Filming locations in Central Scotland

Within an hour of both Edinburgh and Glasgow, Central Scotland gathers a cluster of Outlander locations close enough to chain together on a single driving day. The standout is Doune Castle, a medieval stronghold that played Castle Leoch, seat of Clan MacKenzie, and its excellent audio guide leans happily into the screen history. Trivia for fans: the same courtyard earlier stood in for Winterfell in the Game of Thrones pilot.

A short drive away, Midhope Castle gives you one of the most recognised facades in the whole series: the weathered tower house is the exterior of Lallybroch, the Fraser family home. It sits on the private Hopetoun Estate, where you pay a small access fee before driving in, and only the exterior is open, but that courtyard is the photograph every fan comes for. Hopetoun House itself is nearby and open to visitors.

Complete the trio at Culross, a perfectly preserved 17th-century burgh on the north shore of the Firth of Forth that became the village of Cranesmuir, with the ochre Culross Palace garden standing in for Claire's healing herb garden. Wandering the cobbled streets is free; the National Trust palace and garden charge entry. It is a small place, so an hour or two covers it comfortably.

These three pair naturally into one full Outlander day, with Doune and Culross sitting nicely either side of the central belt and Midhope close to Edinburgh. The Kincardine and Clackmannanshire bridges make the onward driving easy, and Stirling with its castle and the start of the Trossachs are right there if you want to stretch the trip. Any season works; just allow for short winter daylight if you are packing in all three.