If you’ve ever dreamed of passionately locking lips with Jamie Fraser or roaming the Scottish countryside during Jacobite times, then we’d probably be right in guessing you’re an Outlander fan. And you’re not alone BTW…
But have you visited Clan MacKenzie’s Castle Leoch aka Doune Castle for a sword fight or do you own a ring inspired by Claire Randall’s 18th-century wedding band?
While we can’t guarantee a kiss from Jamie, it is possible to walk in Claire’s footsteps (and put a ring on it) by visiting beautiful Scotland for an Outlander-inspired break organised by VisitScotland. And that’s just what we did.
(Katie Ollerenshaw)
For anyone who’s been living under a rock since 2014, Outlander is a series based on Diana Gabaldon’s books. With season three well and truly underway now, and the gripping love story of Claire and Jamie is set against none other than our very own bonnie Scotland.
Filming locations
Touring #Outlander filming locations. This is @HopetounHouse. @VisitScotland #Edinburgh @Sonypicsathome pic.twitter.com/uYDAPxROnI
— Becky Barnes (@BeckyBarnesB) September 18, 2015
Yep, loads of the Outlander backdrops are real places and while they may have been enhanced with CGI, any superfan will recognise Lallybroch, Castle Leoch and Cranesmuir by visiting Hopetoun House on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Doune Castle in Perthshire and the picturesque village of Culross in Fife – in that order.
Outlander has done wonders for the tourist trade in Scotland so there are plenty of incredibly knowledgeable tour guides (Kenneth Hanley is a superstar) who will tell you everything you need to know, such as cars being banned from villages for filming and mud being piled into castles to create realistic scenes for Outlander.
#Edinburgh's best tour guide Ken wears a kilt every day. @Kenscotguide #Outlander @VisitScotland #Meninkilts pic.twitter.com/0mgdv6ULmk
— Becky Barnes (@BeckyBarnesB) September 18, 2015
Culross is charming with its yellow 17th-century palace, winding cobbled streets and fragrant herb garden having provided the perfect backdrop for many of Outlander’s scenes.
And you might recognise Doune Castle from Monty Python and Game Of Thrones too. By the way there is a dressing up box for adults…
For more information on which filming locations to visit and Outlander-inspired tours, take a look at VisitScotland’s handy guide.
Must-dos for Outlander fans
A wander in Edinburgh’s bustling city centre and down the Royal Mile is a must for any tourist, but also great for Outlander fans is to experience the infamous closes and wynds which would have been busy during Claire and Jamie’s time.
For a unique Outlander souvenir, Gordon Young, of Hamilton & Young Jewellers, has created an Outlander-inspired jewellery collection, including a £27.99 ring inspired by Gabaldon’s description of Claire’s wedding band.
#SassenachNews very tempted to get my hands on THE #Outlander inspired ring!! from @HYjewellers 😍 #visitscotland pic.twitter.com/OWUpyTbpTN
— Charlie Parker (@CharlieParkerUK) September 17, 2015
The shop also sells tartan hip flasks on key rings.
Those more interested in the history surrounding the Jacobite times can visit the National Museum of Scotland, where it’s easy to get lost for a day while exploring the rich history of the country as well as admiring an eclectic collection of art and ceramics.
Another hidden gem for people who like getting lost in a book or learning something new is the Library of Innerpeffray in Crieff – Scotland’s oldest free public lending library where impeccably-kept books provide history outdating Outlander’s time. Take your SatNav though, it’s in the middle of nowhere.
And if you fancy cooking up some 18th-century grub (it’s a lot nicer than it sounds) you might want to have a go at Courses for Cooks. Not only was cooking an Outlander-inspired meal of Cock-a-Leekie, mackerel and colcannon followed by creamy cranachan fun, it also tasted divine, probably thanks to the watchful eye of Jenny Thomson who runs the course and was overseeing seasoning.
There was also the chance to make traditional oatcakes and shortbread to take home.
If you’re interested in the swords in Outlander, be sure to check out swordswith Iain C Bowden’s work. (He made some for the show!)
Great places to eat
As well as all the ye-oldey food, sampling haggis, Angus beef and sickly tablet washed down by whisky are absolute musts. Here are the best places we went to eat.
This place offers traditional Scottish food with an Italian twist in Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. So there’s plenty of sustainable fish and of course Angus beef with delicate sauces. Divine!
Sensational views of Edinburgh Castle at the top of the National Museum, still in the heart of the city. Delicate dishes with subtle Scottish tones, for example the cheese board comes with oatcakes of course!
Delicate sarnies, hearty soups and homemade quiche form the backbone of this not-so-light lunch scrummy menu. To energise for dressing up at Doune, tasty dishes that put London prices to shame were perfect.
For French food made using Scottish ingredients, check out multi-award winning Barley Bree.
AA Rosette Pentland Restaurant
Don’t miss the starter sharing platters here. Check. This. Out.
Places to stay
Dalmahoy Marriott Hotel and Country Club
Outlander: Season three is being shown now.
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