Discover the Behind-the-Scenes World of Outlander in Scotland
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The Making of Outlander: Behind the Scenes in Scotland
There are TV series that truly transport us, both literally and figuratively, to places and eras long past. Some of the most iconic have been filmed in the UK and have become cult favourites, such as Downton Abbey, Harry Potter, Bridgerton, Game of Thrones, Poldark and Highlander.
Outlander, inspired by Diana Gabaldon’s novel, follows Claire Beauchamp and Jamie Fraser, two strong-willed characters, in the mid‑18th century during the time of the last Jacobite rebellion in Scotland.
From £ 1,300 per person
10 days / 9 nights
Price Based on Bed & Breakfast accommodation (with pricing available for 3-, 4- and 5-star options)
Why we think you’ll love This trip…
A 10‑day / 9‑night itinerary that promises to immerse you in the singular world of Outlander. Like Claire and Jamie, take a leap back in time at Craigh na Dun, inspired by the Callanish Stones on the Isle of Lewis, and walk in their footsteps.
This journey also takes you to the series’ most iconic filming locations, for a true behind-the-scenes experience.
YOUR TRAVEL GUIDE
Edinburgh
Begin your journey in Scotland with a two-night stay in Edinburgh. Many Outlander scenes were filmed nearby, including Hopetoun House (the Duke of Sandringham’s residence), Blackness Castle overlooking the Firth of Forth (Black Jack Randall’s headquarters), and Midhope Castle, used for the exterior of Lallybroch.
Also visit Linlithgow Palace, where Jamie’s imprisonment scenes were filmed, then unwind at Muiravonside Country Park near Falkirk, a filming location for the Battle of Prestonpans. With so many sites around Edinburgh (and just as many near Inverness) you’ll need to choose carefully.
From Edinburgh to the Trossachs National Park
Before reaching the Trossachs, via Callendar House, stop at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, where Claire bids farewell to Frank as she leaves for the Second World War. Standing in for a London station in Season 1, the site now houses the Scottish Railway Museum and operates steam trains on short 8‑kilometre journeys. All aboard!
No Outlander pilgrimage would be complete without a visit to Doune Castle, the ancestral seat of Castle Leoch, home of Clan MacKenzie near Stirling. Though now in ruins, it was digitally reconstructed for filming in 2013 and 2014, while additional scenes (particularly those set in the kitchens) were shot in studio.
As you approach Loch Katrine, which inspired the poet and writer Sir Walter Scott, take the opportunity to breathe in the fresh Highland air. These landscapes provided the setting for the first romantic outings of Roger and Brianna.
The Glencoe Valley & the Glenfinnan Monument
Glencoe, the world-famous Highland valley, appears in the opening credits of Outlander. It is here that Bonnie Prince Charlie, newly arrived from France, raised his standard alongside the Jacobite rebels.
The Glenfinnan Monument, erected in 1815 to commemorate this event, features a powerful Highlander in kilt and tartan standing atop the column, gazing towards the horizon. Bagpipes at the ready: it’s a stirring sight! The region is renowned for its mountains, waterfalls and breathtaking scenery.
Nearby Fort William is equally captivating and serves as an ideal base for outdoor activities, close to Loch Ness and Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain.
Inverness & the Battle of Culloden
After greeting Nessie, head north to Beauly, about fifteen kilometres from Inverness and traditional territory of Clan Fraser. “Oh, what a beautiful place!” exclaimed Mary, Queen of Scots (hence the name of this charming, flower-filled town set along a river).
The undisputed highlight of the Inverness region is, of course, the Battlefield of Culloden, site of a devastating tragedy. The army gathered around Bonnie Prince Charles was massacred by English forces, marking the beginning of a dark era for the Scottish clans. Be sure to visit the memorial, surrounded by stones engraved with the names of the fallen clans: Fraser and MacKenzie among them, just as seen in the series.
Before leaving, stop at King’s House and then Clava Cairns, a Bronze Age burial site. Touch one of the standing stones and you might just travel through time, but think carefully before you do…
Perthshire, Fife & return to Edinburgh
The Tibbermore Parish Church, near Perth, was used as the setting for the infamous witch trial scenes. In the 18th century, learned women like Claire or Geillis were viewed with great suspicion.
In Falkland, which doubles as 1940s Inverness, you will recognise Mrs Baird’s Guesthouse and the central fountain where Frank glimpses a ghost watching Claire—Jamie? The mystery remains…
Bring your journey to a close with a visit to Aberdour Castle, built from the 12th century and long owned by Clan Douglas. It appears as the monastery where Claire tends to Jamie after his imprisonment at Wentworth, before their departure for France. Don’t miss the harbour of Dysart, which stands in for the port of Le Havre in the series. To glimpse “The Reaper”, the ship bound for France, head to the fishing port of Anstruther (currently under restoration; the vessel cannot be visited).
To conclude this pilgrimage, it must be said that it is impossible to see and describe everything. You’ll need to travel with map in hand and let your imagination do the rest. Many scenes in the series, supposedly set in Edinburgh, Inverness or elsewhere, were in fact filmed in substitute locations or studios rather than on site.
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