As we leave the capital we learn about the Old and New Town of Edinburgh while we head towards our first stop of the day, Midhope Castle* – the real-life Lallybroch and home of Jamie Fraser.

We then visit Doune Castle*, one of Scotland’s best preserved medieval castles and used as the filming location for Castle Leoch in Outlander. The castle is also featured as Winterfell in Game of Thrones and in Monty Python’s Holy Grail.

Our journey takes us on to the Kingdom of Fife, an area of great historical importance and the ancestral home of Scottish monarchs. We spend time for lunch in Culross, the fictional village of ‘Cranesmuir’ where Claire was accused of witchcraft. This charming village is the most complete example of a 17th and 18th century burgh in Scotland today.

After lunch we continue to the village of Falkland, used for filming 1940’s Inverness. With over 28 listed buildings it gives a good representation of this period. Our final Outlander filming location of the day is the impressive Blackness Castle, featured as Fort William in the series. The castle also treats us to awe-inspiring views of the iconic Forth Bridge, inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We arrive back in Edinburgh in the early evening.

*Castle Updates:

Between 22^nd Dec 2023 and 15^th March 2024 – Midhope Castle will be closed. Instead we will be including entry to Blackness Castle as standard in place of Midhope Castle.

On Thursday 11th, 18th, 25^th January & 1st, 8^th & 15^th February the amended itinerary below will operate as both Midhope Castle and Doune Castle are both closed for filming:

• Leave Edinburgh at 8:45am
• View Linlithgow Palace
• Visit Blackness Castle – Fort William 
• Visit Callander House 
• Visit Culross - the fictional village of Cranesmuir 
• Visit Royal Burgh of Falkland – Inverness 
• View Forth Bridges
• Return to Edinburgh – 5.30pm

Please check add-on availability at the time of booking or contact us for further details. Midhope Castle will be bookable as an optional add-on from March 16th 2024 onwards.

DOUNE CASTLE* aka Castle Leoch  (optional)

Known to the Outlander fans as Castle Leoch - the seat of Clan MacKenzie, Doune Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval strongholds in Scotland. Built in the 14th century, the castle has survived through the wars and rebellions of Scotland and has its own interesting history. The castle has also been featured in the Monty Python and the Holy Grail movie and more recently it featured as the setting for Winterfell in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones.

BLACKNESS CASTLE (optional)

Blackness Castle is an impressive 15^th century fortress that resembles the shape of a ship, hence it’s nickname ‘'the ship that never sailed’. Outlander fans recognise the castle as the filming location for Fort William, home to Captain Jack Randall’s worst acts of violence.

MIDHOPE CASTLE* (from 16th March 2024, optional)

Dating back to the 15th century and nestled amidst the lush green landscapes of the Hopetoun Estate, Midhope Castle is bound to captivate Outlander fans’ hearts. Used as the Outlander filming location for Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s ancestral home, its enchanting settings lets you relive your favourite moments from the show. Midhope Castle will be bookable as an optional add-on from March 16th 2024 onwards.

*Please note that there are dates throughout the year where Doune Castle and Midhope Castle are closed. Midhope Castle will be closed from 22nd December 2023 until 15th March 2024. Please check add-on availability at the time of booking or contact us for further details.

Departure and drop off point

Edinburgh Bus Station (inside, Gate J*)
St. Andrew Square 
Edinburgh
Scotland
EH1 3DQ  

See Map

IMPORTANT NOTE: from 5th February 2024 onwards, all tours from Edinburgh will depart from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Please refer to your e-ticket for full departure details.

*Check-in staff will be wearing blue high visibility vests to greet you.
Edinburgh Bus Station can be accessed through two entrances: St Andrew Square and Elder Street. Please refer to the image below.

Departure Time

Check-in closes at 8.30am for tour departure at 8.45am.

Return Time

Tour returns at 5.30pm.