Scotland’s landscapes, castles, and historic villages form the dramatic backdrop to the global hit series Outlander. As a result, fans from around the world travel to Scotland to experience these iconic locations for themselves. For fans of Jamie and Claire, therefore, visiting the filming locations is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have while travelling in Scotland.
As a Scottish tour guide and the owner of Alba Experiences, I have spent many years guiding visitors through these incredible places. Along the way, I have had the privilege of sharing the history, stories, and landscapes that helped bring the series to life. In addition, I had the unique opportunity to appear as an extra in Seasons 3 and 4 of the show, which not only gave me a behind-the-scenes perspective, but also allowed me to see first-hand how some of the most famous scenes were created.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the most famous Outlander filming locations in Scotland. Along the way, we’ll also explore a few hidden gems that many visitors often miss.
Click the following link to our Outlander Interactive Map to visit the locations.
The Most Famous Outlander Filming Locations
Doune Castle – Castle Leoch
Doune Castle appears in the series Outlander as Castle Leoch, the home of Clan MacKenzie where Claire first meets Jamie Fraser. As a result, it has become one of the most recognisable locations for fans of the show.
Originally built in the 14th century, this impressive medieval stronghold is also one of Scotland’s best-preserved castles. As you walk through the courtyard and the great hall, it’s easy to imagine the scenes that took place here and picture the clan gatherings featured in the series.
Because of its importance in the story, Doune Castle is therefore considered by many fans to be one of the most important Outlander locations to visit when travelling in Scotland.
Midhope Castle – Lallybroch
Midhope Castle is known to fans as Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s ancestral home. As such, it holds a special place in the hearts of Outlander enthusiasts visiting Scotland.
Although the interior is not open to visitors, the exterior still remains almost exactly as it appears in the show. When standing at the gates of Lallybroch, many fans find it to be a truly memorable experience, allowing them to step directly into the world of Jamie Fraser.
Furthermore, located on the Hopetoun Estate, it has become one of the most photographed Outlander filming locations. Consequently, it is a must-visit destination for fans seeking iconic photo opportunities.
Blackness Castle – Fort William
Blackness Castle appears in the series as Fort William, the headquarters of Captain Black Jack Randall. As a result, it is one of the most memorable and dramatic locations for fans of Outlander.
Situated on the shores of the Firth of Forth, this powerful fortress is often nicknamed “the ship that never sailed” because of its unusual shape. Because of its striking appearance, it has become a favourite for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
Moreover, several dramatic scenes were filmed here, which makes it another must-see stop for visitors exploring the Outlander filming locations. Consequently, it is an essential part of any Outlander tour in Scotland.
Culross – The Village of Cranesmuir
The historic village of Culross was used as the fictional village of Cranesmuir.
Its cobbled streets and 16th-century buildings make it one of the most atmospheric filming locations in Scotland.
Nearby, Culross Palace was used as Claire’s herb garden, where she practises her healing skills.
Walking through Culross feels like stepping directly into the world of Outlander.
Falkland – 1940s Inverness
The charming village of Falkland stands in for Inverness in the 1940s, where Claire and Frank begin their journey.
Look for:
- Falkland Palace
- The Bruce Fountain in the village square
- The famous ghost scene outside Mrs Baird’s guesthouse
The village remains largely unchanged and is one of the easiest filming locations to recognise.
Glencoe – Scotland’s Dramatic Highlands
The stunning valley of Glencoe appears in the opening credits of the show.
Although not a single filming set, its dramatic mountains and wild landscape perfectly capture the spirit of the Highlands.
It’s also one of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Scotland.
Culloden Battlefield – The Battle That Changed the Highlands
Culloden Battlefield plays a powerful role in the story of Outlander, marking the site of the final and most tragic battle of the Jacobite Rising in 1746. As a result, it is one of the most emotional and historically significant locations connected to the series.
Here, the Jacobite army led by Charles Edward Stuart faced government forces in a battle that lasted less than an hour but changed the course of Scottish history. Because of its importance, Culloden is portrayed in Outlander as a defining moment in Jamie and Claire’s story.
Today, visitors can walk across the battlefield, explore the interactive visitor centre, and stand beside the clan memorial stones that honour those who fought and died here. Consequently, a visit to Culloden offers not only a deeper understanding of the series, but also a moving insight into real Scottish history.
Hidden Outlander Locations Many Fans Miss
While the famous sites attract most visitors, there are several lesser-known locations that dedicated fans will love.
Linlithgow Palace – Wentworth Prison
Linlithgow Palace was used for the dark and dramatic scenes at Wentworth Prison.
Today it is a beautiful ruin overlooking Linlithgow Loch and is well worth a visit.
Aberdour Castle – St Anne de Beaupré Monastery
Aberdour Castle appears in Season 1 as the monastery where Jamie recovers after the events at Wentworth.
It is one of Scotland’s oldest surviving castles.
My Experience Appearing in Outlander
One of the most exciting and memorable moments in my career as a tour guide was the opportunity to appear as an extra in Seasons 3 and 4 of Outlander. As someone who had already spent years guiding visitors to the filming locations, being part of the production itself was a truly surreal experience.
While on set, I was able to see first-hand how the cast and crew brought the world of Jamie and Claire to life. From the detailed costumes and set design to the careful planning of each scene, it became clear just how much work goes into recreating 18th-century Scotland for the screen.
Perhaps most fascinating, however, was watching historic locations across Scotland being transformed for filming. Places that I had known for years as real castles, villages, and landscapes were temporarily turned into fictional settings such as Lallybroch, Castle Leoch, and Fort William. Seeing this transformation from behind the scenes gave me a completely new appreciation for both the history and the storytelling of the series.
As a result of this experience, I came away with a wealth of behind-the-scenes stories, small details about filming, and insights into how certain scenes were created. These are stories you won’t find in guidebooks, and they have become one of my favourite things to share with guests when we visit these locations together on tour.
For many Outlander fans, hearing these personal stories adds an extra layer of connection to the places we visit. Not only are they standing in the exact locations where key scenes were filmed, but they are also hearing what it was like to be there during production – something that makes the experience feel even more real and memorable.
A 7-Day Outlander Travel Itinerary
For fans planning a longer trip to Scotland, here is a popular itinerary based around the filming locations.
Day 1 – Edinburgh
Explore Scotland’s capital city and its historic streets.
Day 2 – Outlander Day Tour
Visit Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Culross and Doune Castle.
Day 3 – Fife and Falkland
Visit Falkland and the surrounding filming locations.
Day 4 – Stirling and the Trossachs
Explore castles and landscapes featured in the series.
Day 5 – Glencoe and the Highlands
Travel through one of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes.
Day 6 – Loch Ness and Inverness
Discover the Highlands and legendary lochs.
Day 7 – Return to Edinburgh
Explore the Filming Locations with a Private Outlander Tour
Visiting these locations is one of the highlights of any trip to Scotland.
At Alba Experiences, we specialise in private Outlander tours where you can visit the most famous filming locations while hearing the real history and behind-the-scenes stories from the show.
Tours include:
- Pickup from hotels or cruise ports
- Comfortable small-group travel
- Flexible itineraries
- Local guiding and storytelling
For fans of Outlander, it’s one of the best ways to experience Scotland.
