Outlander Film Locations Day Trip

A small-group day trip from Edinburgh to real Outlander filming locations, generally covering sites such as Doune, Blackness, Midhope and Linlithgow. Rated 4.9 from 2,177 reviews, it covers the filming locations over 9 hours 30 minutes.

Overview

Five filming locations from Outlander sit on this day trip out of Edinburgh, run by Highland Explorer Tours Ltd. The bus leaves from 60 High Street on the Royal Mile at 8:45 am and spends 9.5 hours looping through castles and villages that appeared in the show. Midhope Castle, Doune Castle, Culross, Falkland and Blackness Castle are all on the route, with the day finishing back at the same meeting point.

Reviews consistently praise the guides, several travellers remarking that the drive between stops turned into a lesson in Scottish history, folklore and music rather than dead time. One reviewer, a fan of the show, said the day was worth it even for those who are not huge Outlander followers, since it takes in several castles and some beautiful parts of the countryside.

Entry to Doune, Midhope and Blackness is not included unless you select the option when booking, or you can pay at check-in. Bring a packed lunch or money for food, since meals and drinks are not covered.

What's Included

Included

Local English Speaking Guide
Air-conditioned vehicle
Audio guides available in multiple languages (must bring own headset)

Not Included

Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Doune, Midhope & Blackness entry not included unless option selected. Can be purchased at check-in.
Gratuities

Itinerary

Meet on the Royal MileCheck in at 60 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB, at least 15 minutes before the 8:45 am departure. Staff will direct you to your queue.
Midhope CastleA 30 minutes stop. Admission is not included unless the option is selected or paid at check-in.
Doune CastleOne hour at the castle. Admission is not included unless the option is selected or paid at check-in. On days when Doune closes for filming, the tour visits Linlithgow Palace instead, which has its own local entry fee.
CulrossOne hour in the village.
FalklandA 45 minutes stop.
Blackness CastleA 55 minutes stop. Admission is not included unless the option is selected or paid at check-in.
Return to EdinburghThe day ends back at 60 High Street. Return times are approximate and depend on road conditions and weather.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape the day, from castle tickets to what to carry.

Sort entry tickets. Entry to Doune, Midhope and Blackness is extra unless you choose the option that includes it, and it can also be paid at check-in. Decide in advance so you are not sorting tickets at departure.
Bring food and drink. Meals, snacks and drinks are not included, so pack something or budget for stops along the way. Comfort breaks are built into the day, according to one reviewer.
Bring your own headset. Audio guides in multiple languages are offered, but you must bring your own headset to use them. If you prefer commentary in a language other than English, download the guide in advance and pack earphones.
Prepare for a long day. One reviewer said the nine hours flew by thanks to stories about Scottish history, habits and culture. Allow at least 3 hours after the scheduled return before booking any onward connections.
Getting there early. Meet 15 minutes before the 8:45 am departure and allow extra travel time to reach the Royal Mile. The operator cannot hold the bus or refund for late arrivals. Booking transport to the departure point in advance is recommended.
Photography time. Multiple reviewers said there was ample time to wander and photograph each location. Stops range from 30 minutes to an hour. The scenery between stops drew praise too.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and children under 5, including infants not requiring a seat, cannot travel; anyone under 17 needs an accompanying adult. Entry fees for three of the five stops are extra unless you select the option. Doune Castle occasionally closes for filming, in which case Linlithgow Palace replaces it and carries its own local entry fee. A full refund requires cancelling at least 24 hours before start, and the trip can be cancelled or changed for weather or if minimum numbers are not met, with a different date or a refund offered. The tour may run on a bigger bus or with the operator's sister company, HAGGiS Adventures, and the route order can change.

Questions Before You Book

Where does the tour meet and what time does it leave?

The tour departs at 8:45 am from 60 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TB. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in with staff and find your designated queue. The day ends back at the same meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you will need to make your own way to the Royal Mile.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, nor are gratuities. You can buy something along the way or bring a packed lunch.

Are castle entry tickets included?

Entry to Doune, Midhope and Blackness is not included unless you select the option when booking, and tickets can also be purchased at check-in. Culross and Falkland are free to visit. If Doune Castle is closed for filming, the tour visits Linlithgow Palace instead, which requires a local entry fee.

Can children join the tour?

Children under 5, including infants who do not require a seat, are not permitted. Anyone under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. There is no maximum age restriction, and a booking can cover up to 10 people, with the tour capped at 16 travellers.

Is the tour accessible for limited mobility?

The listing states the tour is not wheelchair accessible. The meeting point is near public transportation and most travellers can participate, but the stops involve walking around castles and villages.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Later cancellations receive no refund, and changes inside that window are not accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or low numbers, you will be offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.