Edinburgh and Outlander by Rail from London 3-Day Tour

If you’re considering a quick escape from London to Scotland’s capital with an Outlander twist, this 3-day rail tour offers a mix of historic sites, cinematic magic, and scenic train rides. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed itinerary, guest reviews, and offered experiences make it a compelling option.

What we love most? First, the convenience of a reserved seat train journey that takes you straight from London to Edinburgh, giving you a relaxed start without the hassle of driving. Second, the opportunity to walk through famous castles and filming locations—especially for Outlander fans—adds a layer of authenticity and fun that’s hard to match.

One potential consideration? The tour is unescorted on Days 1 and 3, which means you’ll need to manage your time and navigation, but that also leaves room for personal exploration. This tour is perfect for history buffs, Outlander enthusiasts, or travelers eager for a compact Scottish adventure with a mix of guided and independent exploration.

Key Points

• Comfortable rail travel with reserved seats makes for a stress-free journey.
• Edinburgh Castle and the Stone of Destiny are highlights for history lovers.
• The Outlander Explorer Day includes visits to iconic filming locations like Midhope Castle and Doune Castle.
• Hopping on and off the guided bus allows flexible exploration of Edinburgh’s vibrant neighborhoods.
• The tour balances guided visits with free time in Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns.
• It’s tailored for those comfortable with minimal guiding on Days 1 & 3 but eager for a fully guided Outlander experience on Day 2.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Well-Rounded Three-Day Scottish Escape

This tour offers a practical way to see Edinburgh’s top sights and the filming locations that Outlander fans dream about—all packed into just three days. It’s designed for travelers who prefer a mix of guided experiences and free time, with the convenience of a scenic train ride from London.

Day 1: The Charm and Majesty of Edinburgh

Kick off with a train from London’s King’s Cross at 7:00 am, arriving in Edinburgh around 11:20 am. The journey with LNER offers reserved seats, making the roughly four-hour ride comfortable and relaxing. Once you arrive, your included entry to Edinburgh Castle is the perfect introduction to the city’s long, often turbulent history. Sitting atop Castle Rock, a volcanic rock formation, the fortress has watched over Edinburgh for nearly 1,100 years and has served as a royal residence, fortress, and prison.

As you explore, you’ll find the Stone of Destiny, a sacred object used for centuries in Scottish royal coronations, adding a tangible link to Scotland’s monarchy. The castle’s walls tell stories of battles, royal intrigue, and resilience—stories that make the city’s skyline so dramatic and memorable.

Following your castle visit, hop on your guided hop-on hop-off bus. The flexibility to jump on and off as you please lets you explore at your own pace. Stops include Grassmarket, a lively historic marketplace with excellent views of Edinburgh Castle, and the John Knox House, a well-preserved medieval building.

The bus tour also takes you to Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official Scottish residence, set at the bottom of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano and popular walking spot. It’s a lovely way to soak in Edinburgh’s blend of regal grandeur and natural beauty.

Day 2: Outlander Filming Locations and Scottish Countryside

This day is the highlight for Outlander fans and history buffs alike. The tour departs Edinburgh in the morning, heading first to Midhope Castle, the real-life Lallybroch—Jamie Fraser’s fictional home. While the castle itself is a private residence, the external views and grounds have become a pilgrimage spot for Outlander enthusiasts.

Next, Doune Castle awaits—a well-preserved medieval fortress known as the filming location for Castle Leoch, as well as Winterfell in Game of Thrones. Its sturdy stone walls and towers provide a vivid glimpse into medieval Scotland, and the castle’s appearance on screens has made it a popular stop. One reviewer noted, “Doune Castle is fantastic, and you can really imagine life in medieval times here.”

Moving on, the trip takes you to the Kingdom of Fife, filled with history. You’ll stop in Culross, the picturesque village that stood in for Cranesmuir, where Claire was accused of witchcraft. Its well-preserved 17th-century buildings and cobblestone streets make it a photographer’s delight—perfect for wandering and soaking in the atmosphere.

Finally, the day concludes at Blackness Castle, a formidable fortress overlooking the Firth of Forth. Recognized as Fort William in Outlander, the castle’s imposing walls and strategic location lend a sense of drama. From here, you get stunning views of the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s an engineering marvel.

The return to Edinburgh is early evening, around 5:30 pm, giving you a chance to reflect on the day’s adventures.

Day 3: Last Glimpses of Scotland’s Capital

Your final day offers flexible options. The city’s streets are a jumble of medieval alleyways, Georgian grandeur, and panoramic viewpoints. Several iconic sights are within easy reach, such as Castle Hill, where you can walk in the footsteps of Scottish kings and queens. The Stone of Destiny is also accessible here, offering a sense of continuity with Scotland’s royal past.

If you prefer, you might spend your day shopping for souvenirs, exploring local cafés, or visiting other attractions not included in the itinerary. Since the tour ends around late afternoon, you get the afternoon to soak in Edinburgh at your own pace before catching your train back to London at 5:30 pm, arriving in the capital at approximately 10:09 pm.

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The Value of This Tour

The combination of respected transportation, guided visits, and free time in Edinburgh strikes a good balance. The reserved train seats ensure comfort during your travel, and the entrance to Edinburgh Castle is a significant value, as entry costs are often extra on independent visits. The all-day hop-on hop-off bus adds flexibility, letting you customize your sightseeing without feeling rushed.

The full-day Outlander tour is where this experience truly shines. Guided by Highland Explorer Tours, you benefit from insightful stories about the filming locations and Scottish history. Several reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude, making the experience all the more engaging.

In terms of cost, this tour offers a good balance compared to booking each component separately. The combination of transport, castle entry, bus tour, and full-day Outlander adventure provides a solid value for those interested in both history and pop culture.

Considerations and Practical Tips

While the tour overall is well-organized, keep in mind that Days 1 and 3 are unescorted, so you’ll need to manage your own time and navigation. This suits independent travelers comfortable with a bit of self-guided exploration.

Packing comfortable shoes is essential since much of Edinburgh’s charm is found in its cobbled streets and hilly terrain. Weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers and rain gear. Also, since some filming locations like Midhope Castle may be closed during filming, the itinerary might sometimes be adjusted—flexibility is part of the adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for Outlander fans eager to step into the series’ iconic locations, as well as history lovers wanting a taste of Edinburgh’s castles and royal sites. It’s also suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of guided and independent exploration combined with scenic train rides. If you’re short on time but want a comprehensive Scottish experience that balances culture, scenery, and cinematic magic, this tour fits the bill.

However, it isn’t designed for travelers with mobility issues, given the walking involved and the nature of castles and hilly streets. Children aged 5-15 will find it suitable, but under-5s might find the schedule less accommodating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the tour include hotel pick-up and drop-off?
No, it does not. The tour begins at London King’s Cross Station and ends back at the same spot.

What are the train departure and return times?
The outbound train departs London at 7:00 am and arrives in Edinburgh at 11:20 am. The return train leaves Edinburgh at 5:30 pm, arriving in London around 10:09 pm.

Is the train journey comfortable?
Yes, the tickets are for reserved seats with LNER, which ensures a comfortable, worry-free ride.

What’s included in the tour price?
Your ticket covers the return train journey, entrance to Edinburgh Castle, the hop-on hop-off bus tour, and the full-day Outlander Explorer experience.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. You’ll want to bring snacks and plan for lunch on your own during the day.

Can I customize my time in Edinburgh?
Yes, the hop-on hop-off bus allows you to explore at your own pace, and you have free time on Day 3 to visit additional sites or do some shopping.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 5-15 are welcome, but the schedule may be less suitable for very young children under 5.

What if some castles are closed?
If Midhope Castle or Doune Castle are closed during filming, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly, but alternative sites or views will be provided.

Final Thoughts

This 3-day Edinburgh and Outlander tour offers a well-rounded taste of Scotland’s capital, blending history, stunning vistas, and the magic of film. The combination of scenic train travel, engaging guided experiences, and flexible free time makes it a solid value for travelers wanting a manageable yet immersive Scottish adventure.

It’s especially appealing for Outlander fans who want to see the iconic locations in person, but it’s also perfect for those interested in Edinburgh’s castles and cityscape. Whether you’re a history buff, a pop-culture enthusiast, or simply looking for a convenient way to see Scotland’s highlights from London, this tour provides a memorable snapshot of what makes Edinburgh special.

If you’re comfortable managing a bit of independence on Days 1 and 3, and you enjoy guided storytelling on Day 2, this trip delivers both fun and value without overwhelming your schedule. Just remember to pack comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and your curiosity for Scottish stories—both real and filmed.

You can check availability for your dates here: