From Glasgow: Castles, Clans & Outlander Day Tour

From Glasgow: Castles, Clans & Outlander Day Tour

If you’re a fan of the hit TV series Outlander, or just love Scottish castles and landscapes, this day trip from Glasgow offers a wonderful blend of history, scenery, and storytelling. For around 9.5 hours, you’ll visit some of the most recognizable filming locations from the series—like Doune Castle, Midhope Castle, and Falkland—and explore the charming villages that bring the Scottish Highlands to life. The tour is run by Haggis Adventures, and it promises an engaging journey into both the fictional and real world of Scotland’s past.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines spectacular views with the chance to walk through actual locations that look straight out of the show. The small-group format means more personalized attention from the guide, and you’ll get plenty of time to explore each site at a relaxed pace. Plus, the inclusion of local guides and the scenic drives through the Highlands add a layer of authenticity that makes this more than just a movie-location tour.

A potential consideration is that entry to some castles like Midhope, Blackness Castle, and Doune Castle isn’t included in the price, so you’ll need to budget for those tickets separately. Plus, the itinerary can sometimes change, so don’t expect a rigid schedule—flexibility is part of the experience.

This tour suits lovers of Outlander, history buffs, and anyone eager to see Scotland’s beautiful landscapes in a day. If you’re traveling from Glasgow and want a comprehensive, well-organized trip to some of the most photogenic and storied sites, this tour offers excellent value for its price and duration.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Iconic filming locations from Outlander, including Doune Castle and Midhope Castle
• Charming villages like Culross and Falkland, with authentic Scottish character
• Beautiful Highland scenery and views over the Firth of Forth
• Small-group experience for more personalized attention
• Flexible itinerary with some optional shopping and exploring time
• Extra costs for entry tickets to some castles not included in the price

The Experience in Detail

Visiting Doune Castle: Stepping into the Past

Your day begins early, meeting at Buchanan Street Bus Station in Glasgow. After a scenic hour-long drive into the Highland landscape, you arrive at Doune Castle. This 14th-century fortress is instantly recognizable for fans of Outlander as Castle Leoch, the home of Clan MacKenzie. Wandering through its rugged stone walls, you’ll get a real sense of medieval life—imagine the clatter of swords and the glow of torches in the dim corridors.

The castle is quite photogenic, and it’s a perfect spot for some photos that could easily pass for a scene from the series. While the tour doesn’t include entry fees, the castle’s external beauty and historic charm are enough to make you want to return for a more in-depth visit later.

Exploring Culross: The Fictional Cranesmuir

Next, we head to Culross, a tiny village that looks like it’s been frozen in time. It’s the actual filming location for Cranesmuir, the fictional town where Claire and Jamie encounter many adventures. The cobbled streets, historic buildings, and herb garden give you a real taste of 18th-century Scotland.

Walking through Culross, you can imagine Claire strolling through her herb garden or Jamie exchanging words with local villagers. The guide often points out highlights, but you’ll have around 70 minutes of free time here—plenty to explore, take photos, or pick up a souvenir in the quaint shops.

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Falkland: Where Ghosts and Fountains Come Alive

Your next stop is Falkland, a charming town that doubled as 1940s Inverness in the series. The highlight is the Bruce Fountain, where Jamie’s ghost first appears—an eerie yet beautiful spot that stirs your imagination.

In Falkland, you’ll find a perfect blend of history and Scottish small-town charm. After grabbing some lunch (not included), you can wander the streets, soak up the atmosphere, and stand at the very spot where some of the show’s most mysterious moments unfolded. The entire visit here lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you enough time to imagine the stories behind the scenery.

Midhope Castle: Lallybroch

The visit to Midhope Castle is always a highlight for Outlander fans. Known as Lallybroch, this estate is home to Jamie’s family in the series. While the interior has been left in ruins, the grounds are open for exploration. The castle’s picturesque setting, with rolling hills behind, makes it a perfect photo opportunity.

Here, you might find yourself pondering the lives of the fictional MacKenzies and feeling a bit like a character in the show. Though the interior isn’t accessible, the exterior, combined with the peaceful surroundings, offers a strong sense of connection to the story.

