From Glasgow: Outlander Castles and The Scottish Countryside

Exploring Scotland’s Outlander Filming Locations: A Practical Guide

If you’re a fan of the hit series Outlander or simply love the idea of stepping into a series of stunning castles and quaint villages, this full-day tour from Glasgow offers a well-balanced blend of history, scenery, and pop culture. We looked into what makes this 13-hour adventure worth your time—and what to keep in mind before booking.

What immediately stands out is the chance to see famous filming spots like Doune Castle, known as Castle Leoch, and the peaceful grounds of Midhope Castle, Lallybroch. Plus, the relaxed pace through charming villages like Culross and Falkland adds a layer of authenticity that’s rare in fast-paced day trips. The tour is praised for its breathtaking scenery and knowledgeable guides, making it an engaging experience for Outlander fans and casual travelers alike.

That said, the tour skips entry to key castles, which means you’ll be viewing them from the outside only—something to consider if interior visits are important to you. Also, the 13-hour duration might be long for some travelers, especially those with tight schedules or young children. It’s a day best suited for those who appreciate scenic drives, historical sights, and a bit of storytelling along the way.

This experience is perfect for Outlander enthusiasts, history lovers, or anyone craving a comprehensive taste of Scottish landscapes and castles in a single day. If you enjoy guided stories, scenic stops, and authentic outdoor settings, this tour could very well become a highlight of your trip to Scotland.

Good To Know

• Authentic filming locations bring Outlander to life outside the TV screen.
• Beautiful Scottish landscapes and seaside vistas are a major highlight.
• Informative guides enhance the experience with background stories.
• Limited castle interiors mean exterior views only at some sites.
• Flexible booking options with free cancellation and pay later features.
• Comfortable transportation and audio guides make the day smooth and engaging.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deep Dive Into the Outlander Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins at Buchanan Street Bus Station in Glasgow, with a prompt 15-minute check-in. The tour uses comfortable coach transportation, and an English-speaking guide leads the way, ensuring you’re never short of interesting tidbits. The coach is praised for its cleanliness and spaciousness, which makes the long day more bearable.

The journey from Glasgow is around an hour to Doune Castle, giving you time to settle in and get excited about the day ahead. The tour also provides audio guides in multiple languages—including Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Mandarin—which is a thoughtful touch for international travelers.

First Stop: Doune Castle (Castle Leoch)

The first major stop is Doune Castle, famously known as Castle Leoch in Outlander. Built in the 14th century, this fortress offers a real-life glimpse into medieval Scottish architecture. We loved the way the guides paint a vivid picture of Highland life, and the castle’s raw stone walls evoke a sense of history.

While you can’t enter the castle itself, the exterior alone is captivating and invites fans to imagine Jamie Fraser’s world. Visitors have reported it’s a “spectacular backdrop” for photos, especially with the lush surrounding landscape. Some mentioned that the grounds offer a great setting for storytelling, helping you feel part of the series’ universe.

Charming Culross (Cranesmuir)

Next is Culross, a picturesque village that served as Cranesmuir in the show. Here, you’ll get free time to explore the cobbled streets and discover Claire’s herb garden. Several reviews mentioned the charm of this place, highlighting its authentic 17th-century buildings and historical vibe.

Travelers appreciated the relaxed walk through Culross, noting it feels like stepping back in time. The well-preserved architecture and scenic waterfront make it a great spot for photos, and some even found the visit to be a peaceful contrast to the more dramatic castles.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Falkland: Inverness in 1940s

Falkland is the next stop, a small town doubling as 1940s Inverness. Besides enjoying the quaint, historic streets, visitors often find Falkland to be a “delightful change of scenery” with its preserved period architecture. The tour includes a break for a leisurely lunch, which many reviews say is a good chance to relax and take in the views.

One of the highlights here is visiting the Bruce Fountain, where Jamie’s ghost first appeared in the series’ opening. Several guests mentioned how this spot lends a touch of magic to the day, blending fiction and reality seamlessly.

Midhope Castle (Lallybroch)

After lunch, the coach takes you to the iconic Midhope Castle, known as Lallybroch. While you cannot go inside, simply standing in front of this famous Scottish estate makes fans’ hearts race. The peaceful grounds and scenic surroundings offer fantastic photo opportunities.

Guests commented on how “standing here feels like stepping into the show,” and the quiet atmosphere encourages reflection on what Jamie Fraser’s life might have been like. In bad weather, the castle’s exterior still looks stunning against the lush greenery.

Blackness Castle (Fort William)

The final filming location is Blackness Castle, which starred as Fort William. Perched above the Firth of Forth, the castle’s panoramic views are truly breathtaking. Here, you can walk around the ramparts and soak in the spectacular scenery, making it a perfect photo stop.

Visitors often note how Blackness Castle’s dramatic silhouette against the water makes for a memorable ending. It’s also a good spot to take in the last glimpses of Scottish coastline before heading back to Glasgow. The return journey is about an hour, giving you time to reflect on the day’s sights.

Practical Details & What’s Not Included

The tour covers transportation and guiding services, with audio guides in multiple languages. However, entrance fees to Doune, Blackness, and Midhope castles are not included, so you’ll be viewing most sites from the outside. Most travelers find this is a fair trade for the immersive experience and scenic stops.

The day lasts roughly 13 hours, so packing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing is essential. The tour also advises bringing a camera to capture the stunning vistas and historic architecture.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This outing is ideal for Outlander fans, of course, but also for travelers craving a full-day immersion into Scottish scenery and history. If you enjoy guided storytelling and picturesque settings, you’ll find this tour engaging. It’s also a great choice if you’re short on time but want a comprehensive taste of the Highlands’ best-known filming locations.

However, if interior castle visits or a shorter schedule are priorities, you might want to consider other options. The tour’s focus on exterior views and scenic drives means it’s best suited for those comfortable with long days and outdoor sightseeing.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded experience blending Scottish history, breathtaking landscapes, and Outlander magic. The guide’s storytelling, combined with stunning views at each stop, enriches the visit far beyond just ticking locations off a list. The outdoor settings and photo opportunities are plentiful, making it perfect for those who love scenery and authentic atmospheres.

While it doesn’t include interior castle access, the exterior views combined with the scenic drives and charming villages more than compensate. The flexible booking options, including free cancellation and the ability to reserve now and pay later, make it accessible for most travelers.

Overall, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re eager to explore some of Scotland’s most iconic filming locations with ease and comfort. The long day is balanced with plenty of memorable sights and stories, making it a compelling choice for Outlander fans and scenery seekers alike.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is provided in a comfortable coach from Glasgow to all the key sites and back.

Are entry tickets to castles included?
No, entry to Doune, Blackness, and Midhope castles is not included, so you’ll view these from the outside.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a camera are recommended to make the most of your day.

Can children join this tour?
Yes, children aged 5 and above can participate, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 13 hours, including travel time and sightseeing stops.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
It’s not recommended for wheelchair users, especially since some sites are only viewable from the outside, and the group is usually on foot at each location.

In essence, this Outlander tour offers a mix of stunning scenery, historic sites, and TV magic, making it an appealing choice for those wanting a scenic, story-filled day trip from Glasgow.

You can check if your dates are available here: