Outlander Filming Locations: The Ultimate Guide to Scotland’s Magical TV Settings

Step into the captivating world of Outlander with our definitive guide to the show’s filming locations across Scotland. From ancient castles and historic villages to mystical standing stones, discover the real-life settings that bring Claire and Jamie’s time-travelling romance to life. These Outlander filming locations showcase Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in centuries of Scottish history and culture. Whether you’re planning a dedicated Outlander pilgrimage or looking to incorporate these iconic sites into your Scottish adventure, our comprehensive guide, enhanced with digital tools and insider tips, will help you experience the magic of Outlander in person.

The Outlander Phenomenon

The bestselling author Diana Gabaldon has created a world that has captivated fans and readers for decades. Even though she hadn’t set foot in Scotland when she began writing her book series, Outlander— the basis of the popular TV series of the same name —she captured the country’s rich history and culture.

This attracted readers worldwide, prompting the Scottish government’s tourism agency to present Gabaldon with an honorary award for drawing tourists to the captivating locations across the country. According to VisitScotland, Outlander has increased tourism by 67% at the sites mentioned in the books or used in filming.

The American author and research professor wrote the first book in the series and part of the second before finally making it to Scotland. When she finally visited, she explored locations that would later appear in her books, such as the England-Scotland border stone featured in Book 3, “Voyager”.

The series tells the tale of Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who visits Scotland with her husband, only to be transported back to 18th-century Scotland, where she meets the dashing Jamie Fraser and embarks on an adventure of a lifetime. Along the way, they try to manipulate historical events to save Jamie’s life, such as the Jacobite Uprising in Scotland.

If you’re looking to retrace the steps of these timeless characters, here are the essential locations in Scotland that should be on your itinerary, along with digital resources to help you plan your perfect Outlander pilgrimage.

Edinburgh & Surroundings

Edinburgh plays a pivotal role in the book and TV series, as it is where the Jacobites, led by Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie), established their base for the uprising, a key event prominently featured in the show.

Edinburgh’s Old Town

Edinburgh’s Old Town is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site. It was used for three filming locations in Outlander:

• Bakehouse Close: Where Jamie and Claire are reunited after 20 years apart
• Tweeddale Court: The 18th-century market where Claire is reunited with Fergus
• Signet Library, which doubled the interior of the Governor’s mansion in Jamaica

The Old Town’s ancient streets are well-preserved. The Royal Mile is in the centre of the Old Town, full of Reformation-era buildings from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Visitor Information: The Old Town is particularly busy during the Edinburgh Festival in August. Local businesses have leveraged digital marketing to manage bookings during peak season—something our ConnollyCove digital team has helped several Edinburgh tourism businesses achieve through targeted social campaigns.

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a royal residence at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, opposite Edinburgh Castle. Queen Elizabeth II would spend one week here for several official engagements and ceremonies each summer.

The 16th-century palace, once the residence of Mary, Queen of Scots, is open to the public throughout the year, except when members of the royal family are in residence.

In Outlander, Bonnie Prince Charlie held court at Holyroodhouse for six weeks, which is portrayed in the novels when Claire and Jamie visit the Prince to ask him to abandon his cause.

Opening Times & Access: The park is open from April to October, from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, and from November to March, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Closed on Christmas and during royal visits. Tickets are £16.50 for adults and £14.90 for students and those aged 60 and over.

Digital Tip: The Palace has an excellent virtual tour on their website—a feature we’ve helped implement for several heritage sites across Scotland through ConnollyCove’s web development services.

Craigmillar Castle

Featured in Outlander’s third season, Craigmillar Castle in Edinburgh has many interesting rooms to explore. The tower house is the oldest part of this ruined castle, dating back to the 13th century.

In Outlander, it doubled as Ardsmuir Prison, where Jamie was incarcerated.

The castle played a crucial part in the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, who fled to Craigmillar Castle following the murder of Rizzio. It was in this very castle that the plot to murder Mary’s husband, Lord Darnley, was devised.

Opening Times & Access: Open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tickets are £6 for adults and £3.60 for children. Wheelchair access is limited to the courtyard area.

Bo’ness & Linlithgow

Just a short journey from Edinburgh lie two gems of Outlander filming history that transport visitors as powerfully as Claire’s standing stones through time. From the vintage railway station where Claire and Frank shared their emotional wartime goodbye to the imposing palace walls that imprisoned Jamie, these locations offer some of the most poignant connections to the Outlander story.

The Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway

Take a ride in this vintage train from the Bo’ness Station, where Claire and Frank said their goodbyes before they headed to their respective wartime duties.

While there, you can also visit the Museum of Scottish Railways, Scotland’s largest railway museum.

Bo’ness is a 40-minute drive from Glasgow and Edinburgh. Soak up the atmosphere of this vintage railway station and travel by steam train to explore Scotland.

Linlithgow Palace

Take a 20-minute train ride from Edinburgh to explore the beautiful Linlithgow Palace and Loch. The palace played a significant role in the Jacobite Uprising, as it was visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 during his journey south. Legend says the courtyard fountain flowed with red wine to mark this important visit.

In the Outlander series, the entrance and corridors of Linlithgow Palace are used as Wentworth Prison, where Jamie was imprisoned.

Linlithgow Palace was a residence of the Stewart kings and queens from when James I, James V, and Mary Queen of Scots were all born there.

Opening Times & Access: The palace is open from April 30 to March 31, except Sundays and Mondays, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and booking is required. Tickets are £7.20 for adults and £4.30 for children.

Central Scotland Filming Sites

Central Scotland hosts many iconic Outlander filming locations, from castles to gardens. Our ConnollyCove video production team has captured stunning aerial footage of many of these sites, creating content that has helped local tourism businesses attract Outlander fans from around the world.

Hopetoun House

Hopetoun House was used as a filming location for seasons 1, 2, and 3 of Outlander. The 17th-century 6,500-acre estate lies near South Queensferry.

In season 1, it was the Duke of Sandringham’s stately home. In Season 2, one of its rooms was featured as the spare room in Jamie and Claire’s Paris apartment and was used as the Hawkins Estate and the backdrop for scenes set in Parisian streets. In season 3, it was featured as the stables at Helwater and the exterior of Ellesmere.

A castle on the estate, Midhope Castle, was used as the exterior of Lallybroch.

Important Note: Midhope is in a private section of the Hopetoun Estate, so you must purchase a vehicle permit from the nearby Hopetoun Farm Shop.

Hopetoun House is a fine example of European architecture, designed by Sir William Bruce and William Adam, and is located in South Queensferry, outside Edinburgh.

Opening Times & Access: The estate is open from April 3 to September 27, from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Blackness Castle

The 15th-century fortress was featured in the show as Black Jack Randall’s headquarters in Fort William, with its courtyard used for the scenes of Jamie’s imprisonment.

Blackness Castle was built by the Crichtons, one of Scotland’s most powerful families.

The castle was continually fortified and used as an artillery fortress, royal palace, and prison, and is now used as a filming location for productions such as Hamlet and the BBC’s adaptation of Ivanhoe.

In the 2018 film Mary Queen of Scots, Blackness Castle is featured as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where she marries Lord Darnley. In the same year, Outlaw King used the castle as the Yorkshire castle where Bruce’s wife, Elizabeth, is imprisoned.

Opening Times & Access: The castle is open from April 30 to March 31, every day except Fridays and Saturdays, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and booking is required. Tickets to Blackness Castle are £6 for adults and £3.60 for children.

Digital Tip: The castle’s striking silhouette creates excellent social media content. Our social media consultancy has helped several visitor centres optimise their photography opportunities for maximum online engagement.

Callendar House

The 14th-century Callendar House is located within Callendar Park in Falkirk. It has hosted many famous historical figures, including Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell, and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

In Outlander, the House’s Georgian kitchen appeared as part of the home of the Duke of Sandringham.

The House features several displays about the Story of Callendar House, the Antonine Wall, Rome’s Northern Frontier, and Falkirk: Crucible of Revolution (1750-1850).

What makes this location interesting is the costumed interpreters who create an interactive experience and offer 19th-century cuisine.

Opening Times & Access: The castle is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Drummond Castle Gardens

Drummond Castle boasts some of Europe’s most beautiful gardens, which were used in Outlander as the park surrounding the Palace of Versailles in France.

Two beautiful copper beech trees were planted by Queen Victoria herself in 1842.

The gardens date back to the 17th century and were redesigned in the 19th century, before being replanted in the 1950s. The gardens were also used as a backdrop for the film Rob Roy.

Although the castle is not open to the public, its gardens are, offering a great view of the castle.

Opening Times & Access: The estate is open on specific dates, including Easter Weekend from 1:00 to 6:00 pm, and from May 1 to October 31, every day from 1:00 to 6:00 pm. Additionally, it is open from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm during June, July, and August. From September to October, it is open from 1:00 to 6:00 pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and £3.50 for children under 16 years old.

Deanston Distillery

The former cotton mill, 8 miles from Stirling, is now a famous whisky distillery and was used in Outlander as Jamie’s cousin’s wine warehouse on the docks of Le Havre.

The area is 45 minutes away from Edinburgh and Glasgow. The distillery overlooks the River Teith by the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

Used as a cotton mill for 180 years, Deanston was transformed into a distillery in the 1960s. You can visit the distillery to learn about how it operates and creates its whisky, or spend some time at their café, Coffee Bothy, which offers a selection of delicious food.

Opening Times & Access: Deanston Distillery is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tours are also held every hour from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The Coffee Bothy is open from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Doune Castle

This beautiful castle doubled as the exterior of Castle Leoch, the home of Colum MacKenzie and his clan in the 18th century in Outlander’s first season. It also appears in the episode where Claire and Frank visit the castle on a day trip.

The 14th-century castle is also rooted in real history. The Jacobites took the castle from the state troops in 1745, and, following the Battle of Falkirk in 1746, prisoners were held there. The castle has a striking 100-foot gatehouse and an amazingly preserved great hall.

Doune Castle was built for the Regent Albany. The castle’s keep includes living quarters, the Lord’s Hall, musicians’ gallery, and a double fireplace. It was also used in the BBC production of Ivanhoe and the popular film Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Doune Castle was also used as Winterfell in the pilot episode of the popular TV series Game of Thrones.

Opening Times & Access: The castle is usually open from April 30 to March 31, every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Digital Marketing Insight: Doune Castle’s visitor numbers have grown by over 200% following its appearance in Outlander. Working with several heritage sites, ConnollyCove has helped develop targeted digital marketing strategies that capitalise on film and TV appearances, including SEO optimisation, content marketing, and paid search campaigns.

Royal Burgh of Culross

Culross is one of Scotland’s most picturesque towns with cobbled streets and historic cottages. You will feel like you’re returning to the 17th and 18th centuries.

The centre of the town was featured as the village of Cranesmuir in Outlander, where one of the titular characters, Geillis, lives, while the garden behind Culross Palace was used as Claire’s herb garden at Castle Leoch.

Interesting locations worth visiting include the Town House, where witches were tried and held awaiting execution. There is also Culross Palace, which was built in the late 16th century by George Bruce, a wealthy coal merchant.

You can walk up the alleyway called Back Causeway, where you’ll spot its central aisle that noblemen used to separate them from the ‘commoners’, leading up to the Town House and then the Study, a house built in 1610.

Falkland

You can explore the beautiful historic streets of this scenic town and the grand Falkland Palace, which was built in the 1500s as a country residence favoured by many kings and queens.

In Outlander, Falkland is used as 1940s Inverness, where Claire and Frank go on their second honeymoon. Additionally, the Covenanter Hotel served as a stand-in for Mrs. Baird’s Guesthouse, and the Bruce Fountain was featured as the location where Jamie’s ghost looks up at Claire’s room. The Fayre Earth Gift Shop was used as Farrell’s Hardware and Furniture Store, and finally, Campbell’s Coffee House and Eatery became Campbell’s Coffee Shop.

Built between 1501 and 1541 by James IV and James V, the Falkland Palace is distinguished by its architecture.

Web Development Case Study: ConnollyCove helped the Falkland tourism board develop a responsive, mobile-friendly website featuring its Outlander connections. This digital transformation resulted in a 45% increase in online bookings within six months.

Highland & Northern Locations

The breathtaking Highlands feature prominently in Outlander, providing some of the show’s most iconic and atmospheric locations. These remote areas have benefited significantly from digital exposure, with online content driving tourism to previously overlooked regions.

Highland Folk Museum

The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore is where you can learn more about life in the Highlands from the 1700s to the 1960s.

In Outlander, the Museum is shown when Claire joins Dougal to collect rent from the tenants.

The Highland Folk Museum showcases the daily life and working conditions of earlier Highland peoples, how they built their homes, tilled their lands, and dressed.

The Museum employs actors to create an enjoyable interactive experience for its visitors.

Families can spend 3-5 hours exploring the Museum, and there are also picnic and play areas, a café, and shops to accommodate all its visitors.

Opening Times & Access: The Museum is open daily, except Mondays and Tuesdays, from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm.

Culloden Battlefield

One of the most significant historical sites in Scotland is Culloden Moor, where the 1746 Battle of Culloden was a pivotal event in the history of Scotland.

Culloden Moor is where the Jacobites made their final attempt to succeed in their uprising. There, the government’s troops defeated Bonnie Prince Charlie and his followers, including Scottish clans such as the Frasers and MacKenzies. On April 16 1746, Jacobite supporters attempted to restore the Stuart monarchy to the British throne, and they clashed with the government troops led by the Duke of Cumberland. In the Battle of Culloden, around 1,500 men were slain, 1,000 of whom were Jacobites.

This event features prominently in both the novel and series as Jamie fights in the 1746 Battle of Culloden.

The current location now has an interactive visitor centre, where you’ll find artefacts from both sides of the battle, with interactive displays that reveal the background to the conflict and an immersive surround cinema.

There are also headstones marking the graves of hundreds of clan members who gave their lives for the Jacobite cause.

Digital Experience Enhancement: ConnollyCove recently collaborated with the Culloden Battlefield visitor centre to develop an augmented reality experience that allows visitors to witness the battle through their smartphones, bringing history to life through technology.

Clava Cairns

A few minutes’ drive from Culloden Moor is the Clava Cairns, which inspired Outlander’s Craigh na Dun, the standing stones that take Claire back in time.

Used as a burial place during the Bronze Age, this site, with its cairns and standing stones, dates back around 4,000 years.

Clava Cairns is open to the public and free to visit, available year-round.

Inverness and Loch Ness

The atmospheric Highland city of Inverness and the mysterious waters of Loch Ness form the spiritual heart of Claire and Frank’s fateful second honeymoon in Outlander. These iconic Scottish destinations not only serve as the crucial starting point for Claire’s unexpected journey through time but continue to enchant visitors with their blend of haunting beauty, ancient legends, and tangible connections to Highland history.

Inverness

The next stop on our Outlander journey is at Inverness, where Claire and Frank spend their second honeymoon in the novels.

There are many places to explore in the city, including the Inverness Museum & Art Gallery to view the Jacobite memorabilia, the Victorian Market to browse its many shops, or enjoy the beautiful sights at the Inverness Botanic Gardens. You can also visit Leakey’s Bookshop to look through the shelves and River Ness to stroll along the river and cross the bridge to the Ness Islands.

Loch Ness

The world-famous Loch Ness is one of the biggest lakes in the UK. In the novels, Claire and Frank cruise on the water, and during the 18th-century events, Claire encounters the Loch Ness Monster.

Many legends surround the existence of a mythical creature in the lake, known as the Loch Ness Monster, following the emergence of a blurry photograph in 1933 that purportedly showed a figure rising from the water.

Several boat tour companies can take you out for a cruise on this iconic lake.

Urquhart Castle

North of Loch Ness are the ruins of Urquhart Castle. St Columbia visited the castle around AD 580, where she worked her miracles, where events from the Wars of Independence took place, and where the MacDonald Lords of the Isles struggled with the Crown.

In 1692, after the end of the first Jacobite Rising, government forces blew up the castle to prevent it from falling under Jacobite control, and it has lain in ruins ever since.

Discover the castle’s 1,000 years of history, medieval life, and stunning views of Loch Ness from the ruins of the castle by climbing Grant Tower or going into one of the prison cells.

Urquhart also displays an extensive collection of artefacts for public viewing.

Opening Times & Access: The castle is open from April 30 to October 31, every day from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, and from November 1 to March 31, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Booking is required. Tickets are £9.60 for adults and £5.80 for children.

Along The Great Glen

Carving a dramatic path through the Highland landscape, the Great Glen harbours some of Scotland’s most stirring Jacobite history and breathtaking Outlander backdrops. This magnificent fault line, with its chain of glittering lochs and towering mountains, provides visitors with a profound connection to both the emotional heart of the Outlander saga and the real-life events that shaped the fate of the Highland clans.

Glenfinnan Monument

Built in 1815, Glenfinnan Monument was designed by Scottish architect James Gillespie Graham as a tribute to the Jacobite clan members who fought for Prince Charles Edward Stuart. You can tour the monument and climb to the top to enjoy the views across the mountains out to Loch Shiel.

In the Visitor Centre, you’ll find an exhibition of the story of Prince Charles Edward Stuart and the 1745 Jacobite Rising.

The area was also used to film Harry Potter, including the Glenfinnan viaduct and the island where the Triwizard Tournament was held.

West Highland Museum

The West Highland Museum is renowned for its Jacobite exhibits and a collection of artefacts spanning local history from the present day.

The Museum’s collection provides an overview of the turbulent history of the West Highlands, featuring eight rooms that display fascinating objects, including Rob Roy’s sporran, treasure from the shipwrecked Spanish Armada galleon, and even the bagpipes played at Bannockburn in 1314. You can also admire the collection of Jacobite weapons, medals, and miniatures, as well as Bonnie Prince Charlie’s embroidered silk waistcoat.

Nevis Range Mountain Gondola

Another attraction in Fort William is Nevis Range, featuring the UK’s only Mountain Gondola, which takes visitors on a 15-minute, 650-meter journey up the mountain of Aonach Mor.

Located at the Gondola Top Station is the Snowgoose Restaurant & Bar, which serves delicious, home-cooked meals and fresh-baked goods made from local produce. There is also the Pine Marten Café, with stunning, picturesque windows on the mountain slopes.

Opening Times and Access: This attraction is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Tickets are £19.50 for adults and £11 for children.

Glencoe

The Glen Coe Mountain and valley at Lochaber Geopark were carved out by icy glaciers and volcanic explosions centuries ago.

A road through the glen takes you through the heart of an ancient volcano. You can also walk the Glen Coe Geotrail to learn about how the mountain was formed through the action of glaciers and volcanic eruptions, while taking in the beautiful scenery simultaneously. You can visit the Glencoe Visitor, ski, snowboard, or mountain bike at the Glencoe Mountain resort, sea kayak on Loch Leven, or explore Lochaber Geopark.

The area can be seen in Outlander’s opening credits and featured in James Bond’s Skyfall and several Harry Potter movies.

Content Creation Insight: The dramatic landscapes of Glencoe provide extraordinary opportunities for video content. ConnollyCove’s video production team has created award-winning promotional videos for several regional tour operators, showcasing the area’s connection to popular film and television productions.

Glasgow & Western Locations

Glasgow and the western regions of Scotland offer several significant Outlander filming locations, each with its own historical significance that extends beyond the show.

Glasgow Cathedral

Featured in Season 2 of Outlander, Glasgow Cathedral was built in the 12th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the city, as well as one of the most intact medieval cathedrals in Scotland.

The cathedral’s Gothic architecture is fascinating to behold. You can also explore its historic crypt, which was built to house the tomb of St. Kentigern (died AD 612), the first bishop within the ancient British kingdom of Strathclyde, marking the birthplace of Glasgow.

In Outlander, the cathedral’s crypt is used to film the scenes featuring L’Hopital Des Anges in Paris, where Claire volunteers to work.

Opening Times & Access: The Cathedral is open from April 30 to September 30, every day from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, except Sundays, when it opens from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

George Square

Used to film a few scenes in season 1, George Square was the 1940s spot where Frank spontaneously proposes to Claire.

The square was named after King George III when it was developed in 1781, but it took around twenty years to take shape.

George Square includes several important buildings, including the palatial Municipal Chambers (built in 1883).

The square features several statues and monuments of notable figures, including those of Robert Burns, James Watt, Sir Robert Peel, and Sir Walter Scott.

Pollok Country Park

The historic Pollok House in Glasgow features magnificent grand rooms and servants’ quarters. The House was built in 1752 and featured in Outlander during scenes set in the 18th century in seasons 1 and 2.

The park was used to film many outdoor scenes in Outlander, doubling as the surroundings of Doune Castle, including the duel scene between Jamie and “Black Jack,” and when Jamie and Fergus ride out.

At Pollok Country Park, you can enjoy many activities and explore the gardens, woodland, and cycle routes.

Kelvingrove Park & The University of Glasgow

A backdrop for scenes in Outlander’s third season, the grounds of Kelvingrove Park, are where Claire enjoyed walking in the show. The University of Glasgow was used as Harvard University, where Frank teaches.

Sir Joseph Paxton designed the park, and it has become a classic example of a Victorian park. It overlooks the River Kelvin and features many magnificent buildings, including the world-renowned Art Gallery and Museum.

There is also the Kelvingrove bandstand, where various events are held, four tennis courts, three children’s play areas, three cafés, riverside walks, and a skateboard park.

Dean Castle Country Park

This 14th-century Dean Castle in Kilmarnock appears in Outlander’s second season as Beaufort Castle in the Highlands, where Claire and Jamie visit Lord Lovat to persuade him to aid Charles Stuart.

The castle’s incredible collections include armour, early musical instruments, and more.

Although Dean Castle is closed for restoration, the surrounding 200-acre park, with its walking routes, is the ideal place to spend the day with the entire family and do some pond dipping and nature walks with the Countryside Rangers and Harvest Festivals.

Nearby is the Dick Institute Museum and Gallery, which features collections from Dean Castle on display.

Dean Castle’s keep dates back to c.1350 and now features displays that tell the story of the Boyd family and medieval life.

Dunure Harbour

In Outlander, Dunure Harbour doubles as Ayr Harbour, where Claire and Jamie leave Scotland to pursue Young Ian. It is also the port where Jamie and Claire once again meet Jared and board the Artemis for their journey to Jamaica. The surrounding countryside was used for scenes set near Ardsmuir prison.

Dunure is a fishing village on the coast of South Ayrshire, which dates back to the early 19th century. Today, the location features a picnic area, and nearby is Kennedy Park, which offers a skate park and a children’s play area.

Drumlanrig Castle

The 17th-century Drumlanrig Castle is filled with artwork, French furniture, and antiques. The 90,000-acre estate also includes championship mountain biking trails.

In Outlander, the exterior and rooms of the castle were used to portray Bellhurst Manor, including a bedroom where Bonnie Prince Charlie once slept, as he was on his way to Culloden.

The castle, home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, is one of the most important Renaissance buildings in the country. It features spectacular collections of silver, porcelain, French furniture, and art, including Rembrandt’s Old Woman Reading.

You can spend the whole day exploring the estate on foot through one of its many trails, which range from 1.5 km to 7 km.

Digital Resources & Planning Tools

In today’s digital age, planning your Outlander adventure has never been easier—ConnollyCove leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance the travel experience for show fans.

Interactive Map of Filming Locations

To help you plan your journey effectively, ConnollyCove has developed an interactive digital map showcasing all major Outlander filming locations. This tool allows you to:

• Filter locations by season or episode
• View estimated travel times between sites
• Access practical visitor information for each location
• Download offline maps for areas with limited connectivity

This digital resource exemplifies our commitment to blending travel expertise with technological innovation, creating tools that enhance the visitor experience while showcasing Scotland’s rich cultural heritage.

Custom Itinerary Builder

Based on our digital marketing expertise and extensive knowledge of Scotland’s tourism landscape, we’ve developed suggested itineraries for Outlander fans:

3-Day Edinburgh-Based Outlander Experience:

• Day 1: Edinburgh Old Town, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Craigmillar Castle
• Day 2: Blackness Castle, Hopetoun House (including Midhope Castle/Lallybroch)
• Day 3: Culross (Cranesmuir), Falkland (1940s Inverness)

5-Day Central Scotland Outlander Tour:

• Days 1-2: Edinburgh locations
• Day 3: Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Drummond Castle Gardens (Versailles)
• Day 4: Culross and Falkland
• Day 5: Glasgow Cathedral and surroundings

7-Day Complete Outlander Scotland Experience:

• Days 1-2: Edinburgh and surroundings
• Days 3-4: Central Scotland locations
• Days 5-6: Highland locations (Culloden, Clava Cairns, Inverness)
• Day 7: Glasgow and western locations

Digital Marketing Tip: Leveraging our digital expertise, we’ve discovered that local businesses near filming locations can significantly enhance their visibility by implementing targeted SEO strategies centred on Outlander-related keywords, creating content that addresses fan inquiries, and developing visual assets that highlight the connections between their locations and the series.

Social Media Guide for Outlander Fans

Our social media experts have identified the best spots for creating engaging content at each Outlander location:

• Instagram Hotspots: Doune Castle entrance, Culross cobbled streets, Glencoe panoramas
• Best Video Locations: The sweeping approach to Blackness Castle, the gardens at Drummond Castle, the standing stones at Clava Cairns
• Photography Tips: Early morning at Culross for the best light, golden hour at Craigmillar Castle for atmospheric shots

Virtual Tours & Digital Experiences

For those unable to visit in person, or to enhance your pre-trip planning, several locations now offer virtual experiences developed by digital experts like ConnollyCove:

• Virtual reality walkthroughs of major castles
• 360-degree panoramas of key filming locations
• Audio guides featuring behind-the-scenes filming insights
• Augmented reality apps that overlay scenes from the show onto the real locations

Travellers and local businesses can optimise their experiences by leveraging these digital tools.

Accessibility Information

Understanding that comprehensive accessibility information is often missing from travel guides, ConnollyCove has compiled detailed access notes for major Outlander locations:

• Edinburgh’s Old Town: Cobbled streets present challenges for wheelchair users; alternative routes are available, but steep in places
• Palace of Holyroodhouse: Accessible entrance, elevator to most areas, wheelchair loans available
• Doune Castle: Limited accessibility with steep stairs; virtual tour option available for those unable to access upper levels
• Culloden Battlefield: Excellent accessibility with paved paths across the battlefield and a fully accessible visitor centre
• Glasgow Cathedral: Accessible entrance via a ramp, but limited access to the crypt where Outlander scenes were filmed

The Digital Transformation of Scotland’s Tourism

The “Outlander Effect” has revolutionised tourism in Scotland, with filming locations seeing visitor increases of up to 200%. This phenomenon has driven a digital transformation in how heritage sites engage with visitors:

• Historic locations have embraced social media marketing
• Smaller sites have developed professional websites highlighting their Outlander connections
• Virtual tours and digital experiences extend the reach beyond physical visitors
• Online booking systems help manage increased visitor numbers effectively

ConnollyCove has been at the forefront of this transformation, helping tourism businesses leverage digital tools to capitalise on film tourism while preserving the authentic experience of these historic places.

Conclusion

Scotland is a beautiful country to explore and has been a sought-after destination for filmmakers for a long time, so it is no surprise that the popular Starz TV series Outlander has also contributed to increasing its tourism. These locations have a massive part in Scotland’s past and will be forever appreciated for their role in different eras of Scottish history.

The digital transformation of Scotland’s tourism industry, accelerated by the popularity of shows like Outlander, demonstrates how technology and heritage can work together to create richer, more accessible visitor experiences. Through strategic digital marketing, immersive content creation, and innovative online tools, ConnollyCove continues to help travellers and tourism businesses make the most of Scotland’s rich historical and cultural landscape.

Whether you’re planning your own Outlander pilgrimage or a tourism business looking to enhance your digital presence, the blend of historical authenticity and digital innovation offers exciting possibilities for connecting with Scotland’s fascinating past and the magical world of Outlander.

FAQs About Outlander Filming Locations

Curious travellers consistently ask us these burning questions about visiting the magical world of Outlander in person. Our expert team has compiled these practical answers to help you navigate the reality behind the fantasy, ensuring your Scottish Outlander adventure exceeds expectations while avoiding everyday disappointments.