Picture credit: Clans and Castles
If you’re looking for the best Outlander tours of Scotland, you’re in luck! There are many excellent touring opportunities, and we’re happy to walk you through the top experiences.
“It was a beautiful bright autumn day, with air like cider and a sky so blue you could drown in it.”
This is one of the epic quotes taken from the historical romantic Scottish drama, Outlander. With a description like that, who wouldn’t want to head off on a stunning Outlander tour?
It’s a great time to visit Scotland and walk the steps of some of the country’s most historical experiences. If you’re an Outlander enthusiast - you’ll love these Outlander tours of Scotland.
An tòisich sinn? (That’s Gaelic for shall we begin?)
Top 5 Outlander Filming Locations
If you’re looking for Outlander tours of Scotland that will whisk you away - you’ve come to the right place.
Most of the activities in Outlander were set in the Scottish Highlands. However, many of the locations of the show were filmed in Central Scotland!
There are many beautiful places on the Jacobite trail. Let’s chat about some of the popular filming locations in Outlander.
Discover The Best Outlander Tours of Scotland
Picture credit: Clans and Castles
Glencoe
This is where the scenes from the opening credits of Outlander were filmed. Glencoe is situated in the Highlands, in Lochaber Geopark. The deep valley was carved out by glaciers and volcanic explosions centuries ago and is thought to be one of the most beautiful places in Scotland.
2. Kinlock Rannoch
The standing stones at Craigh na Dun aren’t real. You’ll remember these as Claire’s entry point in the show. However, you’ll recognise the beautiful scenery instantly in this filming location. If you’re interested in learning more about Craigh na Dun, read this article on the Outlander standing stones location.
3. Doune Castle
The famous 14th-century Castle Leoch, home of the MacKenzie clan in Outlander, is Doune Castle. It is found 33 miles northeast of Glasgow.
One of the most complete Medieval castles that you will find in Scotland, this labyrinth of rooms is fascinating to explore. If you’d like to know more about the castles used in Outlander, check out these Outlander stats.
4. Falkland
Claire starts her story in Inverness - and Falkland is where these scenes were filmed.
Remember when Claire sees the ghost of Jamie Fraser outside at the fountain? This was shot at the Covenanter Hotel, where you can stay! You can also see Bruce Fountain where the ghost scene took place.
Picture credit: Covenanter Hotel
5. Blackness Castle
You’ll recognise this 15th-century fort as Black Jack Randall’s Fort William in Outlander. Blackness Castle is nicknamed ‘the ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a boat.
This castle, in the first season of the series, is where Jamie gets flogged. In many Outlander tours of Scotland, you’re sure to see this castle! If you’re interested in this stunning architecture - check out some of the other castles in Outlander.
Outlander Tours Of Scotland We Recommend
The best Outlander tours of Scotland will transport you with Claire Randall, our Outlander heroine, back to 1743. You, too, can arrive at the standing stones at Craigh na Dun and watch the Battle of Culloden unfold.
If you’re interested in the storyline of Outlander, you may want to read about who the Jacobites were.
The Jamie and Claire Tour
This authentic Outlander tour in Scotland was created after a survey was done with Outlander fans. The survey asked enthusiasts what their ideal Outlander tours of Scotland would look like.
This is a wonderful tour to get a comprehensive Jamie and Claire experience. It is eight days long and takes you through the couple’s adventures.
The scheduled tours start and end in Edinburgh. They take Outlander tourists to over 16 Outlander locations during the adventure. You’ll visit locations such as the ancient standing stones of Craigh na Dun, and hunt for Claire’s kelpie in Loch Ness by land and boat.
You’ll see Hopetoun House where Sandringham lived, as well as Crainsmure, a village inspired by that which was frequented by Geillis Duncan.
There are many experiences to be had here! Storytelling, evenings of traditional music, meeting genuine Highlanders, learning bushcraft skills, and much more.
There are also optional extras that you can include if you really want to immerse yourself in 18th Century Scotland.
You can get the full itinerary here.
Picture credit: Jamie and Claire Tour
Outlander Classic Tour
This Outlander tour in Scotland is one of many small group tours, for a maximum of seven people. You’ll be travelling together on a nine-seater bus (driver and tour guide included in the numbers). If you’re looking for adventure and good company - this might be one of the ultimate Outlander tours of Scotland.
Starting The Journey
This seven-day Outlander Scotland trip starts at Falkland in Fife. This was the filming location for Inverness, where Claire was accused of witchcraft in episode 11 of season 1. You even get to stand in the dock where the accusation took place!
A visit to the Highland Folk Museum wraps up day 1 of this tour. Here, you can see the traditional village that was used for rent gatherings.
From Battles To Meeting The Prophetess
On day 2 you will visit the Culloden Visitor Centre, where you’ll learn about the exciting Battle of Culloden.
From there, you will head to the Fraser of Lovat clan lands and visit Beauly Priory. This was where Claire met the prophetess, Maisri. Beauly Priory is one of the three priories founded in Scotland for the Valliscaulian order of monks.
A stop at Clava Cairns and the stone circles wraps up your second day.
Tales From A Real Storyteller
On days 3 and 4, you’ll be exploring Loch Ness, Glenmoriston and Glenshiel (the site where another Jacobite battle took place).
You’ll also get to take a trip on the only remaining turntable ferry in Europe and hear from a local storyteller.
Picture credit: Clans and Castles
Tea With The Clan Chief
Day 5 will see you drive to the site of Fort William. While there may not be much left of the ruins, you’ll certainly feel like you’ve been set down in Outlander.
After this, you’ll move on to Glencoe and Rannoch Moor. This is a super exciting day, as you will also have high tea with a clan chief! In addition to this, you’ll get a private tour of his castle.
Filming Locations
On day 6, you’ll visit the filming locations of Doune Castle, Culross, Blackness Castle, and Midhope Castle. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it feels like to stay in a castle, day 6 is your opportunity! You’ll be spending the night in a castle just outside Edinburgh.
Wedding Bells For Jamie And Claire
Day 7 starts very romantically! You’ll get a private tour of the church where Claire and Jamie were married. Then you head across to visit Craigmillar Castle, which served as Ardsmuir in season 3.
The cost of this tour includes bed and breakfast for the duration of the tour, dinner on one of the nights, entry to the tour sites, and a range of other things. You can find further, more detailed information here.
The Outlander Trail
This is a 7-day, 6-night Outlander tour in Scotland. The big difference? This self-drive tour allows you the flexibility to spend more or less time at different suggested locations! You can even explore the areas around the sites a bit more thoroughly.
This is one of the best Outlander tours of Scotland for those who want to take their time during their trip.
Picture credit: The Outlander Trail
The Outlander experiences you’ll enjoy include walking through Clava Cairns and being in the space where the Highlanders fought the Battle of Culloden. You’ll also get to experience MacKenzie village life at the Highland Folk Museum.
You’ll visit the village of Falkland and explore Doune Castle, which doubled for Castle Leoch. Many other experiences will be brought into the mix.
The Trail is about 409 miles in total driving distance. Generally, it’s best to travel between April and October. Here’s a map for your travel route.
7-Day Outlander Tour Of Scotland
Take your Outlander tour of Scotland to the next level. A husband-and-wife team will guide you through some great Outlander filming locations. These tours are for a maximum of 6 guests. If you’re looking to book for a small group, this might be one of the best outlander tours of Scotland.
Photographs are included to capture your Outlander Scotland trip memories. This is a unique addition that ensures you can relive this tour!
This seven-day Outlander Scotland tour delivers a slightly different experience. It includes a Jacobite weapons demonstration, a visit to see the kelpies (waterhorses), a visit to a whiskey distillery, and afternoon tea at Culloden House.
Jamie’s Ghost
Visit Mrs Baird’s Guesthouse (The Covenanter Hotel) and the fountain from which Jamie’s ghost looked up to Claire’s room.
Take a walk around the fictional village of Cranesmuir, where Geillis lived. You’ll also be able to visit the beautiful garden where Claire and Geillis gathered herbs together.
Picture credit: Outlander Past Lives
Next, walk through the Black Kirk, where Claire and Jamie found the reason for a young boy’s illness. This section will be wrapped up with a bit of time spent at the French Port Of Le Havre. In Outlander, this was the landing site for Claire and Jamie’s escape to France.
From Jamie’s Home To Claire’s Kelpies
The second day of Outlander filming locations! Be swept along in a guided tour of Hopetoun House, and walk through the arch at Lallybroch. Visit Fort William, and see the kitchen where the Duke of Sandringham was beheaded.
Pack a couple of tissues for your visit to the railway station, where Claire and Frank said their goodbyes. Then get lost in wonder as you experience one of the largest equine structures in the world and Claire’s kelpie.
Into Glencoe
From Doune Castle to the famous chapel where Jamie and Claire hid from the Redcoats, day 3 is packed! These sites are sure to spark memories from the Outlander series.
You’ll drive through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. You may remember the Glen and outdoor scenes from Ardsmuir Prison in season 6.
Literature, Troops And A Final Resting Place
Walk around Beauly Priory and immerse yourself in the world of Outlander. Visualise the last of the government troops garrisoned in Urquhart Castle during the Jacobite Risings.
You’re allowed to get a bit sombre when you visit Wardlaw Mausoleum, said to be the final resting place of Simon ‘The Fox’ Fraser - Jamie’s grandfather in Outlander.
Picture credit: Outlander Past Lives
Your guides will take you to visit the underground crypt, which is said to contain his headless body. The body was smuggled across after his execution at the Tower of London.
But be crouss (that’s cheerful in Scottish slang), because your guides will then whisk you on to Castle Leod. This is the Seat of Clan MacKenzie and which has been home to MacKenzie clan chiefs for over 500 years.
If you love a sip of the finer things - this may be one of the best Outlander tours of Scotland. Enjoy a whiskey tasting if you’re keen for a bonailie - a parting drink.
Explore the buildings that remain of 18th-century architecture, including an ancient church where Jacobite prisoners were executed.
The Haunted Graveyard
On this day, you’ll be heading out to the Haunted Graveyard - a Lovat graveyard with a shocking story behind it. You’ll then move on to where Dun Bonnet lived and where his home once stood. Eilean Donan Castle follows, which is one of the most iconic castles in Scotland.
You’ll then head over to Skye, stopping briefly at Kyleachin - a small village with an exceptional view of Skye Bridge. Lunch at Portree is followed by stops at several historic sites in the Duirinish Peninsula.
A final stop at Sligachan ends off day 5.
Gateway Between Worlds
This day starts at the marvellous Standing Stones, which are over 4000 years old. These are the gateway of Claire’s time travel from 1945 to 1743 - and back.
Picture credit: Outlander Past Lives
A bit of time at the Culloden Battlefield, with a tour of the museum, is followed by the opportunity to experience a past life regression session if you choose to. If you want to know more about the Battle of Culloden, read this article on the Jacobite army at Culloden.
Next is an exciting Jabobite weapons demonstration, where you won’t only get to see the weapons! You’ll get to handle some of them yourself. Get ready to explore a flintlock musket and pistol, powder horn, dirk, and Sgian Dubh.
Afternoon tea at Culloden House is followed by personal time in Inverness. This is an opportunity for you to explore and experience the area at your leisure.
The Place Of Defeat
The final day of your seven-day tour starts in Cairngorm National Park at the Ruthven Barracks. This is where, according to lore, an estimated 2 000 to 3 000 men gathered to wait, following the Jacobite defeat at Culloden. The power of the space is almost palpable!
You’ll then move on to Craigh na Dun hill, and meander through the beautiful woodlands that were used in the filming of Season 5. Some of the tallest trees in Scotland are rooted here!
You’ll then travel back to magic and witchcraft at Cranesmuir Witch Trial Court. This location is infamous for the witch trial scenes of Claire and Geillis. You’ll even be able to stand in the pulpit where they were accused.
The tour ends at Perth train station, where you can travel to Glasgow or Edinburgh. You can also make your way back to Edinburgh Airport.
Picture credit: Outlander Past Lives
Virtual Tours Of Scotland
Virtual tours of Scotland work to improve accessibility to a variety of epic historical sites. These sites keep the history and Medieval experience of Scotland’s Outlander tours alive.
Virtual tours allow Outlander fans to experience the history behind Outlander, without needing to be in Scotland. These tours have become popular, and are a good alternative for those unable to make the trip.
Virtual tours can either be on-demand or live, with some incredible experiences available. You could choose to experience several tours! These include The Culloden Experience, Meet The Jacobite, Outlander Distilled, and more.
If you’re looking for Outlander tours of Scotland that don’t require you to break the bank - this might be for you!
Outlander Trail 4-Day Tour
This 4-day Outlander tour of Scotland will expose you to literature, film locations, prehistoric sites, castles, lochs and more. If you’re looking for exciting Outlander tours of Scotland - this may be the winner!
From Family Homes To Ghosts
Day 1 jolts you right back to the 16th Century. Your first stop - Jamie’s home, Lallybroch.
From there, you’ll head to Culross and see Claire’s herb garden, followed by a visit to the small town of Falkland. You can visit The Covenanter Hotel and look out of Claire’s window onto the fountain where Jamie’s ghost gazed up at her.
Onwards to Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum! Here, you will see replicas of 18th Century turf-roofed Highland crofts, and get a glimpse into how the Highlanders lived.
The Standing Stones Between Worlds
On the second day of your tour, start by visiting the mysterious site of Clava Cairns near Inverness. This is the location that inspired Craigh na Dun.
Picture credit: Secret Scotland
You’ll then head across to the Culloden Battlefield. You’ll be able to visit the site where Claire and Jamie parted ways when Jamie joined the Jacobite army to fight for the Stuarts.
The day ends in the heart of the Clan Fraser lands, where you can visit the tomb of Lord Lovat - the ‘Old Fox’ of the Jacobite rebellion.
Scottish Landscapes
On day three, a visit to Glen Affric will fuel your imagination. Look to the lochs, mountains and pine forests that were the backdrop to Highlander living.
Your exploration will take you through the Great Glen to Glenfinnan. You will overnight in Fort William, which is sure to entertain you.
Experience A Clan Home And A Prison
The final day of your tour takes you on a drive through Glencoe, and onwards to Doune Castle (also known as Castle Leoch).
The next stop is Linlithgow Palace, which houses Wentworth Prison. You might remember this from some particularly intense scenes!
Your final stop will be Blackness Castle, which represents Fort William. What a way to wrap up! If you’re looking for a great tour - this might be one of the top Outlander tours of Scotland out there!
Single Day Classic Outlander Tour
If you don’t have seven or eight days to explore your favourite Outlander spots, how about a whirlwind day trip? If you’re short on time, this might be at the top of your list of Outlander tours of Scotland.
Picture credit: Wikipedia
This eight-hour tour starts at Linlithgow near Midhope Castle. It takes you through a quicker - but no less authentic - experience of the Outlander series.
Passing the kelpies, you’ll head to Castle Doune - Castle Leoch in the series - and spend time exploring the 14th Century castle. Then you’ll stop off at Deanston Distillery for a dram or two of whiskey, before wandering through Claire’s herb garden behind Culross Palace.
A short drive takes you to the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. You’ll stop off at Blackness Castle, which can be found on the banks of River Forth.
Finally, if time allows, you will end off your day seeing Linlithgow Palace. This was the birthplace of Mary Queen Of Scots and the Outlander filming site for Wentworth Prison.
You can find more details and pricing here.
The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Experience
A one-day tour, this Outlander coach tour starts on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Your first stop will be Midhope Castle - the 16th Century backdrop to Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s family home in the series.
From there you’ll travel to Blackness, to visit Blackness Castle (an optional extra on this tour). You’ll also be seeing Linlithgow Palace - the site of Wentworth Prison in the Outlander series.
You’ll be visiting the Royal Burgh of Culross, to visit Claire’s herb garden. You’ll also experience Mercat Cross in Outlanders’ Cranesmuir Village. Don’t forget to stop in at Biscuit Cafe!
Take a drive across to Falkland to see where Claire and Frank stayed for their second honeymoon. From here, you’ll be able to peep through Claire’s window in The Covenantor Hotel. Who knows - maybe Jamie’s ghost will appear for you!
Picture credit: Wikipedia
The final leg of the journey ends at South Queensferry. Here, you can see the views over the Firth Of Forth, before heading back to Edinburgh.
Final Thoughts
Scotland is a country steeped in rich history - lords, castles, epic Highlander battles and more. The Outlander series takes viewers on a dramatic experience of Scotland.
What better way to immerse yourself in a beautiful place than to pair it with your favourite series? These Outlander tours of Scotland give you the perfect opportunity!
We hope you’ve picked out the perfect tour from this list of the best Outlander tours of Scotland. With so many tours on offer, you are spoilt for choice! Whether it’s a 14-day Outlander tour of Scotland or just a couple of hours - there’s an option for everyone.
