For its many fans around the world, Outlander is more than a television series. It’s an immersive world of history, romance, rebellion, and stunning, atmospheric landscapes. Scotland provides the perfect backdrop for Claire and Jamie’s story, and few places capture this blend of authenticity and enchantment quite like Edinburgh. Our capital is a treasure trove of evocative alleys, grand libraries, medieval courtyards, and royal residences, many of which appear either on screen or in Diana Gabaldon’s novels.
In this guide, we explore five of the most iconic Outlander locations in Edinburgh. But we also highlight several celebrated filming locations beyond the city, all of which feature on our chauffeur-guided Scotland Outlander Tour. This excursion north of Edinburgh is ideal for those seeking the most seamless and immersive Outlander tours in Scotland.
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Bakehouse Close – Jamie’s Printshop Comes Alive
Tucked off the historic Royal Mile (the Canongate section, to be precise), Bakehouse Close is one of the most atmospheric Edinburgh Outlander filming locations. Its narrow cobbles and dark archways are perfectly preserved from the 17th century. Fans will instantly recognise it as the exterior of the fictional Carfax Close, home to Jamie’s printshop, where he and Claire share one of the most emotional reunions in the entire series.
The close exudes the gritty charm of Old Edinburgh, and it’s easy to imagine the couple stepping through its shadows once again. As a highlight on any Outlander walking tour in Edinburgh, it’s the perfect introduction to our city’s time-capsule ambience.
Are you looking to get under Edinburgh’s skin during your time here? Do you want to venture outside the city to visit must-see sights nearby? We think you’ll love our Edinburgh Day Tour and More, which includes the Forth Bridge and visits to some of Scotland’s finest castles and stately homes.
Tweeddale Court – Claire and Jamie’s Reunion With Fergus
Just a short walk along the Royal Mile (this time on the High Street section) lies Tweeddale Court, one of our city’s most overlooked yet cinematic spots. Enclosed by historic tenements and home to one of Edinburgh’s oldest surviving houses, this quiet courtyard doubled as 18th-century Edinburgh in Season Three.
It’s here that, upon her return to the past. Claire and Jamie meet Fergus, an orphan who is like a son to Jamie. The scene is a moment that fans hold dear. The court’s secluded charm often surprises visitors who stumble upon it, making it an essential stop for anyone compiling their own Edinburgh Outlander guide.
As an added bonus, you can also find part of the 15th-century King’s Wall here, one of the four town walls of Edinburgh. And best of all, it’s around a seven-minute walk between Tweeddale Court and Bakehouse Close.
When you’re not scouting famous Outlander sites, our Guide to Visiting Edinburgh is filled with local tips and insights to help you make the most of your time in the city. Be sure to check it out when you have finished here.
Craigmillar Castle – The Stark Walls of Ardsmuir Prison
A short drive from the city centre brings you to Craigmillar Castle, one of Scotland’s great hidden gems with links to Mary, Queen of Scots. Its rugged walls, winding staircases, and commanding towers made it the perfect stand-in for Ardsmuir Prison in Season Three, where Jamie, a seniot Jacobite, endures hardships after the Battle of Culloden.
As one of the darker Outlander sites in Scotland, Craigmillar Castle captures the sombre tone of these episodes with striking authenticity. Exploring its shadowed chambers brings the setting vividly into focus, and experiencing it on a private Outlander tour of Scotland ensures you absorb both its history and on-screen significance.
We can arrange a dedicated private Outlander tour for you as part of our bespoke tours of Scotland. Let our expert team unlock the beauty and wonder of Scotland, and all with an Outlander twist.
The Signet Library – Governor Tryon’s Grand Interiors
Though only glimpsed on screen, the Signet Library remains one of the most opulent Outlander locations in Edinburgh. Used to portray the refined interiors of Governor Tryon’s mansion in Jamaica, its neoclassical elegance, Corinthian columns, and sweeping galleries exude Georgian grandeur.
The space is rarely open without pre-booking, but when you do get inside, you’ll find it is every bit as magnificent as it appears on screen. The Signet Library is home to the Society of Writers to His Majesty’s Signet, which consists solely of lawyers and solicitors. The society is one of the oldest of its kind in the world. It’s an Edinburgh highlight for visitors who appreciate refined surroundings and quiet cultural beauty.
For an added touch of sophistication, you can enjoy afternoon tea at the Colonnades in The Signet Library during your stay.
Palace of Holyroodhouse – A Place of Real Jacobite History
The Palace of Holyroodhouse features prominently in the Outlander novels as the court of Bonnie Prince Charlie during the Jacobite uprising of 1745. This makes it essential for anyone exploring the historic roots of the story. The palace is the official residence of HM The King in Scotland, and it’s where Claire and Jamie beseech Bonnie Prince Charlie to abandon his cause.
Situated at the end of the Royal Mile, the palace is closely associated with Scotland’s turbulent past. Touring its lavish state apartments, royal galleries, and the haunting ruins of Holyrood Abbey creates a powerful sense of stepping into the Jacobite era.
Many fans begin or end their Outlander walking tour in Edinburgh here, connecting the fictional and historical threads that define the series.
Beyond Edinburgh: Iconic Outlander Locations on a Private Guided Tour
Edinburgh offers an inspiring introduction to the Outlander world, but many of the most beloved filming sites lie outside the capital. This is where Discreet Scotland’s chauffeur-guided Outlander Scotland tour becomes invaluable. Travelling in a private luxury vehicle, with a dedicated guide and door-to-door service, allows visitors to explore the best Outlander locations in Scotland without compromise.
Tempted? Below are the three unforgettable stops that feature on our private Outlander day tour from Edinburgh:
Falkland (Inverness, Reimagined)
The picturesque village of Falkland doubles as 1940s Inverness across multiple seasons. Fans will instantly recognise the Bruce Fountain — where Claire’s journey into the past begins — as well as the cosy streets and stone buildings that form the heart of the early episodes.
Doune Castle (the Fictional Castle Leoch)
Few locations are as iconic as Doune Castle, the ancestral seat of Clan Mackenzie. Much of the show’s early drama unfolds here, and the castle appears extensively on screen. With its imposing walls and beautifully preserved great hall, it remains one of the best Outlander locations in Scotland.
Blackness Castle (Fort William in the Show)
Blackness Castle, jutting dramatically into the Firth of Forth, served as the foreboding Fort William, site of some of the show’s most intense scenes. Visiting with a knowledgeable guide adds deeper context to the fortress’s grim stone passageways and turbulent history.
These locations combine beautifully with the filming sites around Edinburgh, creating a seamless multi-day journey into Claire and Jamie’s world.
Hopetoun House (a Filming Favourite)
Hopetoun House appears in several seasons of Outlander, doubling as everything from the Duke of Sandringham’s residence to Parisian streets and the Helwater and Elsmere estates. Its grand façade, courtyards, and ornate rooms make it one of the best Outlander locations in Scotland for fans who enjoy comparing real-life settings with their on-screen counterparts.
Open to the public from around Easter to late September, Hopetoun House and its grounds offer a seasonal visitor experience rich in history, architecture, and natural beauty. Visiting as part of a private Outlander tour ensures you can move easily between its filming spots while soaking up the estate’s stately atmosphere.
Midhope Castle (the Real Lallybroch)
Part of the Hopetoun Estate and minutes from Hopetoun House, Midhope Castle is instantly recognisable as Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s much-loved family home. This quiet 16th-century tower house has become one of the most cherished Outlander sites in Scotland thanks to its emotional pull and beautifully preserved setting.
Many guests say that standing beneath the stone archway feels like stepping directly into the Frasers’ world — a moment that lingers long after the visit.
Plan Your Outlander Journey With Discreet Scotland
We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to five famous Outlander locations in Edinburgh (and beyond). But to truly immerse yourself in the landscapes, castles, villages, and historical threads that define the saga, nothing compares to a private, tailor-made tour.
Discreet Scotland specialises in bespoke Scotland tours that our expert team can tailor around any interests and travel styles. We combine exceptional service with expert storytelling and seamless travel. We can ensure that your time with us isn’t just a gateway to the world of Outlander, but an introduction to Scotland’s wild beauty and fascinating history.
Are you ready to take the next step? Do you have any questions for us? Please feel free to get in touch for all the information you need.
