From Edinburgh: Private Outlander/ St Andrews tour

If you’ve ever wondered whether a day trip can satisfy both your curiosity about Outlander and your love of historic Scottish towns, this private tour from Edinburgh might just be the answer. Designed for those who appreciate flexibility, comfort, and a bit of storytelling, it offers a tailored experience that covers both iconic filming spots and the charming streets of St Andrews.

We love that this tour balances the needs of Outlander fans with those who are simply eager to explore Scottish culture and scenery. The flexibility of the itinerary stands out, allowing guides to adapt on the fly—something many travelers value highly. And the comfort of a private group ensures a more personalized experience, free from the hustle of large tours.

One potential consideration is that entry tickets to some sites—like Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle, and Falkland Palace—are not included, so budgeting for those separately might be necessary. Still, for about $646 for a group of up to six people, this tour offers a combination of private transportation, expert guidance, and the chance to pick and choose what interests you most.

This experience is ideal for Outlander enthusiasts eager to see the real-life locations from the series, as well as travelers who want to enjoy the historic ambiance of St Andrews. If you’re traveling with family or friends who have different interests, this tour’s flexibility makes it a smart choice.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary allows for personalized stops and adjustments on the day.
• Private group ensures a more intimate and tailored experience.
• Includes transportation, driver/guide, and hotel pickup/drop-off for convenience.
• Highlights both Outlander filming locations and the town of St Andrews.
• Cost-effective considering the private vehicle, guide, and customized options.
• Not including entry tickets means planning ahead for site visits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

We’ll walk through what you can expect from each part of this 8-hour adventure, helping you visualize your day from start to finish.

Starting Point: Comfort and Convenience

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Edinburgh, easing the stress of logistics. The use of a private vehicle means you’ll avoid crowded buses and get a more relaxed ride. This setup is especially pleasant if you’re traveling with family, friends, or a small group wanting a more exclusive experience. The driver doubles as your guide, providing insights along the way, which makes for a smoother, more engaging journey.

Outlander Filming Locations – For Fans and Curious Travelers Alike

The core appeal for many is visiting Midhope Castle, famously known as Lallybroch in the series. The castle’s exterior has become iconic for Outlander fans, and the fact that it’s a private property means you typically get a closer look than you would on a large tour. The guide, Scott, receives praise for being “super knowledgeable,” which enhances the experience, especially when piecing together how these locations fit into the show’s narrative.

Next, the tour might include a visit to Blackness Castle, often called the “ship of the Forth” for its fortress-like appearance. Although tickets aren’t included, the outside views and explanations provide a vivid picture of what it would have been like during filming and history. The ongoing commentary helps bring these ruins to life, tying in Scotland’s past with the series’ fictional world.

The Charm of Historic Villages and Castles

Depending on the day, your guide might include stops at Culross Village and Falkland Village—both must-visits for those interested in Scottish architecture and history. Falkland Palace is another optional stop, providing a glimpse into regal life centuries ago, also outside the scope of ticket prices but well worth the visual and historical context.

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The Scenic Drive and Flexibility

What we really appreciate about this tour is the ability to alter the itinerary based on your interests or time constraints. Whether you want extra time at certain locations or wish to explore additional sites the guide can accommodate that. The scenery along the route, with rolling fields and historic ruins, makes the drive itself a highlight.

The St Andrews Experience

After the Outlander stops, a short drive brings you to St Andrews, the “home of golf” and a town lush with history and coastal charm. You’ll get to see the famous Old Course, walk the quaint streets, and soak in the atmosphere of this university town that has been attracting visitors for centuries.

The guides often recommend enjoying local cafes or traditional fish-and-chip shops, which are part of the authentic experience. The balance of sightseeing and leisure here makes the visit to St Andrews both relaxing and enriching, especially if you’re a history buff or a golf fan.

Value and Comfort

At $646 for up to six people, this private tour offers great value for a personalized experience. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the driver/guide, minimizes hassle and maximizes comfort. While tickets to certain sites are not included, this allows you to choose which locations are most worth visiting for your group’s interests and budget.

What Past Travelers Say

The reviews echo our impressions, with one traveler mentioning, “All good, nicely timed day, good recommendations.” The guide’s knowledge and the vehicle’s comfort contribute to a positive experience, with plenty of scenic views along the way. The flexibility to adapt the schedule is a big plus, especially if you’re traveling with varying interests within your group.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect if you want a personalized, hassle-free way to explore Outlander filming locations and St Andrews. It works well for Outlander fans who want close-up visits, but also for those simply interested in Scottish towns and scenery. The private group setup makes it suitable for families, couples, or friends traveling together who appreciate tailored experiences.

If you’re on a tight schedule or prefer guided planning, this tour offers a good balance of structure and flexibility. Travelers who value comfort, local insights, and the ability to customize their day will find this experience particularly worthwhile.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration is 8 hours, with flexible start times; check availability.
• Includes round-trip transportation, driver/guide, and hotel pickup/drop-off.
• Not included are entry tickets to sites like Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle, and Falkland Palace—plan ahead if these are priorities.
• Bring comfortable shoes for walking around villages and historic sites.
• The tour is exclusively private, making it ideal for personalized attention and tailored stops.
• Booking with “reserve now & pay later” offers flexibility if your plans are still fluid.
• Cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes private transportation, a driver/guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off. It allows for a customized itinerary based on your interests.

Are entry tickets to castles and sites included?
No, tickets for Blackness Castle, Midhope Castle, and Falkland Palace are not included, so you should budget separately for those.

Can the itinerary be changed on the day?
Yes, the tour is flexible, and the guide can adapt the stops as per your wishes during the day.

Is it suitable for families or small groups?
Absolutely. The private group setup and comfortable vehicle make it ideal for families, couples, or friends.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking and layers for varying weather conditions are recommended.

Is this tour available in languages other than English?
The activity is conducted in English.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, but check with the provider for exact starting times.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Will I see the actual filming locations from Outlander?
Yes, many of the key filming locations like Midhope Castle and Falkland are included in the tour, providing real-life scenery from the series.

Is this tour suitable for someone not familiar with Outlander?
Yes, even if you’re only passingly familiar with the series, the picturesque locations and historical sites make it an enjoyable day.

Final Thoughts

This private Outlander / St Andrews tour from Edinburgh strikes a nice balance between tailored sightseeing, culture, and scenic beauty. The flexibility to personalize your day, coupled with the ease of private transport and expert guidance, makes it an excellent choice for those who want a hassle-free, memorable Scottish adventure.

While it’s especially suited for Outlander fans, even travelers with only a casual interest in the series or Scottish history will appreciate the comfort, scenery, and variety this tour offers. The carefully curated stops, combined with the guide’s local knowledge, turn a day trip into a genuinely enriching experience.

If you’re after a relaxed, personalized way to see some of the best of what Scotland has to offer, this tour deserves a spot on your travel list. Keep in mind, booking early and planning for site entry costs will ensure a smoother adventure. Overall, it’s a smart, high-value way to explore and enjoy Edinburgh’s surroundings.

Note: Always check current availability and COVID-19 guidelines before booking, and consider your own mobility needs when planning to visit historic sites.

You can check availability for your dates here: