The world of Outlander has captivated TV viewers the world over, and the star of the series is neither Claire nor Jamie, but Scotland itself.
Doune Castle – Castle Leoch in Outlander
Author Diana Gabaldon and Ronald D. Moore at the New York premiere of Outlander
Filmed entirely on location here, Outlander has used some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes to create its fictional backdrop. And many of these are just a stone’s throw away from our properties in Stirling. So why not create your own Outlander tour today? In this first of two blogs, we will look at Outlander locations close to Stirling. Next time, we’ll do those best reached from Perth. Start planning your tour!
Doune Castle: Just eight miles from Stirling, Doune Castle has become the darling of film crews the world over, attracting the makers of Outlander, Game of Thrones, and many more. In Outlander, Doune Castle is used to depict Castle Leoch, home to Colum Mackenzie and his clan in the episodes set around the first rumblings of the Jacobite Rebellion. Look out for it too in the 20th-century timeline, when Claire and Frank visit the castle in ruins. More detail on this stunning 14th century castle, how to get there, and admission.
Culross: Just 19 miles from Stirling, the historic Royal Burgh of Culross will be familiar to Outlander fans as Cranesmuir, home to Geillis Duncan and her husband Arthur. Described by the National Trust for Scotland as ‘the town that time has passed by’, Culross provides a near-perfect tableau of preserved 17th and 18th century buildings and townhouses. Walk the cobbled streets in Claire’s footsteps, and don’t forget to visit Culross Palace: the herb garden there is the one which Claire tends in the grounds of fictional Castle Leoch. More information on Culross.
Boness and Kinneil Railway: Just 21 miles from Stirling is the hidden gem of Boness and Kinneil Steam Railway. The carefully preserved platform of this working railway provided the backdrop to Claire and Frank’s fond farewell in wartime London – a gift for film crews. Steam trains at Boness and Kinneil run throughout the year, with additional events including afternoon tea trains and seasonal specials. There’s also a museum, café, and super-helpful volunteer staff. Plan your visit around their timetable.
Aberdour Castle: Drive just 32 miles from Stirling and you will find Aberdour Castle on the Fife coast. This 12th century castle appears in Outlander as the French monastery Sainte Anne de Beaupré, where Jamie seeks refuge in Episode 16. Pay particular attention to the castle’s Old Kitchen and Long Gallery, as these were used most in filming. Arguably the oldest standing stone castle in Scotland, Aberdour also boasts lovingly tended walled gardens and views overlooking the Forth. More information.
Linlithgow Palace: Just 21 miles’ drive will take you to Linlithgow’s 15th century palace. This commanding loch-side ruin was used in Outlander to double for the prison entrance and corridors Jamie’s imprisonment scenes in Episode 15. Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, and a refuge for Edinburgh’s brightest students during the Great Plague, Linlithgow Palace is a beguiling place with a fascinating history. More details.
Blackness Castle: Just 27 miles from Stirling is Blackness Castle, on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. Outlander crews used this formidable fortress to depict the Fort William headquarters of Black Jack Randall. Built as a garrison fort and state prison, the austere castle offers expansive views across the Firth of Forth to Fife, as well as Scotland’s celebrated Forth Bridges. More information.
Culross became Cranesmiur for Outlander filming
Linlithgow Palace, which doubles as a prison in Outlander episode 15
Photo credits: Doune Castle: By Wikifan75 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. Street in Culross: By KENNETH BARKER [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. Outlander Premiere: By Christine Ring [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0) or CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons. Linlithgow Palace: Paul Taylor [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons