Beloved for its gripping story and breathtaking scenery, Outlander has inspired travellers from around the world to explore Scotland. With the final season arriving on 6 March, discover Fife’s iconic Outlander filming locations.
Falkland
Falkland is one of the first scenes in Outlander, as it’s used to portray a 1940s Scotland in Season 1 and a 1960s Inverness in Seasons 2 and 4. Fans may notice the Covenanter Hotel was used as Mrs Baird’s guesthouse, and the Bruce fountain was featured in the scene where the Ghost of Jamie looks up at Claire’s room.
Don't miss Falkland Palace, also used in filming, where you can enjoy a tour of the castle and gardens. This is also home to the oldest real tennis court in the world.
Aberdour Castle
Aberdour Castle is a 12th century castle that features in Season 1 as the monastery where Jamie recovers after his prison ordeal. This splendid ruin was once the luxurious Renaissance home and pleasure gardens of Regent Morton, at the time Scotland’s most powerful man.
It’s considered one of the oldest masonry castles in Scotland and is open year-round for visitors.
Culross
Culross features prominently throughout Outlander, appearing in Seasons 1, 2 and 6. One of its earliest appearances is in Season 1, when the Mercat Cross area was transformed into the fictional village of Cranesmuir, home to Geillis Duncan and the setting for the Jacobite encampment scenes.
Today, visitors to Culross Palace can see the dress worn by Geillis Duncan, first seen in the opening series. The costume features a felted wool bodice paired with a heavy wool-weave skirt. The ochre-coloured palace is also home to Claire’s herb garden from Castle Leoch.
Please note Culross is exceptionally busy with tourists all year round, so please plan ahead and park responsibly.
Dysart Harbour
Dysart Harbour was portrayed in Season 2 as Le Havre in the 1740s when Jamie and Claire escaped to France. The set was carefully dressed and subtle digital effects used to create the bustling French port scenes.
The harbour is situated on the stunning Fife Coastal Path, Scotland's longest continuous coastal path, which is well worth an explore. You can also enjoy Ravenscraig Park and ruined Castle, which is a short walk from the harbour.
The Reaper, Anstruther
The ‘Fifie’ fishing boat, The Reaper, is a historic fishing boat in Anstruther harbour that appeared as one of the vessels in the Dysart Harbour Outlander scenes.
She is cared for by Scottish Fisheries Museum, where you can find her restored to her original glory and step on board as part of your visit to the Scottish Fisheries Museum. After your visit, a must is takeaway fish and chips enjoyed by the harbour.
Balgonie Castle, near Glenrothes
Balgonie Castle, near Glenrothes, appears in episode 15 of Season 1 as Eldridge manor, the home of the MacRannoch’s, where Claire hatches a plan to rescue Jamie from Wentworth Prison.
It’s history includes visits by King James IV, Mary Queen of Scots and Rob Roy Macgregor and was once the home to the Earls of Leven.
Please note the castle is privately owned, so unfortunately you can't visit the castle, but it can be viewed from the road.
With its compact geography, historic towns, dramatic coastline and castles, Fife offers one of the richest Outlander experiences in Scotland, perfect for fans wanting to visit multiple locations in a single trip.
