Driving on the Left (Yes, It’s Weird at First)

Your biggest hurdle? Unlearning what you knew about driving. You’ll be sitting on the right side of the car, shifting with your left hand (if you get a manual), and, most importantly, driving on the left side of the road. It takes a bit of getting used to, especially when making turns or navigating roundabouts, but repetition is key.

Pro tip: Say “LEFT LEFT LEFT” in your head every time you start driving, especially when pulling out of parking lots or making a turn. If it sounds ridiculous, that’s because it is, but hey, it works.

Roundabouts Are Everywhere

Forget stop signs. Scotland loves a good roundabout. And while they might seem intimidating at first, they actually keep traffic moving way more smoothly than stoplights. The golden rules?

✔️ Yield to traffic already in the roundabout

✔️ Stay left unless your exit is later

✔️ Signal when exiting to let other drivers know your plan

The first couple of times might feel chaotic, but after a few days, you’ll be navigating them like a pro.

Single-Track Roads

If you’re venturing beyond the cities, you’ll inevitably find yourself on single-track roads. These are narrow, winding roads where only one car fits at a time. This was quite nervewracking for me during my first time driving through the Highlands. Here’s how to handle them:

✔️ Use passing places to let oncoming traffic by (and don’t hog the road).

✔️ If someone pulls over to let you pass, give them a friendly wave. It’s the Scottish way.

✔️ Expect sheep and other livestock. Just… hanging out. Sometimes blocking the road.

Take it slow, stay alert, and don’t be that tourist who refuses to reverse when needed.

Fueling Up

First, gas is called petrol in the UK, and it’s sold by the liter, not the gallon. If you see what looks like a suspiciously low price, don’t get too excited. It adds up fast. Most importantly:

✔️ Make sure you know if your rental takes diesel or petrol. The wrong fuel = disaster.

✔️ Don’t assume every station is pay-at-the-pump. Sometimes, you have to go inside to pay first (when in doubt, just ask a worker).

✔️ In rural areas, petrol stations aren’t always 24/7, so fill up when you can.

Speed Limits & Speed Cameras

Surprisingly, Scotland’s speed limits are in miles per hour, not kilometers. But here’s the thing: they use average speed cameras, meaning you can’t just slow down when you see one and speed back up. If your average speed through a certain zone is over the limit, congrats, you’ve just won yourself a ticket!

✔️ City & towns: 30 mph

✔️ Residential & school zones: 20 mph

✔️ Rural roads: 60 mph (realistically, you’ll be doing 45-50)

✔️ Motorways (M roads): 70 mph

Stay mindful, especially on country roads where Google Maps will assume you’re driving 60 mph when in reality, you’re just trying to survive at 40.

You Have More Room on Your Right Than You Think

When learning to drive, we tend to favor the driver’s side as opposed to the passenger side. Meaning, we give ourselves plenty of room on our side, while cutting it a little close to other cars and objects on the passenger side.

This is no different when learning to drive on the opposite side. It might seem a little intimidating at first to see cars coming at you on your right-hand side, but just keep reminding yourself that you have plenty of space and to watch your left passenger side from getting too close to curbs and other objects.

Luckily, Nikki and I had each other to warn when we were driving a little too close on the passenger side, and our car had a sensor that liked to constantly remind us to stay in our lane.

Mind Where You Park (Or Learn the Hard Way Like I Did)

Let me paint a picture for you: It’s 6:30 AM in Inverness, I need coffee immediately, and there’s a parking lot right next to the café. The lot has signs that say “No Public Parking,” but it’s completely empty. We’ll be in and out in five minutes, so what’s the harm?

Well, a £75 ticket later… turns out the city of Inverness does not play around. The cameras got us. Lesson learned:

✔️ Read parking signs carefully, even if the lot is empty.

✔️ If your travel buddy has a bad feeling, listen to them. Nikki adamantly tried to warn me against parking in the lot, and I should’ve known better.

Last Thing

Driving in a foreign country is always a bit of an adjustment, and Scotland is no exception. But with a little preparation, a lot of patience, and a few deep breaths, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.

Take it slow, enjoy the views, and embrace the adventure. Navigating the winding roads of Scotland is all part of the Outlander road trip itinerary Scotland experience. Just, you know, watch out for the sheep.

Pro Tip: Before You Start, Buy an Explorer Pass

The Scottish Explorer Pass is a pass that allows you to visit many of Scotland’s historic properties. Each pass costs £40 per adult and is valid for 14 days. If you plan on visiting more than 4 historic sites, this pass is worth it. Nikki and I both saved a lot of money with this pass and we were so happy someone told us about it. Here are all the sites on this itinerary that are included in the Scottish Explorer Pass:

• Blackness Castle
• Linlithgow Palace
• Aberdour Castle and Gardens
• St Andrews Cathedral (Fife)
• Fort George
• Urquhart Castle
• Doune Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Check out the full list of sites you can visit here!

Day 2: Another Day in Edinburgh

You’ll probably still be adjusting to the time change and recovering from all the excitement of day one, so today’s leg of your Outlander road trip itinerary in Scotland is a bit more relaxed, but still packed with history. Instead of hitting the road just yet, spend another day soaking up Edinburgh’s rich past and visiting one of its most iconic landmarks: the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

This palace is steeped in both real Scottish history and Outlander lore, making it the perfect stop for any fan. If you’re like me and love to linger in museums, reading every plaque and imagining the drama that went down within these walls, you’ll want to set aside at least three to four hours for your visit. Take your time wandering through the grand rooms, learning about Mary, Queen of Scots, and picturing scenes from the show.

Stepping Into History at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

At the very end of the Mile sits the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an absolute must for any Outlander fan. Not only is this where Jamie and Claire beg Bonnie Prince Charlie to abandon his doomed cause, but it’s also teeming with some crazy Scottish history.

In real life, the palace served as the Prince’s court for six weeks in 1745, a moment in history that sealed the fate of the Jacobite uprising. But Bonnie Prince Charlie isn’t the only famous resident of Holyrood. Mary, Queen of Scots also lived here, and let’s just say, her time at the palace was dramatic. If you think Outlander has its fair share of betrayal and bloodshed, wait until you hear about David Rizzio, Mary’s private secretary, who was literally murdered inside the palace. You can still visit the exact spot where it happened (if you’re into that sort of thing).

Beyond the Outlander connections, Holyroodhouse is still in use today as the official Scottish residence of King Charles III. But for visitors, it’s a chance to step into Scotland’s past, both fictional and real. Take your time wandering through the grand halls, imagining Jamie and Claire moving through these very rooms, and soaking in the stories that have unfolded within these historic walls.

After exploring, you’ll still have the rest of the afternoon to grab a meal, explore more of the Royal Mile, or just enjoy being in one of the most atmospheric cities in the world.

Opening Hours:

November 1 – March 31: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

April 1 – October 31: 9:30 am – 6 pm

Prices:

Adult: £21 booked in advance or £25 on the day

18-24 Years: £13.50 booked in advance or £16.50 on the day

5-17 Years: £10.50 booked in advance or £12.50 on the day

Day 3: Visiting Lallybroch & Fort William

Alright, Outlander fans, today is the day you officially hit the road and step into the world of Jamie and Claire. This is what you came for. Today is when you will pick up your rental car (if you did not do so the night before) and head just outside of Edinburgh to see some of the most iconic filming sites of the show. This Outlander road trip itinerary in Scotland brings you face-to-face with some of the show’s most legendary filming locations, and honestly? Seeing these spots in real life makes the series hit differently.

First Stop: Midhope Castle (AKA Lallybroch)

Leave Edinburgh in the morning and make your way to Midhope Castle, better known as Lallybroch, the Fraser family home and quite possibly one of the most emotional locations in the entire series. This was the place Nikki and I were the MOST excited to see (as I’m sure many of you fans can relate). The moment you walk up to the 16th-century tower house, you’ll recognize the arched entryway where Jamie, Claire, and the whole Fraser clan made some of their best (and worst) memories.

Pro tip: The interior of Midhope Castle is closed to visitors as it’s gutted and unsafe, so you’ll only be able to admire it from the outside. But don’t worry, it still feels incredibly immersive. Take a walk around the grounds and visit the nearby woods where they filmed Red Jamie’s cave scenes, as well as some intense Redcoat encounters. The guy in the front ticket booth directed us exactly where to go in the woods, so if you want some direction on where Red Jaime’s cave is, just ask the friendly staff!

If you want to squeeze in another filming location while you’re in the area, Abercorn Parish Church is just a 15-minute walk or a super quick 3-minute drive from Midhope (and it’s free!). This is where they filmed Frank’s funeral in the show, and while it’s a small location, it’s a cool little detour for die-hard fans.

Midhope Opening Hours:

9 am – 5 pm most days. Check the official website for any changes in opening times.

Price:

Adults: £7.50 per person

Children under 5: Free!

Day 4: Wentworth Prison & Hopetoun House

If you followed yesterday’s plan, you’re either staying on the outskirts of Edinburgh or in Linlithgow, which makes for the perfect jumping-off point for today’s itinerary. Linlithgow Palace and Hopetoun House are just a short drive apart, and trust me, these stops are 100% worth it for any Outlander fan. Get ready to step into the grand estates (and one particularly chilling prison) that played a huge role in Jamie and Claire’s story.

Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison)

The first Outlander stop of the day is Linlithgow Palace, about 20 minutes from Edinburgh Airport. This towering ruin doubled as Wentworth Prison, where Jamie endured his most harrowing moments at the hands of Black Jack Randall (yes, those moments). The eerie stone corridors and vast, empty halls make it (unfortunately) easy to imagine the brutal scenes filmed here.

Beyond its Outlander connection, Linlithgow Palace is a must-visit for Scottish history lovers. This was the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, and it served as a royal retreat for Scottish monarchs traveling between Edinburgh and Stirling. The architecture is stunning, and if you climb to the top, you’ll get beautiful panoramic views of Linlithgow Loch and the surrounding countryside.

*Included in the Scottish Explorer Pass!

Opening Hours:

April 1 to September 30: 9:30 am to 5 pm

October 1 to March 31: 10 am to 4 pm

Price:

Adult: £10 booked in advance or £11 on the day

65+ years and unemployed: £8 booked in advance or £9 on the day

7-15 Years: £6 booked in advance or £6.50 on the day

Hopetoun House: The Many Faces of Outlander’s Grand Estates

Then, drive 25 minutes to your next Outlander Scotland road trip spot: Hopetoun House. A sprawling stately home just outside Edinburgh that has made multiple appearances throughout the series. If you’ve ever watched an episode and thought, “Wait… haven’t I seen that location before?”, you’re probably right. Hopetoun has doubled as multiple grand estates across seasons 1, 2, and 3, making it a must-visit for any Outlander fan.

While the exterior of Hopetoun House served as the Duke of Sandringham’s residence, the front was also used to portray Ellesmere, the home of Geneva Dunsany, where a very dramatic (and tragic) storyline unfolds in season 3. But the real treat? Touring inside the house, where several key scenes were filmed. The Red Drawing Room is where Claire and Jamie meet with the Duke of Sandringham to request Jamie’s pardon. Meanwhile, the adjacent sitting room was transformed into Helwater’s parlor, where Jamie has tense conversations with Lord Dunsany.

Upstairs, you’ll find two incredibly recognizable bedrooms. The Green Bedchamber doubled as Jamie and Claire’s Parisian guest room in season 2 (where Mary Hawkins recovers from her attack), while another bedroom was transformed into Mary’s room at her Uncle Silas’s home.

Outside, you’ll recognize the stables from Helwater, where Jamie worked while serving his parole. The same alleyway was also used in Paris street scenes, including where Fergus was caught stealing from the brothel and where Mary Hawkins was attacked. And if you venture to the courtyard, you’ll be standing in front of the entrance to Maison Elise, the Parisian brothel from season 2.

The best part? Hopetoun House is still a functioning residence (currently home to the Marquess of Linlithgow), and they’re completely on board with Outlander fans coming to explore its history and filming sites. If you have time, book a guided tour to hear all the behind-the-scenes stories of how the estate was transformed for the show!

Opening Hours:

Thursday thru Monday: 11 am – 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)

Hopetoun House closes to visitors in the winter months; make sure to check the official website for more info.

Price:

Adult: £13.50 per person

Student: £12 per person

Children: £7

Can You Do It All in One Day?

Since Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, and Hopetoun House are all really close to each other, you technically can squeeze them all into one action-packed day. But you’ll need to move fast and limit each stop to about 1 to 1.5 hours max to make it work. Keep in mind that most of these locations are only open from around 10 AM to 4 or 5 PM, so there’s not a lot of wiggle room.

My recommendation? Break it into two days if you can, as it’s laid out in this particular Outlander road trip in Scotland. This way, you’ll have time to really soak in the history and atmosphere rather than racing from site to site. After all, if you came all this way to experience an Outlander road trip in Scotland, you might as well do it right. But if time isn’t on your side, just plan your route carefully, start early, and be strategic with your stops!

Where to stay?

For this leg of the journey I would recommend staying the night close to the Edinburgh airport, in Queensferry, or somewhere near Dunfermline. Tomorrow, we start our next part of this Outlander road trip itinerary in Scotland by heading north to “Inverness”.

Day 5: Outlander’s Historic Filming Locations In and Around Fife

Today, your Outlander road trip itinerary in Scotland takes you deep into the charming, history-soaked villages of Fife, where some of the show’s most atmospheric scenes were filmed. If you’ve ever wanted to wander through a town that feels like it was plucked straight from the 17th century or sip tea in the same spot Sam Heughan once did, this is your day.

Aberdour Castle: The Abbey of St. Anne

First: drive to Aberdour Castle, which doubled as the Abbey of St. Anne, where Claire nursed Jamie back to health after the horror of Wentworth Prison (shudder). It’s one of the oldest castles in Scotland, dating back to the 12th century, and has a relaxed, almost romantic feel.

Inside, you’ll find a mix of medieval ruins and beautifully preserved spaces, including the gallery, stables, and kitchen, all used in filming. Outside, the walled garden is straight out of a storybook. Seriously, it’s one of the most peaceful spots you’ll find on this itinerary.

*Included in the Scottish Explorer Pass!

Opening Hours:

April 1 to September 30: 10 am to 4:30 pm

October 1 to March 31: 10 am to 4 pm

Closed for lunch: 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Prices:

Adult: £7.50

65+ years: £6

7-15 Years: £4.50

0-6 Years: Free!

Culross: Cranesmuir Comes to Life

Now, take a quick 25-minute drive to Culross, aka Cranesmuir. This is the eerie yet beautiful village where Geillis Duncan lived (before things took a very dark turn). This is one of the best-preserved historic towns in Scotland, with cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and a striking ochre-colored palace that looks like it hasn’t changed in centuries.

Much of season 1 was filmed here, from Geillis’ home to the village square where she was sentenced to burn. And if you remember the scene where Jamie and Claire save a young boy after having his ear nailed to a post. Yup, that was right here, too.

Beyond its Outlander fame, Culross is just a stunning little town to explore. Wander up to the abbey for gorgeous views, pop into the charming local tea shop, or visit Culross Palace, where you can stroll through its historic garden filled with herbs, fruit, and veggies just like they would have been in the 1600s.

Falkland: Stepping Into 1940s Inverness

To round out the day, drive 30 minutes north to Falkland, which stood in for 1940s Inverness in Outlander’s very first episode. This is where Claire and Frank took their second honeymoon, staying at Mrs. Baird’s B&B (which is actually The Covenanter Hotel, you can even stay there!).

The most iconic spot here is Bruce Fountain, where Jamie’s ghost famously gazes up at Claire’s window (UGH). Walking through Falkland, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into the past, with its historic stone buildings, cozy cafés, and one of the most gorgeous Renaissance palaces in Scotland: Falkland Palace, once a retreat for the Scottish royal family.

Where to Stay: Falkland, Perth, or Inverness?

At this point, you’ve got a few options. If you’re a die-hard Outlander fan, you might find it worth it to stay the night in Falkland (possibly at the hotel used in the show! Check for availability). There are only two small hotels, and rooms go fast, but waking up in “Outlander Inverness” is an experience in itself. You can even drive 10 minutes south to Glenrothes, as they have more hotel options.

Alternatively, head 40 minutes north to Perth, a fantastic base with plenty of history (this is where you’ll find Scone Palace, where Scottish kings were once crowned, and the Stone of Scone itself!). This is what Nikki and I did, and we loved having three nights to leisurely explore the area.

Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, you can push through and drive 2.5 hours straight to Inverness to get a jumpstart on the next part of your trip. No matter where you land, tomorrow, you’ll be stepping into the real history behind Outlander’s most pivotal moments: Culloden, Clava Cairns, and more! Get ready.

Day 6: Stepping Into History in Inverness

Today your Outlander road trip itinerary in Scotland is all about surrounding yourself in the rich history of Inverness and its nearby sites. While not all of these locations were used for filming, they play pivotal roles in the Outlander story. And trust me, you’ll feel every bit of that history as you wander these storied grounds.

Culloden Battlefield: The End of the Jacobite Dream

Start your day with a visit to Culloden Battlefield, just a short drive from Inverness. While the battle in the show was NOT filmed here, this historic site is the real-life backdrop to the tragic battle that marked the end of the Jacobite Rising in 1746. 1500 Jacobites died, while 50 British soldiers were killed in the battle. It was a slaughter.

The Outlander connection? In the show, this is where Jamie and Claire said their heartbreaking goodbyes in the Season 2 finale, with the sounds of the battle rumbling ominously in the distance. Once Claire returns to the future, we then see Jamie and the rest of the Jacobites storming onto the battlefield before Jamie and Randall engage in hand-to-hand combat (resulting in Randall’s death yay!).

The battlefield itself is hauntingly beautiful, with blue and red flags marking the Jacobite and British lines, respectively. You can explore the visitor center, which features a 360-degree immersive battle experience and showcases artifacts from both sides of the conflict. It’s extremely interesting and well worth it to take your time learning about the site’s history.

Make sure to stop by the Clan Fraser memorial stone, seen in the show when Claire goes to visit the stone on her visit to Culloden in the 1960s. If you’re anything like my friend, Nikki, you might just get a little misty-eyed as you continue touring the grounds. Trust me, it’s an extremely emotional place.

Opening Hours:

Visitor Centre: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Café: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Battlefield: Open daily

There are different operating hours in the winter months. Be sure to check out their website for accurate opening times.

Prices (Visitor Center):

Adult: £12.00

65+ years: £10.50

Children: £7.50

Prices (Visitor Center + Battlefield Tour):

Adult: £16.00

65+ years: £14.50

Children: £11.50

Clava Cairns: The Real-Life Inspiration for Craigh na Dun

Just a quick 5-minute drive from Culloden is Clava Cairns, an ancient burial site that inspired Diana Gabaldon’s fictional Craigh na Dun. While you won’t find a portal to 1743 (I checked, thoroughly), you will experience a genuinely mystical atmosphere as you wander among the 4,000-year-old stone circles and burial cairns (human-made stacks of stones).

The site is eerily beautiful, with moss-covered stones and towering trees providing the perfect setting for an Outlander daydream. It’s free to visit and open year-round, so take your time exploring and snapping photos of these prehistoric structures. If you’re lucky, you might even avoid the crowds and have the place nearly to yourself! Ideal for pretending you’re about to time-travel back to Jamie’s arms.

Fun fact: Craigh Na Dun in Outlander was actually filmed on a private farm near Kinloch Rannoch in Perthshire, and those stones don’t actually exist, they were a set built for the show. You can still visit the filming site, but it’s about 2 hours away from Inverness and since there are no real stones, you will have to leave a lot up to the imagination. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of pressing your palms against ancient rock and time-traveling back to find your own tall, handsome, red-headed Scotsman, Clava Cairns is your best chance! It didn’t work for me (big yikes), but hey, maybe you’ll have better luck!

Opening Hours:

Open 24 hours year round

Prices:

Free to visit!

Fort George: Experience Life as a Redcoat

Next up, drive about 25 minutes to Fort George, which stood in for some Fort William scenes in the series. This imposing 18th-century fortification was built in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden to prevent further Jacobite uprisings.

Beyond its Outlander fame, Fort George is a must-visit for military history buffs. You can explore the sprawling grounds, including the barrack rooms, cannons, and the Highlanders’ Museum, which houses thousands of military artifacts. And if you need a break from history, you might even catch a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins from the fort’s walls! How’s that for a bonus?

*Included in the Scottish Explorer Pass!

Opening Hours:

April 1 to September 30: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

October 1 to March 31: 10 am to 4 pm

Prices:

Adult: £10 booked in advance or £11 on the day

65+ years and unemployed: £8 booked in advance or £9 on the day

7-15 Years: £6 booked in advance or £6.50 on the day

Want to Slow Down? Break This Into Two Days

For this Outlander road trip itinerary in Scotland, if you have the time, I recommend making this a two-day adventure instead of cramming it all into one. Why? Because this is the Highlands, and the last thing you want to do is rush through some of the most stunning landscapes not just in Scotland, but the world.

If you break it up, you could:

• Visit Drumbuie Farm to see (and possibly snuggle) some adorable Highland cows. Just be sure to make a reservation because these furry celebrities have become very popular recently thanks to social media.
• Walk alpacas along Loch Ness with Loch Ness Alpacas (Nikki and I did this and it was an absolute blast).
• Spend extra time wandering Strathpeffer, the Victorian spa town near Castle Leod, and soak in the slower pace of Highland life.

No matter how you choose to tackle the day, one thing is certain: this part of your Outlander road trip itinerary in Scotland will be one of the most magical.

Day 8: Castle Leoch & A Royal Stronghold

By now, you’ve covered a lot of ground on your Outlander road trip itinerary in Scotland, but today’s adventure is all about stepping into history, both fictional and real. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking through the gates of Castle Leoch from the show, Doune Castle is your stop. Then, just a short drive away, Stirling Castle awaits, a site that played a pivotal role in Scotland’s past.

Doune Castle: The Real Castle Leoch

If you’ve ever wanted to see the real-life Castle Leoch, this is your chance. Doune Castle, just over 2.5 hours south of Inverness, so I recommend starting the day early. This was the primary filming location for Clan MacKenzie’s seat in the show. The moment you step into its courtyard, you’ll recognize it instantly. It’s where Claire first arrives after first being taken by Dougal, where she meets Colum and where many early episodes unfold.

The castle itself dates back to the 14th century, originally built by Robert Stewart, the Duke of Albany, and has played many roles throughout history. It was meant to be a grand residence, though some believe it was never fully completed. While the show made use of its impressive great hall and courtyard, they actually built an exact replica of Doune’s kitchen on a set for filming.

Aside from Outlander, Doune Castle has had its fair share of screen time, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones (as Winterfell in the pilot), and Outlaw King all filmed here too. So whether you’re a history buff, a movie nerd, or just here for some Outlander nostalgia (or all of the above like me), Doune Castle is an absolute must.

*Included in the Scottish Explorer Pass!

Opening Hours:

April 1 to September 30: 10 am to 5 pm

October 1 to March 31: 10 am to 4 pm

Prices:

Adult: £10 booked in advance or £11 on the day

65+ years and unemployed: £8 booked in advance or £9 on the day

7-15 Years: £6 booked in advance or £6.50 on the day

Stirling Castle: A Powerhouse of Scottish History

Continuing on with our Outlander Road Trip Itinerary in Scotland, just 15 minutes from Doune, you’ll find Stirling Castle, one of the most important strongholds in Scotland’s history. While it wasn’t featured in Outlander, this place is too legendary to not mention. Sitting atop a volcanic crag, Stirling Castle was the site of countless battles, royal coronations, and political power moves.

This is where Mary, Queen of Scots spent much of her childhood and where she was crowned queen before turning a year old, where Robert the Bruce and William Wallace fought for Scottish independence, and where James VI (aka the future King of England) was baptized with the first recorded fireworks display in Scotland. The Royal Palace, and medieval kitchens all give you an insight into what life was like inside these grand walls.

One of the most famous aspects of Stirling Castle is its Great Hall, a huge yellow structure that has been meticulously restructured to look exactly how it did 500 years ago. The exterior’s yellow color is called “King’s Gold” (yeah, makes sense), and was so expensive at the time, that it was used to symbolize wealth, royalty, and status. The inside of the hall is insane and 100% worth a visit. It feels like you stepped into one of the grand halls from Game of Thrones, and it’s still the largest medieval banqueting hall in Scotland.

*Included in the Scottish Explorer Pass!

Opening Hours:

April 1 to September 30: 9:30 am to 5 pm

October 1 to March 31: 9:30 am to 4 pm

Prices:

Adult: £18.50 booked in advance or £20.50 on the day

65+ years and unemployed: £15 booked in advance or £16.50 on the day

7-15 Years: £11 booked in advance or £12.50 on the day

Plan Your Day Wisely

With a 2.5+ hour drive from Inverness, squeezing in both castles in one day is possible, but it’s a long one. Nikki and I thought we could manage it, but after a week of road-tripping, we were exhausted and ended up only seeing Stirling Castle. If you’re running low on energy, consider picking just one or breaking this into two days so you can actually enjoy the experience. After all, this Outlander road trip itinerary in Scotland is meant to be immersive, not a marathon.

Wrapping Up Your Outlander Road Trip Itinerary in Scotland

After exploring Doune Castle and/or Stirling Castle, you have two options: either conclude your adventure here or head back to Edinburgh for one last deep dive into Scotland’s capital. If you ask me, Edinburgh deserves more of your time. This city’s history runs far deeper than Outlander, and if you didn’t get enough of its eerie charm at the start of your trip, now’s your chance to soak it all in.

Take a ghost tour through the city’s underground vaults, visit the famous graveyards (where J.K. Rowling found inspiration for some of her character names), or join a pub crawl through Edinburgh’s historic Old Town. If you haven’t already, stroll Princes Street Gardens, hike up Arthur’s Seat for an epic final view of the city, or wander down Victoria Street, rumored to be the inspiration for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.

Edinburgh is the perfect place to wrap up your journey. After all, it’s where history, legends, and storytelling all come to life. Exactly what made you fall in love with Outlander in the first place.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this itinerary, it’s that this is just a guide. NOT a rigid blueprint. Feel free to tweak, cut, or add stops depending on what excites you the most. Scotland is a country meant to be explored at your own pace, and while this Outlander road trip itinerary in Scotland highlights the must-see filming locations and historical sites, your trip should be exactly that… your trip.

When Nikki and I did this road trip, we had grand plans to see it all… but reality had other ideas. We ran into time constraints, exhaustion, and sometimes just wanting to linger a little longer in certain places, so we didn’t make it to every single stop. And that’s okay! You’ll want to prioritize the sites that mean the most to you. Do your own research and make adjustments as needed.

Most importantly? Leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best moments happen when you least expect them. Maybe you’ll stumble upon a cozy pub, or have a memorable conversation with a local, or pull over on a random backroad just to soak in the scenery. However you decide to follow (or deviate from) this Outlander road trip itinerary in Scotland, make it your own, enjoy every second, and maybe keep an eye out for standing stones. You just never know…