Palace of Holyroodhouse (Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Court) – Edinburgh

The Palace of Holyroodhouse, standing proudly at the base of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, is steeped in history, intrigue, and Outlander connections. In Outlander, Claire and Jamie meet with Bonnie Prince Charlie here, trying desperately to convince him to abandon his ill-fated Jacobite rebellion. Their plea falls on deaf ears, setting the stage for the catastrophic Battle of Culloden.

Though the palace itself wasn’t used for filming, its real-life history is just as dramatic as anything seen on screen. Bonnie Prince Charlie briefly occupied the palace in 1745, using it as his court while his Jacobite army took Edinburgh. Though he never gained control of Edinburgh Castle, he was welcomed by thousands of supporters who flooded the Royal Mile.

His triumph, however, was short-lived. Within months, the Jacobite cause was crushed at Culloden, and the prince was forced into exile, never to return.

Beyond its connection to Outlander, Holyroodhouse is one of the most significant Outlander places to visit in Scotland, thanks to its deep ties to Scotland’s royal history. The palace was originally an Augustinian abbey, founded by King David I in the 12th century, before evolving into a royal residence. Mary, Queen of Scots, lived here from 1561, hosting grand banquets, practicing archery, and making political moves that would ultimately seal her tragic fate.

It was within these walls that her private secretary, David Rizzio, was brutally murdered in front of her. His bloodstains are said to still mark the floor today (you can still see the room where this happened). Over the centuries, the palace endured neglect, political strife, and even partial ruin, but was later revived and modernized by King George V in the early 20th century.

Now, it remains an active royal residence, used by King Charles III when he visits Scotland. You can tour its historic state rooms, explore the atmospheric ruins of Holyrood Abbey, and step back in time to one of Scotland’s most turbulent eras when you visit.

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

Best Way to Get to Holyroodhouse:

Holyroodhouse is located at the end of the Royal Mile, opposite of Edinburgh Castle. Just as with Bakehouse Close, if you are staying near Edinburgh’s center, you can easily walk to the end of the Mile to Holyroodhouse.

Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) – Near Edinburgh

If there’s one Outlander location that will give you instant chills, it’s Midhope Castle, better known as Lallybroch. Jamie Fraser’s beloved ancestral home. You will instantly recognize the arched entranceway and stone courtyard where Jenny and Ian welcome (or scold) Jamie and Claire.

Midhope Castle appears throughout multiple seasons of the show, first introduced in Season 1. Later, Jamie and Claire return to Lallybroch, only for Jamie to get caught up in the dangerous dealings of the Watch, forcing them to flee once again. The castle continues to play a role in Seasons 2 and 3, as Jamie returns, only to be forced into hiding in the nearby woods as Redcoats patrol the estate. In Season 4, Brianna makes an emotional visit to Lallybroch, meeting Ian before setting off for the colonies. Then, in Season 7, Bree and Roger purchase Lallybroch together in the 1980s.

While the castle’s interior is closed (it’s completely gutted and unsafe), it’s still 100% worth it to wander around the grounds. You can also visit the surrounding wooded areas where they filmed Red Jamie’s Cave and other red coat scenes. For those looking to expand their Outlander pilgrimage even more, Abercorn Parish Church, just a three-minute drive away, was the filming location for Frank’s grave site.

Besides being one of the most popular Outlander places to visit in Scotland, Midhope Castle has a fascinating history that stretches back to the 15th century. Originally owned by the Martyn family, the castle passed through several noble families before being extensively remodeled in 1587.

The structure we see today (complete with its five-story tower and bartizan turrets) was finalized in the late 17th century when it became part of the Hopetoun Estate (you’ll read more about this estate later). Despite once boasting elegant interiors and extensive gardens, the castle eventually fell into decline, later housing farmworkers before being abandoned in the 20th century.

Restoration efforts began in the late 1980s, preserving the castle’s exterior, but the interior remains in ruins. Today, Midhope Castle is a must-visit for Outlander fans, though it still operates as part of a working farm, so visitor access is limited. Be sure to check ahead before making your Lallybroch pilgrimage! After all, no Outlander experience is complete without walking up that iconic pathway and imagining Jamie Fraser waiting at the entrance.

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!

Best Way to Get to Midhope Castle:

In my opinion, the best way to get to Midhope Castle is to drive yourself. You’ll have more time and freedom to explore the castle and the other nearby filming sites. There is another option to take a train from Edinburgh to Linlithgow and then take a bus towards Midhope and then finish with more than a mile walk to the actual castle. This method is definitely going to be a lot more time consuming and take more effort.

There are also plenty of Outlander tours from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Check out Get Your Guide and Viator for some awesome options!

If you’re planning your own Outlander road trip in Scotland, I put together an itinerary to help you plan your trip! Read more about it here!

Blackness Castle (Fort William) – Near Edinburgh

Blackness Castle is one of the most striking Outlander places to visit in Scotland. It’s instantly recognizable as Fort William, the site of some of Jamie Fraser’s most brutal moments. This is where Black Jack Randall ordered Jamie’s flogging, where his father tragically died watching the horror unfold, and where Jamie later staged a daring rescue to save Claire from the hands of Black Jack.

The castle’s dark stone walls and looming presence made it the perfect setting for these intense scenes. Production crews shut down the site for two months to replace modern railings, construct the pillory for Jamie’s flogging, and transform it into the menacing garrison we see on screen. It even appears again in the 1960s timeline when Bree and Roger visit, unknowingly walking through a place so significant to Jamie’s past.

Beyond Outlander, Blackness Castle has a formidable history dating back to the 15th century when it was built by the powerful Crichton family. Over the years, it served as a royal stronghold, a state prison, and a military garrison, designed to withstand sieges with its massive stone walls and artillery defenses.

Nicknamed “the ship that never sailed” due to its unusual shape, the castle once protected the nearby port of Linlithgow and played a key role in Scotland’s Wars of Independence. Though partially destroyed by Oliver Cromwell’s forces in 1650, Blackness Castle remains an imposing fortress with stunning views over the Firth of Forth.

Blackness Castle 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: £7.50 booked in advance or £8.50 on the day

65+ years and unemployed: £6 booked in advance or £6.80 on the day

7-15 Years: £4.50 booked in advance or £5 on the day

Best Way to Get to Blackness Castle:

Again, I think the best way to reach Blackness Castle is to drive yourself, but there are also many Outlander guided tours from the big cities that can take you. Look at Get Your Guide and Viator for great options.

Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison) – Linlithgow

Linlithgow Palace is one of the most chilling Outlander places to visit in Scotland, thanks to its transformation into Wentworth Prison, the site of the most harrowing scenes in the series. This is where Jamie Fraser endures brutal torture of Jack Randall, a moment that left both characters and viewers shaken.

The dark, ruined corridors and vast stone walls made Linlithgow the perfect stand-in for the infamous prison, bringing an added layer of authenticity to the scene. While exploring the palace, you can step into the very spaces where these gut-wrenching moments were filmed, letting the weight of history and fiction blend together in an unforgettable way.

Beyond Outlander, Linlithgow Palace has a regal past, serving as one of Scotland’s grandest royal residences. Built in the 15th century by James I, it became a luxurious stopover for Scottish monarchs traveling between Edinburgh and Stirling. It’s also the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, adding yet another layer of historical significance.

However, after James VI moved the royal court to England in 1603, the palace fell into decline, ultimately destroyed by fire in 1746. Today, its grand ruins overlook Linlithgow Loch, offering you a glimpse into Scotland’s royal past.

Linlithgow Palace Opening Hours:

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

Best Way to Get to Linlithgow Palace:

The best option is to drive to Linlithgow Palace. There’s also to take a direct ScotRail from Edinburgh, which is another great option if you aren’t comfortable driving. Or if you want something more organized, check out Get Your Guide and Viator for more tour options to Linlithgow.

Hopetoun House (TONS of places) – South Queensferry

Hopetoun House has played a starring role in Outlander, appearing in multiple seasons as various locations across Seasons 1, 2, and 3. This stately home has been transformed into everything like aristocratic mansions and Parisian alleyways, making it one of the top Outlander places to visit in Scotland.

The exterior of Hopetoun House is best known as the Duke of Sandringham’s lavish residence, but its front facade also doubled as Ellesmere, the estate of Geneva Dunsany, where one of season 3’s most shocking events unfolds. Inside, you’ll recognize even more filming locations. The Red Drawing Room is where Jamie and Claire meet the Duke of Sandringham to negotiate Jamie’s pardon, while the adjacent sitting room became Helwater’s parlor, the site of Jamie’s tense encounters with Lord Dunsany.

Upstairs, you’ll find two instantly recognizable bedrooms. The Green Bedchamber became Jamie and Claire’s Parisian guest room in season 2 (where Mary Hawkins recuperates after her attack) while another was transformed into Mary’s bedroom at her Uncle Silas’s house.

Outside, the estate’s stables served as Helwater, where Jamie worked while under parole. The same alleyway was cleverly repurposed for multiple Paris scenes, including where Fergus was caught stealing from the brothel and where Mary Hawkins was assaulted. And if you make your way to the courtyard, you’ll be standing at the entrance of Maison Elise, the Parisian brothel.

Beyond its connection to the show, Hopetoun House is one of Scotland’s finest stately homes, dating back to 1699. Designed by Sir William Bruce and later expanded by William Adam, the estate is a masterpiece of Scottish architecture. It blends early 18th-century grandeur with late Georgian style.

The home has been in the Hope family for centuries and remains a residence to this day, currently occupied by the Marquess of Linlithgow. You can explore the estate’s impressive interiors, including its state apartments, and take in breathtaking views across the Firth of Forth from its expansive parkland.

The property also has ties to Scottish history beyond Outlander: King George IV visited in 1822, and the estate even features the remains of Abercorn Castle, a former Clan Douglas stronghold buried beneath its landscaped gardens. The estate is 100% worth checking out.

Hopetoun House 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

Best Way to Get to Hopetoun House:

You could take the train to Dalmeny Station in South Queensferry, and from there, it’s a 10 minute taxi to Hopetoun House. However (you may be noticing a pattern by now ), I’m once again going to suggest driving there directly. It’s just the easiest, quickest, and most straightforward option.

Take a look at Get Your Guide and Viator for organized tour options!

Aberdour Castle (Abbey of St. Anne de Beaupré) – Fife

Aberdour Castle steps into the Outlander universe as the Abbey of St. Anne de Beaupré, the peaceful Benedictine monastery where Claire nurses Jamie back to health after his brutal imprisonment at Wentworth. Several parts of the castle were used during filming, including the stables, gallery, and kitchen, bringing the monastery’s quiet refuge to life on screen.

The castle’s weathered stone walls and centuries-old architecture made it a fitting choice to depict a place of healing and sanctuary, marking a crucial moment in Jamie and Claire’s journey. Aberdour is one of the most scenic Outlander places to visit in Scotland and is a must-see for its tranquil beauty and connection to one of season one’s more emotional episodes.

Dating back to the 1100s, Aberdour Castle is believed to be one of the oldest standing stone castles in Scotland. Originally built as a fortified hall-house, the castle expanded over the centuries, evolving into an elegant noble residence surrounded by beautifully terraced gardens.

The estate was once home to the powerful Mortimer, Randolph, and Douglas families, with each generation adding its own architectural touches. From its medieval tower house to the refined 16th-century gallery and walled gardens, Aberdour showcases the changing styles of Scotland’s aristocratic estates. Today, you can explore its ruins, wander through its peaceful grounds, and get a glimpse into the layered history that makes this castle so unique.

Aberdour Castle 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!

Best Way to Get to Aberdour Castle:

By car or train is the way to go. Car is always going to be the most flexible option, but you can also take the ScotRail to Aberdour and from there it’s literally a 5 minute walk to the Castle!

Don’t forget to check Get Your Guide and Viator for tour options to Aberdour Castle!

Culross (Cranesmuir) – Fife

Culross is one of the most recognizable Outlander places to visit in Scotland, standing in for the fictional village of Cranesmuir. This 17th-century town served as the backdrop for many pivotal moments in the series, including the infamous scene where Claire and Geillis are accused of witchcraft and the town square where Jamie and Claire save a boy after a brutal punishment.

The town’s preserved cobbled streets and whitewashed houses (which were painted a darker color for filming) will transport you straight into the 18th century. Even Culross Palace played a role, doubling as Claire’s herb garden at Castle Leoch. The production team returned in season 4 to transform parts of the village into Laoghaire’s home (Balriggan Cottage) where Brianna stays after arriving through the stones.

Beyond its Outlander fame, Culross is Scotland’s best-preserved 17th-century town, meticulously maintained by the National Trust for Scotland. Once a bustling port, the town thrived on coal mining and salt production, both industries pioneered by Sir George Bruce of Carnock. His wealth built the striking mustard-yellow Culross Palace, which still stands today.

Over time, the town’s fortunes waned, and by the 20th century, it was largely forgotten, until restoration efforts brought it back to life. Now, you can explore its narrow lanes, visit the historic abbey, and take in sweeping views of the Firth of Forth, all while stepping into a perfectly preserved slice of Scottish history.

Best Way to Get to Culross:

You guessed it, it’s best to drive to Culross as it’s quite out of the way. It’s about 50 minutes from Edinburgh, and there is a public bus option, but it will take you double the time to get there than if you took a car.

Many Outlander tours do make stops at Culross, so browse Get Your Guide and Viator for organized options!

Falkland (1940s Inverness) – Fife

Falkland is another iconic Outlander place to visit in Scotland, as it doubled for 1940s Inverness in the show. This is where Claire and Frank spend their second honeymoon before Claire’s accidental journey through the stones. Fans will instantly recognize the Bruce Fountain, where Jamie’s ghost is spotted gazing up at Claire’s window (a moment that still sparks endless fan theories).

The Covenanter Hotel, which served as Mrs. Baird’s B&B, is still open for guests, offering a chance to stay in the very hotel that Claire and Frank occupied! Beyond season one, Falkland reappears in season two, with several nearby streets portraying 1746 Inverness, including McGilvrey’s Boarding House, where Claire visits a sick Alex Randall.

Falkland itself is a beautifully preserved historic village and was designated as Scotland’s first conservation area in 1970. At its heart is the striking Falkland Palace, once a favorite retreat of Scottish royals, including Mary, Queen of Scots. The palace dates back to the 16th century and was used as a hunting lodge by the Stuart monarchs.

Before that, it held a darker history. David, Duke of Rothesay, heir to the Scottish throne, is believed to have been starved to death here in 1402. The town later became known for its linen-weaving industry, and today, its cobbled streets, 28 listed historic buildings, and dramatic backdrop of the Lomond Hills make it one of the coolest villages in Scotland.

Best Way to Get to Falkland:

Car is probably the best way to get to Falkland, it’s about an hour north of Edinburgh. There are connecting bus options as well that will take you about an hour and 20 minutes from Edinburgh. But if you don’t want to put in the effort of driving or navigating public transpo (trust me, I don’t blame you), then there are plenty of organized tours on Get Your Guide and Viator that will bring you to Falkland.

Doune Castle (Castle Leoch) – Stirling

Doune Castle should definitely be on your list of Outlander places to visit in Scotland. It serves as the imposing Castle Leoch, home of Clan Mackenzie. It’s where Claire is first introduced to life in the 18th century and where she is brought by Dougal to meet Colum. Fans will instantly recognize the castle’s massive courtyard, great hall, and kitchen tower from multiple season one episodes.

While the interiors were recreated on a set, the exterior and much of the castle’s architecture were used extensively in filming. Interestingly, the production team even built an exact replica of the castle’s kitchen on a soundstage to allow for better filming angles. Beyond Outlander, Doune Castle has also appeared in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones, and Outlaw King. So if you’re a film buff, it’s a must-visit.

Historically, Doune Castle dates back to the late 14th century and was originally built as the seat of Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, the younger brother of King Robert III. As Scotland’s effective ruler for over three decades, Albany spared no expense in making Doune a fortress fit for royalty. After his death, the castle briefly served as a royal residence but later fell into decline when James VI departed for England in 1603.

With its incomplete construction, historians believe parts of the castle were either never finished or later dismantled. Either way, Doune remains one of Scotland’s most impressive medieval strongholds. Today, you can walk through its grand halls, climb its towering walls, and even listen to an audio guide narrated by Sam Heughan himself! Because exploring Castle Leoch with Jamie Fraser’s voice in your ear? That’s just good travel planning.

Doune Castle 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

Best Way to Get to Doune Castle:

Take a two and a half hour connecting bus from Edinburgh or drive yourself (or even taxi) about an hour to Doune Castle. But Outlander tours are aplenty and Doune Castle is becoming a popular attraction to visit via Get Your Guide and Viator.

Culloden Battlefield – Inverness

Culloden Battlefield marks the brutal end of the Jacobite uprising and the destruction of the Highland way of life. It’s definitely one of the most emotional Outlander places to visit in Scotland. Though it was not used for filming the battle scenes, the real battlefield was featured in the episode Dragonfly in Amber when Claire visits the site in the 1960s.

She is shown kneeling at the Clan Fraser gravestone, mourning the men who lost their lives… Including, presumably, Jamie. The weight of history really hangs heavy here, and seeing the blue and red flags marking Jacobite and British lines, as well as the stones marking the mass graves of fallen clans, makes it one of the most sobering Outlander stops.

Historically, the Battle of Culloden took place on April 16, 1746, between the Jacobites, led by Bonnie Prince Charlie, and the British forces under the Duke of Cumberland. In less than an hour, the Jacobite army was decimated, with over 1,500 Highlanders killed, compared to just 50 British soldiers.

In the aftermath, the British government enacted harsh measures to dismantle Highland culture, banning tartan, outlawing their native language, and crushing the clan system. Today, the battlefield is preserved by the National Trust for Scotland, with a visitor center offering artifacts, battle reenactments, and a somber reminder of the price paid for rebellion.

Whether you’re an Outlander fan or a history lover, a visit to Culloden is a deeply moving experience that brings Scotland’s past to life in a way few places can.

Culloden 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

Best Way to Get to Culloden Battlefield:

You can choose to drive, taxi, or take the 27 bus from Inverness to the Battlefield. Many organized Outlander tour options from Inverness take you to Culloden and other really cool sites. Don’t forget to look at options on Get Your Guide or Viator!

Clava Cairns (Craigh na Dun Inspiration) – Inverness

Clava Cairns is one of the most fascinating Outlander places to visit in Scotland, as it served as the real-life inspiration for Craigh na Dun, the mystical stone circle where Claire is first transported through time. While the show’s stones were actually a set built on a private farm near Kinloch Rannoch (and don’t exist in real life), Clava Cairns offers the next best thing.

This ancient site, dating back over 4,000 years, is a preserved Bronze Age cemetery complex featuring passage graves, ring cairns, and standing stones. It’s easy to see why Diana Gabaldon might have drawn inspiration from this place, there’s just something undeniably otherworldly about it.

And if you’ve ever dreamed of pressing your palms against ancient stone to time-travel back to the 18th century (preferably to find your own tall, red-headed Scotsman), Clava Cairns is your best shot. It didn’t work for me (I’m still crying about it), but hey, maybe you’ll have better luck!

Beyond its Outlander connections, Clava Cairns is one of Scotland’s most sacred prehistoric sites, offering a glimpse into ancient burial rituals and sun-worshiping traditions. The three main cairns align perfectly with the winter solstice, which suggests that the site held significant spiritual meaning for the people who built it.

Though very little is known about those who used Clava Cairns all those millennia ago, archaeologists believe only a few select individuals (perhaps leaders or spiritual figures) were buried here. The site continued to be used well into the medieval era, with the remains of an undated chapel still visible nearby.

Today, Clava Cairns is completely free to visit and surrounded by peaceful woodland, making it a must-see for history lovers, mystics, and Outlander fans alike.

Clava Cairns Opening Hours:

Open 24 hours year round

Price:

Free to visit!

Best Way to Get to Clava Cairns:

Clava Cairns is only a 5 minute drive from Culloden Battlefield so it’s probably best to see both these sites in one day. The only way to get to the stones is by car or guided tour. Get Your Guide and Viator both have options.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want to step into Jamie and Claire’s world, relive your favorite scenes, or simply soak up Scotland’s crazy beautiful landscapes, this list of Outlander places to visit in Scotland will take you there.

Don’t forget your wool cloak, queue up the Outlander soundtrack, and get ready for an adventure through history, romance, and breathtaking Scottish scenery.

Would you visit any of these places? Drop your must-see Outlander spot in the comments!