Discover Where Outlander Was Filmed
Are you captivated by the mystical world of Outlander and curious about where it was filmed? You’re in the right place. Outlander was primarily filmed in Scotland, and we offer tours to the iconic locations featured in the series.
The Story of Outlander
Outlander is based on the best-selling novels by Diana Gabaldon. The story follows Claire Randall, a World War II nurse who, during her second honeymoon in Scotland, touches mystical stones and is transported back to the 18th century. To survive in this new world, she marries Jamie Fraser, a Scottish Highlander, and finds herself torn between two vastly different men and two conflicting lives.
Iconic Filming Locations
The Standing Stones: Fact or Fiction?
One of the most frequently asked questions is where the standing stones from the first episode are located. Unfortunately, they are fictional—imagined by Gabaldon and created for the series using materials like polystyrene. However, the stunning landscape surrounding the stones is very real. These scenes were filmed in Rannoch Moor, a boggy moorland to the west of Loch Rannoch in Scotland. The mountains of Rannoch Moor provide the beautiful backdrop for Claire and Frank’s drive through the countryside.
Though the stones are fictional, Scotland is home to many real standing stones and stone circles. Orkney, Shetland, and Dumfries and Galloway are particularly known for their ancient monuments, each steeped in history.
Doune Castle: Castle Leoch
Doune Castle in Perthshire serves as Castle Leoch, the home of the MacKenzie Clan. The exterior shots were filmed at the actual castle, while the interior scenes were created in a studio. After Claire’s time-traveling encounter with the stones, Doune Castle becomes central to the story. It’s located near Stirling, along the River Teith, and also featured in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Culross: The Village of Cranesmuir
The quaint village of Culross in Fife represents Cranesmuir, where Claire befriends Geillis Duncan. Walking through Culross feels like a step back in time. The herb garden from Castle Leoch was filmed at Culross Palace, a 17th-century merchant’s house with a recreated Jacobite garden. This charming village also provided the setting for the scene where a boy’s ear is nailed to a post, as well as for Black Kirk, which was actually filmed at West Kirk.
Lallybroch: Jamie Fraser’s Home
Jamie Fraser’s ancestral home, Lallybroch (Broch Tuarach), was filmed at Midhope Castle in South Queensferry. Although the castle is now derelict, visitors can still walk around the grounds. While it’s not safe to enter the interior, standing at the archway where Jamie was whipped by Black Jack Randall is a fan-favorite spot.
Aberdour Castle: Sainte Anne de Beaupré’s Monastery
The monastery where Jamie recovers in France, Sainte Anne de Beaupré, was filmed at Aberdour Castle in Fife. Visitors can explore the old kitchen and long gallery, both of which were used for filming.
Planning Your Visit to Outlander Locations
If you plan to visit these iconic Outlander locations, keep in mind that some buildings were painted grey for authenticity during filming and restored to their original colors afterward.
Join us on our Outlander day tour, or our 2 day Outlander Experience. Book with us to experience the magic of Outlander alongside fellow fans!
Frequently Asked Questions About Outlander
How Many Seasons of Outlander?
Outlander currently has 7 seasons, with an 8th and final season confirmed:
- Season 1 (2014): 16 episodes, covering Outlander.
- Season 2 (2016): 13 episodes, based on Dragonfly in Amber.
- Season 3 (2017): 13 episodes, based on Voyager.
- Season 4 (2018): 13 episodes, based on Drums of Autumn.
- Season 5 (2020): 12 episodes, based on The Fiery Cross.
- Season 6 (2022): 8 episodes, based on A Breath of Snow and Ashes (shortened due to COVID-19).
- Season 7 (2023-2024): 16 episodes, based on An Echo in the Bone (split into two parts).
The final Season 8 will have 10 episodes, concluding the series.
Who Plays Jamie Fraser on Outlander?
Sam Heughan portrays Jamie Fraser, the charismatic 18th-century Highlander. Since the show’s debut in 2014, his performance has garnered critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Heughan’s Jamie is a central figure in the story, with Claire Randall, played by Caitriona Balfe, as his love interest.
What Channel Is Outlander On?
Outlander is available on different platforms depending on your region:
- United States: Outlander airs on the Starz network and can be streamed on the Starz app.
- United Kingdom: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
- Canada: Airs on W Network and streams on StackTV via Amazon Prime.
- Australia: Available on Binge and Foxtel.
Does Jamie Fraser Die in Outlander?
As of the latest season and books, Jamie Fraser does not die. He survives many life-threatening situations throughout both the TV series and Diana Gabaldon’s books. In the most recent book, Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone, Jamie is still alive. However, since the final book in the series is yet to be published, future developments are still unknown.
