Warning: May Cause Severe Nostalgia for 18th Century Scotland and Longing for a Man in a Kilt
The “Outlander” TV series has captured the imagination of audiences around the world with its captivating storyline, stunning cinematography, and authentic historical settings.
The show has been filmed in numerous locations around Scotland and other parts of Europe, bringing to life the rich history and natural beauty of these regions–from ancient castles and majestic palaces to quaint villages and bustling harbors.
These filming locations offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of “Outlander” and experience the magic of the show firsthand.
Whether you’re a die-hard Outlander fan of the series or simply looking to explore some of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, these filming locations are to be noticed.
Here are some of the Outlander filming locations for the show:
- Doune Castle: Doune Castle is located near Stirling, Scotland, and has been used as the set for Castle Leoch, the ancestral home of the main character Jamie Fraser’s clan, in the show. Visitors can tour the castle and see where many scenes from the show were filmed.
- Culross: Culross is a small village on the Firth of Forth in Fife, Scotland, and has been used as the set for the fictional town of Cranesmuir in the show. Visitors can take a walk around the village and see the Mercat Cross, which was used as the spot where Jamie received his punishment of flogging.
- Glasgow Cathedral: Glasgow Cathedral has been used as the set for L’Hopital des Anges, the hospital where Claire works as a nurse in the show. Visitors can tour the cathedral and see where many of these scenes were filmed.
- Falkland: Falkland is a small village in Fife, Scotland, and has been used as the set for 1940s Inverness in the show. Visitors can walk around the town and see the Bruce Fountain, used as the spot where Claire sees Jamie’s ghost.
- Blackness Castle: Blackness Castle is located near Linlithgow, Scotland, and has been used as the set for Fort William, where Jamie is held and tortured in the show. Visitors can tour the castle and see where many of these scenes were filmed.
- Deanston Distillery: Deanston Distillery is located near Doune, Scotland, and has been used as the set for Jared’s wine warehouse in the show. Visitors can tour the distillery and see where many of these scenes were filmed.
- Callendar House: – Callendar House is located in Falkirk, Scotland, and has been used as the set for the Duke of Sandringham’s home in the show. Visitors can tour the house and see where many of these scenes were filmed.
- Hopetoun House: – Hopetoun House is located in South Queensferry, Scotland, and has been used as the set for the Duke of Sandringham’s kitchen and the Parisian apartment of Jamie and Claire in the show. Visitors can tour the house and see where many of these scenes were filmed.
- Preston Mill: Preston Mill is located in East Linton, Scotland, and has been used as the set for the mill where Jamie works in the show. Visitors can tour the mill and see where many of these scenes were filmed.
- Linlithgow Palace: Linlithgow Palace is located in Linlithgow, Scotland, and has been used as the set for Wentworth Prison, where Jamie is held and tortured in the show. Visitors can tour the palace and see where many of these scenes were filmed.
- Dysart Harbour: Dysart Harbour is located in Dysart, Scotland, and has been used as the set for the port of Le Havre in the show. Visitors can walk around the harbor and see where many of these scenes were filmed.
- Craigmillar Castle: Craigmillar Castle is located in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has been used as the set for Ardsmuir Prison in the show. Visitors can tour the castle and see where many of these scenes were filmed.
Did you know?
The Outlander stand stones used in the show are replicas of the natural stones found in Scotland. The replica stones were explicitly created for the show, as the natural standing stones are protected historical sites and cannot be used for filming.
The replicas were designed to be as accurate as possible, based on research into the real stones and their historical context. The rocks are made from polystyrene and fiberglass and were built by expert craftsmen.
They are so convincing that many Outlander show fans have been known to travel to Scotland to try and find the genuine standing stones, only to discover that they are replicas.
A little history:
“Outlander” is a historical drama television series based on the novel series of the same name by Diana Gabaldon. The show premiered on Starz network in the United States on August 9, 2014, and has since become a popular and critically acclaimed series.
Outlander follows the story of Claire Randall, a World War II combat nurse who is mysteriously transported back to 18th-century Scotland. There, she finds herself caught up in the Jacobite uprisings and falls in love with Jamie Fraser, a young Scottish warrior.
The show has been praised for its strong performances, stunning cinematography, and faithful adaptation of the source material. It has also been noted for its frank depiction of sex and violence, earning it a reputation as a mature and provocative series.
“Outlander” has been renewed for multiple seasons, with the fifth season airing in 2020 and the sixth season set to premiere in 2022.
Outlander has also spawned a successful book series, a spin-off series titled “Men in Kilts,” and numerous merchandise and fan communities.