Inspired by the TV series and the Outlander book by Diana Gabaldon, our explorers Sam and Sarah recently took a 3 day tour of Scotland visiting special locations used for filming on the hit show.
Not completed watching the show? Don’t worry, no spoilers past season 3 are mentioned in our trip.
DAY 1
MIDHOPE CASTLE
4km west of South Queensferry is the Hopetoun estate, a set of preserved historical lands and buildings that include Midhope Castle. Originally built sometime in the 1400s, the surviving building was constructed during the 16th century.
As Outlander fans know, this has the fictional name of Lallybroch as the home of Jamie, Ian and Jenny.
Dating back to the 15th century is this a must visit location for Outlander fans.
How to book
For just £5 a ticket it is well worth a visit, just make sure you book in advance.
https://hopetoun.co.uk/estate/outlander-at-hopetoun/GLEN COE NATIONAL PARK
Scotland’s most famous Glen, Glen Coe has been used in tv shows and films for many well known titles such as James Bond, Harry Potter and of course the credits for Outlander.
Many myths and legends surround this iconic location, with its dark and bloody history that you may have heard of in the form of the Glencoe Massacre.
A prime example of the rugged beauty of the Scottish highlands Glencoe and the surrounding areas make this a MUST detour for those of you considering a route for the North Coast 500.
DAY 2NATIONAL FOLK MUSEUM
NATIONAL FOLK MUSEUM
highland Folk MuseumSet in a one mile long 80 acre site, live actors and restored buildings help bring Highland history to life. The museum encapsulates Highland life from the 1700s to the present day. If you haven’t yet seen a Highland cow yet on your journey then the museum will also give you that opportunity.
The museum’s authentic village was used in season 1 of the show where Jamie and Claire visited to collect the taxes for clan MacKenzie. Live actors of the museum excel at their roles as they talked about Outlander with us.
Although the museum is free, a donation is appreciated and trust us when we say it deserves one!!!
29 Jul 2022 – 31 Oct 2022
Day Times
Mondays Closed
Tuesdays Closed
Wednesdays 10:30 16:00
Thursdays 10:30 16:00
Fridays 10:30 16:00
Saturdays 10:30 16:00
Sundays 10:30 16:00
Welcome to Britain’s first open air museum
CULLODEN BATTLEFIELD
The Battle of Culloden was the the last battle of the “Forty-five Rebellion,” when the Jacobites, under Bonnie Prince Charlie, were defeated by British forces under William Augustus, duke of Cumberland.
Visiting the moor is an outstanding memorial to the battle and the visitor center showcases artefacts from both sides of the battle.
Outlander fans will remember 1960’s Claire visiting the gravestone which marks the mass grave of the men who died.
The gift shop has a nice selection of Outlander gifts along with many other lovely gifts to remember your trip.
How to bookAccess to the battlefield site is possible all year.Opening times for Visitor Centre:
30 Apr – 31 May: Wed – Sun: 10 am to 4 pm
1 Jun – 30 Sep: Daily: 10 am to 4 pm
1 Oct – 28 Feb: Wed – Sun: 10 am to 4 pm
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culloden
DAY 3
CULROSS PALACE
Get a sense of what it would have been like to live in Culross Palace in its prime, with original painted woodwork and beautifully restored 17th- and 18th-century interiors.Used for multiple clips from the show in seasons 1, 2 and 4, its rooms, courtyard and gardens will make any Outlander fan feel right at home. The first time we see this beautiful palace is the herb garden at Castle Leoch then as Gellis parlour and again as Jamie and Claire’s bedroom.
1 Jan–25 Apr, closed26 Apr–30 Sep, daily, 10.00–17.00 (last entry 4pm)1 Oct–31 Oct, daily, 10.00–16.00 (last entry 3pm)Current period1 Nov–31 Mar 2022, closedCULROSS
Culross ( pronounced ‘coo-ris’) is one of Scotland’s best preserved 17th-century villages famous for its role in Outlander.
Any marvel fans? Did you know Culross was used for filming in the first Captain America standing in for a Norwegian town?
Back to our favourite show, Curloss was used for the village of Cranesmuir, located close to Castle Leoch.
The square at the Mercat Cross was used in multiple scenes, such as the hanging of Gellis as a witch and a squeamish scene involving an ear and a pillory! The buildings around the Mercat Cross square were painted blue for filming and ‘The Study’ house, the home to Gellis Duncan.
Just outside of Culross Palace gift shop, is the studio of Graham Harris Graham is a professional Scottish landscape photographer.
Situated within a haunted 17th century Town House, as you enter you are welcomed by a large Outlander map next to a photo of Graham who sadly passed away earlier this year.
For any Outlander fan you can not walk out of the gallery without a souvenir.https://www.ghgraham.com
