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Blackness Castle

Blackness Castle: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Edinburgh: Outlander Adventure Day Tour

1. From Edinburgh: Outlander Adventure Day Tour

After leaving Edinburgh at 9:15 AM you will travel back in time as your driver guides you over the Queensferry Crossing to Culross. This virtually-unchanged 16th-century village overlooks the sea and poses as the fictional town of Cranesmuir. You have time to visit Claire’s herb garden, explore the palace, or wander the ancient streets while you imagine what life must have been like 400 years ago. You will journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building gives you an insight into the living conditions of a Scottish earl in the 14th century. You can also listen to an excellent audio guide about how this castle was used as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Your next stop is Linlithgow Palace. Here you have time to enjoy beautiful views to the Forth bridges, have a picnic by the loch, and explore the ruins of Mary Queen of Scots’ birthplace. If you’re feeling brave, you can visit the spot where that gruesome Outlander scene took place. You then travel the short distance to Blackness Castle. It’s an impressive castle that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat. You have time to walk along the ramparts and explore the fictional headquarters of Jack Randall. Midhope Castle* is your next highlight. Unfortunately, visitors are unable to go inside the castle, but Jamie’s lovely Lallybroch home is still an essential photo opportunity for any fan of the show. Before heading back to Edinburgh, you will have a final stop in the colorful harbor area of South Queensferry and will return to Edinburgh by approximately 5:45 PM.

The Outlander 1 Day Experience from Edinburgh

2. The Outlander 1 Day Experience from Edinburgh

Choose your most convenient departure point in central Edinburgh from a list of locations, then hop aboard an air-conditioned coach and head to your first location of the day, Midhope Castle, a must for Outlander fans. The Midhope Castle is the external location of the Fraser family home known as Lallybroch. Spend time at the castle for photos and live out your Outlander fantasy before heading to the next stop, Blackness Castle. Explore the rich history within the castle walls and learn of its multi-functional history as a lordly residence, garrison fortress, and state prison. Fans of Outlander may also recognize that the exterior posed as Fort William, the foreboding headquarters of Black Jack Randall. The tour continues to the town of Linlithgow, famous for its palace, birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. Here, outlander fans have the opportunity to see Linlithgow Palace, used as the set for the infamous Wentworth Prison in Outlander. Linlithgow Palace is where Outlander's Jamie was held prisoner and tortured by Black Jack Randall, one of the most intense scenes filmed during the TV series. Enjoy some time for refreshments and exploring before the next stop. Visit Culross next. Several parts of Culross are used to depict the village of Cranesmuir, predominantly for season 1 of Outlander. During your time here, you'll notice many of the scenes come to life as you step into the actual shooting location of the show. Following in the footsteps of Jamie and Claire, stop at the beautiful village of Falkland, nestled between the two Lomond Hills in the Howe of Fife. Fans of Outlander will recognize Falkland as the stand-in for Inverness, where Claire and Frank honeymoon. The last stop of the day is at the viewpoint of South Queensferry. Admire the Firth of Forth and the three magnificent bridges that link Edinburgh to Fife. Stretch your legs and take some final photos. On returning to Edinburgh, choose to be dropped off at Bakehouse Close, a location featured in the third series of Outlander as Jamie's print house.

From Edinburgh: Outlander Experience 2-Day Tour

3. From Edinburgh: Outlander Experience 2-Day Tour

Day 1 Your first visit will be Blackness Castle overlooking the Firth of Forth. The castle was used as the backdrop for Fort William. Next, it's on to Wentworth Prison (or as it is also known, Linlithgow Palace). Onwards to Doune Castle, better known as Castle Leoch, home to Colum Mackenzie. The castle has also made appearances in the Monty Python and the Holy Grail film. Next, into the Highlands and through Glen Coe with a quick stop at Loch Ness before arriving at your overnight accommodation in Inverness. Day 2 Step back in time 4000 years ago at Clava Cairns, the inspiration for Craigh na Dun. Then, continue to Culloden Battlefield, the scene of the last battle fought on British soil. Discover a living history at the Highland Folk Museum and its various time period scenes. Relive one of the first scenes when Jamie's ghost looks up in Claire's room at Outlander's Inverness: Falkland Village. Finally, explore the outside of Lallybroch at Midhope Castle. There will be a quick photo stop before arriving back in Edinburgh.

Firth of Forth: Sightseeing Cruise with Cream Tea

4. Firth of Forth: Sightseeing Cruise with Cream Tea

The Firth of Forth is simply overflowing with myths, turbulent history, and fascinating marine wildlife. Join this boat tour on a 90-minute cruise onboard a superb vessel. Depart from South Queensferry, which is only a short distance from Scotland's bustling capital city of Edinburgh. Take in views of Blackness Castle, the ship that never sails and featured in Outlander and the Outlaw King. There are also views of Limekilns village, mentioned in Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Kidnapped'. It was from Limekilns that David Balfour and Alan Breck were carried across the Forth in a rowing boat. You will also see the Three Bridges as you have never seen them before including the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge. For your comfort relax onboard with friends and family in the observation lounge or on the outside decks and listen to the guided commentary while you enjoy your complimentary cream tea. Spot the marine wildlife, during your tour, you will find plenty of opportunities to see a wide variety of marine wildlife including seabirds and seals.

Edinburgh: Queensferry Bus Tour & Firth of Forth Cruise

5. Edinburgh: Queensferry Bus Tour & Firth of Forth Cruise

Board your bus in the heart of Edinburgh and travel through the Georgian New Town on a guided bus tour. Continue towards the charming town of South Queensferry, where you will take a relaxing boat cruise on the Firth of Forth.  Enjoy superb views of the Edinburgh and Fife coastlines as well as the iconic 3 bridges which cross the estuary, including the Forth Rail Bridge. Look out for seals and puffins, depending on the time of year. Before you head back to Edinburgh on your return bus journey, explore the beautiful conservation town of South Queensferry at your own pace. Discover its picturesque harbor and stunning coastal views, which make this one of Scotland's most beautiful towns.

Outlander Adventure 1-Day Tour from Glasgow

6. Outlander Adventure 1-Day Tour from Glasgow

Enter the world of the 'Outlander' TV series on this day trip from Glasgow aboard a climate-controlled mini-coach. Stop at the town of Falkland and Culross. Step back in time as you take in views of the castles of Midhope*, Stirling, and Blackness.  Depart from your meeting point in Glasgow and journey past Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument to Doune Castle, or as it’s called in Outlander, Castle Leoch. This formidable building gives insight into the life of a Scottish earl in the 14th-century.  Listen to an excellent audio guide about how this castle was used as a filming location for 'Monty Python and the Holy Grail.' Heading north, your next stop is the small town of Falkland to relive the first scenes of the show, its used as the 1940’s Inverness. See if you can recognize the familiar sights such as Mrs. Baird’s Guesthouses and the Bruce Fountain. Drive to Midhope Castle* where you can stop outside and get a picture of Jamie’s lovely Lallybroch home. Make your way to Blackness Castle, an impressive castle that’s known as the ‘ship that never sailed’ because it resembles a giant stone boat.  Travel to the charming village of Culross - the 'Outlander' village that posed as the fictional village of Cranesmuir, and the home of Geillis and Arthur Duncan. Feel like you're travelling back in time as you explore the town's cobbled streets. Look carefully to spot Claire’s herb garden behind the impressive, historic Culross Palace. From here listen to stories that inspired Outlander on the drive back to Glasgow where you'll arrive around 6:30 PM.

From Edinburgh: Outlander Full-Day Tour in Spanish

7. From Edinburgh: Outlander Full-Day Tour in Spanish

Start your day at the point of departure in Edinburgh. Here, you will meet your friendly and informative guide as you board your comfortable minivan or coach. Once you hop aboard and settle in, you will set off to your first destination of the day, Culross. Culross is one of Scotland’s most picturesque towns situated at the shore of the Firth of Forth. This village of cozy cottages is presided by a characteristic yellow-colored Palace and the ruins of a Cistercian Abbey. Wandering along its charming, peaceful streets is like traveling through time. Outlander lovers will easily recognize Cranesmuir, the closest village to Leoch Castle, where Geillis Duncan used to live with her husband. You will also identify the gardens of the Palace, like Claire's Garden. Both the village and the view you can appreciate from this spot are delightful. Follow your trip to Culross with a journey to Calendar House, a residence which has served as host to many famous individuals including Mary, Queen of Scots, Cromwell and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Doune Castle. Afterwards, make you way to Duone Castle. Located at the junction of two rivers and surrounded by beautiful forests, Doune Castle has always been a strategic location since the Roman Age. The fortress you will visit dates back to the 12th-century and was featured in Outlander as "Leoch Castle", the home to clan MacKenzie in the 18th-century. Your third stop is the magnificent Linlithgow Palace, one of the main residences of the Scottish monarchs during the 15th and 16th-century. Nowadays, the majestic Palace is located next to an enchanting lake and is surrounded by meadows and forests. Participants will recall that it is here that Jamie is tortured by Captain´Black Jack’ Randall. Whilst in Linlithgow you will enjoy a lunchtime stop, where you can enjoy delicious local food. The final stop of this tour is Blackness Castle, which was used in Outlander to represent Fort William, where Jamie had received lashes from Captain Randall and where Jamie’s father died.

4-Day Outlander Trail From Edinburgh

8. 4-Day Outlander Trail From Edinburgh

Leave Edinburgh and begin following the trail of the best-known film locations featured in the Outlander TV Series. Your first stop is the charming village of Culross. You continue to the small town of Falkland to relive the first scenes of the show, where Falkland substitutes for 1940s Inverness. In the early afternoon you stop at the Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum, which houses replicas of 18th century turf-roofed Highland crofts. These were used as a setting in the first episode of the show. You then pass Aviemore, where you may recognise the stunning hilly and wooded area of Tulloch Ghru. You arrive in Inverness later that afternoon, which will be your base for the next two nights.  Day 2 starts by visiting Culloden, which plays an important role in Scottish history and the Outlander books. It’s at the Culloden Battlefield where Claire and Jamie said their tearful goodbyes, before Jamie joined the Jacobite army to fight for the Stuarts. You have the opportunity to explore the visitor center and site, and pay tribute to those who lost their lives at the last battle fought on British soil. You then take a short drive to the ancient standing stones at Clava Cairns. After lunch, head continue to Castle Leod, “home of the Clan MacKenzie”, where you can enjoy a relaxing walk. The castle resembles the way that Diana Gabaldon described Castle Leoch, though she had never heard of this building prior to writing Outlander. A short drive takes you to Beauly, the site of Beauly Priory and the tomb of Lord Lovat in the heart of Clan Fraser lands. Beauly priory is a beautiful 13th-century ruin and where the Lovat Frasers are buried in Diana Gabaldon’s book. In the afternoon, you can sample ‘The Water of Life’ with a whisky distillery tour and tasting. Afterwards, return to Inverness with time to explore the town and enjoy the city for another evening. Day 3 starts with a visit to the majestic Glen Affric. Lochs, mountains and pine forests: this is one of Scotland’s most glorious glens. You then continue along the entire length of Loch Ness and through the Great Glen before heading to Glenfinnan. It stands framed by typically spectacular Highland scenery and bedside a section of the Jacobite Steam Train railway line famously used as the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter. Your overnight stop is in Fort William underneath the shadow of Britain’s tallest mountain, Ben Nevis. Day 4 begins with a magnificent drive through Glencoe, across the rugged Trossachs area onto Doune Castle. The castle is an extensive ruin that represents Castle Leoch in the TV program. Later, you have a photo stop at Blackness Castle on the banks of the Firth of Forth. This was used as the set for Fort William in the show and appears in many other movies because of its beautiful setting and thickly fortified walls. After your medieval adventure, you'll return to Edinburgh in the early evening.

Outlander Private Tour - Shore Excursion From Edinburgh

9. Outlander Private Tour - Shore Excursion From Edinburgh

Whether you're a highlander or a sassenach, this tour has something for every fan of the show and books. Your guide cannot wait to show you the locations and inspiration for the Outlander world that Diana Gabaldon created. On your travels you will take in the Duke of Sandringham's home, the French home that Claire and Jamie occupied. You will visit Castle Leoch, the Grand Palace of Versailles, the train station where Claire and Frank said their goodbyes, the prison headquarters of Captain "Black Jack" Randal,l as well as the many breathtaking landscapes as you travel from site to site. This will be an adventure you will never forget as you too will be transported back to the 1740s just as Claire was. You may even be lucky enough to actually watch the Outlander show being filmed. The outlander tour contains filming locations from season 1, 2, and 3, and also from the books Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager. This is full day tour and will last up to 8 hours depending on traffic. This will allow you plenty of time for photographs and to visit the filming locations (where access is permitted).

Inverness and The Highlands 2-Day Tour from Edinburgh

10. Inverness and The Highlands 2-Day Tour from Edinburgh

Enjoy a 2-day tour encompassing the very best of the Scottish Highlands. Admire spectacular mountain scenery as you are transported in a comfortable mini-coach from Edinburgh to the Highlands, where you will discover the magic and charm of this beautiful region. Admire Doune Castle, Glenfinnan Viaduct (the 'Harry Potter' bridge), Britain’s highest mountain Ben Nevis, explore the magical Loch Ness, visit Britain’s northernmost city Inverness, and discover Scotland’s violent history at Glencoe. Detailed itinerary Day 1 Leaving Edinburgh the tour passes Stirling Castle and the National Wallace Monument before a first stop at Doune Castle. Protecting the gateway to the Highlands and with spectacular views from the medieval tower, the castle has recently been seen as Winterfell in the TV series Game of Thrones, but is probably most famous for featuring in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As you continue north the mountains and lochs provide a dramatic backdrop for the journey to Glen Coe. After lunch visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Apr-Oct only) which famously features in several Harry Potter movies as the Hogwarts Express train crosses the bridge. Historically this stunning viewpoint also marks the spot where Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) landed on mainland Scotland and raised his standard prior to the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. As we travel along the Great Glen admire Britain’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and then along the banks of Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle. Stay overnight in Inverness, the northernmost city of the United Kingdom and the pretty capital of the Highlands. The tour provider will contact you for your preferred accommodation choices once you have booked. The accommodation is reserved for you and should be paid for on arrival.  Day 2 After being collected from your accommodation it's only a short drive to Culloden Moor where the Jacobites were finally defeated by government soldiers in 1746, the last battle to be fought on British soil. You will have time to walk on the battlefield and learn more about this tragic event that killed 700 Highland clansmen in 3 minutes. From there, visit one of Scotland's most evocative and sacred prehistoric sites, the nearby 4,000-year-old stone circles and burial mounds at Clava Cairns. As you drive south through the Cairngorms National Park, you'll hear about the flora and fauna of this wonderful wilderness which was officially protected in 2003 and is the largest national park in the British Isles. After lunch in one of the charming villages inside the national park, arrive at the lively Highland town of Pitlochry. During your break here there is an option to visit the Blair Athol Distillery (sorry, no children under 8). Alternatives include a short walk to the famous hydro electric dam and salmon ladder, or Black Spout waterfall. Your final stop is a gentle riverside walk through Big Tree Country at Dunkeld, a beautiful way to finish the tour all seasons of the year. Return to Edinburgh by the iconic Forth Rail Bridge.

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What people are saying about Blackness Castle

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,138 reviews

Our tour guide Jenny was so wonderful and told us many interesting things about the history of Glasgow, Scotland and of course Outlander. Blackness Castle was a true highlight, such an interesting history and fun to explore. Would totally recommend!

We had a great day. Our driver Michael, a real Viking, was very attentive to us. He tailored the tours so we didn't miss out on the fantastic visit to Blackness Castle with the awesome Ray (aka Dougal Mackenzy). We thank him very much for that.

Great tour! Our guide, Ashleigh, was really nice and knew a lot about the different locations and the relevant historical background. Would definitely book again!

Our guides are just incredible. We spent a great time discovering Scotland history and Outlander places.

Excellent day trip very comfortable mini bus knowledgable guide/driver James was fantastic.