Edinburgh and Outlander TV Series filming locations 3 day rail tour from London
Discover one of the most memorable and unique cities in all of Europe, Edinburgh. Explore the city, where a sense of history is around every corner. Visit Edinburgh Castle, a 1,100-year-old fortress built on Castle Rock, a long-extinct volcano. On day two, head off on a full day tour to explore the footsteps of Jamie and Claire from the TV Series Outlander, with a local guide regaling all the gruesome history and stories which inspired Diana Gabaldon. We take you on a journey to some of the most famous Outlander filming locations such as Midhope Castle, the real-life Lallybroch, Doune Castle, the seat of Clan MacKenzie, and the impressive Blackness Castle, the setting for Fort William. Your guide will give you an insight into the history and stories of each location, making this the perfect trip for those looking for a quick Outlander fix.
Highlights
- Return train journey with reserved seating from London
- Stay two nights in a centrally located 3-star hotel, including breakfast
- Hop-on Hop-off City Sightseeing Tour of Edinburgh
- Entrance to Edinburgh Castle, Doune Castle, Midhope Castle and Blackness Castle
- Expert-guided full day tour to Outlander filming locations such as Lallybroch, Cranesmuir, Castle Leoch
- Optional Extra: First Class train travel between London and Edinburgh
What's included
- Return train journey with reserved seats from London (in chosen travel class)
- Free Wi-Fi on Board the Train
- Entrance to Edinburgh Castle, Doune Castle, Midhope Castle and Blackness Castle
- Two nights' accommodation in a centrally located 3-star hotel, including breakfast
- Hop-on Hop-off Edinburgh Bus Tour Ticket
- Outlander Explorer - full day guided tour on day 2
- Tour Guide (expect for Day 2 – Outlander Explorer)
- Lunch
- Hotel Pick-up & Drop-off
Overview
London to Edinburgh
Begin your Scottish adventure at London King's Cross Station. Board your train and get ready for departure. Enjoy fantastic views of the British countryside on your way up to Scotland, including stunning panoramic vistas and dramatic coastline.
A day in Edinburgh (Day 1)
In a little over four and a half hours, you'll arrive in the Scottish capital ready to begin a day of exploration. Known by locals as 'Auld Reekiue' ('Old Smokey'), Edinburgh is one of the most beautiful and memorable cities in all of Europe - a city full of charm and character with history around every corner.
You Rail Tour includes entrance to the mighty Edinburgh Castle, a 1,100-year-old fortress built on Castle Rock, a long-extinct volcano. Explore the long, bloody history of the castle, from its time as a military fortress, royal residence and prison of war.
Walk in the footsteps of famous Scottish kings and queens as you ascend castle hill, and see the Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone. For centuries, this sacred object has been used in the coronation of Scottish, and later British, monarchs.
Board your Hop-on Hop-off Guided Bus Tour and journey around some of the finest and culture-rich destinations in Edinburgh. The Tour takes you to 14 fantastic locations including Grassmarket, a historic market place with incredible views of Edinburgh Castle, John Knox House, a magnificent medieval building dating back to the 15th century and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, The King’s official residence in Edinburgh. The ticket is valid all day so you can hop on and hop off as many times as you like.
Outlander Explorer Day tour (Day 2)
As we leave the capital we learn about the Old and New Town of Edinburgh as we head towards our first stop of the day, Midhope Castle* – the real-life ‘Lallybroch’ and home of Jamie Fraser.
We then visit Doune Castle*, one of Scotland’s best preserved medieval castles and used as the filming location for ‘Castle Leoch’ in Outlander. The castle is also featured as Winterfell in Game of Thrones and Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Our journey takes us on to the Kingdom of Fife, an area of great historical importance and the ancestral home of Scottish monarchs. We spend time for lunch in Culross, the fictional village of ‘Cranesmuir’ where Claire was accused of witchcraft. This charming village is the most complete example of a 17th and 18th century burgh in Scotland today.
After lunch we continue to the village of Falkland, used for filming 1940’s Inverness. With over 28 listed buildings it gives a good representation of this period.
Our final Outlander filming location of the day is the impressive Blackness Castle, featured as Fort William in the series. The castle also treats us to awe-inspiring views of the iconic Forth Bridge, inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We arrive back in Edinburgh in the early evening.
We return to Edinburgh early evening at approximately 5.30pm.
Back to Edinburgh (Day 3)
You'll have until late afternoon to explore the higgledy-piggledy medieval streets and courtyards of Old Town, admire the beautiful Georgian architecture found in New Town or head to Carlton Hill for stunning panoramic views of the city.
Ascend Castle Hill as you walk in the footsteps of famous Scottish kings and queens and see the 'Stone of Destiny' - a sacred object that has been used for centuries in the coronation of Scottish monarchs.
If your Hop-on / Hop-off guided bus tour ticket was not used on day one, it can still be used on day three without needing a date change.
Enjoy last minute shopping, visit the attractions on your "must-see" list or stroll through the city centre - it's your day!
Optional Extra: First Class
Upgrade your train travel to First Class and travel in style with complimentary breakfast on your outbound journey and dinner upon your return.
Operates:
April to July and September to March, Monday to Saturday
This tour does not run during the month of August
Know before you go
Children under 5 years old are not permitted. Child age: 5-15 yrs inclusive.
Cancellation policy
A full refund or date change will be offered up to 7 days before travel. Cancellations inside 7 days will be charged at 100%.
