Outlander Locations (6 Enchanting Places in Scotland)

Scotland plays a starring role in the books and screen adaptation of the popular Outlander novels written by Arizona-based author Diana Gabaldon and the TV series starring Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser and Caitriona Balfe as Claire Fraser.

Scotland with its rugged landscape and stunning scenery, many fans are being inspired to visit the land of Outlander. Here’s my list of must-see Outlander locations in Scotland you should have on your bucket list.

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1. GLENCOE

One of the highlights of any trip to Scotland is Glencoe. Glencoe is featured in Outlander’s opening credits. High, rugged mountain peaks, treacherous ridges, fast-flowing rivers, and waterfalls combine to present a spectacular brooding, haunting landscape. Hope for a cloudy day, which Scotland is not short on, and absorb the atmosphere.

We highly recommend staying at the lovely historic hotel in Glencoe right between Loch Leven and Loch Linnhe – The Ballachulish Hotel. We found stunning views across the loch, and easy access to Castle Stalker, and Oban.

Nearby is Fort William, the outdoor capital of the UK, and the Glenfinnan Monument where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard and started the Jacobite Rising of 1745.

Travel in style on The Jacobite Steam Train from Edinburgh, which Harry Potter fans will recognize the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

2. DOUNE CASTLE

Castle Leoch is the fictional ancestral home of The Mackenzie Clan and Doune Castle portrays it well.  Located near the historically significant town of Stirling, the medieval stronghold was once a royal residence. It takes little imagination to picture the grand banquets that were held here.

Frank and Claire visit it as a ruin while on their post-war highland getaway, and it also featured after Claire goes through the stones, and encounters life in the 18th century. 

Home to Colum Mackenzie, clan chief, and Mrs. Fitz. Visit her kitchen and climb the narrow tower to look over the shinty pitch (shinty is a Scottish game similar to field hockey). 

Doune Castle has been featured in several movies and tv shows. From Ivanhoe to Game of Thrones. Until recently, it was most famous for the movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail. You can enjoy an audio tour by Python’s Terry Jones enhanced by a recent addition by Outlander’s very own Jamie, Sam Heughan.

The filming of Outlander has resulted in a vast increase in the number of visitors to Doune. It is now one of historic Scotland’s top attractions. Perhaps the attraction of the nearby whisky distillery at Deanston is also a factor. You can take a tour to discover the centuries-old tradition of how whisky was made.

3. FALKLAND

One of the first scenes of the TV series is set in the small town of Falkland in the county of Fife. It substitutes for the 1940s and 1960s Inverness. You will recognize the fountain in the town square where the ghost of Jamie looks up at Claire’s room when she is staying at Mrs. Baird’s Guesthouse in season 1.

How much fun it would be to stay at the location of Mrs. Baird’s Guesthouse, which is actually The Covenanter Hotel.

Falkland is a picturesque conservation village with narrow cobbled streets and many listed buildings. It truly is like stepping back in time. A must-see is the nearby Falkland Palace. Built-in the early 1500s as a country residence for the Stewart Kings and Queens. Mary Queen of Scots was a regular visitor hunting wild boar and deer, and playing tennis in one of only two 16th-century courts in Britain. It must have been difficult playing in those heavy dresses. No sneakers either. 

This tour includes Falkland Palace and also a trip to St. Andrew’s Links – Home of Golf!

4. CULROSS

The rustic village of Culross, located on the banks of the Firth of Forth, is a unique example of what a Scottish town in the 18th century would have looked like. Homes here date back to 1577 and even older is the 13th century Culross Abbey, the birthplace of St. Mungo, founder and Patron Saint of Glasgow. 

The cobbled streets lead up to The Mercat (Market) cross.  You are now in Cranesmuir. Immediately recognizable is the large white corner house from where Geillis Duncan (witch of this parish) and Claire look down on the young boy having his ear nailed to the pillory. His punishment for minor theft. Harsh times indeed. 

This National Trust of Scotland property is used as a location for several scenes in season 1 and 2 of the TV show. 

5. BLACKNESS CASTLE

In the first two seasons of Outlander, this 15th century fortress provides the setting for the Fort William headquarters of Black Jack Randall. It is shaped like a ship and is known as “the ship that never sailed”. From the towers, you get beautiful views of the Forth Road Bridges and across the water to The Kingdom of Fife. Not so attractive is the small prison, known as the thieves’ hole, at the front of the castle. The tide would wash out twice a day, just to keep you fresh and hydrated. 

Blackness Castle, portraying Fort William Garrison, recalls uncomfortable images of Jamie’s violent experience at the hands of Black Jack. The flogging was filmed here in the bleak castle courtyard in February. 

You may also recall the scene when Roger and Brianna visit Blackness in the 1960s and imagine some of the horrors that took place there, unaware of the connections to their own lives.

6. MIDHOPE CASTLE