Outlander Edinburgh Locations: Filming Sites Guide (2026)

Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander novels and the Starz/Sony TV adaptation have transformed Edinburgh and Scotland into a global pilgrimage destination for romance and time-travel fans. The Old Town’s closes become 18th-century Edinburgh in the show’s third season. Doune Castle plays Castle Leoch. Linlithgow Palace appears as Wentworth Prison. The Highlands play themselves. This guide is the comprehensive resource for Outlander Edinburgh locations and the wider Scottish filming sites — every confirmed location, the scenes shot there, the practical visitor information, and the suggested itinerary that turns a Scottish trip into an Outlander pilgrimage.

How Edinburgh Became Outlander’s 18th-Century Showcase

Outlander Season 3 transported Jamie Fraser to 1760s Edinburgh, where he ran a print shop and later worked as a smuggler. To recreate 18th-century Edinburgh on screen, the production used the city’s surviving Old Town closes — many of which are remarkably preserved or restored to their Georgian-era state. The result is a TV series in which present-day Edinburgh visitors can stand exactly where Sam Heughan, Caitríona Balfe and the cast worked.

Edinburgh’s Specific Outlander Locations

Tweeddale Court (Carfax Close in the Show)

The Royal Mile’s most prominent Outlander location. Tweeddale Court is a closed-up garden close on the south side of the Royal Mile, between Anchor Close and World’s End Close. It served as Carfax Close in Season 3, where Jamie’s print shop is located. The narrow stepped close has been preserved with 18th-century stonework, making it ideal for period filming. You can walk down it freely.

Bakehouse Close (More Carfax Close Scenes)

Another stepped Old Town close used for several Outlander Season 3 scenes. Bakehouse Close is off the Cannongate on the Royal Mile. The Hugh Munro encounter and several Jamie-Claire reunion moments were filmed here. The close is now home to the Museum of Edinburgh (free entry, fascinating).

Signet Library

The Signet Library in Parliament Square (off the Royal Mile) features in several Outlander scenes as a Georgian-era interior. The library is private — for Writers to the Signet members — but offers public tours and afternoon tea. Excellent atmospheric photography spot.

Cumberland Street, New Town

Part of the New Town used for 18th-century street exteriors. Cumberland Street’s Georgian buildings dressed easily for period filming.

Holyrood Park

Several Highland-adjacent scenes were filmed on the open paths of Holyrood Park, with Arthur’s Seat as the backdrop.

Bakehouse Close (Museum of Edinburgh)

The free Museum of Edinburgh, accessed via Bakehouse Close, contains exhibits on Edinburgh’s history that contextualise Outlander’s setting. Highly recommended even for casual visitors.

The Royal Mile

Various wide-shot scenes use the Royal Mile’s stretches between St Giles’ Cathedral and Canongate. The crown spire of St Giles’ appears in several shots.

The Castle Esplanade

The Esplanade and the lower Castle approaches feature in dramatic crossing scenes.

Princes Street Gardens

The Gardens are used in several outdoor scenes. The Floral Clock and Ross Fountain feature occasionally.

The Closes and Wynds in Detail

For Outlander fans walking the Royal Mile, these are the must-see closes:

• Tweeddale Court (Carfax Close).
• Bakehouse Close (also Carfax).
• Carrubber’s Close — atmospheric Old Town close, sometimes used.
• Anchor Close — narrow stepped close.
• Riddle’s Court — historic enclosed courtyard.
• White Horse Close — at the Canongate, one of Edinburgh’s prettiest closes.
• Dunbar’s Close — leads to a 17th-century-style enclosed garden.

The Beyond-Edinburgh Scottish Outlander Locations

Doune Castle (Castle Leoch)

The single most famous Outlander location. Doune Castle in Perthshire (50 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh) plays Castle Leoch, home of Clan MacKenzie. The 14th-century castle was already a film favourite (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones) but became globally famous through Outlander. Open to the public, £12.50 adult, with audio guide narrated by Sam Heughan. Allow 90 minutes.

Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison)

Linlithgow Palace, 20 minutes by train from Edinburgh, plays Wentworth Prison in Season 1. The ruined palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and has its own fascinating history. £8 adult. Combine with a walk around the loch.

Hopetoun House (Helwater Estate)

The grand 17th-century country house just outside South Queensferry plays Helwater Estate in Season 3, where Jamie serves as a groom. Open in summer (April-September) for tours. £14 adult. Allow 2-3 hours.

Falkland (1940s Inverness)

The picturesque village of Falkland in Fife (45 minutes by car from Edinburgh) doubles as 1940s Inverness in many flashback scenes. The Bruce Fountain at the village centre is the spot where Frank Randall stands. Several shops and the Falkland Palace appear regularly.

Culross (Cranesmuir Village)

The remarkably preserved Royal Burgh of Culross in Fife (45 minutes’ drive) plays the village of Cranesmuir in Season 1. The cobbled streets, white-washed cottages and Mercat Cross feature heavily. National Trust for Scotland property — many buildings open to visitors.

Drummond Castle Gardens (Versailles Gardens)

The formal gardens at Drummond Castle near Crieff stand in for the Palace of Versailles in Season 2. Stunning terraced gardens, the finest in Scotland. £6 adult to enter the gardens.

Glasgow Cathedral (Various)

Glasgow’s medieval cathedral has been used as multiple Outlander locations including hospital scenes. Free entry.

Pollok House and Country Park

The mansion in Pollok Country Park (Glasgow) is used as Lord Lovat’s home in the Season 2 finale. Open to visitors.

Aberdour Castle

The Fife castle plays the monastery to which Jamie is taken after his Wentworth ordeal. £8 adult.

Blackness Castle (Fort William)

The dramatic coastal castle plays Fort William, the redcoat garrison where Black Jack Randall is stationed. £8 adult. The Forth Bridges are visible from the castle walls.

Midhope Castle (Lallybroch)

The 16th-century tower house Midhope Castle plays Jamie’s family home Lallybroch. Located on the Hopetoun Estate near South Queensferry. Currently access by paid guided tour through Hopetoun House (£35-50 typical). Allow a half-day from Edinburgh.

Craigh na Dun (Standing Stones)

The fictional standing stones where Claire time-travels were filmed in multiple Scottish locations: the original is a constructed set at Kinloch Rannoch in Perthshire (private land, hard to access). Other stones used are Clava Cairns near Inverness (free, open access) and Castlerigg in Cumbria (close but actually in England).

Highland Battlefields

• Culloden Battlefield near Inverness (3.5 hour drive). The site of the 1746 battle that ended Bonnie Prince Charlie’s rebellion. Now a National Trust for Scotland visitor centre. £15.50 adult.
• Glenfinnan Monument (4 hour drive). Where the rising began.

Glasgow’s Outlander Locations

Beyond Glasgow Cathedral, the city has multiple Outlander tour stops including the City Chambers, Provand’s Lordship and George Square. Easy day trip from Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh-Based Outlander Itinerary

Half-Day Edinburgh-Only Outlander Tour

09:00 — Royal Mile walk including Tweeddale Court and Bakehouse Close. 11:00 — Coffee at The Devil’s Advocate (Advocate’s Close, atmospheric). 12:00 — Signet Library tour (booking required) or Museum of Edinburgh. 13:30 — Lunch at The Outsider with Castle views. 15:00 — Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat (optional). 17:00 — finish.

Full Day from Edinburgh: Doune Castle and Beyond

09:00 — Train to Doune (via Stirling). 11:00 — Doune Castle tour. 13:30 — Lunch in Doune village. 15:00 — Return to Stirling, optional Stirling Castle (the real one). 17:30 — Train back to Edinburgh. 19:30 — Edinburgh dinner.

Full Day from Edinburgh: Linlithgow + Hopetoun + Midhope

09:00 — Train to Linlithgow. 09:30 — Linlithgow Palace. 11:30 — Bus or taxi to South Queensferry. 12:30 — Lunch on the Forth waterfront. 14:00 — Hopetoun House. 16:00 — Midhope Castle (if accessible). 18:00 — Return to Edinburgh. Optional: Forth Bridges photography at sunset.

Multi-Day Outlander Adventure

Day 1: Edinburgh Outlander locations. Day 2: Linlithgow + Hopetoun + Midhope. Day 3: Doune Castle + Stirling. Day 4: Culross + Falkland (Fife). Day 5: Glasgow Outlander tour. Day 6: Drive to Inverness, visit Culloden + Clava Cairns. Day 7: Drive south stopping at Drummond Castle Gardens.

Organised Outlander Tours From Edinburgh

Several operators run dedicated Outlander tours:

Mercat Tours’ Outlander Edinburgh Walking Tour

Edinburgh-focused walking tour, 90 minutes, £15-22.

Heart of Scotland Tours’ Outlander Day Tour

Full-day tour from Edinburgh visiting Doune Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Falkland and other locations. £85-110 per person.

Rabbie’s Outlander Tour

Multi-day Outlander tours covering Edinburgh, Highland and Aberfeldy locations. £200-500 depending on length.

Mary’s Meanders

Specialist Outlander tour operator with insider access to less-visited locations.

Self-Drive Outlander Trail

VisitScotland publishes an Outlander route map. Many fans hire a car and follow it independently — 3-7 days depending on stops.

Best Photo Spots for Outlander Fans

• Tweeddale Court looking up to the Royal Mile.
• Bakehouse Close stepped descent.
• Doune Castle exterior from the river.
• Linlithgow Palace from the loch.
• Culross main square with the Mercat Cross.
• Drummond Castle Gardens from the upper terrace.
• Hopetoun House from the lawn.
• Midhope Castle exterior.
• Falkland Palace from the village.
• Culloden Battlefield standing stones at sunset.

Outlander Edinburgh Visitor Tips

• Walk the Royal Mile both directions to see all the close entries.
• Visit the Museum of Edinburgh in Bakehouse Close — free, fascinating, contextualises Outlander.
• The Signet Library is private; book afternoon tea or a tour ahead.
• Doune Castle requires booking in summer; £12.50 adult.
• Midhope Castle is on a private estate — book through Hopetoun.
• The Outlander shops on the Royal Mile sell merchandise and tour tickets.
• For deep-cut fans, the Edinburgh University Library has an Outlander archive (research access).

Outlander Edinburgh by Season

Spring (March-May)

Pleasant weather for the Edinburgh walk and Doune Castle. Linlithgow Loch around the palace is at its best in late spring.

Summer (June-August)

Longest daylight; Doune and Linlithgow open longest hours. Drummond Castle Gardens at peak. Crowds at peak — book Doune ahead.

Autumn (September-November)

Autumn colour adds dramatic atmosphere to Doune, Hopetoun, Drummond. October is one of the year’s best photography months.

Winter (December-February)

Atmospheric for the Edinburgh closes. Most outlying castles run reduced winter hours; check before travelling. Doune is open year-round.

Where to Eat on an Outlander Pilgrimage

• The Witchery on Castlehill — gothic Edinburgh ambience that suits Outlander’s atmosphere.
• The Devil’s Advocate in Advocate’s Close — period-feel cocktails.
• The Bow Bar on Victoria Street — Scottish whisky and pies.
• The Outsider on George IV Bridge — Castle-view dinner.
• Doune Castle Café — for a Castle Leoch coffee.
• The Stables Restaurant at Hopetoun House — period-feel lunch.
• The Linlithgow Burgh Halls Coffee Pot — local lunch.
• The Bell & Bridie at Culross — village-feel restaurant.

The Outlander Experience at Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle has occasionally hosted Outlander-themed evening events — costumed history, period music, Highland dancing. Check the Castle’s events calendar. The Castle’s audio guide also references the Jacobite period that forms much of Outlander’s backdrop.

The Jacobite History Behind Outlander

For visitors who want to understand the historical reality, several Edinburgh sites are essential:

• The National Museum of Scotland has dedicated Jacobite exhibits (free).
• The Scottish National War Memorial at the Castle commemorates Scottish military history including Jacobite battles.
• Greyfriars Kirkyard contains graves of Jacobite-era figures.
• The National Library of Scotland on George IV Bridge has Jacobite manuscripts.
• The Scottish Storytelling Centre runs Jacobite-themed events.

Outlander Visitor Etiquette

• Be respectful at Culloden Battlefield — it is a Scottish memorial site.
• Photograph but do not touch artifacts at historic sites.
• Costume photography on the Royal Mile is allowed but check for restrictions at individual sites.
• Many filming locations are working sites — schools, churches, country houses. Respect privacy.
• Tour-bus etiquette: stay with the group at small locations to avoid blocking other visitors.

What’s New for Outlander Fans in 2026

With Outlander spin-off “Blood of My Blood” (a prequel about Jamie and Claire’s parents) airing on Starz, several Edinburgh locations have been added to or expanded for the new series. Specific sites are confirmed through Lothian’s tourism office.

Day Trips From Edinburgh for Outlander Fans

The Doune-Stirling-Bridge of Allan Loop

Doune Castle, Stirling Castle (the real one), Bridge of Allan village, and Wallace Monument. Full day by hire car or coach tour.

The Fife Outlander Trail

Culross, Falkland, Aberdour Castle. Half to full day.

The South Queensferry Outlander Loop

Linlithgow Palace, Hopetoun House, Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Blackness Castle. Half-day.

The Crieff Day

Drummond Castle Gardens, Crieff distilleries, scenic Perthshire. Full day.

The Inverness and Culloden Day

Train to Inverness (3.5 hours each way), Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns. Doable as a day trip but tight.

Outlander Merchandise and Souvenirs in Edinburgh

Several Edinburgh shops carry Outlander merchandise — costumes, accessories, scented candles inspired by the show, themed jewellery, prints, and the inevitable Sam Heughan calendars. Recommended:

• The Tartan Weaving Mill on Castlehill — Outlander-themed tartans and woollens.
• Geoffrey (Tailor) Highland Crafts on the Royal Mile — bespoke kilts and Outlander costumes.
• Walker Slater on Victoria Street — Scottish heritage tweed, frequented by Outlander cast.
• The Outlander Boutique near Greyfriars — themed gifts and books.
• Toppings Bookshop — signed Diana Gabaldon editions sometimes available.

Reading Order vs Filming Order

For visitors who want to align their pilgrimage with the books or the show:

• The first book (and Season 1) is mostly Highland-focused — Doune Castle, Falkland, the standing stones.
• The second book (and Season 2) shifts to France for half of the action, with Drummond Castle Gardens standing in for Versailles.
• The third book (Voyager) returns Claire to 18th-century Edinburgh — Tweeddale Court and Bakehouse Close become essential.
• The fourth book onwards (Drums of Autumn, etc.) shifts to Colonial America — North Carolina locations not in Scotland, but Hopetoun House plays Helwater.

Edinburgh visitors most often focus on Season 3 (Edinburgh closes + Hopetoun + Midhope) and Season 1 (Doune + Falkland).

Outlander Photography Tips

To get the best Outlander photographs in Edinburgh and beyond:

• Tweeddale Court: Shoot from the Royal Mile entrance looking down the stepped close. Best in soft afternoon light when the stonework has warmth.
• Bakehouse Close: Use the Cannongate side entrance for the most cinematic angle of the close descending.
• Doune Castle: Walk to the river-side approach for the iconic Castle Leoch exterior. Best at golden hour.
• Linlithgow Palace: Photograph from the loch reflection. Spring and autumn give the best surrounding colour.
• Drummond Castle Gardens: Climb to the upper terrace for the Versailles-style symmetry.
• Hopetoun House: The long perspective from the front lawn is the classic shot.
• Midhope Castle (Lallybroch): A wide angle captures the tower house against open Scottish countryside.
• Culross Mercat Cross: Sunset photography turns the Royal Burgh into a Cranesmuir double.

Outlander With Children

Outlander is adult-rated television (sexual content, violence, period brutality) — direct child engagement is not recommended. However, the locations themselves work well for families: Doune Castle has interactive history programmes, Linlithgow Palace has wide grounds for child running, Hopetoun House does family days, and Falkland village is a charming destination regardless of TV connection. Younger Outlander-curious children can be introduced to the Jacobite history at the National Museum of Scotland’s age-appropriate exhibits.

Combining Outlander with Other Edinburgh Interests

The Outlander pilgrimage combines naturally with other Edinburgh themes:

• Whisky tourism: Doune Castle is close to Aberfeldy and Glenturret distilleries. The Highland day trip can include both.
• Castle hunting: Doune + Stirling + Linlithgow + Edinburgh Castle gives a four-castle Outlander-adjacent day.
• Wedding planning: Several Outlander locations are wedding venues — Hopetoun House, Drummond Castle Gardens, Doune Castle.
• Food tourism: The Falkland and Culross day pairs well with Fife food destinations like the Anstruther Fish Bar and East Neuk fishing villages.
• Photography tours: Most Edinburgh photo-walk operators have Outlander-themed routes.

Related Edinburgh History and Screen Guides

Outlander uses a real 18th-century city. These guides cover the history behind the sets and the other productions filmed here.

• Edinburgh’s closes and wynds — Bakehouse Close and the other alleyways the series uses.
• medieval Edinburgh history — How the Old Town’s vertical, cramped shape came about.
• Edinburgh film and TV locations — Trainspotting, Avengers, Fast & Furious and the rest.
• Edinburgh’s literary history and authors — The writers who built the city’s reputation before television did.
• Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh — What Rowling actually used, and what tour guides invented.
• the Real Mary King’s Close — A preserved close from exactly the period the series depicts.
• the Palace of Holyroodhouse — Where Charles Edward Stuart held court in 1745.
• Stirling Castle — Doune, Blackness and the Jacobite country within reach.

Related Edinburgh guides: literary and cultural Edinburgh, walking tours, day trips, UNESCO World Heritage status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Outlander filmed in Edinburgh?

Yes — several Edinburgh Old Town closes (Tweeddale Court, Bakehouse Close) were used for Season 3 Carfax Close scenes. The Signet Library and Edinburgh Castle have also featured.

Where is Castle Leoch in Outlander?

Castle Leoch is played by Doune Castle in Perthshire, 50 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh. Open to visitors with audio guide narrated by Sam Heughan.

What is Lallybroch in Outlander?

Jamie Fraser’s family home, played by Midhope Castle on the Hopetoun Estate near South Queensferry. Access by paid guided tour through Hopetoun House.

Can I visit Outlander filming locations?

Yes — most are open to public visitors. Doune Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Hopetoun House, Falkland and Culross are all accessible.

How long does an Outlander Edinburgh tour take?

The Edinburgh-only tour is 90 minutes to half a day. A multi-location Scottish tour is 3-7 days.

What’s the best Outlander day trip from Edinburgh?

Doune Castle for Castle Leoch fans; Linlithgow Palace plus Hopetoun House for a comprehensive day.

Is there an Outlander tour from Edinburgh?

Yes — Mercat Tours (walking), Heart of Scotland (day tours), Rabbie’s (multi-day) and Mary’s Meanders all offer Outlander itineraries.

How much does an Outlander tour c