Outlander filming locations in Scotland

Outlander is a popular historical time-travel drama, based on Diana Gabaldon's novels, that follows the story of a 1940s nurse who falls through time to 18th-century Scotland where romance, adventure, and history await her. 

Up until now, Claire and Jamie have navigated the trials and tribulations of the 1700s, and journeyed from Scotland to France, the West Indies, and America. Entwined amongst it all has been a story of romance, historical events, and perseverance. Throughout the eight seasons, Scotland's magical locations and scenery have featured prominently in the series, with sets and backdrops chosen by the production team to bring the story to life in the most authentic way. 

Visiting historic castles and ruins, ancient cities and iconic landscapes is a great way to delve deeper into the world of Outlander and experience the magic for yourself.

Inverness, Highlands – roam the streets of Inverness, where Claire's adventure begins. 

Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and Beauly, Highlands – enjoy a day trip to Loch Ness and keep an eye out for the Loch Ness Monster, referred to as the 'water horse' in the novel.  

The Great Glen Way, Fort William to Inverness – journey along the Caledonian Canal and Great Glen Way towards Fort William for a romantic mix of pine forests, glistening lochs and enchanting moorlands.  

Glen Affric, Highlands – this Scottish location was used to reflect the wilderness in the books and is known for its incredible Caledonian pine forests. 

Culloden Battlefield, east of Inverness – it is here that Claire and Jamie say their tearful goodbyes. Visit this site where many clans, including the Frasers and MacKenzies, fought in the 1745 Jacobite Rising alongside Bonnie Prince Charlie. 

Edinburgh's Royal Mile and the Old Town, Edinburgh – Scotland's capital is the setting for a number of scenes in the books. Wander the atmospheric cobbled streets and narrow wynds of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh's Old Town, where Claire and Jamie reunite after 20 years. 

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh – No Outlander experience would be complete without a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official residence of HM The King, in Scotland. It’s also where Claire and Jamie beseech the prince to abandon his cause. Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, the palace is closely associated with Scotland's turbulent past, including Bonnie Prince Charlie. 

Midhope Castle, South Queensferry – situated in Hopetoun Estate, Midhope Castle features as Lallybroch in the books and series. The castle is open every day to visitors and tickets can be booked online. Please be aware that the estate is a working farm and some access maybe be limited during certain times. 

Doune Castle, Stirling – follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters here, with imposing stone walls, great halls, and scenic castle grounds to explore.

Outlander is set around the 1740s and traces the political upheaval of the era, from the Jacobite Risings all the way through to the American Revolution. 

Who were the Jacobites? 

The Jacobite Risings were marked by divisive battles where many lives were lost, and at the centre of it all was famed Scot, Bonnie Prince Charlie, who also appears in Outlander. The saga begins around the time of the Jacobite Rising of 1745, following the lives of Claire, a 1940s nurse, and Jamie, a Highlander, soldier, and Scottish landowner with Jacobite sympathies. 

Jacobite simply means, in Latin, ‘supporter of James’. This refers to James the VII of Scotland, the last Roman Catholic monarch to reign over the kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland. 

Find out more about the Jacobites in Scotland 

Who was Bonnie Prince Charlie? 

Prince Charles Edward Stuart, also known as ‘the Young Pretender’, was the grandson of King James VII. Raised in exile in Rome, his desire for military success and belief in his family’s right to the throne led him to plan an invasion of England. After a brief period in France, where he tried to gain support for his endeavour, he landed in Scotland in 1745. 

The prince gained support from Highlanders and other factions and experienced some success in battle, eventually advancing into England. Charles was ultimately defeated at the tragic Battle of Culloden in 1746. He escaped to Europe with the help of Jacobite heroine Flora Macdonald, living the rest of his life in exile. In the Outlander novels, Charles develops a fictional friendship with Jamie Fraser. 

Learn more about Bonnie Prince Charlie 

What happened at the Battle of Culloden? 

The Battle of Culloden was fought just east of Inverness on the 16 April 1746. With an army of 5,000 Jacobites, Bonnie Prince Charlie fought against a government army of 8,000 led by the Duke of Cumberland. The battle was the culmination of years of upheaval and political turmoil – the throne of Great Britain was at stake. Who fought, and why they fought, is complicated – a vast web of allegiances and loyalties. In less than an hour, around 1,500 men were slain – more than 1,000 of them Jacobites. It was the last pitched battle on British soil and influenced the course of history for decades to come.  

Visit Culloden Battlefield