Outlander Filming Locations: A Guide to Scotland’s Most Iconic Sites
Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, historic castles, and charming villages provided the perfect backdrop for the hit TV series Outlander. Adapted from Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling novels, Outlander follows the journey of Claire Randall, a WWII nurse who is transported back to 18th-century Scotland.
The show has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, not just for its gripping story and compelling characters but also for its stunning filming locations. If you're planning a trip to Scotland or simply want to explore the real-life settings of Outlander, this guide will take you through the most famous Outlander filming locations and the scenes that brought them to life.
Travelling to Scotland? Visit Outlander locations on a day tour from Edinburgh!
1. Doune Castle – Castle Leoch
Location: Stirling, Central Scotland
One of the most recognisable Outlander filming locations is Doune Castle, which serves as Castle Leoch, the seat of Clan MacKenzie. In Season 1, Claire arrives here after being taken captive by Jamie and his fellow Highlanders. The castle, with its imposing stone walls and atmospheric surroundings, provides the perfect medieval setting for the MacKenzie stronghold.
In real life, Doune Castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress with a fascinating history. Visitors can explore the grand halls and climb to the battlements for stunning views over the River Teith. If you’re an Outlander fan, you can even take an audio tour narrated by Sam Heughan (Jamie Fraser) himself, making this visit even more immersive.
2. Blackness Castle – Fort William
Location: West Lothian
The formidable Blackness Castle doubles as Fort William, the stronghold of the sinister Black Jack Randall. One of the most harrowing scenes in Outlander takes place here in Season 1 when Jamie is publicly flogged by Randall, leaving a lasting scar both physically and emotionally. The castle’s thick stone walls and dramatic location on the shores of the Firth of Forth give it an eerie, menacing feel that perfectly suits the show’s dark moments.
You can walk through the same chilling corridors where Jamie suffered at Randall’s hands. The castle, often referred to as the "Ship That Never Sailed" due to its distinctive shape, also offers spectacular coastal views and a glimpse into Scotland’s military past. It’s a key stop on our Outlander day tour from Edinburgh.
3. Falkland – Inverness in the 1940s
Location: Fife
The picturesque village of Falkland stood in for 1940s Inverness, where Claire and Frank Randall enjoy a second honeymoon before Claire’s fateful trip to Craigh na Dun. Fans will recognise the Covenanter Hotel, which doubles as Mrs Baird’s B&B, and the charming streets where Frank encounters a mysterious Highlander watching Claire from a distance.
Walking through Falkland is like stepping onto the Outlander set. The village square and historic stone buildings retain their timeless charm, making it a must-visit destination for fans who want to experience the romance and mystery of Claire and Frank’s time in Inverness.
4. Culross – Cranesmuir
Location: Fife
The medieval town of Culross was transformed into Cranesmuir, the home of Geillis Duncan. This is where Claire befriends Geillis, only to later discover her shocking secret. The town’s mercat cross and narrow cobbled streets appear in multiple scenes, giving Cranesmuir its distinctive look.
Culross remains one of the best-preserved historic towns in Scotland. Fans can visit Culross Palace, which was used for several interior shots, including Claire’s herb garden at Castle Leoch. The town’s authentic 17th-century architecture makes it one of the most immersive Outlander filming locations to visit.
5. Midhope Castle – Lallybroch
Location: West Lothian
No Outlander tour would be complete without a visit to Midhope Castle, better known as Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s family home. Lallybroch is the heart of Jamie’s past, and some of the most emotional scenes in Outlander take place here, from heartfelt reunions to heartbreaking goodbyes.
Though the castle itself is uninhabitable, fans can walk up the iconic driveway where Claire and Jamie share tender moments. It’s a surreal experience to stand in front of Lallybroch and imagine the Frasers’ life within its walls.
Another stop on our Outlander day tour from Edinburgh.
6. Linlithgow Palace – Wentworth Prison
Location: West Lothian
The haunting Linlithgow Palace was used as Wentworth Prison, where Jamie is imprisoned and tortured by Black Jack Randall in one of the series’ most distressing scenes. The eerie ruins of this former royal residence provide the perfect setting for the grim prison sequences.
Beyond its Outlander connection, Linlithgow Palace has a rich history as the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Visitors can explore the impressive ruins, including the grand fountain and royal chambers, while reflecting on its dramatic past.
7. Clava Cairns – Inspiration for Craigh na Dun
Location: Near Inverness
Though the standing stones of Craigh na Dun don’t exist in real life, the Clava Cairns near Inverness are believed to have inspired the mystical stone circle that transports Claire back in time. This ancient burial site, dating back over 4,000 years, exudes an otherworldly aura that makes it easy to see why fans are drawn here.
While you won’t be transported to 18th-century Scotland, visiting Clava Cairns allows you to experience a real Neolithic stone circle and imagine what it might have felt like for Claire as she stepped through time.
We hope you found this article helpful and perhaps you’ve got a better idea of where you’ll be going on your Scotland vacation! If you’d like to learn more about the most popular places in Scotland, check out our pages: Edinburgh Guide, Loch Ness Guide, Glenfinnan Viaduct Guide, Isle of Skye Guide.
We hope to see you in Scotland soon!
