Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour

The beautiful building across the square is the Scottish Writer’s Museum. As you’ll know, Outlander was a book series first (published in the 1990s), before becoming the popular TV show that it is now. So, it is quite fitting to start our tour at a place that celebrates Edinburgh’s literary legacy.

This is the Sir Walter Scott Monument, the largest monument to an author anywhere in the world. As you know, Sir Walter Scott’s novels focused in particular on the Jacobite uprisings, and as Outlander fans you will definitely have heard of them before. But who were the Jacobites? Discover the history and stories behind the Jacobites with Jule.

This beautiful cobblestone heart is called the Heart of Midlothian. Discover why this landmark is important both for the city and Outlander in our tour.

You have arrived at the first Outlander filming location of the tour, the Signet Library. You will learn about this location and what was used for in the TV Series. And if you are curious to see what it looks like on the inside, the Signet Library is open for afternoon tea!

This courtyard is called Parliament Square, because of the building opposite the cathedral, the old parliament of Edinburgh. Now used as the civil law court of Scotland, this is where the Scottish parliament met up until 1707.

The structure with the unicorn on top of the pillar is the Mercat Cross. In this place stood a Mercat Cross since 1215, and the original one would have been made of wood. Discover why this landmark is important both for the city and our beloved Outlander TV Series.

We got to another exciting Outlander filming spot! Can you guess what was this courtyard used for? And in which Season was it? Discover this and the historical relevance of why these scenes were important for Edinburgh, Scotland and the United Kingdom (yes, it is related to the Jacobites but also to a specific King).

The hill on the other side of the valley, with the castle-like structure on top of it, is Calton Hill. If you look a bit to the right, you might even be able to see the stone pillars that resemble the Parthenon in Athens.

Calton Hill is Edinburgh’s Faerie hill. Discover why these tales are related to our TV Series Outlander as the historical importance they have.

This pub marks the old city gates of Edinburgh. If you look down towards the middle of the road, you can see the old gates, called the Netherbow Port, outlined in golden cobblestones. If you were to follow the road opposite you (St Mary’s Street), you would also get to some of the last remaining parts of the Flodden Wall, the old city wall of Edinburgh.

This church is the royal church in Edinburgh – it has been associated with the royal family since the Glorious revolution in 1688. When Queen Elizabeth II came on her yearly visit to Edinburgh, this is where she would worship.

You may recognise this lovely alley from Outlander, which is called Carfax Close. Probably the emblem of Outlander in Edinburgh and why most fans visit this city. Discover the historical significance of this place and its parallel story in Outlander and the Jacobites' uprising.

We have now reached Holyrood Palace, the Scottish royal seat. This is where the King, or any member of the royal family, stays when they visit Edinburgh. Discover why this place was so important in the Outlander book and series. Which King do you think is named to hold residence in this palace at that time?