Are you dreaming of a grand Outlander tour of Scotland? Whether you’re a fan of the books, the TV show or both – browse this list of Outlander locations in Scotland to put together your itinerary in Claire and Jamie’s footsteps.
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Outlander is a worldwide phenomenon that has put Scotland on the map for many of its fans. Set in the serene Scottish Highlands, the Starz TV show is based on books by American author Diana Gabaldon. It tells the story of WW2 nurse Claire Randall who travels back in time and forms an unbreakable bond with the Highland warrior Jamie Fraser.
The show stars Catriona Balfe and Sam Heughan in the leading roles (Claire & Jamie), and features many memorable faces, such as Tobias Menzies as Frank Randall, Graham McTavish as Dougal MacKenzie, Duncan Lacroix as Murtagh Fitzgibbons Fraser and Lotte Verbeek as Geillis Duncan/Edgars.
Since Outlander premiered in 2014 it has helped many fans fall in love with Scotland and attracted them to visit in large numbers.
Shot on location all over Scotland and in purpose-built studios near Glasgow, there is no shortage of Outlander filming locations to visit.
This blog post contains:
- a detailed list of Outlander locations in Scotland,
- a map showing you the exact locations of where Outlander was filmed and
- lots of tips for visiting these sites yourself.
To make it easier to pick sites for your itinerary, I’ve highlighted some of my favourite Outlander sites with a star: ★
Use my Outlander itinerary to plan your Outlander tour around Scotland!
Outlander Filming Locations in Scotland: The Map
Outlander Locations in Edinburgh
Bakehouse Close & Tweedale Court
Tucked away from the Royal Mile, Bakehouse Close was the setting for Jamie’s print shop and where Claire reunited with Jamie following years of separation in season 3. Nearby Tweedale Court was featured during historic Edinburgh street scenes.
While the main road is bustling with tourists, shops and buskers, these hidden courts and closes can feel like taking a step back in time. Part of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the archway above Bakehouse Close dates back to 1570.
You might also like: My 2-day city guide for Edinburgh
Colonnades at the Signet Library ★
The beautiful Georgian interior of the Signet Library in Edinburgh’s Old Town was transformed into the Governor’s Mansion in Jamaica. The library is home to the prestigious Society of Writers to His Majesty’s Signet, which dates back to the 15th century.
How to visit: The library is open for legal business only but you can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the elegant Colonnades all year round.
Anatomy Lecture Theatre at University of Edinburgh
The historic anatomy lecture theatre at Summerhall was used to film the scene when Claire meets Joe Abernathy at the start of their medical studies.
How to visit: The room is frequently open for public events and if you contact Summerhall you may even be able to arrange a visit inside.
Craigmillar Castle
Easy to visit from the city centre, the ancient Craigmillar Castle is built around a tower house from the 1300s. The castle was home to Mary Queen of Scots in 1566 before it became her prison following her arrest in 1567.
In season 3 of Outlander, it plays the role of Ardsmuir Prison.
How to visit: Managed by Historic Scotland, the castle is open to visitors all year round.
Newhailes House
Located on the far east side of Edinburgh, Newhailes House is a Palladian mansion with stunning views of the Firth of Forth.
Its lavish exterior is used as an Outlander film location as the Governor of North Carolina’s mansion.
How to visit: Pre-booking for tours of the house is advised. National Trust for Scotland members enjoy free access – become a member here.
World’s End Pub ★
The World’s End Pub in Edinburgh is only featured in the Outlander books and was not used as a film location. However, its historic interior with low ceilings and exposed wooden beams surely served as inspiration for the sets of Scottish pub scenes in the show. Visit for a pint and a trip back in time.
Outlander Filming Locations near Edinburgh
Midhope Castle ★
Arguably one of the most popular Outlander film locations in Scotland, the 15th century Midhope Castle is the external location for Lallybroch – the Fraser family home.
Sitting on the wider Hopetoun Estate, the interior of the castle is not open to the public due to dereliction but there are plans to refurbish the castle to make it accessible in future.
It’s still one of the most popular Outlander filming locations to visit though. As you walk up the driveway from the car park, you could believe you’ve travelled back in time yourself.
