Most of the Outlander series was filmed on locations found in Scotland, even the Gardens of the Palace of Versailles were filmed at one of Scotlands magnificent castles. Below we have compiled a collection of the top Outlander film locations.
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Along the way we want you to see our historical ruins, castles and stately homes as well as exploring the historic attractions with real-life Jacobite connections, where you can indulge yourself into the true story of the Jacobite cause.
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The Outlander series, adapted from Diana Gabaldon´s books, constantly reverts back to Scotland´s dramatic history providing an insight into many key events in past, including the Jacobite risings of the late 17th and 18th centuries and the fascinating life of Bonnie Prince Charlie, also providing an insight into the lives as a member of the Mackenzie, MacDonald and of course, the Fraser clans.
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The Outlander locations around Scotland will give you a real insight as to how people actiually lived in days gone by. From Rannoch Moor surrounded by breathtaking rugged mountainous scenery to the grand palaces there is always something special to explore.
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The locations are listed below giving you all the information you will need to get out there and enjoy the Outlander experience, or if you would like a VIP guided tour then why not give one of our Tour Ambassadors a call to give you that personal experience.
Aberdour Castle set in the Kingom of Fife is one of Scotland’s oldest castles (the other being Castle Sween in Argyll) with part of the building dating back to the 1100's. In the Outlander series, Aberdour Castle’s Old Kitchen and Long Gallery were the film locations when the castle doubled as Sainte Anne de Beaurpe monastery in France, the location to which Jamie fled after his imprisonment.
Balgonie castle is exciting considered to be one of the most haunted castles in Scotland. A number of ghosts are supposed to haunt the castle, some of these ghosts include a dog, a 17th-century soldier, a hooded man and “Green Jeanie” who is said to be one of the past Lundie occupants. The courtyard and main hall of the Castle were used in episode 15 of Outlander season 1, where it featured MacRannoch’s home.
Blackness Castle is a 15th century fortross proudly overlooking the Firth of Forth, this impressive castle was used as the film location for the village Fort William, where Jamie receives a whipping from Black Jack Randall, also in season two it once again was used, when Roger and Brianna visit in the 1960's.This castle needs to be seen to be believed, as a defence against attack the south facing walls of the castle were increased to 5.5m thick with pierced holes to allow for artillery to fire at the enemy, the walls work well until 1650, when Oliver Cromwell blasted through them and overpowered the castle and its residence.
This historic railway and museum near Falkirk was transformed into a bustling 1940's London station during the Outlander series. The railway is a heritage railway and is run by a charity organisation, It operates 5 miles of track taking tourists between the stations of Bo'ness and Manuel Junction. The proceeds from the scenic tourist trips are used to maintain the locomotives.
This popular country park in Lanarkshire was used for filming in February 2018, where it can be seen in ‘Blood of My Blood’, when Jamie takes Willie hunting. There is so much to do and explore in this country park from the children's zoo, tropical glasshouse to the ornamental gardens and nature trails.
The kitchen of this impressive stately mansion can be seen in Season 2, episode 11 called "Vengeance is Mine", where Murtagh keeps a promise, at the expense of the Duke of Sandringham. Callendar House iyself dates back to the 14th century and is set in the beautiful grounds of Callendar Park in Falkirk.
Clava Cairns is an interesting well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery close to Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland. Clava Cairns for many years, looked like the poorer relative to its more famous neighbour, the Battlefield of Culloden. Thankfully that all changed in 2014 when the Outlander Film crew rolled into town. Clava Cairns became a must visit bucket list destination overnight, after it was suggested that Outlander’s fictitious stone circle, Craigh na Dun was inspired by the site.
Located close to Edinburgh, this impressive castle ruin was filmed to portray Ardsmuir Prison, which was used to hold Jacobite prisoners. This magnificent ruin would have had some real stories to tell, with on of its residence being Mary Queen of Scots who used the castle as a safe haven way back in 1566.
The Battlefield at Culloden was never actually used as a film location for Outlander, even though it plays a pivotal role in the historical drama. This battlefield is a beautiful monument to the sacrifices made for Scotland. This battle field in 1745 was where the Jacobite Rising came to a tragic end. Here, at the visitor centre you can get a guided tour showing where the historical action happened and also where the graves of 1,500 Jacobite soldiers lie.
Set in a wooded glen in Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock, Dean Castle is featured in season 2 of Outlander, where it is represented as Beaufort Castle the Clan seat of Fraser of Lovat. Dean Castle was originally called Kilmarnock Castle and was once the stronghold of the Boyd family. Like many of Scotlands areas of interest, Dean castle also has a fantastic back story, where the castle and surrounding area was given to Sir Robert Boyd by Robert the Bruce in 1316, as thanks for his support at the Battle of Bannockburn.
Deanston Distillery sits at the gateway to the beautiful Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, near Doune Castle, Deanston Distillery appeared in Season 2 episode 2 called “Not in Scotland Anymore”. It provided the setting for the wine warehouse owned by Jared at the port of Le Havre. The Deanston has interesting tours of the distillery where you can learn all about Scotlands national tipple.
This stunning medieval stronghold near Stirling was built in the late 14th century by the Duke of Albany, who was also known as 'Scotland's uncrowned King'. In the Outlander series this magnificent castle stands in for the fictional Castle Leoch, home to Jamie's uncle Colum Mackenzie and his clan. Due to the castle rich architectural work and its medieval look, the castle has stared in many movies from Monty Python and the Holy Grail to Game of Thrones, what ever your preference of film this is still very much worth a visit.
Drumlanrig Castle is a catagory A listed building set in 120,000 acre estate with Victorian Gardens and country park. The castle itself is striking with 4 main towers, 17 turrets and 120 rooms and from your very first glance you’ll know you’re entering a special place. The castle was filmed by Outlander for the second series.
Drummond Castle Gardens with the ornate formal design is considered one of Europe’s finest. The Outlander team obviously completely agreed and Drummond Castle was considered a worthy substitute for the opulence of the Palace of Versailles. The Italian-style gardens provided a stunning backdrop for much of season two after the Frasers flee to the French court of Louis XV. The castle is located on the outskirts of Crieff in Perthshire, there is an incredible ancient yew hedge and also a beech tree that was planted by Queen Victoria in 1842.
Dysart Harbour was filmed showing Claire, Jamie and Murtagh arrive in Le Havre, France at the start of season 2, where Dysart Harbour is being used as this harbour in France. Dating back to 1450, Dysart Harbour has a wonderful rich history. Trading with the Dutch and Belgians and increasing exports of salt and coal to the baltic region saw the harbour grow in popularity and size throughout the 1700s, although as time passed and the coal industry declined the harbour is now currently a busy, vibrant harbour with pleasure boats and a few small fishing vessels. This is a beautiful part of the country and the atmosphere and views are truly spectacular.
Glasgow Cathedral's medieval crypt was filmed as L'Hopital Des Anges in season 2. Glasgow cathedral is a popular spot for Outlander tourists, opened unbelievably back in 1136 this Gothic monument stands proudly in the heart of Glasgow, many visitors also visit the nearby Necropolis, which is Glasgows famous cemetery.
Gosford House appeared as the royal stables of Versailles in two seasons of the Outlander TV series, also in season 3 Gosford house doubled up as the exterior of Helwater Estate and the interior of the Earl of Ellesmere’s home.The neoclassical stately home is set in 5,000 acres of parkland ans is set on the coast, certainly well worth a tour.
This beautiful and detailed folk museum in Newtonmore features replicas of traditional turf-roofed Highland crofts, which made it an ideal Outlander filming location. They feature in several of the show's 18th-century scenes. The village at the Highland Folk Museum was used to represent the village where rents for the clan were collected. The Highland Folk Museum is a fantastic open-air visitor attraction set in the Highlands of Scotland, it is so well constructed and detailed you really do get taken back 100's of years
Hopetoun House is a one of Scotlands finest stately homes set in 6,500 acres of beautiful park land situated near Edinburgh. In the series it was filmed as the residence of the fictional Duke of Sandringham. Hopetoun House has been used in seasons 1, 2 and 3 to recreate scenes in Scotland, England and Paris. Hopetoun is a working estate and as well as leisure and tourist entertainment, the estate produces its own beef, lamb and wild game, a truly fabulous setting of how rural life can self sustain and thrive.
Once the real royal seat of the Stewart kings of Scotland this beautiful palace stands in for the fictional Wentworth Prison in the Outlander series. Linlithgow Palace built from 1424 is now a ruin, but in its prime this monumental majestic royal residence has housed Mary Queen of Scots. Set in beautiful gardens why not enjoy a tour around the palace and see how the other half lived.
Lallybroch, also known as Broch Tuarach, is Jamie's fictional home in the series. In real life it's a part-ruined 16th-century tower house near Edinburgh. If you do visit, please don't go inside; the interior is derelict and not entirely safe. Used as Lallybroch, this 16th century catagory A listed tower house in South Queensferry, near Edinburgh, is everything you would hope for when walking up the path to your home.
The woodland of Muiravonside became the filming site of several battles in series two episode 10, notably the Battle of Prestonpans. This beautiful 170 acres of park is open to the public all year round and is full of walks and wildlife trails as well as picnic areas and play areas for the kids.
This impressive property was used as Governor Tryon’s residence in America the Beautiful in season 4. This Palladian 17th century mansion in set 80 acres of park and woodland, where you are able to tour both the estate and inside this magnificent house.
Glasgows south-side's most loved green space made an appearance in series one and two, doubling as the setting for the fictional Castle Leoch in its first appearance, and acting as the French countryside between Paris and Le Havre in its second outing. If you get a chance to walk through this beautiful park and away from the hustle and bustle of Central Glasgow you will not be disappointed, in 2007 Pollok Country Park was named Britain's best park and in 2008 best park in Europe
Preston Mill was filmed twice in season 1. The most immediately memorable scene is that set at Lallybroch where Jamie is mending the mill wheel when Redcoats suddenly arrive. He is forced to hide underwater while Jenny and Claire satisfy the soldiers’ questions. The other is the scene, which made use of the Mill’s exhibition room as a court ante-room, when Geillis and Claire attended the preliminary hearing where they were accused of witchcraft. This is one of the oldest mills in Scotland and it's amazing to visit and step back in time to see and learn how the mill worked and operated.
The location of Craigh na Dun, the stone circle that throws Claire back to 1743. Rannoch Moor approx 50sq miles in area is an extreme harsh boggy moorland in the Highlands of Scotland. This extremely remote and wild area shows off the true natural beauty of Scotlands wilderness. Designated a National Heritage site if you are looking to see Scotlands native wildlife, Golden Eagles, Red Deer, etc, then this is the place to explore. Please just be aware of the extreme weather which can change in seconds.
Roslin Glen Country Park, a beautiful wooded area in the village of Roslin is approx. 25 miles south of Edinburgh. It is very popular with walkers and boasts significant sites of historical interest including Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin Castle, Wallace’s Cave and Hawthornden Castle. Roslin Glen Country Park appears in seaon 1 and it is here that Jamie asks Claire to apologise after he rescues her from Fort William. He is upset that she didn’t stay where he asked, and that his friends were then put at risk to free her. Scenes were filmed at the north edge of the park, near the remains of Roslin Gunpowder Factory, also known as Old Mill Lade.
Culross is filmed to represent Cranesmuir, the town next to Castle Leoch where Claire meets Geillis Duncan and local priest Father Bain. This stunning village is protected and run by the National Trust for Scotland. You are able to step bak in time and wander through the narrow cobbled streets of this picturesque village set in the Kingdom of Fife. This unique Scottish village is believed to have been founded by St. Serf as far back as the 6th century.
The Ruthven Barracks, for the dedicated Outlander fans is a must see if into the historical aspect of the series. Built by the George II's government between 1719 and 1721, the Ruthven Barracks are a result of the 1715 Jacobite uprising. The barracks set on an old castle mound, gave the government a solid base in the Highlands. Subsequently, the barracks got taken over the Jacobites in 1746 and then burnt down. The Ruthven Barracks aren't actually featured in the storyline but are essential to real Jacobite history. Told to regroup, the survivors of the Battle of Culloden gathered at the remains of Ruthven Barracks. With Bonnie Prince Charlie already on the run, the remaining troops disbanded.
The atmospheric gorge used as Liar’s Spring, where Dougal took Claire to test her trustworthiness. The Devil's Pulpit originally referred to a rock that sometimes poked above the blood red water that coursed down through Finnich Glen. It is a wierd and wonderful place and for those who venture down here, the visual rewards are well worth the effort.
Used in the final block of filming in series 5 this forested area was filmed by the Outlander team in October 2019. The Hermitage is home to the tallest trees in Britain, as well as breathtaking waterfalls, if you like the outdoors this is definetely the place for you to explore.
Glencoe is one of the most amazing dynamic landscapes in Scotland. Even though Glencoe didn't actually appear in any scenes it appeared in the opening credits. This stunning U-shaped valley has 8 miles of unbelievable views created by an ice age glacier. As well as the scenery the history is just a dramatic as the Clans fought for land as far back as the 1600's. With the area now a National Nature Reserve (2017) and golden eagles soaring high above the peaks it is impossible not to be in complete awe of this place.
The Outlander crew were spotted on this picturesque beach close to North Berwick and Dunbar in September 2019 when they were filming series 5. This is a beautiful sandy beach and a great place to enjoy the scenery in relative peace and quiet.