Outlander Experience
Tour Description
A journey through time: explore the filming locations in Scotland
Duration
2 Days
Prices vary by season
About
Our tour follows in the footsteps of Claire & Jamie, letting you explore the historic locations where Outlander was filmed and immerse yourself in the places which inspired their unforgettable love story.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
A morning of Castles...
Our first stop is Midhope Castle, the external location for Lallybroch, the family home of Jamie Fraser. This 15th-century castle is largely intact outside, but sadly derelict within - so we will have a quick photo stop here before continuing our journey northwards.
Our first stop of the tour is the imposing Blackness Castle . A perfect viewpoint for the Firth of Forth and often referred to as 'the ship that never sailed' due to its strong ship-like stone exterior, this 15th-century castle stood in for Fort William in the show. It has also featured in other period films, most recently in ‘Mary Queen of Scots’. Feel free to discover this castle at your own pace and discover the hidden secrets of the castle. This is not just a filming location. It has been; a royal castle, a stronghold, a prison and ancestral home to the Crichton family for whom it was built. You may be reminded of Jamie's heart-wrenching incarceration as featured in the show, as well as his dramatic escape.
We continue on to Doune Castle , which boasts a striking 100ft high gatehouse and one of the best-preserved great halls in the United Kingdom. It is better known for playing a starring role in the show; Castle Leoch home of Colum MacKenzie and his clan. You might also remember it from as Castle Anthrax from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Immerse yourself in the Outlander spirit by listening to Jamie as he guides you through his uncle's home.
Enjoy stunning scenery and Highland towns...
Your lunch stop for the day will be in the pretty town of Callander, set on the banks of the River Teith, known colloquially as the ‘Gateway to the Highlands’. You will have time here to explore the many teashops and sample the local produce. You’ll see the beautiful Roman Gate on your way out of the town.
We travel north into the Highlands and visit Glen Coe, which features in Outlander's opening credits. Soak in the scenery of one of the most impressive places in Scotland. You'll be in awe as you stand in this striking glen. Here you can get a sense of the dramatic landscape in which the show was set, and imagine how Jamie and Claire may have lived. This will be a brief stop in which you will have the opportunity to photograph the glen.
The tour continues past Fort William, home of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. This town is the site of Jamie’s incarceration in the show as it was the base of the Red Coat Army.
Spend a moment Nessie spotting...
We'll have a quick stop at Loch Ness as we continue north to our final resting stop for the day. This is a great opportunity for a photo. Be sure to look carefully: this loch is home to the famous Loch Ness Monster!
Your overnight stop for the day will be Inverness. You will arrive in the evening, so you will have the chance to explore the town by night. It is full of cobbled streets, churches and impressive architecture. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in which to enjoy your evening in the Highlands.
Overnight: Inverness
Day 2
Explore Clava Cairns and the famous battlefield of Culloden...
Our second day begins with a visit to Clava Cairns, approximately 4,000 years old, these are one of Scotland's more impressive sights as you can get up close to the standing stones and burial chambers. These cairns are the real-life version of Craigh Na Dun, and the inspiration for the novel.
We then continue on to Culloden , a sombre place to visit as you can walk the battlefield of the quick and bloody 1746 battle. This was the final battle between the Jacobite Forces and the Red Coats, and where the rising met its end. Your guide will tell you the whole tragic story, sensationalised in the show.
Immerse yourself in Highland History...*
We will journey south to the Highland Folk Museum for lunch and to get a flavour of how Highland people lived and worked from the 1700s up until the 1960s. You will have plenty of time to explore this museum, which will give you important background information for the show – a lot that you will recognise already. Nestled in the Cairngorm national park, this museum was an ideal choice for various period scenes in Outlander.
Explore Falkland and Culross...
As we head further south to Fife we will visit the village of Falkland. Here you will have time to wander the streets and relive one of the first scenes of the TV series, in which Jamie's ghost looks up at Claire's room. You'll recognise this village as 1940s & 1960s Inverness. This small town is home to Falkland Palace and was a favourite retreat for many Royals, including Mary, Queen of Scots. It has remained remarkably unchanged since the mid-century making it the ideal filming location. See if you can spot the parallels between Falkland and Inverness!
Your final stop of the tour will be the village of Culross. Here you will have an hour to explore the streets, which you will recognise as the town of Cranesmuir in the first season of the show. This 17th Century riverside town is owned and preserved by the National Trust and was once a busy port for Fife. Its narrow streets make it largely free of traffic making it easy to imagine life here in the 18th Century. You will then make the short journey back to Edinburgh where you will say goodbye to your group.
What to bring
It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go!
It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.
Prices & Dates
What to bring
It is always advisable to be prepared for any weather in Scotland so a jacket is always a good idea! A bottle of water for hydration and a camera to capture the spectacular views and you are set to go!
It is not necessary for you to bring your own meals, as we will stop throughout the day in small towns or villages where you can purchase food, however you are more than welcome to bring along snacks or a packed lunch.
For any luggage storage needs, Edinburgh’s luggage concierge service can help! Visit www.unbaggaged.com to find out more, and for our customers there is a 10% discount: type in the voucher code ‘HIGHLAND10’
What's Included
Departure & Map
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions |
Cancellation and Refunds for scheduled toursWhen a passenger wishes to make a cancellation of a 1-day scheduled tour the following charges apply:
When a passenger wishes to make a cancellation of a multi-day scheduled tour the following charges apply:
We reserve the right to cancel trips under exceptional circumstances such as those out with of our control. In such cases clients will be promptly informed and offered:
Cancellation and Refunds for unique tours
General Guidelines for all toursChildren policy: We do accept children of 3 years old and above on all tours, providing a valid proof of age, such as passport or birth certificate. We do accept infants under 3 on the Multi-Lingual Highland Adventure and they will travel at the appropriate infant rate. luggage policy: Maximum weight: 15kg. Maximum size: 55 x 40 x 20 per person. Left luggage offices available in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Due to the size of our vehicles, on our multi-day tours, we guarantee to carry one piece of luggage per passenger of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm, with a maximum of 15kg. This is equivalent to hand luggage allowed in an aircraft cabin. Should you have larger suitcases or luggage, there are left luggage offices at the train and bus stations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. If you are wishing to bring your luggage with you on a one-day tour, please contact us for further arrangements. Any personal property should be carried at the travellers responsibility We reserve the right to change the tour itinerary at any time due to weather, acts of God and events out without our control.Unless stated otherwise, food, attractions and accommodation is not included in the tour price however; clients may be eligible for a discount when mentioning Highland Experience. Smoking is not permitted on any of our vehicles. The operator recommends all passengers take our suitable travel, medical and cancellation insurance. Driver tips are not included in the tour price but if deserved, greatly appreciated. Please note that we operate with a minimum number of 5 passengers on all tours except private tours. Accommodation for extendedClients booking ' TOUR ONLY' option should follow this information as NO accommodation is included in the price. Guest will be dropped in a central point in each location. Please contact us for details of locations, You will need to make your own way to your accommodation. You will also need to make your way back to the drop point the following day to be collected. You must inform Highland Experience at least 2 days in advance of your tour departure where you have booked your accommodation. Please contact us after booking and we can inform you of the locations to book. Should you experience any difficulties please contact us where we will be happy to help. TimekeepingIt is the responsibility of the Passenger to ensure that they are at the departure point in good time and that they adhere to the departure times given in the Company''s publicity and by its representatives. Coaches will not be held for Passengers who are late. In such cases full cancellation charges will apply and the Company shall have no further liability to that Passenger. Alterations by the companyWhilst the Company shall use its reasonable endeavours to provide the tour as planned, the Company reserves the right to alter itineraries in any way, and for whatever reason, or to vary hotel accommodation. In the case of hotel accommodation alternative accommodation of a similar standard will be obtained. Suppliers of serviceTickets for steamships, aircraft, trains or other carriers which are obtained by the Company on behalf of the Passenger are subject to the conditions of carriage of the individual carrier. The Company undertakes to select hotels, restaurants and coach companies which have a good reputation. The company will not accept or have any liability for the acts of omissions whether negligent or otherwise, of ferry companies, coach operators, hotels or any other person providing services in connection with the arrangements of the group/ individual(s) unless such a person is employed by the Company or subject to the Company''s direct control. The Company is dedicated to providing Passengers with a reliable and fault free service. In the unlikely event that a Passenger wishes to raise any queries or complaints with the Company, such query or complaint should be raised in the first instance with the tour guide, who will endeavour to resolve the situation to the Passenger''s satisfaction. If any complaint cannot be resolved by the tour guide, Passengers must address their complaints in writing to the Company within one month from the last day of the tour provided by the Company. Force MajeureThe Company does not accept any liability for any loss, inconvenience or damage caused by war, threat of war riot or civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, natural disaster, fires, sickness, weather conditions, airport regulations, temporary, technical, mechanical or electrical breakdown of transport or any facilities contained within advertised accommodation, explosion of any nuclear plant or part thereof or radioactivity/contamination arising from such plant or events beyond the reasonable control of the Company.
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