The Outlander 1 Day Experience

If you’re a fan of the hit TV series Outlander, this Outlander-themed tour from Edinburgh promises a full day of Scottish scenery, historic sites, and the series’ most iconic filming locations. Rated a perfect 5.0 out of 5 by hundreds of travelers, it’s clearly a popular choice—and for good reason. It’s designed to blend the magic of Outlander with the real-world charm of Scotland’s castles, villages, and historic landmarks.

What we love about this tour is how it caters to both series fans and those interested in Scottish history alike. The stops are carefully chosen, making the experience feel like a journey through the series and the country’s past. However, one consideration to keep in mind is the occasional change in the castles visited; for instance, Blackness Castle may be substituted with Doune Castle depending on the day. This flexibility is practical but worth noting if your heart is set on specific locations.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy a comfortable, organized day trip with plenty of photo opportunities, storytelling, and a sprinkle of medieval atmosphere. It’s ideal for Outlander fans eager to see the actual sites, history enthusiasts keen to learn, or anyone looking to explore Scotland’s picturesque scenery without the hassle of planning.

Key Points

• Covers iconic Outlander filming locations like Lallybroch and Culross, with some optional stops like Doune Castle
• Includes engaging storytelling from knowledgeable guides, adding context to the sites
• Comfortable transportation from Edinburgh makes it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery
• A good balance of TV fandom and Scottish history, appealing to a broad range of travelers
• Flexible options for certain castles depending on the day, which may influence your expectations
• Excellent value for money when considering the number of sites visited, stories shared, and the overall experience

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Falkland: The Honeymoon of Claire & Frank

Your day begins in Falkland, a charming town that doubles as Inverness in the series. The notable thing here is that admission is free, which means you can enjoy the picturesque streets without worrying about extra costs. Guests appreciate how this stop sets an atmospheric tone, with many commenting on how the town’s quaint charm mirrors the series’ Scottish Highlands feel. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way Falkland looked just like Inverness” — a perfect photo opportunity to start your Outlander adventure.

Culross: The Village of Cranesmuir

Next, you’ll visit Culross, a village that’s become famous as the filming site for Cranesmuir—a key setting in Season 1. The highlight here is the Mercat Cross, where many iconic scenes unfold, such as Geillis Duncan’s house and the witch-burning sequence. You get about an hour to explore and snap photos, which many mention as the “best photo stop.” Reviewers have praised the guide’s storytelling, noting how they uncovered behind-the-scenes details like the interior of Laoghaire’s house being shot inside Culross Palace.

Doune Castle: A Medieval Film Star

Optionally, you can visit Doune Castle, which served as Castle Leoch in the series. It’s a well-known filming location also recognized from Game of Thrones and Monty Python. The 45-minute stop is a chance to walk through a medieval fortress and imagine Jamie Fraser’s early adventures. However, some reviews mention that entrance fees are not included, so be prepared for that extra expense. One traveler shared, “It’s great to walk through such a legendary castle, but I wish the fee was included.”

Linlithgow Palace: Prison and Queen’s Birthplace

This impressive ruin is the site of Jamie’s imprisonment and torture scenes and is believed to have inspired scenes of Wentworth Prison. It’s also the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The 1-hour 20-minute stop offers a glimpse into royal Scotland and the series’ darker moments. While entrance fees are not included, many visitors find the visual impact of the ruins worth the visit. One reviewer said, “Standing among the ruins, you really feel the history—plus, it’s fun to spot scenes from the show here.”

Midhope Castle: The Iconic Lallybroch

The final stop is the most recognizable for Outlander fans—Lallybroch. This 16th-century tower house is instantly identifiable and makes for a memorable photo op. Visitors can’t go inside, but the archway entrance alone satisfies many fans’ photo needs. Several reviewers mention how emotional it was to see Jamie Fraser’s home in real life, with one describing it as “a highlight of the whole trip.”

Journey Back with Scenic Views

After the castle, your guide takes you back to Edinburgh, offering scenic views over the Forth Bridges. It’s a relaxing way to reflect on the day’s adventures and enjoy the countryside.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Guides and Narration: The guides, like Ian and Brendan, consistently earn praise for their enthusiasm and knowledge. One reviewer raved about how Brendan’s storytelling made the day fun and engaging, while others appreciated the insider facts about Outlander filming and Scottish history.

Comfort and Timing: The tour’s organized schedule keeps the group moving smoothly, with most reviews mentioning how well time was allocated at each stop. However, some mention they wished for more time at certain locations, like Lallybroch.

Group Size and Logistics: With a maximum of 48 travelers, the group is manageable and not overly crowded. The transportation, usually a comfortable coach, makes it easy to relax during transit.

Value for Money: For $89.22 per person, the tour covers several key sites, offers engaging guides, and includes round-trip transportation. Reviewers feel they get good value, especially since entrance fees are not included but are manageable.

Potential Drawbacks: A few travelers expressed disappointment when certain castles, like Blackness Castle, were not visited, or the itinerary changed unexpectedly. Also, some mention that a fall at Culross stairs could be a concern for seniors or those with mobility limitations.

Why This Tour Works Well

This experience is especially suited for dedicated Outlander fans who want to see the series’ most iconic locations in person. The combination of filming sites, scenic Scottish landscapes, and historical landmarks makes it an immersive day—whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard enthusiast.

It’s also perfect if you prefer a stress-free day with guided narration, leaving the planning and driving to someone else. The included scenic views, stories about the filming process, and the chance to walk through real castles make this a well-rounded, value-packed experience.

However, for those deeply interested in certain castles that may be substituted or for visitors looking for an in-depth castle tour, it’s worth keeping in mind that some sites have limited access or are subject to change.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Outlander tour is ideal for fans eager to see filming locations come to life. It offers a solid mix of Scottish history, scenic drives, and behind-the-scenes stories that will appeal to those who appreciate storytelling—both on-screen and historical.

Travelers who value comfortable transport, a knowledgeable guide, and a well-paced itinerary will find this tour to be a fantastic way to spend a day outside Edinburgh. It’s particularly good for those who want a cost-effective, all-in-one experience—especially since the price includes multiple stops and expert narration.

If you’re expecting a meticulously detailed tour of every castle or a fully customizable experience, you might find some limitations. But for anyone looking to combine their love of Outlander with Scotland’s majestic scenery, this tour strikes a good balance between entertainment, education, and sightseeing.

FAQ

Does this tour include entrance fees?
No, entrance fees for sites like Doune Castle and Linlithgow Palace are not included. Expect to pay extra at some locations, but many find the overall value still worthwhile given the number of sites visited.

Can I visit Blackness Castle on this tour?
Not always. The tour sometimes substitutes Doune Castle or Blackness Castle, depending on the day. Check with the provider if visiting Blackness specifically is important for your plans.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 8 hours, including travel time, with most of the stops ranging from 15 minutes to a little over an hour.

Is food included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there are plenty of options for lunch in Linlithgow, where the palace is located.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 48 travelers, making it a comfortable and manageable group for interaction with guides.

Is this tour suitable for seniors or those with mobility issues?
While most stops are accessible, some locations like Culross stairs or uneven terrain could pose challenges. It’s advisable to inform the provider if you have mobility concerns.

To sum it up, the Outlander 1 Day Experience offers a thoughtfully curated, scenic, and engaging journey through some of Scotland’s most beloved TV locations and historic sites. With a knowledgeable guide, stunning landscapes, and a fair price point, it’s a worthy addition for fans and history lovers alike. Whether you’re capturing that perfect Lallybroch photo or just soaking in Scottish scenery, this tour captures the magic of both Outlander and Scotland itself.