Outlander Adventure Small-Group Day Tour from Edinburgh
Overview
There are moments that make your heart pound, scenes that leave you on the edge of your seat, and kisses that cause you to blush.
But no matter how thrilling Outlander is, we think the real-life sites are even more emotive.
This is because visiting the locations lets you step back in time and wander through unchanged, ancient villages. It gives you the chance to gaze up in awe at the mighty walls of a 600-year-old castle. And it allows you to venture through the real battlefields of the Jacobite uprising.
On this tour, your guide takes you through a fantastic array of Outlander sights while telling you all about the history that inspired the famous show.
So, take this time-travelling adventure and discover that the real locations and history are as exciting as the show itself.
Itinerary
Time for your own Outlander adventure. You leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series.
First, we travel to the place that needs no introduction: Midhope Castle, known as Jamie’s lovely home Lallybroch. And you'll get a warmer welcome than he did. The cosy interior of the house has been re-created in the film studios. In reality, visitors can’t explore the ruins of the castle but you can sit on the iconic steps of Lallybroch and wait for Jamie or Claire to walk through the beautiful archway in the courtyard.
We then journey through the charming countryside to Blackness Castle. It’s an impressive fortress that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat. You have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall. Just pray you don't run into him...
The next stop is Linlithgow Palace, otherwise known as Wentworth Prison. It’s also where you have lunch, so try local specialities or have a picnic by the loch and take a photo of the ruins of Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace.
Heading north, we journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building represents home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in the 18th-century episodes. When you visit, you can discover its real story and get an insight into the living conditions of a Scottish earl in the 14th century. There’s also an excellent audio guide describing how this castle was used as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Travel back in time once more as your driver-guide takes you to Culross. This virtually unchanged 16th-century village overlooks the sea and poses as the fictional town of Cranesmuir. You have time to visit Claire’s herb garden, explore the palace, or wander the ancient streets while you imagine what life must have been like 400 years ago.
From there, we head back to Edinburgh, where we arrive in the late afternoon.
Tour Attractions
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
Blackness Castle
Doune Castle
Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.
Additional Information
Tour Details
- Starts
Check-in closes at 09:15 (tour departs at 09:30) - Edinburgh Bus Station Pick Up, Gate J and Gate K, inside Edinburgh Bus Station, St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
- Finishes (approx.)
17:45 - Edinburgh Bus Station Drop Off, George St / St. Andrews Square area, (Within 5 mins of Edinburgh Bus Station), Edinburgh,
- Luggage
You're restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
- Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
Important information
Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
- The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
- Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
- If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.
Highlights
- Midhope Castle - Jamie’s family home, Lallybroch, is as lovely as it looks in the show.
- Blackness Castle -The tough-looking castle looks like it could fend off an entire empire. And in Outlander, it impersonates Fort William.
- Linlithgow Palace - This pretty palace is a favourite of ours because of its connection to Mary, Queen of Scots. It’s also known for one of the most intense scenes in the Outlander series…
- Culross - This 16th-century village poses as Cranesmuir in Outlander. It also starred in the movies: Captain America: First Avenger and The 39 Steps.
- Doune Castle - In Outlander, it’s the fictional Castle Leoch. And in reality, it’s a stunning castle with a tall gate house, an impressive greathall, and lovely views of the River Teith.
What's included
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Attraction entry tickets
Know before you go
Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes. Some attraction tickets can be purchased in advance when you book your tour. You’ll have the option to add at check-out. Other attractions will not be available to book beforehand, instead you can purchase those while on tour.
Cancellation policy
You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure