If you’ve ever found yourself pausing an episode of Outlander just to admire the breathtaking scenery, you’re not alone. The series is as much a tribute to Scotland’s dramatic landscapes and historic architecture as it is a romantic, time-travelling adventure. Primarily filmed across Scotland (with a few detours to France and the Caribbean), Outlander brings Diana Gabaldon’s novels to life with rich visual authenticity. Below is a guide to some of the most beautiful and iconic filming locations from the show, complete with links to official tourist information pages to help you plan your visit.
1. Doune Castle (Castle Leoch)
Situated near Stirling, Doune Castle stands in as Castle Leoch, home of Clan MacKenzie. This 14th-century fortress, with its preserved great hall and towering walls, perfectly captures the essence of a Highland stronghold.
2. Culross, Fife (Cranesmuir)
This remarkably preserved 17th-century village portrays the fictional town of Cranesmuir. With its cobbled lanes and ochre-coloured houses, Culross offers an atmospheric glimpse into the past.
3. Blackness Castle (Fort William)
Known as “the ship that never sailed” due to its unusual shape, Blackness Castle became the setting for the infamous Fort William, where Jamie suffers his brutal flogging.
4. Falkland, Fife (Inverness)
Used as a stand-in for 1940s Inverness, Falkland is where Claire and Frank spend their second honeymoon. The Bruce Fountain in the square is where Claire sees the ghostly figure of Jamie.
5. Glen Coe
Familiar from the show’s stirring opening credits, Glen Coe is one of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes—wild, haunting, and steeped in legend.
6. Kinloch Rannoch (Craigh na Dun)
The stone circle of Craigh na Dun may be fictional, but the hilltop near Kinloch Rannoch where those scenes were filmed feels just as mystical.
7. Hopetoun House
This grand stately home west of Edinburgh appears in numerous guises throughout the series, including the residence of the Duke of Sandringham and various Parisian settings.
8. Deanston Distillery (Le Havre Warehouse)
Close to Doune Castle, this operational whisky distillery doubled as the wine warehouse in Le Havre during Season 2.
9. Drummond Castle Gardens (Versailles)
The elegant, symmetrical beauty of Drummond Castle Gardens in Perthshire stood in for the gardens of Versailles, offering some of the show’s most visually lush sequences.
10. Dunure Harbour
Located on the Ayrshire coast, this charming harbour was the setting for scenes in Season 3, including the couple’s departure for the West Indies.
11. Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison)
This atmospheric ruin was used to represent the notorious Wentworth Prison. It’s also historically significant as the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots.
12. Glencorse Old Kirk (Claire & Jamie’s Wedding)
Nestled in Midlothian, this tranquil 17th-century kirk was the setting for Claire and Jamie’s wedding, one of the series’ most cherished moments.
13. Aberdour Castle (Monastery)
Aberdour Castle was transformed into the Benedictine monastery where Jamie recovers following his traumatic experience at Wentworth.
14. Preston Mill and Phantassie Doocot (Lallybroch’s Mill)
This 18th-century working mill near East Linton served as the backdrop for Jamie’s infamous water wheel scene near Lallybroch.
15. Craigmillar Castle (Ardsmuir Prison)
Craigmillar Castle, just outside Edinburgh, portrayed Ardsmuir Prison in Season 3. Its stark, medieval architecture made it an ideal filming location.
The Tourism Boom Driven by Outlander
Since the show’s debut, Scotland has experienced a measurable surge in tourism directly linked to Outlander. Key impacts include:
- Tour Operators: Dedicated Outlander tours now operate across Scotland, often selling out months in advance.
- Local Economies: Small towns like Culross and Falkland have revitalised thanks to increased foot traffic and spending.
- Historic Scotland Sites: Locations under the organisation’s care reported a 67% rise in visits, with Doune Castle and Blackness Castle among the top beneficiaries.
- International Visitors: The show has attracted a global audience, with many fans planning trips specifically to see filming sites.
Planning Your Visit
For those inspired to explore these locations:
- Guided Tours: Companies like Rabbie’s and Highland Explorer offer multi-day Outlander-themed itineraries.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn provide fewer crowds and striking seasonal landscapes.
- Combining Sites: Many locations are within easy reach of Edinburgh or Glasgow, making them ideal for day trips.
Watch Outlander filming locations:
