The global sensation that is the Outlander series has convinced thousands of tourists to visit Scotland, the starting point of this saga imagined by the American author Diana Gabaldon. Such is the enthusiasm that Visit Scotland has created a complete guide to the Outlander filming locations.
It is also possible to join small group Outlander-themed tours, especially with Slainte Scotland Tours. Here are some must-see places if you have fallen under the spell of Claire and Jamie. From Doune Castle to Falkland village, a Scottish epic awaits!
Lallybroch
It’s impossible not to stop at Midhope Castle, in the hamlet of Abercorn, which embodies Lallybroch, the home of the James Fraser family. To avoid confusion, the site is also known as Broch Tuarach.
The first thing that strikes is the tranquility of this uninhabited private residence. It must be said that the filming team completely transformed the place, adding soil, animals, and extras to make it a bustling location. Around the castle, a green screen was used to create mountains, nonexistent in reality, thanks to the magic of special effects.
Nevertheless, it’s one of the Outlander filming locations that makes the strongest impression among fans of the series, because of its importance to the Fraser clan. However, note that it is not possible to enter the building.
Blackness Castle
Whether you’ve watched the series or not, this castle, which looks like “a ship that will never sail,” remains of interest.
Built in the 15th century, Blackness Castle once served as a military base for the British army. The site is where Claire is held by the villain Jack Randall in the first season, where Jamie is whipped, and where his father is killed.
Doune Castle
This is undoubtedly the most popular Outlander filming locations: welcome to Castle Leoch!
This medieval castle, built by the Duke of Albany, who mainly used it for grand banquets, is the residence of Colum MacKenzie and his clan in the series. Doune Castle can also be seen in the first season, when Claire and Frank visit it in the 20th century.
Although the kitchen served as inspiration for the team, which faithfully reproduced it in the studio, no scenes taking place there were filmed on-site. However, traces of sharpened knives on the walls attest to the real use of this same kitchen by the castle’s inhabitants, in the past.
Falkland
Falkland, set in the Fife region, is the lovely village where the scenes set in Inverness were filmed. This is where Frank and Claire come for their second honeymoon, in 1940. The inn exteriors on the main street is easily recognizable. Scenes preceding the Culloden battlefield, in 1746, were also filmed here, including those at Falkland Palace which is managed by the National Trust of Scotland. The production completely transformed some streets, even going as far as changing the windows of houses and repainting some, which were returned to their original state after the shoot. The kind of place where you want to stroll around peacefully.
Culross
Many scenes from the first, second, and fourth seasons are set in this charming village. Among other things, you can see Claire’s garden, where she meets Geillis, and the Palace of Culross, where Bonnie Prince Charles sets up his camp. It’s quickly understood why the production wanted to spend as much time as possible there!
Drummond Castle
Did you know that the scenes set in Versailles in the second season were not filmed in France, but in Perthshire, specifically at Drummond Castle?
It’s known for having one of the most beautiful gardens in Europe and its exteriors are heavily featured in this episode.
Craigh na Dun stones
The famous circle of magical stones! The place where key moments in the series take place, and which acts as a time portal for Claire, allowing her to travel back and forth between time periods and find her Jamie.
However, the stones of Craigh na Dun… do not exist! They are actually made of Styrofoam and were specially installed for the filming on a real life private farm on the outskirts of Kinloch Rannoch, a small village in Perthshire. This spectacular backdrop offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area, adding to the mystical atmosphere of these scenes.
However, it is widely believed that the Neolithic stones of Clava and their many legends was the main inspiration for the creation of Craigh na Dun. And that’s something you can visit, just minutes from Inverness.
Where is the TV series Outlander actually filmed? Additional Outlander shooting locations throughout Scotland!
There are hundreds of locations throughout Scotland that were used as sets for this now legendary series. While some of the beautiful locations are a little off the beaten path, they’re still well worth a visit.
- Deanston Distillery
- Faskally forest
- Firth of Forth
- Finnich Glen (Devil’s Pulpit)
- Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison)
- Pollock Country Park
- Dunure Harbour
- Highland Folk Museum
- Dysart Harbour
- Bakehouse Close (Carfax Close)
- Preston Mill
- Glencorse House
- Dean Castle
- Braan Waterfall (Fraser’s Ridge in North Carolina)
- Glasgow Cathedral
