Outlander Experience

Leaving Edinburgh behind we head to the Hopetoun Estate to see Midhope Castle, which is the setting for Jamie and the Fraser family’s home, Lallybroch Castle in the Outlander series. We’ll make a stop so you can take photographs before heading further along the banks of the River Forth to reach Blackness Castle. This daunting fortress was used to create Black Jack Randall’s Fort William headquarters. In real life Blackness was home to the Crichton family. The castle walls were designed to create the outline of a ship which is why it is often called “the ship that never sailed”.

Linlithgow Palace played the part of Wentworth Prison, which was where Jamie was imprisoned during the plot of series 1. Scenically located overlooking its loch, Linlithgow Palace was once a Royal residence and was the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1542. We’ll take a break in Linlithgow so you can discover more of this historic town.

Located in Callendar Park, which contains a section of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site, 14th Century Callendar House is a stately home with a French-chateau inspired design. Over the centuries the house has greeted many great historic characters including Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie. There are many interesting exhibits to see inside including the authentic Georgian kitchens which played those in the Duke of Sandringham’s home.

The Royal burgh of Culross sits on the banks of the River Forth and acts as Cranesmuir, where Geillis Duncan lives with her husband, the procurator fiscal. As you walk along the ancient cobbled streets and admire the old buildings its easy to imagine how life might have been lived here during those times. At the rear of Culross Palace is the location of Claire's herb garden at Castle Leoch.

Our last visit of the day takes us back to the Hopetoun Estate. This time we head for majestic Hopetoun House. Without doubt this is one of the most impressive houses in Scotland and a fine example of 18th century architecture. In the TV series it is the stately home of the Duke of Sandringham although you will need to use your imagination as parts were digitally created. There will be time to tour the house and explore the grounds before we head back into Edinburgh.

Note: During the winter months (Oct-March) Hopetoun House and Midhope Castle are not available for visiting so there will be time to explore Doune Castle* (Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie) instead.