Edinburgh Top Outlander Highlights Walking Tour

Culross Palace is one of the most popular and used Outlander filming locations. The Palace itself was built between 1597 and 1611 by Sir George Bruce, the Laird of Carnock. Built using materials from his foreign trading it never became an official royal residence however it was visited by King James VI in 1617. Culross Palace was used in Outlander seasons 1, 2 and 4. First used in season 1 when the Palace gardens are used as the herb garden of Castle Leoch. Shortly after that, the Withdrawing Room is used as Geillis Duncan’s parlour. In season 2 the courtyard and main stairway were used as the village encampment where Claire pulls a tooth from a local woman and Murtagh waits on Jamie who has a meeting with the Prince. The Palace High Hall was used for the Jacobite meeting which is where Jamie swears his oath to Prince Charlie. The Palace’s King Room was used for a bedroom scene when Jamie and Claire visit a village. The Palace’s Kitchen and Pantry was also used as a tavern.

Visit Mercat Cross historically used for holding markets or fairs. The Mercat Cross of Culross has become famous thanks to Outlander and it is commonly referred to as the centre of Cranesmuir. Much of the town surrounding the cross was painted dark grey for filming before being returned to its original white. Used in several season 1 episodes this is where you would find Geillis Duncan’s house and it’s also where Geillis is sentenced to burn for being a witch which is ironic considering what the old Town Hall and Jail were used for. It is also here that Jamie and Claire rescue the thief, Tammas, when his ear is pinned to the post.

See Laoghaire's House on Little Causeway. This stop is probably one of the more hidden gems when it comes to Outlander locations. This home just next to The Admiral Cafe is used as Laoghaire’s house. In season 4 Bree, Laoghaire and Joanie are seen here when Laoghaire rescues Bree from the cold then later discovers that she is Jamie’s daughter. The filming of outside Laoghaire’s home took place here with the inside scenes being filmed inside Culross Palace.

Visit The Townhouse and Jail on Orchard Grove in Culross. It was here that the locals first witnessed the effects of the TV show when an Outlander tour rolled into town and parked right outside the Town Hall. Built-in 1626 the townhouse doubled up as the legal centre and village jail. The jail and courthouse were mostly used to sentence witches so much so that in the 1600s when witch-hunting was its peak. Thankfully it’s a little less hocus pocus these days as it is now hosted to local photographer Graham Harris and his gallery. The Town Hall is also home to the National Trust for Scotland who were responsible for the preservation and restoration of the village. The Group will walk through some of the charming medieval streets to take photos and enjoy great tales of times past and some of the characters that lived in the town in addition to hearing about how the town goes about its everyday life today. This tour will finish close to all the best local pubs and restaurants.