This tour offers visitors a chance to discover the iconic palaces and castles featured in the ‘Outlander’ TV series. It explores sites pivotal to the Jacobite saga and includes behind-the-scenes stories from a knowledgeable guide. Highlights include visiting Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the picturesque village of Culross that served as the setting for Cranesmuir. The tour provides round-trip transportation from Edinburgh and opportunities to capture stunning photos, though food, drinks, and attraction tickets are not included. To learn more about the immersive Outlander experience, including visits to Midhope Castle and Blackness Castle, continue reading.
Key Points

- The tour offers a chance to explore iconic palaces, castles, and villages featured in the hit TV series ‘Outlander’.
- Visitors can learn about the Jacobite saga and history behind the filming locations from a knowledgeable driver-guide.
- The tour includes stops at Linlithgow Palace, Blackness Castle, and the picturesque village of Culross (Cranesmuir).
- Travelers have opportunities to capture stunning photographs and enjoy the world of ‘Outlander’.
- The tour provides round-trip transportation from Edinburgh and includes live commentary, but excludes food, drinks, and attraction tickets.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Overview of the Tour
- Highlight Attractions and Filming Locations
- Transportation and Inclusions
- Exclusions and Additional Information
- Visiting Midhope Castle and Blackness Castle
- Exploring Linlithgow Palace and Mary Queen of Scots
- Discovering the Village of Culross and Cranesmuir
- Final Stop at South Queensferry
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
- Are Audio Guides Available at the Filming Locations?
- Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?
- Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
- What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Edinburgh
- More Tours in Edinburgh
- More Tour Reviews in Edinburgh
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Edinburgh we have recnetly reviewed
Overview of the Tour

This tour offers visitors the opportunity to discover the iconic palaces and castles that have starred in the acclaimed television series ‘Outlander’, as well as explore sites that played a pivotal role in the Jacobite saga.
Travelers will hear behind-the-scenes stories about the show from a knowledgeable driver-guide and have the chance to capture stunning photos at locations like the majestic Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.
The tour also includes a visit to the picturesque village of Culross, which served as the setting for the fictional town of Cranesmuir.
With round-trip transport from Edinburgh provided, this experience allows visitors to efficiently check off multiple ‘Outlander’ filming sites in a single day.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Edinburgh.
Highlight Attractions and Filming Locations

The tour takes visitors to a variety of captivating palaces, castles, and villages that have appeared in the popular television series ‘Outlander‘, offering a chance to step into the show’s enchanting world.
One highlight is Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, which serves as the iconic Wentworth Prison in the show.
Another is the picturesque village of Culross, which doubles as the fictional town of Cranesmuir. Guests can explore the Culross Palace gardens, where Claire’s herb garden was filmed.
The tour also visits Blackness Castle, a stronghold featured as the ‘Black Jack Randall’s headquarters.
Throughout the day, the knowledgeable guide shares behind-the-scenes stories, making for an immersive Outlander experience.
Transportation and Inclusions
Provided round-trip transportation from Edinburgh via an air-conditioned vehicle, the tour allows guests to comfortably journey between the featured Outlander filming locations and historical sites.
Throughout the excursion, a knowledgeable driver-guide offers live commentary, enriching the experience with behind-the-scenes insights about the show.
The tour includes visits to sites like Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross, and Falkland, offering opportunities to capture stunning photographs at these iconic settings.
While food, drinks, and attraction tickets aren’t included, the comprehensive transportation and guided commentary ensure a seamless and informative exploration of the show’s remarkable filming locations and the captivating Jacobite history that inspired the beloved series.
Exclusions and Additional Information
While the tour includes comprehensive transportation and guided commentary, guests should note that food, drinks, and attraction tickets aren’t covered under the tour price. Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated.
Travelers are advised to dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions. Translations are available upon request.
The tour provides confirmation at the time of booking, ensuring a seamless experience. Guests can expect to visit a variety of ‘Outlander’ filming locations, including Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Culross, and Falkland, with ample opportunities for scenic photography.
The tour concludes with a final photo stop at South Queensferry before returning to Edinburgh.
Visiting Midhope Castle and Blackness Castle

First, guests will have the chance to stop for photos at the picturesque Midhope Castle, a seasonal filming location featured in ‘Outlander’.
The group will then continue on to visit Blackness Castle, a 15th-century fortress that has served as the setting for various scenes in the show.
Blackness Castle boasts:
- Impressive defensive architecture, including its distinctive ‘ship-like’ appearance
- Panoramic views of the Firth of Forth
- Connections to significant historical figures like Mary, Queen of Scots
- Opportunities for visitors to explore the castle’s labyrinth of chambers and towers
Guests will have the chance to learn more about the castle’s role in the ‘Outlander’ series and its broader significance in Scottish history from the knowledgeable guide.
Exploring Linlithgow Palace and Mary Queen of Scots

After exploring the picturesque Blackness Castle, the tour ventures to Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of the iconic Mary, Queen of Scots. This impressive 15th-century palace, situated on the shores of Linlithgow Loch, boasts a storied history closely intertwined with the life of the ill-fated Scottish monarch. As visitors wander through the grand halls and courtyards, they’ll learn fascinating insights into Mary’s early life and the turbulent events that ultimately led to her downfall.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth | Mary was born in Linlithgow Palace in 1542. |
| Coronation | She was crowned Queen of Scots at just 9 months old. |
| Imprisonment | She was imprisoned in Loch Leven Castle, located near Linlithgow. |
| Execution | Mary was ultimately executed for treason in 1587 at the age of 44. |
Discovering the Village of Culross and Cranesmuir
The tour next takes visitors to the charming village of Culross, which served as the setting for the fictional town of Cranesmuir in the Outlander television series. As they explore this 16th-century coastal burgh, travelers can marvel at the colorful, well-preserved historic buildings that have scarcely changed since the days of the Jacobite risings.
Highlights of the Culross visit include:
- Wandering the cobblestone streets and admiring the quaint, golden-ochre buildings
- Visiting the Culross Palace gardens, which doubled as Claire’s herb garden in the show
- Seeing the picturesque town square and 16th-century mercat cross
- Exploring the town’s historic abbey and taking in panoramic views from the hilltop
The tranquil, time-capsule atmosphere of Culross provides a captivating glimpse into Scotland’s Jacobite past.
Final Stop at South Queensferry

As the tour draws to a close, the final stop takes visitors to the picturesque town of South Queensferry, situated along the Firth of Forth and offering stunning views of the iconic Forth Bridges.
This quaint coastal town is the perfect location for a final photo opportunity, allowing guests to capture the majestic structures that have become synonymous with the region.
The tour guide will provide insight into the history and significance of the Forth Bridges, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the impressive engineering feats that have stood the test of time.
With one last glimpse of the area’s natural beauty, the tour concludes, providing a fitting end to a day spent immersed in the captivating world of Outlander.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour’s group size is not explicitly stated in the overview. However, it is common for such guided tours from a major city to accommodate a range of group sizes, typically up to around 20-25 participants.
Are Audio Guides Available at the Filming Locations?
Audio guides are not mentioned as being available at the filming locations on this tour. The focus seems to be on the knowledgeable driver-guide providing live commentary throughout the day’s visits to the various Outlander-related sites.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Individual Preferences?
Yes, the tour can often be customized to individual preferences. Many tour operators are willing to modify itineraries or include additional stops upon request to accommodate travelers’ specific interests or needs.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, many tour operators offer the flexibility to extend the tour duration for a customized experience. Guests can explore additional sites or spend more time at select locations based on their interests and preferences.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?
The cancellation and refund policy typically allows for full refunds on tours if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations may incur fees or be non-refundable. Policies can vary, so it’s best to check the specific tour details.
The Outlander, Palaces & Jacobites Tour From Edinburgh
“This was a such a good tour. Gary was so friendly and full of great information. I loved that we had time to wander on our own at each spot. Ever…”
Recap
This captivating Outlander-inspired tour from Edinburgh takes visitors on a journey through Scotland’s enchanting landscapes and historic sites featured in the hit TV series.
Travelers can enjoy the Jacobite saga, visiting iconic palaces, castles, and charming villages that have become backdrops to the show’s captivating storylines.
With round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers an unforgettable experience for any Outlander fan, allowing them to create lasting memories and capture stunning photographs at each remarkable site.





















