Filming Locations: Castles in Outlander

If you’re a fan of Outlander, you already know the series is more than just captivating storytelling—it’s a visual love letter to Scotland. Many of the show’s most iconic scenes were filmed in real castles, each with their own rich history and atmospheric charm. Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, here’s a look at the stunning castles that brought Outlander to life.

1. Doune Castle – Castle Leoch

Nestled just outside Stirling, Doune Castle is one of the most recognizable Outlander filming locations. It served as Castle Leoch, the seat of Clan MacKenzie, and was where Claire first began to understand the political and social complexities of 18th-century Scotland.

With its imposing gatehouse, sweeping courtyard, and echoing great hall, Doune Castle brings a sense of grandeur and authenticity to every scene it’s in. Walking through its stone halls, you can almost hear the clatter of hooves, the clash of swords, and the whispered intrigues of the MacKenzie clan. For fans, it’s where the journey truly begins.

• Real-life location: Near Stirling, Scotland
• In Outlander: Castle Leoch, the home of Clan MacKenzie
• Fun fact: Also featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Game of Thrones
• Why visit: It’s one of the most immersive filming locations—you can walk through the courtyard and rooms that Claire and Jamie once did.

2. Blackness Castle – Fort William

Jutting out dramatically into the Firth of Forth, Blackness Castle is a fortress that looks as though it was designed for drama—and indeed, it delivered some of the most intense scenes in Outlander.

Used as the chilling Fort William, it was the backdrop for Jamie’s brutal flogging by Captain Black Jack Randall. The thick, somber walls and sea-swept courtyards seem to hold the echoes of cruelty and courage. Unlike the warmth of Lallybroch, Blackness is cold, bleak, and unforgettable. A visit here leaves a lasting impression—and a deeper appreciation for Jamie’s resilience.

• Real-life location: West Lothian, Scotland
• In Outlander: Used as the setting for Fort William, where some of the darkest scenes take place
• Fun fact: Its ship-like shape earned it the nickname “the ship that never sailed”
• Why visit: Offers dramatic views of the Firth of Forth and a sense of the brutal 18th-century prison setting.

3. Linlithgow Palace – Wentworth Prison

Although now a ruin, Linlithgow Palace still commands a regal presence. Its crumbling elegance and historical weight made it the perfect double for Wentworth Prison, the setting for some of the most harrowing moments in Season 1.

The contrast is striking—once a lavish royal residence (and birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots), it now stands roofless, with sky peeking through high arched windows. While the palace’s beauty remains, the scenes it hosted in Outlander bring a haunting edge. It’s a place where history and fiction collide in the most powerful way.

• Real-life location: Linlithgow, West Lothian
• In Outlander: Stands in for the notorious Wentworth Prison
• Fun fact: Birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots
• Why visit: This roofless but majestic ruin carries centuries of royal history.

4. Midhope Castle – Lallybroch

No Outlander castle stirs the heart quite like Midhope Castle, known to fans as Lallybroch, the Fraser family estate. This humble but stately tower house tucked away near Edinburgh immediately evokes a sense of home and belonging.

Although the inside isn’t accessible, just standing at the front steps is enough to make you feel like Jamie or Claire might step through the door at any moment. Ivy creeps up the weathered stone, and the courtyard feels like a place out of time. It’s an essential pilgrimage for fans—bring tissues.

• Real-life location: Near Edinburgh
• In Outlander: Jamie Fraser’s beloved family home, Lallybroch
• Fun fact: The exterior only was used, but it’s instantly recognizable
• Why visit: A must-see for any fan. Although it’s not open inside, just standing outside is magical.

5. Aberdour Castle – Monastery

Peaceful and serene, Aberdour Castle is a lesser-known gem that appeared briefly in Outlander as the monastery in Season 1, where Jamie recovers after his ordeal at Wentworth.

Dating back to the 12th century, it’s one of Scotland’s oldest castles, with beautiful gardens, arched cloisters, and a lingering sense of calm. Unlike the darker castles of the show, Aberdour offers healing and respite—both in the story and in real life. It’s easy to imagine Claire walking its quiet paths, tending to Jamie with her unshakable care.

• Real-life location: Fife, Scotland
• In Outlander: The Benedictine monastery where Claire and Murtagh bring Jamie to recover
• Fun fact: One of Scotland’s oldest standing castles
• Why visit: Peaceful gardens and medieval charm make it a hidden gem.

Bonus Tip: Planning Your Outlander Castle Tour

• Start in Edinburgh or Glasgow: Many of these castles are within day-trip distance.
• Time your visit: Late spring to early autumn gives you the best weather for castle hopping.
• Check access: Some locations like Midhope Castle are on private land and may have restricted access or specific hours.

Final Thoughts

Outlander brings history to life through its stories, and these real-life locations let us step straight into the past. Whether you’re channeling your inner Sassenach or just love beautiful old castles, these filming sites are perfect additions to your travel list.