Outlander Filming Locations: 23 of the Very Best Spots Behind the Series

If you love historical drama with plenty of steam and story, we are sure that you love the TV series Outlander just as much as we do.

Outlander has been around for nearly a decade and it shows no sign of stopping either, with a new season premiering this year and a prequel said to be in the works for the near future. It has entertained millions of viewers over the years, receiving good reviews and building a very loyal fanbase.

There are many aspects of the show that attract such loyal viewers, whether it be the interesting characters, the dramatic plot, all the twists and turns, or the visual beauty of the show. We know they are doing something right.

And speaking of the visual beauty of the show, let's talk a little more about that.

One of the reasons that Outlander is and has been a hit is, in our opinion, because it looks amazing. The series has been filmed in Scotland, with many different filming locations across the country. Each filming location has been an excellent choice on behalf of the production team, and they are certainly worth talking about in more detail.

So that is exactly what we are going to do!

This blog is going to talk all you Outlander fans out there through 23 of the best Outlander filming locations from the series. We will talk about each one, what fictional place it represented, how it contributed to the story, and how you can find it for yourself!

If you want to take this list and run off for an Outlander location scouting trip this summer, we are definitely behind you.

So, without any further ado, let's get into that list!

Doune Castle - Castle Leoch

Doune Castle stands in for the fictional Castle Leoch on multiple occasions throughout the Outlander adventure. Castle Leoch is home to Colum Mackenzie and his family in the 18th-century scenes of the show and so plays quite an important role in the story.

Once a royal residence, Doune Castle has been used in other very popular TV series and movies throughout British culture, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Game of Thrones.

Doune Castle is about 30 miles outside of Glasgow in Stirling and is available to be visited by fans of castles and Outlander alike! You can go and experience 18th-century royal life if you would like. You never know, you might even spot some film crews hanging about.

Kinloch Rannoch - Craigh Na Dun

One of the most infamous scenes of Outlander has to be the scene in which Claire uses the stone circle to travel back in time. Without this scene, there is no Outlander.

The filming location does come with a little trickery and magic, however. The scene was filmed in Rannoch Moor in Kinloch Rannoch, settled in between the Munros, Scotland's highest mountains. The beautiful mountains and green landscape were perfect for such a magical and integral scene.

The stone circle, however, is not part of this landscape and is, in fact, a fake. The stones were made out of styrofoam and made to look like a real stone circle. Many tourists have since been disappointed upon travelling to Rannoch Moor and not finding any such stones to time travel between. Sorry folks.

You can check out real Scottish stone circles in locations such as the Callanish Stone Circle on the Isle of Lewis if you want a fix of the magic to keep you going.

Glen Coe - Opening Credits

Glen Coe is a vast, lush landscape in the Scottish islands. It features flowing mountains, winding trails, and stunning valleys. It is one of those views that are quintessentially Scotland, and we can 100% understand why the Outlander crew chose this spot as one of their most important Outlander locations in the series.

This real-life location was used for the opening credits of the first season of the series. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Scotland and it does its job of setting us up for a truly magical season ahead.

This famous Scottish spot has also been used in other famous TV series and movies throughout the years, which is no surprise to any of us. It has most notably been used for Harry Potter and the James Bond movie Skyfall. TV and film lovers across the world should recognise this spot as soon as they see it now. I know we do!

Drummond Castle Gardens - Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles is brought to life in Outlander through the use of real-life location Drummond Castle Gardens in Perthshire. The castle gardens are a series of beautiful formal gardens on the mansion's estate, built in the 17th century and later restored in the 19th century.

We see these gardens in Episode 2 of Season 2 of Outlander, with Claire and Jamie visiting the "Palace of Versailles" in Paris. We were all easily fooled by the richness and beauty of the Drummond Castle Gardens in this episode, believing they were indeed the French palace, weren't we?

Hey, I have no shame about it. Those gardens are fit for any French monarch if you ask me. They made a great production choice here and saved themselves the flight money!

Gosford House - Versailles

Gosford House was the second location used to help trick us into thinking we were watching Claire and Jamie in Versailles in France. The 19th-century mansion was used as the real-life location behind the Versailles stables, alongside a little bit of CGI magic that helped the Outlander crew use the location for the exact purpose they needed in the story. They needed to do some slight tweaking to make it match the 18th-century scenes.

We can see Gosford House clearly when Jamie is making a horse deal with the Duke of Sandringham in Season 2. It goes on to be used in Season 3 for many different purposes, including the exterior shots of Helwater Estate and the interior shots of Ellesmere Manor.

That is one very resourceful filming location, don't you think?

Aberdour Castle

Aberdour Castle is famous for being one of the oldest castles in Scotland, dating back as far as the 12th century and Mary Queen of Scots.

In our beloved Outlander, the filming location is used as the fictional monastery where Claire and Murtagh bring Jamie to rest after he has been in a spot of trouble in prison. The Old Kitchen and Long Gallery were the two specific spots within the castle that were used to provide a fantastic background of realism for the integral scenes.

This location has significant importance in Scotland's history, and now even in the on-screen history of Outlander. It's a great way to help history live through our modern ages, in my opinion, and great use of such an amazing place.

Hill of Row - Fraser's Ridge

Whenever we see Jamie and Claire in North Carolina, we are seeing a mix of things together. The first is that of a log cabin located on the Hill of Row, on high ground near Doune in Scotland. The exact location of the cabin has been kept a secret by the film crew so that the locals in the area may continue to have some peace and quiet. You are, of course, free to wander and roam to find the exact location for yourself, but just make sure to respect the privacy of those who want to live so remotely.

The second thing used to create the North Carolina scenes we see in the show is more CGI magic. When we move to North Carolina for parts of our Outlander adventure, what we are seeing are real-life locations from North Carolina imposed on the background of this Scottish log cabin.

Both of these aspects come together to make things feel as authentic as possible for us as viewers and to faithfully reimagine the scenes described in the books written by Diana Gabaldon.

Culloden Battlefield - The Battle of Culloden

The Battle of Culloden was an important part of the Jacobite rebellion in Scottish history. The Culloden Battlefield outside Glasgow features a historical monument with war graves and dedications to the fallen soldiers. The historical spot was used to reenact parts of the battle itself in Episode 12 of Season 2 of Outlander, and we also see it when Claire is fast-forwarded in time to 1960s Scotland and is visiting the Clan Fraser memorial stone on the site.

Since the airing of the show, Culloden Battlefield has been a popular spot for fans to visit and pay their respects to the fictional world they love so much. Many people can see and witness the important pieces of history here, and that is no bad thing. It's always nice when more people take in this part of Scottish history and explore everything the monument represents.

History should always be remembered.

Hopetoun House & Estate - The Duke of Sandringham's Estate

The interior of Hopetoun House, specifically the majestic Red Drawing Room, was used for all the interior shots of the Duke of Sandringham's Estate in Season 1 of Outlander.

Hopetoun House is a stunning stately home outside Edinburgh and was the perfect choice of filming location to bring all the opulence and richness needed for the Duke of Sandringham. I imagine it must have been a wonderful experience for both the cast and the crew to film in this one-of-a-kind location.

You can visit if you like to get a taste of this majesty for yourself. It will require a small fee and it isn't easily accessible by public transport. But, for something as high-end as this, it is well worth that extra little bit of effort to get the experience.

Signet Library, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh - Governor's Mansion, Jamaica

The Signet Library on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is a very interesting and aesthetically pleasing place. It is no wonder that the Outlander team picked this spot as another one of the fantastic filming locations used throughout the series.

When Outlander transports us to Jamaica, specifically the Governor's Mansion in Jamaica, this is the Signet Library. The gorgeous library provides the perfect backdrop for these scenes between Jamie, Claire, and the Governor. A very prestigious backdrop indeed.

If you want to recreate your own Governor's meeting, you can do so in the Signet Library. The space downstairs is open to visitors, and you can even have afternoon tea there. What a wonderful Scottish time!

Blackness Castle - Fort William

Next up on our list is Blackness Castle. In the TV show, we will know this spot as the fictional Fort William, belonging to Black Jack Randall. You might remember this location most from the upsetting scene in which Jamie is flogged during Season 1. It certainly isn't all rainbows and sunshine in Outlander, that's for sure. (Are there any rainbows and sunshine in the show? That is debatable.)

In real life, people might recognise Blackness Castle by its nickname 'the ship that never sailed'. You'll have to admit, it does look rather like a cement boat. The sea fortress is located about 45 minutes outside of Edinburgh and it is well worth a visit if you are in the area. Hopefully, you won't get flogged at Blackness Castle as you would in Fort William, and hopefully, all you end up with are lovely photos of a day out in Scotland!

Linlithgow Palace

Outlander fans should recognise Linlithgow Palace straight away as the fictional Wentworth Prison from the show.

This famous spot in the middle of Edinburgh and Stirling is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and holds a position of great importance in Scottish history. It was functional as a castle right up until Bonnie Prince Charlie (yes, that was his real name) was driven out and the place was set on fire. It was refortified, however, and now stands as a menacing-looking building with juxtaposing peaceful surrounding scenery.

Don't be afraid of a day trip here, however. The grounds and remaining structure are much more enjoyable to visit than Wentworth Prison seems to be. You won't have to worry about Bonnie Prince Charlie, Black Jack Randall, or any characters from Scottish history or Outlander drama. You can simply enjoy the scenery and tick another Outlander location off your bucket list! It is only a 25-minute train ride away from Edinburgh.

Midhope Castle - Lallybroch

Midhope Castle stands in for Lallybroch, also known as Broch Tuarach in Outlander. While the building is nonfunctional and derelict on the inside, the outside remains enough of a feature to have been used for the exterior shots of the home of Jamie Fraser.

It's mostly seen in the first two seasons of the show and is a sight that may make avid Outlander fans feel nostalgic. It's another one that you can visit while you are in Scotland, just a short drive away from Edinburgh. You will need to pay a small fee for parking, and it's handy to check the opening times before you arrive because the grounds are not open all year round.

Dean Castle, Beaufort Estate

Dean Castle is used in Outlander as the Beaufort Estate, the home of Jamie's grandfather, Lord Lovat. This is the home where we see Lord Lovat refuse to leave when asked to support Bonnie Prince Charlie.

The scenes in this show have a strong correlation with the history of the real-life castle, especially about the Jacobite War and Bonnie Prince Charlie, whom the real owner of the castle was executed for supporting.

This is another lovely example of Outlander being rooted in the culture and history of the country it is filmed in. It makes everything all the more special if you ask me.

Newhailes House - Governor Tryon's North Carolina Home

Newhailes House and Gardens are owned and maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, which means that you can visit the filming location for free if you are a National Trust member, or you can pay a small fee if you are a member of the general public. It is a beautiful place to visit and one we would recommend if you are in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.

While you are there, you can think about the scenes of the show filmed there. These would include those of Governor Tyson in his North Carolina home in Season 4. You can visit the actual rooms within the house that were used as filming locations—the Dining Room and Library—which makes visits extra realistic and authentic for us fans!

Bakehouse Close, Edinburgh - A. Malcolm's Print Shop

Bakehouse Close is situated just off the infamous Edinburgh Royal Mile, where the best shops, restaurants and bars are grouped.

It is a quaint and picturesque spot that does a fantastic job at transporting us back in Scottish history due to its retained period features. In Outlander, the crew used this location for the exterior shots of Jamie's printing press, Malcolm's Print Shop.

Now, this is a spot for an Outlander-themed selfie.

University of Glasgow - Harvard University

The University of Glasgow is, well, the main University in Glasgow. It is a world-renowned institution of learning and academia and was also used as a filming location for Outlander. (Which accolade do you think the Scottish people care more about? I know which one I choose.)

When you see any scenes of Harvard University in Outlander, this is the University of Glasgow. It has to be said that Glasgow University doesn't bear too much of a visual resemblance to that of Harvard, but it is a beautiful, old, and timeless University that brought the essence of Harvard alive in the show. That is enough for us!

Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow - Paris Hospital

Glasgow Cathedral had an exciting role in our favourite TV series. It masqueraded as L'Hopital des Anges in Paris (The Hospital of the Angels). Built in around 1130, Glasgow Cathedral is the oldest building in the whole city. Therefore, it makes the perfect filming location for scenes set far back in the history of our time.

We see the crypt of the cathedral used as the hospital background many times throughout Season 2 of Outlander as it is Claire's place of work. We get some poignant scenes in this location and I think it is up there as one of the very best location choices for the entire series.

Faskally Forest - Mohawk Village

Faskally Forest, about half an hour from Kinloch Rannoch that we discussed earlier in our list, was the home of a very impressive project throughout the filming and shooting of Outlander.

The crew used the forest space to create Mohawk Village, a village set deep in the forest. They made everything as realistic and accurate as possible for the people of that time, and I think they did one heck of a job.

No expense or effort was spared in creating these 'New World' scenes in Season 4, and it paid off. This is just one of the examples that shows the dedication and passion of the makers of Outlander. They went above and beyond to bring the creations of Diana Gabaldon to life for all of us viewers at home.

Highland Folk Museum - Village

The Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore is one of the very best places to visit if you want to experience what the world of Outlander would look and feel like. Very little was changed or altered about the location when it was used in filming.

The Highland Folk Museum sets out to preserve an important period of Scottish history by recreating the towns and villages of the 1700s. It is an amazing place to spend a day out, explore the buildings and demonstrations, and learn more about the history of the period.

In Outlander, this location was used to represent the village that Jamie and Claire visit in the first season to collect rent. They certainly struck gold that day!

Dysart Harbour, Fife - Le Havre Port

Dysart Harbour is a functioning and active harbour close to Edinburgh. It is used for fishing and leisure boats until this day. When we see it pop up in Outlander, it plays the part of the fictional French port Le Havre. This is where we see Jamie and Claire dock on their great escape to France in Season 2.

The harbour is on the Fife Coastline and dates right back to the 15th century. While it may not be French, it is still steeped in history and culture, and it was a wonderful, convenient spot to use for the Outlander crew. Again, that was less budget spent on flights!

Deanston Distillery - Jared's Wine Warehouse

While we are on the topic of France, we have another French-acting Scottish location for you. Next is the Deanston Distillery, which acts as Jared's Wine Warehouse, that of Jamie's cousin in France. We see this location feature in the series in Episode 1 of Season 2, where Claire has to take a look at some men inflicted with smallpox.

The distillery is situated near Doune Castle on the River Teith in Scotland. It is, in fact, a whiskey distillery that has been in operation for hundreds of years. You can take a tour of the distillery for yourself and learn how whiskey is made if you fancy it. You can also take a tasting of the whiskey they make, which is probably the most fun activity of all (certainly a more enjoyable activity than inspecting people with smallpox, that's for sure!).

The Devil's Pulpit - Liar's Spring

Finally, we end our list of unique Outlander locations with one of my personal favourites, the Devil's Pulpit. Also known as Finnich Glen, the spot is one of real natural beauty and intrigue. It almost looks like something lifted directly from the pages of a fantasy novel.

In Outlander, we see the Devil's Pulpit as Liar's Spring, a place where truth is said to unfold when you drink the water. It is used in Season 1 by Dougal Mackenzie to prove that Claire is telling the truth about her identity.

Whether it can help you spot liars or not is a different story, but this location is well worth a visit if you ever get the chance. It is beautiful and magical and it deserves its spot on this list tenfold.

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed this list of the wonderful Outlander filming locations that make up the fabulous TV series we all know and love.

You can see how much work and detail goes into creating the fictional worlds that we see on our screens and enjoy so much. Big props to the Outlander filming crew for creating such an amazing story right in front of our eyes and respecting the beautiful country of Scotland at the same time! The filming locations used throughout Outlander have critical importance when it comes to the success of the show. And we know exactly how much success there has been so far!

Let's hope we are lucky enough to be watching even more seasons of Outlander. We'll catch you back here for another location list after the prequel release, what do you say?