Join us as we go behind-the-scenes to discover the filming locations that bring the historical drama Outlander to life.
Outlander, the captivating television drama series that masterfully blends historical romance, time travel, and adventure, is back for a seventh series.
Based on the bestselling novels by Diana Gabaldon, the show transports viewers through a richly woven tapestry of love, loyalty, and survival across centuries. The story centres around Claire Randall, a nurse from the 1940s, who finds herself inexplicably thrust back in time to 18th century Scotland.
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As she navigates the perilous world of Jacobite uprisings and clan rivalries, Claire forms a deep and passionate bond with the dashing Highland warrior, Jamie Fraser. Their epic journey together, filled with political intrigue, heartfelt drama, and thrilling escapades, explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the enduring power of love.
Where is Outlander filmed?
The popular time-travelling period drama Outlander is filmed in Scotland – well, where else could it be filmed? From palaces to castles, mountains to picturesque woodlands the series is a celebration of Scotland’s majestic scenery and pays homage to its dramatic history
Even when French scenes are needed it’s Scotland that comes good – but more of that later…
The first episode opens up in 1940s Inverness where Claire and her husband historian Frank Randall are holidaying, or at least that’s the story location. In real-life these scenes were filmed in Falkland in Fife. Falkland also was used for Inverness when Frank went looking for his missing wife – never dreaming she had gone back in time to the turbulent 18th century.
Where’s the famous stone circle in Outlander?
Sadly, the pivotal ‘Craigh na Dun’ stone circle that catapults Claire Randall back to the tumultuous year 1743 in the midst of the Jacobite rebellion is a work of fiction. Created using Styrofoam, the stones were placed on a hill on the privately-owned Tullochcroisk working farm just off the road near Kinloch Rannoch in the Scottish Highlands.
However, the action for Claire really starts when she is rescued from Black Jack Randall by Murtagh at Tulloch Ghru, a wooded idyll – that’s open to walkers – on the Rothiemurchus Estate, just two miles southeast of Aviemore. It is also used in the opening credits.
Tulloch Ghru is no stranger to television crews as it was also used in some scenes for the popular series Monarch of the Glen.
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Jamie and Claire were married at Glencorse Old Kirk, a 17th century church built on the grounds of Glencorse House, in the first series. It is a private church but can be booked for weddings so die-hard fan couples can relive the Outlander magic in their special day
Which Scottish castles feature in Outlander?
Given Scotland’s abundance of castles it’s no wonder the series features so many:
- For Castle Leoch, the fictional seat of Clan MacKenzie, the production team chose the spectacular 13th-century Doune Castle – we’re not surprised as we named it one of the UK’s most impressive castles. Internal shots were filmed in a studio after production designers used moulds of the architecture. Visitors can explore its well-preserved courtyard, great hall, and gatehouse, and imagine Jamie Fraser training the clansmen here.
- The 16th century Midhope Castle‘s tower house that rises up in the outskirts of magnificent Edinburgh on the Hopetoun Estate. It serves as the exterior for Lallybroch, the ancestral home of Jamie Fraser, and the elaborate gateway on the north side of the courtyard is the view that Lallybroch fans know quite well. Sadly, the castle itself is not safe for visitors, but you can wander around the property, and let your imagination fly!
- The Royal Burgh of Culross is a National Trust of Scotland property that is the most complete example of a 17th-18th century burgh in the country, which doubled up as Cranesmuir in the series, while Dunimarle Castle, featured as the gardens of Wentworth Prison. Find out more about the magical Kingdom of Fife in our expert guide.
- Speaking of prisons Craigmillar Castle, a 14th-century fortress, was transformed into Ardsmuir Prison in the show. Again, visitors can explore its dungeons and imagine Jamie Fraser’s daring escape.
- Jamie Fraser’s grandfather, known as Lord Lovat, the man we love to hate, made his home in Beaufort Castle. He would not leave it when Jamie asked for men to support Bonnie Prince Charlie. The very home Lord Lovat refused to leave is actually West Scotland’s Dean Castle, located in Kilmarnock. Robert the Bruce gave the lands to Robert Boyd for his service in the Scottish Wars of Independence. The Boyd family held the land and castle for centuries, up until the time that Lord Boyd was executed for supporting Bonnie Prince Charlie in the Second Jacobite War.
- Aberdour Castle is one of the oldest castles in Scotland, dating from the 12th century. It was associated with Scottish nobility for centuries, including legendary Robert the Bruce, and Mary, Queen of Scots. It was put into service as a garrison during the Jacobite Uprising of 1715. The Old Kitchen and the Long Gallery, from the 17th century, are seen in The Outlanders. Walk between two of Scotland’s best beaches, starting from Aberdour.
- On the road between Edinburgh and Stirling is Linlithgow Palace, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. The palace continued in use through the second Jacobite war, until Bonnie Prince Charlie was driven out by the Duke of Cumberland, who set the palace ablaze when he left. After the fire, centuries of fortifications resulted in an imposing edifice that stands in for the impenetrable Wentworth Prison.
Where were the French scenes in Outlander filmed?
Even scenes set in France were filmed in Scotland. Remember Jamie’s cousin’s wine warehouse? That’s is filmed at the Deanston Distillery on the River Teith, near Doune Castle and Loch Lomond.
And Dysart Harbour doubles up as Le Havre in the second series.
Romantic locations in Outlander
Culloden Battlefield, where the pair parts, is a place of pilgrimage for avid fans. Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, the heart of Old Town, is where the lovers are reunited.
In Fife, at the foot of the Lomond Mountains, lies the heart-breakingly beautiful village of Falkland, otherwise known as the honeymoon destination on Outlander. Falkland Palace was the summer hunting lodge for the Stuarts from the mid-16th to the mid-17th century, then abandoned after a fire in 1654. Restoration began, and by 1970 the township of Falkland was designated as Scotland’s first conservation area.
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