Outlander Experience
One day tour
The fantastically successful Outlander novels by Diana Gabaldon may be fiction but they are inspired by the real heritage and scenery of Scotland, as you will discover on this exciting tour.
Price range: £38 - £47
Midhope Castle - see the real Lallybroch Castle
Blackness Castle - visit the headquarters of Black Jack Randall
Linlithgow Palace - explore the impressive setting for Inverness Prison
Callander House - the filming of the Duke of Sandringham’s kitchen were shot here
Culross - enjoy free time to explore Cranesmuir Village and see Claire’s herb garden
Hopetoun House - choose to visit this grand house, the home of the Duke of Sandringham, or take a stroll in the extensive grounds
Movie locations - Outlander, Outlaw King and The 39 Steps
Full Tour Itinerary
From Edinburgh we make our way to see the instantly recognisable Midhope Castle, Lallybroch Castle (Jamie’s Home) in the series. We’ll pause so you can soak up the atmosphere and take photographs.
Blackness Castle stands overlooking the Firth of Forth. This 15th Century castle was the home of the Crichton Family. As its impressive walls resemble a ship it was often known as "the ship that never sailed”. Fans will find it familiar as the setting for the Fort William headquarters of Black Jack Randall.
Linlithgow Palace is the location of Wentworth Prison, where Jamie was imprisoned. In real life it was once a Royal residence and was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. We’ll make an extended stop here so you can explore this historic town and enjoy time for lunch.
Through wars, rebellions and the industrial revolution, Callendar House has played host to many great historical figures over the centuries, including Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie. This impressive building dates from the 14th century and its grounds contains a section of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site. Be sure to visit the famous kitchen which was the setting for the Duke of Sandringham’s home.
Next we make our way to the quaint little town of Culross which is the location of Cranesmuir. On our visit it doesn’t take much imagination to relive 16th and 17th Century life as we walk amid the old buildings and cobbled streets of this Royal burgh on the banks of the River Forth. Behind the impressive Culross Palace is where Claire's herb garden at Castle Leoch is located.
Our last visit of the day is to impressive Hopetoun House. It’s one of the grandest houses in Scotland and home to the Hope family, the Earls of Hopetoun. It doubles as the stately home of the Duke of Sandringham although you might have to use your imagination as it was digitally altered in the TV series. After time to visit the house and enjoy the grounds it’s just a short drive back to Edinburgh.
Note: During the winter months (Oct-March) Hopetoun House and Midhope Castle are not available for visiting so there will be time to explore Doune Castle* (Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie) instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect on this Signature Day Tour?
Travelling on a Signature one-day tour is a great way to discover the best of Scotland from your city centre base of Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness. During your day of discovery we’ll introduce you to many aspects of our country: spectacular scenery, history, folklore, nature and much, much more. Luxury travel is provided by air-conditioned mini or midi coaches and each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide a live commentary in English. There are stops planned at the key sights as well as for meals and comfort breaks. Please note that tours to some destinations, particularly to Loch Ness, can be faster paced so the number and duration of stops may be limited.
Can you tell me more about the optional extras on this tour?
The tour fare includes transportation by luxury mini or midicoach and the services of a professional driver/guide. Admission to the attractions featured on this tour is optional so you can choose to visit or not depending on your interests. The tour itinerary will allow time for you to enjoy visits to:
Hopetoun House
Linlithgow Palace
Blackness Castle
The links above will give you more information on these attractions as well as current admission prices. On some tours discounted prices are available to tour passengers - your driver/guide will provide more information if this applies. Not all attractions accept payment by credit or debit card so you should carry sufficient cash should you be planning a visit.
Will there be a tour commentary?
Each tour is led by an experienced driver/guide who will provide an informative and entertaining commentary in English. They are Outlander enthusiasts too so as well as discovering more about the history and nature of the landscape that surrounds you they’ll point out the locations that helped fire Diana Gabaldon’s imagination.
Will there be stops for meals and are they included in the price of the tour?
Meals are not included in the tour price, but we will make stops where you can get refreshments and something to eat. If you wish, you can bring a packed lunch or pick up lunch items at a previous stop. Vegetarian food is widely available in Scotland.
How many people will be in the group?
The group size is normally between 29 and 33 passengers. On the Original Loch Ness Tour and at times of peak demand (such as on public holidays) larger coaches may be used.
Inclusions
- Transport by luxury air-conditioned mini/midicoach
- Live commentary in English
- Services of an experienced driver/guide
- Service charges and taxes
Exclusions
- Admission charges
- Meals, snacks or items of a personal nature
- Gratuity to your driver/guide
Departure information
From The Ensign Ewart
521-523 Lawnmarket
The Royal Mile
Edinburgh EH1 2PE
Check-in: 08:15 hrs
Tour Departs: 08:30 hrs
Tour Returns: 17:45 hrs
Child details
Concession discounts apply to adults aged 60 years and above; students and children aged 5 to 15 years inclusive.
We’re really sorry but children aged under 5 years cannot travel on this tour.
Photo-ID may be requested to confirm discount entitlement.
Price Notes
Admission Prices
In order to give you maximum flexibility admission fees are not included in the cost of this tour.
FAQ's
Please see the FAQ section for more information on this tour.
Product code
TB 02597
Customer Reviews
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Rating: 27 May 2018
Andrew was very informative. Great tour for Outlander fans and also for anyone who just wants to visit these locations for the history. Sone actual history of the locations would have been good in the commentary. A lot of places visited in one day.
Sandra from QLD,
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Rating: 27 May 2018
Andrew was very informative. Great tour for Outlander fans and also for anyone who just wants to visit these locations for the history. Sone actual history of the locations would have been good in the commentary. A lot of places visited in one day.
Sandra from QLD,
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Rating: 16 Sep 2017
Wonderful. Our tour guide was very knowledgable and fun. Enjoyed seeing sites not included on other big tours.
Patricia from Ponte Vedra, United States
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