

One potential drawback is that entry fees to the attractions are not included in the price, so you should budget for those extras if you want to go inside the castles or visit specific film sets. The group size tends to be small and intimate, which many reviews praise for the friendly atmosphere and personalized attention. This tour suits Outlander fans, history buffs, and anyone keen to see a slice of rural Scotland without the hassle of driving themselves.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Film Locations & Historic Sites: Visit famous Outlander filming sites like Culross and Blackness Castle.
• Authentic Scottish Villages: Explore Culross, a beautiful 17th-century village often seen in the series.
• Stunning Castles & Ruins: See Doune Castle, used in multiple films, and Stirling Castle from afar.
• Flexible Options: Additional visits to Hopetoun House or Midhope Castle depending on the season.
• Guided Experience: Enjoy insights from well-informed guides, with reviews highlighting their humor and knowledge.
• Value for Money: The price covers transportation, commentary, and scenic stops, with optional extras available.

A Deep Dive into the Outlander, Palaces, and Jacobites Tour

For fans of the hit TV show Outlander or those simply interested in Scottish history and scenery, this day trip from Edinburgh makes the past and present seamlessly collide. Here’s how each part of the itinerary shapes up and what you can expect.

Starting Point and Departure

The tour begins at Castle Terrace outside the NCP Car Park, a central and convenient location in Edinburgh. From there, a comfortable air-conditioned coach whisks you north across the Firth of Forth, giving you a chance to settle in and soak up the stories that your guide will share throughout the day.

Tuilyies Standing Stones: A Touch of Time Travel

Your first stop is the Tuilyies Standing Stones, reminiscent of the markers frequently seen in Outlander. These stone arrangements serve as powerful symbols of Scotland’s prehistoric past and make for an atmospheric start to the day. Expect some light walking and plenty of photo opportunities. Several reviews mention how visiting these sites transports you to the series’ mystical world, making them a highlight for fans.

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Culross: A Living Film Set

Next, you’ll head to Culross, a charming village that looks like it’s frozen in time. Its 17th-century architecture and quaint streets made it a perfect choice for filming Claires herb garden and Cranesmuir Village in Outlander. Visitors often praise the authenticity of Culross, describing it as a “textbook example of a Scottish village” and noting its picturesque lanes and well-preserved buildings.

If you’re a Outlander aficionado, you’ll love imagining Claire wandering through these streets or tending her herbs at the very spot used in the series. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed strolling through the village and soaking in the atmosphere. Just be aware that entry to some sites might require an additional fee, which is not included in the tour price.

Doune Castle (Optional)

On the way south, there’s an optional stop at Doune Castle, famed for its role as Castle Leoch in Outlander and recognized from Game of Thrones and Monty Python. Known for its medieval charm, the castle offers fantastic photo ops and a tangible sense of history. Some reviews emphasize how worthwhile it is, especially for fans, even if there’s an extra cost involved.

Stirling Castle and Scenic Views

From afar, you’ll pass Stirling Castle, an imposing fortress perched atop a volcanic rock. While you won’t explore the interiors on this tour (unless you take additional options), the view of the castle and the city below is spectacular. Many travelers appreciate this quick glimpse as it contextualizes Scotland’s medieval importance.

Linlithgow Palace: Royal Retreat & Outlander Filming Location

The next stop is Linlithgow Palace, where you’ll have time for lunch and to explore. The palace’s stunning grounds and lofty ruins are perfect for wandering and imagining the royal banquets or the scenes from Outlander set here, such as Wentworth Prison. Reviewers highlight how this site combines history and scenic beauty effortlessly, and some appreciate the optional visit to Outlander’s Wentworth Prison.

Blackness Castle: The Ship That Never Sailed

Your journey continues to Blackness Castle, affectionately called “the ship that never sailed” due to its unique shape protruding into the Forth. Used as Fort William in the series, this fortress offers dramatic vistas of the water and Edinburgh beyond. Many reviews praise Blackness for its authenticity and the spectacular views looking back towards Edinburgh’s three bridges.

Final Highlights: Midhope Castle or Forth Bridges

Depending on the time of year, you’ll either visit Midhope Castle, known as Lallybroch – Jamie Fraser’s family home – or the Forth Bridges, a marvel of engineering spanning three centuries of construction. Midhope offers a chance for photos and a step into Fraser family life, while the Forth Bridges showcase Scottish ingenuity and provide a fitting end to the day’s sightseeing.

Return and Flexibility

The tour concludes back in Castle Terrace in Edinburgh. Many guests choose to stay and explore the city further, while others head back to their accommodations, still buzzing from the day’s adventures.

What Travelers Are Saying

The positive reviews highlight several recurring themes. Many travelers mention how guides like Jamie, Wendy, and Santa Paul bring Scotland’s history alive with stories, jokes, and local insights. The small group size often mentioned makes for a friendly, personalized experience, with plenty of room for questions and photos.

The stunning scenery and film locations are frequently praised, especially Culross and Blackness Castle, which many describe as “breathtaking” and “authentic.” The value for money is also a common compliment, considering the transport, commentary, and scenic stops included, with additional attraction entries being reasonably priced.

Some guests, however, note that entry fees are not included, meaning you’ll need to budget extra if you want to explore inside places like Midhope Castle or Hopetoun House. Others mention the importance of comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as Scotland’s outdoor weather can be unpredictable.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This 9-hour Outlander, Palaces, and Jacobites day trip is ideal for those who want an easy, well-organized way to see a variety of film sets, castles, and scenic sites without the hassle of driving. If you love Outlander or appreciate historical castles and landscapes, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here. The expert guides and small-group atmosphere enhance the experience, making it both informative and fun.

However, if you’re someone who prefers to explore sites at your own pace or needs full access to attractions, be prepared to pay extra for entry. For travelers with limited time or those wanting a comprehensive day of Scottish scenery and history, this tour offers great value and memorable sights.

Overall, whether you’re a Outlander fan or simply looking to get a taste of Scotland’s rugged beauty and storied past, this trip balances entertainment, education, and breathtaking views.

FAQ

Are the attractions included in the tour?
No, entry fees to castles and film locations are not included. You’ll need to pay separately if you wish to go inside.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 9 hours, starting and ending in Edinburgh.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as you’ll be outdoors and walking at several sites.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 4 years old and isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, based on the provided info.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Castle Terrace outside the NCP Car Park in Edinburgh.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking is flexible with the “Reserve now & pay later” option.

Is food included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there will be time for lunch at Linlithgow.

Are guides available in other languages?
The tour is offered in English; other languages are not mentioned.

What if I want to visit inside certain sites?
You should budget for additional entry fees if you want inside access to castles or film sets.

Is this tour good for history buffs?
Absolutely. The guide’s commentary, combined with the scenic stops, makes it engaging for those interested in Scottish history and culture.

This tour offers a thoughtful, engaging way to explore Scotland’s film heritage and historic sites, perfect for fans and newcomers alike. It balances scenic beauty with authentic storytelling, making it a memorable day out from Edinburgh.

You can check availability for your dates here: