Outlander Season 2 Day Tour from Glasgow and Edinburgh

If you’re a fan of the hit series Outlander or simply love Scottish history and landscapes, this tour offers a rewarding glimpse behind the scenes. It’s a well-curated trip that takes you from stunning historic sites to the beautiful gardens seen in the series, all within a comfortable day’s journey.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to walk through real filming locations, like Linlithgow Palace and Hopetoun House, while gaining some background on their historical significance. Plus, the small group size guarantees a more personalized experience and plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

A potential consideration? The schedule is packed, and you’ll spend most of the day on the move, so good walking shoes and a moderate physical fitness level are recommended. This tour is best suited for fans of Outlander who want to see the Scottish scenery and historic sites that inspired the series, as well as travelers interested in Scottish castles and gardens with or without a series connection.

Key Points

• Authentic filming locations: Visit real sites used in Outlander, especially those representing French settings.
• Beautiful historic sites: Discover Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and a key Outlander filming spot.
• Stunning gardens: Explore Drummond Castle’s gardens, renowned as the Gardens of Versailles in the series.
• Small-group experience: With a maximum of 8 travelers, expect a more intimate and flexible tour.
• Value for money: The price includes all admission fees, bottled water, and expert guiding.
• Flexible departure points: Choose between Glasgow or Edinburgh pick-up locations, making it convenient for different itineraries.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Hopetoun House: French Elegance and Royal Connections

Your day begins at Hopetoun House, a grand estate that’s played a pivotal role in the series’ French scenes. Known for its magnificent architecture and expansive grounds, this estate served as the backdrop for the Duke of Sandringham’s residence in Season 1 and the Paris apartments in Season 2. The tour allocates about an hour and a half here — plenty of time to wander through the interiors and gardens.

While the house itself is not a fully guided tour, the setting is grand, and the grounds are perfect for taking photos. If you’re hungry, the Stables Tearoom offers a cozy spot for lunch (at your own expense). The food gets good reviews, and the relaxed atmosphere gives you a break before heading to the next sites.

Linlithgow Palace: Mary Queen of Scots’ Birthplace and Outlander Prison

Next stop is Linlithgow Palace, a symbol of Scottish regal power. Built in the 15th century, it’s a striking ruin with tall towers and sprawling courtyards. It’s famously the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and if you’re a history buff, you’ll appreciate the layers of royal intrigue that unfolded here.

For Outlander fans, it’s best known as Wentworth Prison, where Jamie faces a daunting future. The site is easy to explore on your own, and the admission is included in the tour fee. Expect around an hour here to soak up the atmosphere, snap photos, and imagine what it was like for the characters.

Callendar House: A Historic Kitchen and a Dramatic Scene

While not a grand castle, Callendar House offers a look into everyday Scottish life in the 18th and 19th centuries. The house itself is a multi-layered museum, but the real highlight is the historic kitchen, where the Duke of Sandringham’s fate was sealed in Season 2.

Guides in period costumes are on hand to share insights into life in that era, making this stop educational as well as dramatic. The visit is brief—about 30 minutes—and there’s no admission fee, making it a practical stop to deepen your understanding of Scottish history and the series’ storyline.

Drummond Castle Gardens: The Gardens of Versailles

The final stop is Drummond Castle Gardens, a true highlight. Known for its beautifully landscaped terraces and vibrant floral displays, the gardens starred as the Gardens of Versailles in Outlander. If weather permits, wandering through these meticulously maintained grounds will be a highlight.

It’s a peaceful place to reflect and take photos, with enough space to enjoy the floral displays and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll have about an hour here, enough time to walk through the gardens and appreciate their design and beauty.

What’s Included and What to Expect

This tour provides admission fees to all major sites, bottled water, and a knowledgeable driver-guide. The small group size (max 8 travelers) ensures a more relaxed experience and plenty of opportunity for questions.

On the downside, meals are not included, though there’s a recommended stop at Hopetoun House’s tearoom for lunch. The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dressing in layers and waterproof gear is wise, especially since much of the day involves outdoor exploration.

The tour departs from both Glasgow and Dalmeny Train Station in Edinburgh, offering flexibility depending on your travel plans. The total duration ranges from 8 to 10 hours, including travel time, which makes for a full but manageable day.

Authentic Experiences and Real Insights

We loved the way the guide infused humor and local knowledge into the tour, making history lively and engaging. The reviews highlight how Barry, the guide, was both fun and informative, with travelers appreciating his friendly demeanor and attractive accent.

The sites themselves are beautifully preserved and offer a chance to see Scotland’s stately architecture and lush gardens, far beyond just the Outlander series. Even visitors who aren’t series fans will find these locations charming and steeped in Scottish tradition.

Many travelers note the great value for the price, especially considering the included admissions and expert guiding. The tour’s focus on both the series’ filming locations and historic sites ensures a well-rounded experience — appealing to fans and history lovers alike.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for Outlander fans eager to see the series’ filming locations firsthand, as well as travelers interested in Scottish castles, gardens, and history. The small group setting makes it perfect for those who prefer a more personalized, less rushed tour.

It’s also suitable for those looking for a full-day adventure that combines iconic scenery with some light history and culture. Keep in mind, the walking involved requires a moderate level of fitness — comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essentials.

If you’re after a laid-back, insightful day exploring Scotland’s most picturesque sites linked to the series, this tour delivers on those promises.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation between sites, with pick-up options from Glasgow or Dalmeny Train Station in Edinburgh.

How long is the tour?
Expect the total tour duration to be around 8 to 10 hours, including travel, site visits, and breaks.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included. However, there is a stop at Hopetoun House’s tearoom, where you can purchase a meal or snack.

What is the group size?
The tour limits to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum age is 18, so it’s geared toward adult travelers. Those with a moderate fitness level will enjoy it most.

What should I wear?
Dressing in layers and waterproof clothing is recommended, as the tour operates in all weather conditions.

Are the sites accessible?
The tour involves some outdoor walking and exploration, so a moderate level of physical fitness is suggested.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Outlander Season 2 Day Tour from Glasgow and Edinburgh offers a wonderful blend of Scottish history, beautiful scenery, and series-specific filming locations. It’s a thoughtfully designed trip that balances the love of Outlander with an appreciation for Scotland’s scenic and historic riches.

Travelers who want a small-group, personalized experience will find it especially rewarding. The inclusion of all major site admissions and a knowledgeable guide adds significant value, making it a practical choice for those eager to see the series’ iconic locations with a bit of historical context.

Whether you’re a dedicated fan or simply someone who loves exploring castles, gardens, and stories of Scottish royalty, this tour will leave you with memorable images and stories to share. It’s a day well spent, full of striking sights and fascinating tales, all within a comfortable and well-organized package.

In essence, if you’re looking for a scenic, engaging, and well-paced day that combines Outlander magic with genuine Scottish charm, this tour is a terrific choice.