Blackness Castle
Standing guard over the Firth of Forth, around 20 miles west of Edinburgh is one of the strongest fortifications in Scotland: the 14th century Blackness Castle.
Known as ‘the ship that never sailed’ due to its unusual bow-shaped front, Blackness is one of the significant castles in Outlander as it represents Fort William in the drama.
Jamie’s incarceration and horrific attack by Black Jack Randall in season 1 and 2 two were filmed at this imposing fortress. The castle is also used as the location for Black Jack’s horrible attack on Claire.
How to visit: Managed by Historic Scotland, the castle is open to visitors all year round.
Hopetoun House
The beautiful stately home of Hopetoun House near South Queensferry is one of the key Outlander sites in Scotland and it features in many scenes in the show. It provides the setting for the residence of the Duke of Sandringham in season 1. Interior scenes were filmed in the Red Drawing Room, while the Sea Trail and West Lawn at the rear of the house played host to the duel between the duke and the head of the McDonald clan.
A thrilling sword fight in season 1 takes place at the rear steps of the house, while the courtyard behind the Stables Tearoom is transformed into a Parisian street location in season 2.
How to visit: Hopetoun House is open for visitors from Easter until October.
Top tip: James from Parkhead House, a B&B on the estate, offers private Outlander day tours, which includes stops at Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle and Hopetoun House.
Preston Mill ★
Jamie Fraser’s mill at Lallybroch is actually the historic Preston Mill in the village of East Linton. The mill features in an iconic scene in season 1, whereby Jamie dives into the mill water to escape being captured by the Redcoats.
How to visit: The mill is open for tours from April to October, but you can explore the tranquil surroundings on a walk year round. National Trust for Scotland members enjoy free access.
Abercorn Church
Situated on the grounds of Hopetoun Estate, Abercorn Church dates back to the 16th century – even though parts of the buildings to back to the 1100s.
The graveyard of the church was used in the season 4 scene where Brianna visits her father’s grave in Boston.
How to visit: The cemetery of Abercorn Church is open to the public, but visiting the inside is restricted to certain Sundays in the summer.
Linlithgow Palace
In 1542, one of Scotland’s famous rulers, Mary Queen of Scots, was born at Linlithgow Palace.
Most of the scenes of Jamie’s incarceration at the Wentworth Prison were filmed at this 15th century palace.
How to visit: The site is managed by Historic Scotland and is currently closed for masonry inspections. When it reopens, you will be able to explore the palace’s ruined interior and go up the tower to admire the breath-taking surrounding views. For now, you can only see the exterior from the car park.
Glencorse Kirk ★
You will recognise this romantic setting as the location used for Jamie and Claire’s wedding in season 1.
How to visit: Just 20 minutes from Edinburgh, the 17th century church can be toured with the private owners of the estate or booked for weddings or events.
Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway
A short drive from Edinburgh is the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway in West Lothian, another iconic Outlander film location. Transformed into a 1940s railway for the show, this is where Claire and Frank part ways. Hop on board a steam train to tuck into a very Instagrammable afternoon tea.
Arniston House
Arniston House is the 16th century stately home of the Dundas family. It features as the entrance and lobby of the theatre in Wilmington attended by Claire and Jamie with Governor Tyron in season 4.
How to visit: Situated near Gorebridge, south of Edinburgh, the house is open for guided tours from May to mid-September. Advance booking is advised. The grounds are free to visit during the same period.
Gosford House
Situated in Longniddry in East Lothian, the exterior of Gosford House was used as Helwater Estate, the private residence where Jamie works after his imprisonment and fathers his illegitimate son.
The lavish interiors and the impressive Marble Hall was used as the interior for Ellesmere Manor.
How to visit: The house is open for tours during the summer.
Beecraigs Country Park & Muiravonside Country Park
Beecraigs Country Park and Muiravonside Country Park near Linlithgow are among the many woodland parks that are featured throughout Outlander.
Beecraigs Country Park features in season 4 as the woodland where Claire gets lost after a storm. Muiravonside Country Park is the backdrop of the Battle of Prestonpans in season 2.
Tyninghame Beach
Used to film the suspenseful meeting between Claire, Brianna and Bonnet in season 5, this sandy beach between North Berwick and Dunbar is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast. The island you’ll see in the distance is Bass Rock, home to one of Scotland’s largest gannet colonies.
The Mart, East Linton
The hexagonal timber building of The Mart in East Linton is featured in Outlander’s season 5 as the location of the Wilmington Fight Club.
How to visit: The Mart houses a community hub and is regularly used for public events.
Outlander Locations in the Scottish Highlands
Culloden Battlefield ★
The Battle of Culloden is a significant historic event in the Outlander universe and possibly the most important battlefield ties to Jacobite History.
The actual scenes depicting the battle in season 2 were filmed in Cumbernauld Glen, but there is a moment later on where Claire visits the historic battlefield and the real stone for Clan Fraser.
How to visit: The battlefield is free to visit year round. The visitor centre contains a fascinating exhibition about the Jacobite Rebellion. National Trust for Scotland members enjoy free access to the visitor centre.
Nearby you can visit the standing stones and chambered tombs at Clava Cairns – not a film or book location, but a great location to be in the presence of these ancient monuments.
You might also like: How to spend one day in Inverness
Kinloch Rannoch
For those of you wondering ‘is Craigh na Dun a real place’… it is, and it isn’t!
Many Outlander fans have travelled across the Highlands to find the famous standing stones of Craigh na Dun. There is a hill site near Kinloch Rannoch that was used to film these iconic scenes of Outlander, but there is unfortunately no real stone circle there. The stones were built as props for the TV show.
However, Kinloch Rannoch is still a popular Outlander sites to visit. It features in the opening credit of the show and recent reports have confirmed that the film crews have returned for season 7.
Highland Folk Museum ★
The Highland Folk Museum is Britain’s first open air museum. It tells the story of the early Highlanders and features many historic buildings from around the Highlands, including a settlement with authentic blackhouses.
The blackhouse township was used to film village scenes in Outlander’s first season to give a realistic impression of 18th century Highland life.
How to visit: The museum is free to visit from April to October, but donations are encouraged.
Listen to my podcast The Land of Stories to learn about the Highland Folk Museum and Badenoch!
You might also like: My Badenoch Travel Guide for Kingussie, Newtonmore & co
The Hermitage ★
The Hermitage is a stunning woodland near Dunkeld in the Scottish Highlands. It was used for dramatic exterior shots during Outlander’s season 5.
How to visit: It’s worth going for a short walk from the car park towards St Ossian’s Hall to see a historic stone bridge over a tumbling waterfall. National Trust for Scotland members enjoy free parking.
Drummond Castle Gardens
The ornate gardens of Drummond Castle near Crieff is one of Europe’s most important and impressive formal gardens. Unsurprisingly, they were the perfect location to film Outlander scenes set at the lavish gardens of Versailles (season 2).
How to visit: Drummond Castle Gardens is open to the public from June to October.
Tibbermore Parish Church
Tibbermore Parish Church near Perth dates back to the 17th century. Its interior was used as the setting of season 1’s witch trial of Claire and Geillis.
How to visit: The church is open for visitors from April to October, or by request.
Dunkeld House Hotel
Did you know that even when the story moved to America, the crew was still filming Outlander in Scotland?
The woodlands on the grounds of Dunkeld House Hotel were used to shoot scenes set in the North Carolina wilderness (season 4).
Glencoe ★
The unforgettable, dramatic landscape of Glencoe is easily one of the most breathtaking Outlander locations to visit, even though it only features in the opening sequence.
How to visit: There are many scenic car parks throughout the glen. To learn more about the glen, its history and its natural environment visit the Glencoe Visitor Centre. National Trust for Scotland members enjoy free parking at the visitor centre.
You might also like: My Travel Guide for Glencoe
Rothiemurchus Forest
Rothiemurchus Forest is one of the most significant Outlander sites in Scotland – after all this is where Claire first meets Jamie after travelling through the stones!
The estate lies just south of Aviemore and offers many trails and guided activities to explore the woodlands.
How to visit: The woodland featured in that fateful Outlander scene is at Tulloch Ghru, which is accessible on foot.
Faskally Forest, Pitlochry
Among the many woods used to film scenes in the American wilderness, Faskally Forest near Pitlochry features in season 4 scenes involving Roger and a tribe of native Americans.
Outlander Sites in Central Scotland
Doune Castle ★
You may recognise the exterior of Doune Castle as Castle Leoch, the home of the MacKenzie clan. Claire and Frank visit the ruins post-war but Claire sees the castle in all its glory when she travels back in time.
Situated near Stirling, the 14th century castle is a popular film location. Much of Monty Python and the Holy Grail was shot here, as were the Winterfell scenes in the pilot of Game of Thrones.
How to visit: You can take a tour through the castle with part of the audio guide narrated by Sam Heughan who plays Jamie Fraser.
Culross & Culross Palace ★
The pretty village of Culross (in Fife)had a starring role in Outlander as Cranesmuir, the home of Claire’s friend Geillis Duncan. It was used for films set in the village and during the witch trial.
Did you know that the buildings around the market cross had to be painted to make them seem grittier? Today, the square looks like a box of candy.
The garden of Culross Palace was used to film scenes in Claire’s herb garden.
How to visit: Culross Palace is open to the public from April to October. National Trust for Scotland members enjoy free access.
Falkland & Falkland Palace
When Outlander fans get to Inverness, they might be surprised that it looks entirely different than in the show!
That’s because Inverness in Outlander is actually the town of Falkland, an hour’s drive north of Edinburgh. Claire and Frank honeymoon here after the war.
The Covenanter Hotel was completely transformed for the show to become Mrs Baird’s B&B which overlooks the Bruce Fountain where Jamie’s ghost is first seen. Shop fronts and windows around the main square are also featured. For the 17th century scenes, the market cross had to be painted to make it grittier to resemble Scotland at the time.
Falkland is one of the most popular Outlander film locations in Scotland. You can stay at the Covenanter Hotel and stroll around the charming town, visiting Fayre Earth gift shop (i.e. Farrell’s Hardware and Furniture shop) and Campbell’s Coffee House along the way.
Falkland Palace is used as the apothecary where Claire meets Mary Hawkins
How to visit: Falkland Palace is open to the public from March to October. National Trust for Scotland members enjoy free access.
Falkland, Culross and Doune Castle are popular places to visit on Outlander day tours from Edinburgh, like this one.
Gray Buchanan Park
A wooded area in Gray Buchanan Park near Polmont was transformed into a North Carolina cemetery – complete with fake gravestones – for season 4.
Loch Katrine ★
Loch Katrine in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is a popular place to visit on a day trip from Glasgow – and it’s also where Brianna and Roger first spend time together in season 2.
How to visit: Immerse yourself in Highland scenery on a walk along the shore of Loch Katrine, and/or take a cruise aboard the Sir Walter Scott Steamship.
Aberdour Castle
Castles in Outlander include Aberdour Castle in Fife which was actually transformed into a monastery for filming. Claire and Murtagh bring Jamie here after his time in prison. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle is among the oldest in Scotland. During the Renaissance it was a luxurious home.
How to visit: Managed by Historic Scotland, there is currently no visitor access to the castle but the driveway and walled gardens are open.
Dysart Harbour
Can you believe that the French port of Le Havre in the 1740s was actually shot near Edinburgh?
Scotland becomes France with the portrayal of the scenic Dysart Harbour near Kirkcaldy as the port of Le Havre. Claire and Jamie land here when they escape to France and this is where they meet the Comte St. Germain.
How to visit: Explore the conservation area around the harbour and wander along Fife Coastal Path, with a stop at the Harbourmaster’s House for a drink.
The Reaper sail ship at the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther
Seen in the Le Havre port in season 2, the Reaper is one of the last authentic vessels of her kind. Berthed at the Scottish Fisheries Museum in Anstruther, she has been restored to her original look.
How to visit: You can arrange access to the historic ship but you must contact the Scottish Fisheries museum prior to your visit.
The Georgian Kitchen at Callendar House ★
Filming locations for Outlander included a Georgian kitchen in the authentic 14th century French chateau-styled Callendar House. The house was used as part of the home of the Duke of Sandringham and it was the location of his gory death in season 2.
Situated in Falkirk, near Edinburgh, Callendar House has played host to many famous figures from history – Mary Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie, to name a few!
How to visit: Callendar House is free to visit. Take a self-guided tour of the house’s grand rooms with original kitchen features and crockery, and magnificent sweeping staircases. A staff member in period dress will share stories of the building and from the shoot.
You might also like: 10+ things to do in Falkirk
Finnich Glen (Devil’s Pulpit)
Finnich Glen in the Trossachs is also known as Devil’s Pulpit. It’s a 100-foot deep gorge that is accessible via very steep and slippery “ladder”, carved into the rocks and secured with a rope – there are definitely safer places to visit.
Outlander filmed at Finnich Glen during season 1 when Dougal made Claire drink from Liar’s Spring.
How to visit: There is very limited parking available near Finnich Glen. I recommend visiting The Hermitage near Dunkeld instead.
Dunmore House
The abandoned ruins of Dunmore House near Stirling were used to shoot scenes set at WW2 field hospital where Claire treats wounded soldiers. It’s free to visit.
Stirling University
Did you know Sam Heughan was an honorary graduate of the University of Stirling?
The TV show used several sites at Stirling University to film Outlander scenes, including the Pathfoot Building, the Link Bridge walkway between the Atrium and the Cottrell building and a derelict cottage on campus with views of Dumyat. Find out more here.
How to visit: The campus of the University of Stirling is open to the public year round. Note that campus tours are really only aimed at prospective students, applicants and their families.
Deanston Distillery
Remember the season 2 scene set in a wine warehouse in Le Havre? It was actually shot at the industrial looking Deanston Distillery near Stirling.
How to visit: Book a distillery tour to see the warehouse that was used for Outlander filming.
Outlander Filming Locations in Glasgow & surroundings
Glasgow Cathedral ★
Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest building in Glasgow – it dates back to the 1200s and is the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland that survived the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.
Outlander filmed at Glasgow Cathedral during season 2. The interior of the crypt of St Kenigern (St Mungo) features as the inside of the L’Hopital des Anges in Paris. It is here that Claire volunteers and suffers the stillbirth of her daughter Faith.
How to visit: The Cathedral is open year round and free to visit. To learn more about this fascinating building, book a tour with the Volunteer Guides at Glasgow Cathedral.
Top tip: Don’t miss out on the Glasgow Necropolis, a beautiful garden cemetery behind Glasgow Cathedral. It’s a lovely walk to the top and you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the church, the city and the nearby hills.
You might also like: How to spend a day in Glasgow
Glasgow University
Glasgow University is not as old as it looks. Even though the university itself was founded in 1451, the main building was built in Gothic revival style during the 19th century.
As such, it served as the perfect Outlander location for scenes set at Harvard University, where Frank worked as a professor.
How to visit: The campus of the University of Glasgow is open to the public year round. Note that campus tours are really only aimed at prospective students, applicants and their families.
Glasgow City Chambers & John Street
The beautiful Glasgow City Chambers are used as the backdrop of Westminster in London, where Frank asked Claire to marry him in season 1. The scenes were actually not shot on George Square (i.e. the front of city chambers), but behind the main building near the ornate stone arches on John Street.
How to visit: To see more of this fascinating building, join one of the free guided tours of Glasgow City Chambers (Monday-Friday, year round).
Kelvingrove Park & Dowanhill Street
Filming locations for Outlander included the leafy streets of the West End of Glasgow. The feature predominantly in season 3 and were used in scenes set in and around Boston. We see Claire push Brianna’s pram through Kelvingrove Park, and Claire and Frank’s beautiful townhouse on Dowanhill Street.
Queen’s Park
Named after Mary Queen of Scots – who fought nearby at the Battle of Langside – Queen’s Park is a popular greenspace in the southside of Glasgow.
It was used for filming in Outlander’s season 5 and features during a flashback scene as a park in Boston.
Pollok Country Park ★
Like many other Outlander film locations, Pollok Country Park has been used multiple times. Pollok Park is a large public greenspace in the southside of Glasgow with woodlands, open areas, a river, a grand house (Pollok House), a museum (Burrell Collection) and a resident herd of Highland cows.
Calderglen Country Park
In season 4 there is a scene where Jamie and Willie go camping and fishing – that was shot at Calderglen Country Park.
Thomas Coats Memorial Church, Paisley
Outlander film crews visited Thomas Coats Memorial Church in Paisley for season 5. Its interior and exterior feature in scenes set in 1960s Boston.
Outlander Sites in South West Scotland
Drumlanrig Castle ★
Easily one of the most beautiful castles in south Scotland, Drumlanrig Castle was the perfect location to film scenes set at the Duke of Sandringham’s estate.
Because of its pink stonework, the castle is also known as ‘pink palace’. It is a beautiful example of 17th-century Renaissance architecture and houses part of the precious Buccleuch art collection.
How to visit: The castle and its grounds are open to the public from April to September
Dean Castle
Originally called Kilmarnock Castle, Dean Castle is the seat of the Boyd family who were given this land by Robert the Bruce in 1316.
Dean Castle is one of many castles in Outlander. It was used as a film location in season 2 and stands in for Beaufort Castle, the seat of Clan Fraser of Lovat. Jamie and Claire visit to persuade Jamie’s grandfather, Lord Lovat ‘The Old Fox,’ to join the Jacobite cause.
How to visit: Dean Castle is currently closed for restoration, but you can visit the surrounding grounds and country park.
Troon Beach
In the finale of Outlander’s first season, Jamie, Claire and Murtagh bid farewell to their friends and set sail to France aboard the Cristabel. These scenes were shot at the beach in Troon, a bustling town on the Ayrshire coast not far from Glasgow.
Dunure ★
Dunure is a charming village on the southern Ayrshire coast, just a stone’s throw from the majestic palace of Culzean Castle.
The village is a recurring Outlander filming location in Scotland’s south. Several locations were used for the show, including the harbour.
When you visit, don’t miss the ruins of Dunure Castle on the cliffs.
Other Outlander-related locations in Scotland
Not all Outlander locations in Scotland are strictly speaking film or book sites. Here are some Outlander-related places to visit as well:
- Clava Cairns ★: A group of chambered cairns and standing stones near Culloden Battlefield and Inverness.
- Wardlaw Mausoleum: This is where real Lord Lovat, the “Old Fox” of the Jacobite Rebellion (and Jamie Fraser’s grandfather in the show) is buried.
- Urquhart Castle: Claire and Frank visit Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness in the first Outlander book. It’s one of Scotland’s most visited castles.
- West Highland Museum ★: This museum in Fort William traces the history of the Jaobite Rebellion and its impacts on life in the Scottish Highlands.
- Glenfinnan Monument ★: It is believed that Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his army at this spot near Fort William. The monument was erected on the banks of Loch Shiel to honour the Jacobite warriors.
- Isle of Skye: This famous Scottish isle features prominently in the Outlander theme tune (a rendition of the Skye Boat Song). Bonnie Prince Charlie fled Scotland via Skye after his defeat in Culloden.
- On Skye, you can visit Kilmuir cemetery and find the grave of Flora Macdonald, a Hebridean woman who helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape to France.
- Calanais Standing Stones: These standing stones on the Isle of Lewis have no direct connection to Outlander or the Jacobites, but they are among the most impressive standing stones in Scotland.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse: While Outlander was not shot here, the real Bonnie Prince Charlie spent quite some time here during his time in Edinburgh.
- Wardpark Film & Television Studios: While the studio is not open to the public, it’s still good to know that Wardpark lies in Cumbernauld, just north of Glasgow.
As you can see, there are many Outlander locations in Scotland – more than you could possibly fit into a short tour of Scotland. You may have to return a few times, especially since there still new sites added to the list as long as Outlander filming in Scotland continues.
Which Outlander film locations are on your bucket list?
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Going to Scotland in July Loved the Outlanders am 100% Scottish Interested in Glasgow Newmilns and Outlander locations thank you Dorothy Wilson Spero
Loved all the information. A visit to Scotland is at the top of my bucket list.