Outlander Filming Locations in Scotland: A Guide

Last updated: July 2026

Few TV shows have sent more travellers to Scotland than Outlander. Diana Gabaldon’s time-travelling saga is filmed almost entirely on location, turning real castles, manor houses and Highland glens into Lallybroch, Castle Leoch and the battlefields of the Jacobite rising. This guide rounds up the best Outlander filming locations in Scotland — what each one plays in the show, and how to visit.

1. Doune Castle — Castle Leoch

The medieval Doune Castle near Stirling is the show’s Castle Leoch, the seat of Clan MacKenzie. Fans can explore its great hall and courtyard, and the audio guide is even narrated by Sam Heughan (Jamie). It’s an easy day trip from Glasgow or Edinburgh and is also one of the most complete medieval castles in Scotland — see our round-up of the best castles in Scotland.

2. Midhope Castle — Lallybroch

The tower house of Midhope Castle, on the Hopetoun Estate near South Queensferry, is Jamie’s beloved home, Lallybroch (Broch Tuarach). The exterior is instantly recognisable to fans. It’s a short drive from Edinburgh; check the estate’s opening days and ticket arrangements before visiting.

3. Culloden Battlefield

The haunting moor at Culloden, just outside Inverness, is where the 1746 Jacobite rising met its tragic end — a pivotal moment in both history and Outlander. The excellent visitor centre and the memorial stones make this one of the most moving sites in the Highlands, and essential for understanding the world the show portrays.

4. Blackness Castle — Fort William (the garrison)

The ship-shaped Blackness Castle on the Firth of Forth doubles as Fort William, the British army garrison commanded by the villainous Black Jack Randall. Its dramatic waterside setting makes it a memorable stop near Edinburgh.

5. Falkland — 1940s and 1740s Inverness

The pretty village of Falkland in Fife stands in for Inverness in both timelines, including the guesthouse where Claire and Frank stay. Falkland Palace and the village’s unspoiled streets make it a charming visit in its own right.

6. Glencoe and the Highlands

The sweeping opening credits and many travelling scenes were shot across the Highlands, including dramatic Glencoe. The brooding glens and mountains are the emotional backdrop of the whole series, and exploring the wider Highlands is the best way to feel the landscape that shaped the story.

7. Hopetoun House and Linlithgow Palace

Grand Hopetoun House near South Queensferry serves as several aristocratic settings, including the Duke of Sandringham’s home and scenes set in Paris. Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, doubles as the grim Wentworth Prison. Both are within easy reach of Edinburgh.

8. Aberdour Castle and Drummond Castle Gardens

Aberdour Castle in Fife appears as the monastery where Jamie recovers, while the formal Drummond Castle Gardens in Perthshire become the gardens of the Palace of Versailles. Both showcase the variety of locations the production drew on.

How to visit the Outlander locations

The locations are spread across central Scotland, Fife, Perthshire and the Highlands, so a self-drive trip works best:

Central belt cluster: Doune, Midhope, Blackness, Hopetoun, Linlithgow and Falkland are all within an hour or so of Edinburgh — ideal for one or two days.
Highlands: add Culloden near Inverness and the glens of the Highlands on a longer trip.
By tour: dedicated Outlander tours run from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness if you’d prefer not to drive.

To weave these into a wider trip, see our 7-day Scotland itinerary.

Tips for Outlander fans

Check opening days — Midhope Castle and some estates open only on certain days and require pre-booked tickets.
Respect private property — several locations are working estates or private homes; stick to visitor areas.
Allow time at Culloden — the visitor centre and battlefield deserve a couple of hours.
Combine with history — many locations are genuine Jacobite and clan sites, so you’ll learn the real story too.

Dunure Castle and other filming spots feature in our guide to Ayrshire and the Isle of Arran.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Outlander filmed in Scotland?

Key locations include Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Culloden, Blackness Castle, Falkland village, Glencoe, Hopetoun House, Linlithgow Palace, Aberdour Castle and Drummond Castle Gardens.

Can you visit Castle Leoch from Outlander?

Yes — Castle Leoch is Doune Castle near Stirling, which is open to visitors and features an audio guide narrated by Sam Heughan.

Is Lallybroch a real place?

Yes — Lallybroch’s exterior is Midhope Castle on the Hopetoun Estate near South Queensferry. Check the estate’s opening days and ticketing before visiting.