Outlander Film Locations Private Guided Tour

A Charming Day Exploring Outlander Filming Locations in Scotland

If you’re a fan of the hit TV series Outlander, this private guided tour offers a perfect blend of Scottish history, stunning scenery, and on-screen magic. Starting from Edinburgh, this 8.5-hour journey takes you through some of the most recognizable filming locations, including Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), and the charming villages of Culross and Falkland. Costing about $956 for a group of up to six people, this tour offers a personalized experience with your own driver-guide—ideal for fans craving in-depth stories and authentic scenery.

What we especially love about this tour? First, the knowledgeable guides bring the locations to life with fascinating historical context and behind-the-scenes tidbits. Second, the stunning views at each stop—from crumbling castles to picturesque villages—are perfect for photos and memories. A minor consideration? Since admission fees to attractions are not included, you’ll want to budget for those separately. This tour is best suited for Outlander enthusiasts who enjoy a mix of scenery, history, and storytelling, and who appreciate a private experience that can be tailored to your interests.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with your own driver-guide
• Visiting iconic filming locations like Lallybroch, Castle Leoch, and Wentworth Prison
• Includes scenic stops in charming villages such as Culross and Falkland
• A mix of history and TV magic—perfect for fans and history buffs alike
• Travel time is efficiently managed, with plenty of time at each location
• Not including entrance fees means you can choose which sites to explore more deeply

A Deep Dive into the Outlander Tour Experience

This tour is designed to thrill Outlander fans while offering a comprehensive taste of Scottish scenery and history. Starting early at 8:30 am, you’ll hop into a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with your own driver-guide, ensuring a relaxing yet informative day. The fact that it is a private tour means you’re not rushing to keep up with strangers; you set the pace, linger at favorite spots, or skip over those less interesting for your group.

Exploring the Filming Locations

The first stop is Midhope Castle, famously known as Lallybroch, in the grounds of Hopetoun House. Although the castle is derelict and closed to inside visits, its drive-up view and exterior still make for a fantastic photo opportunity, especially since it is a favorite Outlander backdrop. The fact that it might be filming for season 7 or a prequel in 2024 adds an element of unpredictability but also excitement for Outlander fans. Remember, admission to Midhope is not included, so plan on a quick photo stop.

Next, you’ll visit Blackness Castle, perched on the River Forth, which served as Fort William in the series—home to the infamous Black Jack Randall. This well-preserved fortress, built as a prison, offers a striking blend of medieval architecture and historical significance. You’ll have about an hour here to walk around, soak in the views, and snap photos of the castle’s dramatic silhouette—perfect for capturing the series’ gritty aesthetic.

Then, the tour takes you to Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and the exterior location for Wentworth Prison in Outlander. While interior access is restricted at the time of visit, the palace ruins and surrounding grounds are worth exploring, especially if you’re interested in Scottish royal history.

The highlight for many Outlander fans is Doune Castle, which serves as Castle Leoch. This 14th-century marvel, originally built for the Duke of Albany, stands proudly on the River Teith. It’s a must-visit for its authenticity and connection to the series. You’ll spend about an hour wandering through its towers and courtyards, imagining the Scottish Highlanders inside.

Scenic Villages and Historic Towns

The tour also includes visits to Culross and Falkland—both remarkable for their preserved 16th and 17th-century architecture. Culross is used to depict Cranesmuir in the series and features cobbled streets and historic buildings that appear straight out of a storybook. The free visit allows you to stroll through the village, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere.

Falkland, often the first Outlander location introduced on-screen, doubles as Inverness, where Claire and Frank honeymoon. Its stately Falkland Palace, favored by Mary Queen of Scots, adds a royal touch to your visit. With an hour here, you’ll have ample time to explore the village streets, snap photos, and enjoy the scenery.

The Final Stop: South Queensferry

Rounding off the day, the picture-perfect South Queensferry offers magnificent views of the Forth Bridge, an iconic feat of Victorian engineering. This quick stop is mainly for photos and appreciation of the impressive bridge against the backdrop of part of the Firth of Forth.

What We Love About the Tour

Our favorite aspect is the personalized storytelling. With your own guide, the insights go beyond what you might find in a bus tour—stories about the castles’ history, filming secrets, and Scottish traditions. The guide’s deep knowledge makes each stop more meaningful, especially for fans who want to connect the series with real Scottish history.

We also appreciated how the timing is thoughtfully managed. With a total of around 8.5 hours, including travel, there’s enough time at each location to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and ask questions without feeling rushed. The tour’s flexibility makes for a relaxed day, perfect for soaking in the atmosphere.

Considerations Before Booking

Since admission fees are not included, you’ll want to factor in additional costs if you plan to explore the interiors of castles or palaces. For example, some locations may be closed to interior access, but the grounds alone offer plenty to see. Also, check the weather forecast, as a rainy day can impact some outdoor photo opportunities.

It’s also worth noting that the tour isn’t recommended for those who struggle with uneven surfaces or stairs, as some sites involve walking on uneven terrain or climbing stairs.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private Outlander tour is ideal for dedicated fans wanting to see the series’ iconic locations with a knowledgeable guide. It’s perfect for those who enjoy history, photography, and Scottish scenery and prefer a flexible, intimate experience. Families or groups who want a more personalized day out from Edinburgh will find this especially valuable.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a wonderful way to combine Scotland’s historic sites with your love of Outlander. The private format means more attention from your guide, who brings the series’ locations to life with stories and context. While you’ll need to budget for additional admission fees, the value of the customized experience and stunning scenery makes it worthwhile.

If you’re looking for a day that mixes Scottish castles, charming villages, and TV magic with insightful storytelling, this tour hits the right notes. It’s well-suited for fans eager to see the series’ filming locations in a relaxed, personal setting while learning about Scottish history and landscape firsthand.

FAQs

Are admission fees included in the tour price?
No, the tour price does not include admission fees to the attractions. You might need to pay separately if you choose to access interior sites where available.

How long is the drive between locations?
Travel time between stops is typically between 15 minutes and one hour, allowing for a comfortable pace and plenty of scenic views.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour involves walking on uneven surfaces and stairs at some locations, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and your camera. Bottled water is provided, but you might want extra snacks or a packed lunch since food is not included.

Can I customize the itinerary?
As a private tour, your guide can tailor the experience to your interests within the scheduled stops and duration.

Is this a full-day tour?
Yes, the tour lasts approximately 8.5 hours, including travel time, making it a full but manageable day for most travelers.

What is the maximum group size?
Up to six people, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

This Outlander filming locations tour is an excellent way to connect Scotland’s history and landscapes with the beloved series. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the storytelling, or the series’ magic, you’ll come away with memorable photos and stories to share.