Discover the real star: Scotland
Be immersed in the world of Outlander in the scenic Scottish Borders and Lowlands or follow in the footsteps of 007 in the Highlands. Both James Bond (Skyfall) and Monty Python filmed against breathtaking backdrops here. This flexible itinerary allows visitors to explore at their own pace, staying as long as they like in each location while immersing themselves in stunning landscapes and cinematic history.
Stop 1: Edinburgh and its surrounding areas
Edinburgh Old Town
Dive into the world of Outlander while exploringEdinburgh’s Old Town. Wander through Bakehouse Close on the Royal Mile where Claire and Jamie had their reunion after being separated for 20 years (season three). Step back in time at nearby Tweeddale Court, transformed into an 18th-century market, or marvel at the Signet Library’s elegant interior which doubled as the Governor’s mansion in Jamaica. Edinburgh Castle sits proudly at one end of the Royal Mile – experience its magic on an official guided tour.
Arthur’s Seat
Follow in the footsteps of Emma and Dexter, stars of Netflix mini-series One Day, on a hike up Arthur’s Seat. Located in Holyrood Park, this prominent hill served as a striking backdrop for the star-crossed lovers’ hungover outing. This ancient volcano offers views of Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns, making it a popular destination for picnics, selfies and scenic walks. The Palace of Holyroodhouse, one of the King’s official residences, is at the end of the Royal Mile, closest to this green space.
James Bond Tour, from Edinburgh
Gear up for a license to thrill with The James Bond Tour starting in Edinburgh. The epic self-drive adventure takes visitors on a journey through some of the most iconic filming locations associated with author Ian Fleming’s legendary spy. Explore the landscapes of Scotland, including Glencoe, immortalised in Skyfall. The tour includes eight nights of accommodation, a sleek rental car and entrance to various Bond-worthy attractions, such as the Macallan Distillery. Get ready to explore Scotland in true 007 style!
Outlander Explorer Tour
Outlander fans can immerse themselves in the world of Claire and Jamie on this full-day guided tour through iconic filming locations featured in the hit TV series. Departing from Edinburgh, visit key sites such as Doune Castle, which stands in for Castle Leoch, Linlithgow Palace, which appears as Wentworth Prison, and Blackness Castle, used as Fort William. Marvel at the stunning scenery and historic landmarks, while hearing insider stories about the show and learning all about the real-life history behind the locations. For more flexibility, visitors can try a self-guided Outlander locations tour.
Rosslyn Chapel, near Edinburgh
Uncover ancient secrets at Rosslyn Chapel, located just outside Edinburgh. Famously associated with The Da Vinci Code, the chapel is a key location in the quest for the Holy Grail, with its stunning architecture and stone carvings looking resplendent in director Ron Howard’s mystery-thriller. Its rich history (and folklore), including its connections to the Knights Templar and legends of ancient secrets, only adds to the chapel’s allure, making it a popular destination for fans of the film as well as those intrigued by its past. Regular bus services and coach tours from Edinburgh to Rosslyn take around 40 minutes, while it is a 30-minute drive by car.
Rosslyn Chapel, Stirling Castle and Dunfermline Abbey Tour, from Edinburgh
Dive into (cinematic) history on this guided tour through Scotland’s rich past. From the mystique of Rosslyn Chapel, immortalised in The Da Vinci Code, to Dunfermline Abbey, the burial site of Scottish kings and queens, this tour combines historical insights with set-jetting, catering for history enthusiasts and film buffs alike.
getting around
Getting around: Trains from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Glasgow Queen Street take around 50 minutes. Alternatively, the journey takes around one hour 20 minutes by car.
Stop 2: Glasgow
Glasgow Necropolis
For serious Gotham City vibes, walk through the labyrinthine pathways of Glasgow Necropolis, which was the atmospheric backdrop for The Batman (2022). Overlooking the city, this sprawling Victorian cemetery is brimming with eerie statues and towering memorials. Established in 1832, it is home to over 50,000 graves and monuments dedicated to Glasgow’s industrial and mercantile elite. Guided tours of this Gothic site dive into the full story of the cemetery’s residents and mysterious past.
Glasgow University
At Glasgow University, visitors can soak in Outlander vibes while admiring architectural grandeur. Built in 1451, this Gothic gem is one of the oldest universities in Britain. In the Outlander series, it doubled as Harvard University where Frank taught as a professor. Delve into its past on a guided tour of the university, which also includes The Hunterian Museum and The Mackintosh House.
Kelvingrove Park
Take a stroll through Outlander history in this picturesque green space which doubled as Boston Park, where Claire often takes leisurely walks. The expansive park, designed in the 19th century, features lush landscapes and ornamental gardens with statues and monuments, including the McLennan Arch. After soaking in the scenic views, why not pop into the adjacent Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and explore its extensive collection of art and historical treasures?
Glasgow Cathedral
Just a stone’s throw from Kelvingrove Park is Glasgow Cathedral, a Gothic gem dating back to the 12th century. Marvel at its stunning stained-glass windows and intricate stone carvings before exploring the crypt, which doubled as L’Hopital Des Anges in Paris where Outlander’s Claire volunteered as a nurse.
Outlander Tour, from Glasgow City Centre
For the ultimate fan experience, take an immersive Outlander-themed tour of the Scottish Highlands. From one-day jaunts to multi-day adventures, visit iconic filming locations featured in the series, such as Doune Castle (Castle Leoch) and Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), and explore the landscapes that inspired the show. The tours start and end in Glasgow City Centre (or Dalmeny Train Station, if departing from Edinburgh). For a more intimate experience, book a private tour with exclusive hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Getting around
Getting around: Travel back to Edinburgh and spend another night in the Scottish capital before continuing north towards Linlithgow.
Stops 3: Borders and Lowlands
Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Bo’ness, near Linlithgow
All aboard for a trip through Outlander history. The Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway sets the stage for an emotional moment in the first episode of the series, where Bo’ness doubles as the wartime London station where Claire and Frank say their farewells. The vintage steam train also provides a glimpse into Scotland’s railway past. A scenic return route to Manuel along the Forth Estuary takes in waterfalls and the Avon Viaduct, accompanied by traditional afternoon tea. Bo’ness, near Linlithgow, is a 40-minute drive from Edinburgh. Alternatively, take a train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Linlithgow (20-30 minutes). From Linlithgow, it is a 15-minute taxi ride or a 30-minute walk to the railway station in Bo’ness.
Deanston Distillery Tour, Stirlingshire
Outlander fans can combine set-jetting with whisky tasting on this immersive tour of Deanston Distillery, located on the banks of the River Teith, just outside Stirling. In Outlander, the former mill stands in for Jamie’s cousin’s wine warehouse on the docks of Le Havre. The distillery’s behind-the-scenes tour highlights the traditional methods used to craft its single malt Scotch whisky and allows visitors to learn about the whisky-making process. The tour concludes with a tasting of some of Deanston’s finest whiskies.
Blackness Castle
Just a 15-minute drive from Bo’ness lies Blackness Castle, which Outlander fans will instantly recognise as Fort William. In season one, its internal courtyard takes centre stage as the headquarters of the villainous Black Jack Randall. But it’s not all about Outlander – explore the castle’s historic grounds and climb the towers and wall for sweeping views of the Firth of Forth.
Doune Castle, Stirlingshire
Doune Castle is a prime location for fans of medieval history and British humour. This historic landmark, with striking medieval architecture and a history dating back to the 14th century, was used to depict Castle Leoch in Outlander, the home of the MacKenzies. But there’s more! Doune Castle is a true Monty Python legend. In Monty Python and the Holy Grail, it doubled as Camelot where King Arthur and his knights plotted their adventures.
Drummond Castle Gardens, Perthshire
Less than a 30-minute drive from Doune, another film location awaits. Drummond Castle, built in the 15th century, is home to beautiful, terraced gardens, which are ranked among the finest in Scotland. The gardens have featured in many TV programmes and films, including Rob Roy(1995), starring Liam Neeson.
getting around
Getting around: To travel from the Lowlands and Borderlands to the Scottish Highlands, driving is the easiest and quickest option. Depending on the starting point, it can take up to 2 hours to get to the Cairngorms National Park and another 2 hours to get to Glencoe.
Stop 4: The Highlands
Cairngorms National Park
Visitors can channel their inner James Bond and step into the stunning landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park, known for its rugged vistas and diverse wildlife. As a backdrop for Skyfall (2012), it is the largest national park in Britain, covering 1,800 square miles (4,660 square km) and is a fitting setting for Bond’s adrenaline-fueled adventures. From dramatic mountains to forests and lochs, it boasts a wealth of Bond-worthy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and skiing.
Glencoe
Walk in the footsteps of legends at Glencoe, a picturesque glen located in the Scottish Highlands that has been the star in Hollywood films and TV shows. Its dramatic landscapes, characterised by rugged hills and cascading waterfalls, have featured in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), Skyfall (2012) and Ridley Scott’s Prometheus (2012). Fun fact – the family of Ian Fleming, the author of the Bond novels, owned a lodge in Glen Etive, next to Glencoe!
Highland Folk Museum
Tucked away in Newtonmore, the Highland Folk Museum brings Scottish history and culture to life across more than 80-acres of historic buildings, exhibits and interactive demonstrations. Fans of Outlander will feel right at home here, as this open-air museum was used to film 18th-century Scotland scenes – from authentic cottages to bustling village streets.
Eilean Donan Castle
Eilean Donan Castle, nestled on a small island at the point where three sea lochs meet in the Scottish Highlands, is a cinematic gem thanks to its medieval architecture and striking views. Overlooking the Isle of Skye, the castle had a starring role in the Bond film The World Is Not Enough (1999), where it doubled as the lair of the villain Renard. Book tickets and browse for souvenirs at the visitor centre, or have a bite to eat at the restaurant. Several tour companies operate bus routes from Inverness to Eilean Donan, including Rabbies and Timberbush Tours.
getting around
Getting back to Edinburgh: Several tour operators, such as Scottish Tours, offer coach trips from Edinburgh and Glasgow that include Eilean Donan Castle. Alternatively, to get back to Edinburgh, drive to Inverness before catching a train to Edinburgh via Perth, which takes around four hours.
