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Outlander Filming Locations in the UK ⏳🗡️
If you're familiar with the words 'sassenach', 'Lallybroch', or 'Heughligan', chances are that you're a bit of an Outlander fan. Based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon, this tale about time travel and its central love story between Jamie Fraser and Claire Randall has spawned over seven seasons so far - with the eighth and final season being filmed as we write this. And what better way to commemorate this epic show than by visiting some of its amazing filming locations?
Whether you've watched a few episodes or have devotedly watched (and then rewatched) all the seasons of Outlander, the landscapes and locations have been as captivating as the storyline.
Staying true to its roots, much of Outlander was unsurprisingly filmed in Scotland, at times even when the storyline had the characters based elsewhere. Occasionally, the show is filmed in locations abroad, including Cape Town, Prague, and Slovakia, but the vast majority of filming locations are in the UK.
While this list could get exhaustive, here are a few filming locations that you should start working into your very own Outlander vacation itinerary. But please be aware there may be spoilers ahead if you haven't gotten past season one!
1. Kinloch Rannoch
Perhaps the most sought-after location of all, Craigh na Dun is an incredibly important place in the novels and series, which makes it an obvious inclusion here. Craigh na Dun is the stone circle where Claire can travel back 200 years and meet Jamie Fraser.
We hate to break some hearts here, but Craigh na Dun, unfortunately, isn't a real stone circle. Carved from styrofoam and then painted to look like stone, these props were placed on location on Rannoch Moor, near Kinloch Rannoch.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't visit. The Craigh na Dun scenes were filmed on private land, but the owners have set aside a parking area for Outlander fans. The scenery is stunning here, and while you won't see the magical stones here, you should be able to recognise the hilltop site where they filmed these scenes.
If you'd like to see a real stone circle, you can find these ancient monuments scattered across the UK; some of the most famous include Stonehenge, Avebury and Castlerigg.
2. University of Glasgow
Founded back in 1451, making it one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, the University of Glasgow has all the merit required to be treated as an attraction on its own. But it's especially important for an Outlander fan, as it was used as a film location for several scenes.
Most importantly, the university stands in for Harvard University in Boston, where Frank Randall is offered a position as a professor. It's also used as the location for Frank's memorial service.
You can visit the university on a guided or self-guided tour. Simply head to the Welcome Point in the McIntyre building where you can get more information about which parts of the university are accessible to visitors.
For specific Outlander film locations, you'll want to check out the cloisters, which were used as a backdrop in season three, when Brianna and Roger have a conversation about his Harvard visit. The main campus was used in numerous shots, including when Claire meets Frank's colleagues in season three and when filming Frank's memorial. The last location may be tricky if a class is in session, but the Joseph Black Building is where Brianna attends a class at Harvard.
3. Glencoe
Right up there with some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Scotland, Glencoe features predominantly in Outlander's opening credits.
But just because there are no specific filming locations to visit, do not strike Glencoe off your list. There is so much to do and see in the area - especially for those that love the outdoors - that you could easily spend a few days in Glencoe taking in all the sights.
About two hours away from Glasgow, Glencoe is home to many walking trails, including eight Munros (Munros refer to mountains in Scotland that stand at over 3,000 feet). Start at the Glencoe Visitor Centre, where you can find the trail that best suits you. This is also where you'll happen to find some excellent Outlander souvenirs, making it a worthy stop for Outlander purposes too!
Then head outdoors and soak up the landscape that is so closely connected to the Outlander storyline. You may even spot some red deer while you're out there. Not too far away, you can also visit the Glenfinnan Monument, which is linked to the Jacobite Rising (which is part of the Outlander story), and see the lovely Glenfinnan Viaduct while you're at it.
4. Doune Castle
Built in the 1400s, Doune Castle is a pivotal location for season one of Outlander. Used as the official seat of the MacKenzie Clan - Castle Leoch - the castle was used in several ways in the first season.
Claire first encounters the castle as a ruin during her and Frank's honeymoon. However, when she travels back in time and she and Jamie are hosted by the MacKenzies, the castle is in full working order.
This is where they first encounter numerous characters, including the likes of Murtagh, Colum MacKenzie, Mrs Fitz, and Laoghaire MacKenzie. Since the castle is officially classed as a ruin, the film crew built sets showing the castle in its heyday, and the grounds were used extensively. You'll undoubtedly recognize the exterior of the castle entrance, as well as its inner courtyard.
Doune Castle is open to visitors all year round unless it's being used as a filming location (Doune Castle is also renowned for standing in as Game of Thrones' Winterfell) or a private event. It's always best to check the website just in case. And whatever you do, don't miss out on picking up an audio guide, where you'll hear the voice of none other than Sam Heughan, who plays Jamie Fraser in Outlander.
5. Culloden
The Battle of Culloden is a key moment in Outlander season two and, of course, Scottish history. The actual battle took place on 16 April 1746, marking the end of the Jacobite Rising. The consequences for the Scottish clans were severe. All of this is depicted in Outlander, with Jamie Fraser and other key characters actually taking part in the battle.
Culloden is an actual place that you can visit, filled with memorials, burials, and key historical locations in the battle. Due to the sensitive nature of the site, it wasn't used as the filming location for the Outlander Battle of Culloden. Instead, filming principally took place in Cumbernauld Glen.
However, when Claire returns to the present, she does visit the real Culloden, stopping by a memorial to Clan Fraser, where she mourns Jamie, whom she believes had died during this historic battle.
Culloden is an important place in Scottish history, and it can be visited all year round for a fee. Dedicate a few hours here, as the site is quite large and there's plenty of information about this historic event, including interactive displays and physical markers of key moments in the battle.
6. Drummond Castle Gardens
Located in Perthshire, Drummond Castle Gardens is one of the most picturesque filming locations for Outlander, and this spot will genuinely make you feel like you're in an entirely different country.
And that's because these incredibly ornate and meticulous formal gardens were meant to represent the gardens of France's Palace of Versailles in season two. And maybe they're not an identical match, but the gardens at Drummond Castle do create an atmosphere of regal opulence. In Outlander, this is where Jamie and Claire attend the court of King Louis XV, and where Jamie encounters Jonathan 'Black Jack' Randall, challenging him to a duel.
Drummond Castle Gardens are not open all year round, and can only be visited during the warmer months. Check their website to make sure they're open, and bring your best outfit for an Outlander photo session in the gardens.
7. Bakehouse Close
An unmissable Outlander stop for any holidaymakers in Edinburgh, Bakehouse Close was the filming locations for one of the most dramatic - and eagerly awaited - scenes. In season three, after 20 years apart, Claire travels back through time and visits Edinburgh. She asks for directions to A. Malcolm's Print Shop, where she hopes to reunite with Jamie, who's been living and working there under a pseudonym.
His shop is located down this close, one of the 80 that can be found on Edinburgh's Royal Mile. So yes, while many Outlander filming locations are remote landscapes and country castles, this one is just off the busiest street in the Scottish capital!
While there's no shop or building to venture into in Bakehouse Close, this is still an eternally popular spot with Outlander fans, given what happens during the scenes filmed here. To find Bakehouse Close, you'll need to get yourself to Canongate, which is part of the Royal Mile. You'll find the arched entrance into Bakehouse Close right near the Museum of Edinburgh.
8. Bamburgh Castle
As mentioned, the vast majority of Outlander's filming locations can be found in Scotland, but there is a small handful to be found in England too. The spectacular Bamburgh Castle is one such place, and with its scenic setting near the Northumberland coast, it feels like an obvious choice.
In season one of Outlander, Bamburgh Castle stands in as Wentworth Prison, where Jamie is imprisoned for two episodes. While these are particularly dark and disturbing scenes, they're important for Outlander's initial storyline.
And Bamburgh Castle is an absolute must-see - whether you're an Outlander fan or not. First built in the 11th century, this sprawling castle is now home to staterooms, a museum, and extensive grounds. It's become such an important castle, that it's been featured in many movies and series, including Elizabeth, The BFG, and The Last Kingdom.
The castle is open to visitors for most of the year; it's always worth checking their website for opening hours.