From Glasgow: Outlander Castles and The Scottish Countryside

Thinking about stepping into Jamie Fraser’s world or exploring the iconic landscapes that brought Outlander to life? This tour from Glasgow promises a full day of Scottish castles, charming villages, and scenic views—perfect for fans of the series and lovers of authentic Scottish scenery alike. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, what makes this experience stand out is its combination of stunning landscapes and well-chosen filming locations, all brought to life with the guidance of local storytellers.

We particularly appreciate how accessible and well-organized the tour is, with a perfect balance of sightseeing, history, and fun facts, all wrapped into a manageable 13-hour day. The price point of $54 is reasonable given the amount of ground covered and the quality of the locations. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that entrance fees to the castles are not included, so budget accordingly. This tour appeals most to those with a love of Scottish scenery, historical castles, or the series itself, and who enjoy a comfortable, guided experience that takes the hassle out of planning.

Key Points

• Authentic filming locations combined with scenic Scottish countryside
• Expert local guide offers engaging stories and insights
• Comfortable transportation with a well-paced schedule
• Cost-effective for a full day of sightseeing
• No castle entrance fees included, so plan for extra expenses
• Suitable for travelers aged 5 and up; great for families and series fans

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Practical Overview of the Experience

This tour from Glasgow offers a thoughtful way to explore outdoor Scotland and the series’ most iconic sites. It’s designed for those who want to see the scenery behind the story without the hassle of driving or arranging multiple tickets. The 13-hour itinerary strikes a good balance, allowing ample time at each stop without feeling rushed.

The experience begins at Buchanan Street Bus Station, where you meet your guide and fellow travelers. From there, the journey quickly moves into the heart of Highland Scotland. The bus ride itself is part of the experience—comfortable, with narration and engaging commentary, setting the stage for what awaits.

Exploring the Day’s Highlights: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

Doune Castle (Castle Leoch)

The first major stop is Doune Castle, a 14th-century fortress that viewers will recognize as Castle Leoch from Outlander. Here, your guide will share stories about the castle’s history and film trivia, helping you imagine the bustling life of the Highland clan. While you’re free to explore the grounds, note that entrance fees are not included, so budget for that if you want to go inside. We loved the way the ancient stones and sweeping views over the surrounding landscape make it feel like stepping back in time.

Culross (Cranesmuir)

Next is Culross, a picture-perfect village that became Cranesmuir, Claire’s herb garden, and the fictional town where many scenes are shot. Its cobbled streets and quaint cottages evoke a bygone era, making it a favorite for both history buffs and Outlander fans. The visit here lasts about 70 minutes, giving you time to wander, take photos, and soak in the charming atmosphere. Many reviewers, like Eleonora, mention how much they enjoyed this stop, especially the stories about the series and the village’s historical significance.

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Falkland (1940s Inverness)

Falkland is a delightful stop, doubling as 1940s Inverness in the series. You’ll have around 90 minutes to wander the town, see landmarks like the Bruce Fountain (notable for the ghost scene in the first episode), and grab a snack during a leisurely lunch break. The town’s clean, historic streets and well-preserved buildings create a nostalgic feel, perfectly suited for those wanting to step into the show’s period.

Midhope Castle (Lallybroch)

The iconic Lallybroch is next—Midhope Castle. Though you can’t go inside, standing outside and snapping photos of the estate feels like stepping right into Jamie Fraser’s world. It’s peaceful, with plenty of scenic surroundings ideal for photos. Many travelers find this moment especially emotional—seeing the show’s most beloved home in real life adds a new layer to their Outlander experience.

Blackness Castle (Fort William)

The final major filming location is Blackness Castle, a formidable fortress on the Firth of Forth that doubles as Fort William in the series. The views from here are breathtaking—vast water, rugged coastlines, and a sense of history that’s palpable. Take your time exploring the ramparts and imagining what life was like for soldiers and sailors centuries ago.

The Logistics and Comfort of the Tour

The tour is operated by Highland Explorer Tours, known for their friendly guides and reliable service. The bus ride is smooth, with audio guides available in several languages: Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Mandarin—adding value for international travelers.

While the entrance fees to castles are not included, most visitors find the cost of the tour itself a fair trade for the convenience of transportation, storytelling, and access to these locations. The group size tends to be manageable, fostering interaction and personalized attention, though specifics aren’t provided.

Lunch and snacks are on your own, so packing a small meal or snacks might make the day even more enjoyable. The tour is suitable for children aged 5 and up, making it a good choice for family outings.

What We Loved and What to Consider

Stunning Views: The entire trip is peppered with spectacular vistas—mountains, coastlines, historic towns—that make for memorable photos. The reviews highlight how much travelers appreciated these scenic moments, often describing the landscape as “breathtaking.”

Storytelling and Local Knowledge: The guide’s stories added depth and context, transforming the locations from mere ruins or streets into vibrant parts of Scotland’s storytelling heritage. One reviewer shared, “Our guide was very nice in telling us the stories of the places and castles we visited!”

Pace and Duration: While the full day is long, the schedule is well-structured to prevent fatigue. However, some might find the day a bit packed, especially if you want to spend more time exploring each site or entering castles.

Cost and Inclusions: The $54 price is quite reasonable for a full day of sightseeing. However, be prepared for additional costs for castle entry fees and meals. The tour doesn’t include food, so bringing snacks or planning to eat in Falkland or Culross is advisable.

Would This Tour Suit You?

If you’re a fan of Outlander, this tour offers an unbeatable way to see the series’ most iconic filming locations without the hassle of self-driving or complex planning. It’s also ideal for travelers who love Scottish castles and countryside, and want a comfortable, guided experience.

Families with children over age 5, history buffs, and landscape lovers will find plenty to enjoy here. If you prefer a leisurely day with lots of free time, this might feel a little hurried, but for those seeking a rundown, it hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This Outlander filming locations tour from Glasgow offers an engaging, well-organized way to explore the lands that inspired the series and the beautiful Scottish Highlands. The stops at Doune Castle, Culross, Falkland, Lallybroch, and Blackness Castle provide a balanced mix of history, scenery, and pop culture.

The tour’s value lies in the combination of scenic views, storytelling, and the ease of transportation. It’s especially fitting for those eager to see the series come to life and experience Scotland’s majestic landscapes firsthand.

While it’s not a budget tour, the experience delivers enough to justify the price—especially if you appreciate storytelling and scenic photography. Just remember to budget for possible entrance fees and meals, and you’ll have a memorable day exploring the best Outlander has to offer.

FAQs

Are entrance fees to castles included?
No, entrance fees to Doune, Blackness, or Midhope Castle are not included, so you should budget extra if you want to go inside.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 13 hours, starting and ending at Buchanan Street Bus Station in Glasgow.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
Audio guides are available in Italian, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese, and Mandarin.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 5 and above can participate, making it suitable for families.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Since food and drinks are not included, bringing snacks or a packed lunch is a good idea. Comfortable clothing and camera gear are also recommended.

Is this tour good for photography?
Absolutely. The scenery around the castles and towns offers many great photo opportunities.

How big are the groups?
While exact group sizes aren’t specified, the reviews suggest a manageable number that allows for a personalized experience.

What if I want to visit the castles inside?
You’ll need to pay entrance fees separately for each castle if you wish to go inside.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, all travel between sites is by comfortable coach, with narration along the way to enrich your experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: