Since Outlander premiered in 2014, Scotland has seen a surge in visitors eager to explore the real locations behind Claire and Jamie's story. Edinburgh and its surroundings offer the richest concentration of filming sites - from the Royal Mile closes where Jamie had his print shop to the medieval castles that became Lallybroch and Castle Leoch.
Edinburgh City Locations
Bakehouse Close
"Carfax Close (Alexander Malcolm's Print Shop)" - Season 3
Royal Mile, Old Town
This atmospheric close off the Royal Mile was transformed into Carfax Close, the location of Jamie's print shop where Claire finds him after 20 years apart. The emotional reunion scene was filmed here.
Tip: Look for the small sign marking the close. Best photographed in morning light.
Tweeddale Court
"18th Century Edinburgh Marketplace" - Season 3
Royal Mile, Old Town
This peaceful courtyard was transformed into a bustling marketplace where Claire accompanies Jamie and encounters Fergus. Located just off the Royal Mile near Bakehouse Close.
Tip: Combine with Bakehouse Close - they're steps apart.
Palace of Holyroodhouse
"Palace of Holyroodhouse" - Season 2
Royal Mile
The official Scottish residence of the monarch appears as itself in the series, where Claire and Jamie try to persuade Bonnie Prince Charlie to abandon his cause.
Tip: Book tickets in advance. The gardens and abbey ruins are also worth exploring.
Craigmillar Castle
"Ardsmuir Prison" - Season 3
Craigmillar (20 mins from centre)
This remarkably preserved medieval castle became Ardsmuir Prison where Jamie was held after Culloden. Walk the same corridors seen on screen and enjoy far fewer crowds than Edinburgh Castle.
Tip: Take bus 14 or 30 from the city centre. Allow 1-2 hours.
Day Trips from Edinburgh
Midhope Castle
"Lallybroch (Broch Tuarach)" - Multiple seasons
Hopetoun Estate (30 mins from Edinburgh)
The exterior of Jamie's beloved family home. This 16th-century tower house is privately owned but access to view the exterior can be arranged through Hopetoun House estate.
Hopetoun House
"Duke of Sandringham's Home / Paris Streets" - Seasons 1 & 2
South Queensferry
This stunning stately home doubled as the Duke of Sandringham's residence and its grounds became the streets of Paris. One of Scotland's finest Adam mansions.
Blackness Castle
"Fort William (Black Jack Randall's HQ)" - Season 1
Blackness village
This 15th-century fortress on the Firth of Forth became the headquarters of the villainous Black Jack Randall. Known as 'the ship that never sailed' due to its shape.
Linlithgow Palace
"Wentworth Prison (interior)" - Season 1
Linlithgow
The birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots provided interior shots for the terrifying Wentworth Prison. A magnificent ruined palace worth visiting for its own history.
Doune Castle
"Castle Leoch" - Multiple seasons
Doune, Stirling
The seat of Clan MacKenzie and Claire's first home in the 18th century. One of Scotland's best-preserved medieval castles, also featured in Monty Python and Game of Thrones.
Culross
"Cranesmuir Village" - Season 1
Fife
This remarkably preserved 17th-century village became the fictional Cranesmuir, where Claire was accused of witchcraft. The most complete example of a Scottish burgh from this era.
Falkland
"1940s Inverness" - Multiple seasons
Fife
The picturesque main street of Falkland was transformed into 1940s Inverness, where Claire and Frank begin their second honeymoon. The Bruce Fountain marks where Claire disappears.
Glencorse Old Kirk
"Wedding Church" - Season 1
Penicuik
The church where Jamie and Claire's wedding was filmed. This atmospheric ruined kirk near Roslin was transformed into a poor Highland church for the ceremony.
Guided Outlander Tours
Highland Explorer Tours
Outlander Explorer • Full day (9 hours)
Midhope Castle, Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Doune Castle, Culross, Falkland
From £60
HAGGiS Adventures
Outlander Trail • Full day
Midhope Castle, Doune Castle, Culross, Falkland
From £55
Rabbie's Tours
Outlander Adventure • Full day
Multiple filming locations with expert guide
From £55
Scottish Tours
Outlander Film Locations • Full day (small group)
Key filming locations, insider stories, lunch stop
From £65
Self-Guided Visit Tips
- ✓Rent a car to visit locations at your own pace - most are 30-60 minutes from Edinburgh
- ✓Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) requires booking through Hopetoun Estate
- ✓Combine Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace, and Hopetoun House in one day trip
- ✓Doune Castle and Culross can be combined with a trip to Stirling
- ✓Edinburgh city locations (Bakehouse Close, Tweeddale Court) are free and walkable
- ✓Historic Scotland Explorer Pass covers Doune, Blackness, and Linlithgow
- ✓Visit Craigmillar Castle early to have it to yourself - it's much quieter than Edinburgh Castle