Blackness Castle: Fort William and More

Your final filming location is Blackness Castle, which served as Fort William in Outlander. Perched on the Firth of Forth, Blackness is a formidable fortress with commanding views over the water. It’s a great spot for photos—think panoramic vistas and ancient stone walls—and for imagining the tense scenes that might have played out there.

The visit lasts about an hour, providing ample time to walk around the ramparts and take in the views before heading back to Glasgow. The return journey is scenic, and you’ll arrive back just in time for dinner, still buzzing with stories from the day.

Practicalities and Value

Transportation and Group Size

The tour is conducted in a comfortable coach, with a small group size that assures more personal attention from your guide—likely a highlight for many travelers. We found that the guide was knowledgeable and friendly, often sharing extra tidbits about the locations beyond the show’s filming.

Pricing and Entry Fees

While the ticket price includes transportation and a live guide, keep in mind that you will need to buy separate tickets for entry into castles such as Doune, Midhope, and Blackness if you want to go inside. This adds to the overall cost but is typical of castle tours. We believe that the scenic drives, expert guiding, and stops at iconic sites make this a worthwhile investment.

Timing and Flexibility

With a start around mid-morning and a return before dinner, the tour balances sightseeing with enough leisure time at each stop. The itinerary may shift slightly due to weather or traffic, but this flexibility helps ensure a smooth experience.

Accessibility and Considerations

The tour isn’t suitable for children under five or wheelchair users, mainly because of the walking involved at the sites. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as some parts of the tour are outdoors and subject to the Scottish weather.

Reviews and Common Experiences

One reviewer shared frustration over the audio guide arrangement, noting that they paid nearly £260 but only three guides were available for five people. They expected an individual guide or a tablet for each person, which wasn’t the case. This highlights the importance of managing expectations regarding added extras.

Otherwise, travelers love the stunning views, the chance to walk through real filming locations, and the intimate feel of the small-group setting. Many describe the experience as a highlight of their Scotland trip, especially if they’re Outlander fans.

The Sum Up

This From Glasgow: Castles, Clans & Outlander Day Tour is a fantastic way to explore some of Scotland’s most iconic castles and villages in one day. It’s perfect for Outlander lovers, history buffs, or anyone seeking scenic vistas and authentic Highland charm. The combination of carefully chosen locations, engaging storytelling, and comfortable transport offers genuine value for the price.

While there are some extra costs for castle entries and a few logistical quirks, these are minor compared to the overall experience. The small-group format ensures you won’t feel rushed and can ask questions or linger at favorite spots. The views, the stories, and the chance to walk where the characters once did make this a memorable day out from Glasgow.

For travelers who want a balanced mix of scenery, history, and fiction, this tour hits the mark. It’s a well-organized, engaging way to step into Scotland’s past and Outlander world—an experience you’ll cherish long after you return home.

FAQ

Are meals included in this tour?
No, lunch and drinks are not included. There is time at Falkland for you to find a local spot or bring snacks for the journey.

How long is the bus ride between stops?
Bus journeys vary from approximately 35 minutes to 1 hour, providing scenic views along the way.

Can I visit the castles inside?
Entry to Midhope, Blackness, and Doune Castles isn’t included in the tour price, so you’ll need to buy tickets separately if you want to go inside.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under five due to the walking involved and the nature of the sites.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised, as some parts of the day are outdoors and the weather in Scotland can change quickly.

Will I get audio guides?
The tour includes live guiding in English and audio guides in several languages for some stops. However, some reviews mention limited audio guides, so plan accordingly.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible to fit your plans.

Are the stops flexible or just fixed?
The itinerary can change slightly due to weather or traffic, but overall, the stops and timing are generally consistent and planned for a full day of sightseeing.

Whether you’re a die-hard Outlander enthusiast or simply want to enjoy Scotland’s natural beauty and historic sites, this tour from Glasgow provides a well-rounded, enjoyable experience that captures the spirit of the Highlands and its legends.

You can check availability for your dates here: