Claire at Rannoch Moor

Tour Scotland with Outlander

Explore the land that inspired Outlander on this epic, 12 day Outlander tour of Scotland.

See where Outlander stars, such as Sam Heughan (Jamie) and Caitriona Balfe (Claire), shot their scenes at Outlander filming locations from season 1, season 2 and season 3 and visit Outlander book locations.

Along the way you’ll also explore historic attractions with real-life Jacobite connections, where you can delve into the true story of the Jacobite cause.

Start / Finish
Edinburgh - City Centre / Edinburgh
  • Days
    12
  • Distance
    814Miles

    1,302km
  • Transport
    Car
  • Main theme
    TV & Film
Highlights
Outlander filming locations
Book locations
Historic attractions
Areas covered
All

Day 1Exploring Edinburgh

Transport:
Walking

Spend your first day exploring the story of the Jacobites and Edinburgh’s connections with Prince Charles Edward Stuart, better known as Bonnie Prince Charlie.

This is your chance to learn more about the political landscape that Claire falls into when she travels back in time to 1743, two years before the 1745 Jacobite Rising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. As you explore Edinburgh’s Old Town keep your eyes peeled for three key Outlander filming locations.

  • Palace of Holyroodhouse Edinburgh - City Centre

    The Palace of Holyroodhouse

    © Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022.

    Outlander connections

    In September 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie established his court at Holyroodhouse for six weeks. This is portrayed in the Outlander novels when Claire and Jamie visit the Prince at the palace and beg him to abandon his hopeless cause.

    At the bottom of the Royal Mile you'll find the Canongate and Holyrood area of the Old Town which dates back over 800 years. The Palace of Holyroodhouse is an elegant royal residence with links to monarchs from throughout the centuries situated at the foot of the Royal Mile. Today it is the official Scottish residence of His Majesty The King.

    Take a tour and see Mary Queen of Scots' bedchamber and the room where her confidante, David Rizzio, was brutally murdered. If you've got time afterwards, pop into the Scottish Parliament opposite for a tour.

    Find out more about Palace of Holyroodhouse
    Palace of Holyroodhouse,Canongate, Royal Mile,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH8 8DX
    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Old Town Edinburgh

    Bakehouse Close

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Edinburgh's Old Town is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site (together with the New Town on the north side of the city centre) and the buildings you’ll see remain largely unchanged from how they would have looked centuries ago.

    The Old Town is home to three filming locations from Outlander. Look out for these places as you wander up the Royal Mile:

    • Bakehouse Close – this filming location is where Claire and Jamie are reunited after 20 years apart.
    • Tweeddale Court – this historic street becomes the 18th century market where Claire meets Fergus again.
    • Signet Library – the interior of this beautiful building doubles as the Governor’s mansion in Jamaica.

    If you’re looking for a memorable souvenir pop into Hamilton & Young Jewellery Designers, also on the Royal Mile, to browse Celtic and Outlander inspired items.

    Find out more about Old Town
  • National Museum of Scotland Edinburgh - City Centre

    The National Museum of Scotland

    © VisitScotland / Peter Dibdin

    Located just a short walk from the Royal Mile on Chamber’s Street, the National Museum of Scotland is full of intriguing objects and brilliant stories.

    This world-class museum is the most visited attraction outside of London and is filled with incredible displays covering history, natural heritage, world cultures, design, innovation, technology and more. Best of all? It's completely free. 

    Discover the National Museum of Scotland
    Chambers Street,Edinburgh - City Centre,EH1 1JF
    Key facilities
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Hearing Loop
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant

Day 2A Day Out to Bo'ness and Linlithgow

Transport:
Car

Take a ride on a vintage train and tour a beautiful ruined palace on this great day out from Edinburgh. Another lovely stop on your journey from Edinburgh (or on your way back) is South Queensferry, where you can see the iconic Forth Bridges up close.

  • The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway Bo'ness

    The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway

    Film location

    Bo’ness Station on the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway stood in for the wartime London railway station where Claire and Frank said goodbye before taking up their wartime duties in Outlander.

    How does a leisurely ride in a comfy vintage train carriage sound to start your day?

    Watch the scenery glide past from the steam or diesel-hauled train and explore the Museum of Scottish Railways, Scotland's largest railway museum, which is next to Bo’ness Station.

    Find out more about The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway
    Bo'ness Station,Union Street,Bo'ness,EH51 9AQ
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access
    • Accessible toilets
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Linlithgow Palace Linlithgow

    Linlithgow Palace

    Top tip

    Linlithgow has a direct rail connection to Edinburgh which takes just 20 minutes.

    Explore the nooks and towers of this beautiful ruined palace and take a refreshing walk around Linlithgow Loch.

    In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie visited the palace on his journey south. Its elaborate courtyard fountain is said to have flowed with red wine to mark the occasion!

    In Outlander the majestic entrance and corridors feature as Wentworth Prison where Jamie was imprisoned.

    Find out more about Linlithgow Palace
    Kirkgate,Linlithgow,EH49 7AL
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Level Access

Day 3Exploring Attractions En Route to Stirling

Day 4A Day Trip from Stirling

Day 5Historic Towns in Fife

Day 6Discovering Highland History

Day 7Exploring Inverness and Loch Ness

Day 8Driving the Great Glen to Fort William

Day 9Exploring Glen Coe En Route to Glasgow

Day 10Exploring Glasgow

Day 11Exploring Ayrshire & Galloway

Day 12Heading Back to Edinburgh

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