Outlander by Campervan: Tour Iconic Locations in Glasgow & Beyond
Forget the summer crowds and the midges – Scotland in winter, wrapped in a blanket of frost and crisp, low sunlight, offers a truly magical experience. For fans of Outlander, the allure of stepping into Jamie and Claire’s world is undeniable. And what better way to tour these iconic locations than at your own pace, cosied up in one of our premium campervans, setting out directly from vibrant Glasgow, Scotland?
This isn’t just a getaway; it’s an adventure back in time. We’ve curated the most accessible, historically rich, and visually stunning Outlander filming locations that are perfect for a winter campervan tour, all within easy reach of Glasgow.
Embrace the quiet majesty of Scotland in its most dramatic season – where the crowds are dispersed, the history is palpable, and the magic is real.
Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Why Winter for an Outlander Tour?
Scotland transforms in winter. The landscapes gain a raw, atmospheric beauty that perfectly mirrors the drama of the Jacobite era.
- The Magic of Solitude: Say goodbye to peak season queues. In winter, you’ll often find these iconic locations peacefully quiet, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the history and imagine yourself right there with Claire and Jamie.
2. Dramatic Lighting and Atmosphere: The low winter sun casts long, golden shadows, highlighting the rugged textures of ancient stone and misty glens. The light is perfect for photography, giving your trip that authentic, moody Outlander aesthetic.
3. The Cosy Campervan Advantage: Our campervans are your mobile home away from home, equipped with excellent heating, comfortable beds, and a kitchenette. After a day of bracing Scottish air, there’s nothing better than retiring to your warm, self-contained haven with a hot drink and snacks.
4. Authentic Scottish Weather: A little rain or snow only adds to the experience! It’s the genuine, unpredictable Scotland that inspired the series!
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Part I: Locations Near Glasgow
Glasgow is the perfect launchpad, sitting at the intersection of the Lowlands and the Highlands. These locations are all easily reached and offer safe winter visits.
Our campervan depot is only 10 minutes from Glasgow Airport!
1. Glasgow Cathedral & The Necropolis
- The Vibe: Gothic grandeur, urban historical mystery.
- Outlander Role: The Cathedral’s stunning crypt served as a stand-in for a Parisian hospital where Claire volunteers in Season 2.
- Why Visit in Winter: The soaring medieval architecture of the cathedral is magnificent against a crisp winter sky; crucially, the adjacent Glasgow Necropolis (a Victorian cemetery) offers jaw-dropping views over the city. A light mist or frost covering the intricate monuments adds an eerie, mystical quality that feels instantly like stepping onto a film set.
- Campervan Tip: Parking is available nearby, but we also highly recommend the excellent public transport or park-and-ride options before heading out on your road trip!
2. Doune Castle (Castle Leoch)
- The Vibe: The ultimate Outlander pilgrimage – a grand medieval fortress frozen in time.
- Outlander Role: The iconic Castle Leoch, home of Colum MacKenzie and the setting for much of Season 1.
- Why Visit in Winter: Doune Castle’s walls feel extra formidable and foreboding when the trees around it are bare. Inside, the lack of crowds allows you to wander the Great Hall and kitchen at your leisure, truly imagining the bustle of the MacKenzie clan. The River Forth, which surrounds the castle, often shrouds it in mist during the cold, enhancing its cinematic drama.
- Accessibility Note: The castle is a manageable drive from Glasgow (approx. 45 minutes) and is well-maintained for winter visitors!
3. Culross (Cranesmuir Village)
- The Vibe: This village, preserved since the 17th century, is utterly charming.
- Outlander Role: This Royal Burgh, primarily recognised as Cranesmuir, where Geillis Duncan and her husband lived, and where the infamous witch trial took place in Season 1.
- Why Visit in Winter: Culross’ cobbled streets and pantiled roofs look particularly vivid in the morning frost. A lack of flowers in the gardens draws your eye to the magnificent architecture of the Culross Palace (which also appears in the show). Wandering its narrow streets in the quiet of winter is the closest you’ll get to time-travelling!
- Campervan Tip: Culross is small, but you can find parking at the edge of the village, making it a perfect spot for a few hours of historical exploration before getting back on the road.
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Part II: Touring the Lowlands
These locations capture the grim reality and historical weight of the Jacobite period, providing contrast to the mystical sites.
4. Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison)
- The Vibe: Ruined royal majesty, heartbreaking history.
- Outlander Role: The setting for the most harrowing scenes in Season 1 – Wentworth Prison, where Jamie suffers under the sadistic Captain Black Jack Randall.
- Why Visit in Winter: While a ruin, the scale of Linlithgow Palace is immense. The chill of the winter air makes the damp, dark corridors and isolated courtyard feel truly bleak, resonating with the terrible events the palace represents in the series. Situated near a loch, the views from the upper levels are stunning, especially if the water is frozen or covered in mist.
- Historical Note: This was also the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, adding layers of real Scottish history to your visit!
5. Midhope Castle (Lallybroch)
- The Vibe: The emotional heart of the series; a romantic, ruined tower house.
- Outlander Role: Lallybroch, Jamie Fraser’s ancestral home!
- Why Visit in Winter: Midhope is iconic. While the interior is inaccessible, seeing the exterior – that famous stone archway – is a must. In winter, the surrounding area, bright with frost, and the starkness of the castle, which remains in a state of semi-ruin, emphasise its age and resilience. The reduced foot traffic means a much clearer photo opportunity of your
- Important: As the site is on a working estate (Hopetoun Estate), access can sometimes be restricted for filming or hunting. Always check the estate website before visiting!
Part III: Into The Highlands!
While many iconic Highland spots are further north, the edge of the Highlands – easily reached from Glasgow – offers stunning, accessible filming locations that capture the epic scale of the series.
6. Drummond Castle Gardens (Versailles Gardens)
- The Vibe: Formal grandeur, Renaissance artistry, and unexpected luxury.
- Outlander Role: The spectacular terraced gardens stood in for the French Gardens of Versailles in Season 2.
- Why Visit in Winter: While you won’t see the full floral display, the sheer geometry and scale of these formal gardens, with their symmetrical walkways and dramatic staircases, are breathtaking when viewed from above. The landscaping’s architectural structure is more transparent, giving a powerful sense of the European opulence that Claire and Jamie navigate.
Note: Always check winter opening times for gardens and estates, as they may operate reduced hours!
7. Glencoe (Opening Credits Scenery)
- The Vibe: Raw, untamed Highland wilderness; the soul of Scotland.
- Outlander Role: Although not a single filming location, Glencoe’s majestic mountains feature heavily in the show’s unforgettable opening credits and establishing shots, perfectly capturing the drama of the Highlands.
- Why Visit in Winter: Glencoe in winter? Truly epic. The mountainsides, dusted with snow and often shrouded in swirling mists, are intensely dramatic. Driving through the A82 (a central, well-maintained road) is a journey in itself, offering breathtaking vistas.
- Campervan Advantage: Glencoe has several designated laybys and viewpoints perfect for pulling over, making a cup of tea in your campervan, and soaking in the atmosphere that defines the Outlander world. It’s the ideal place to feel truly remote, yet completely safe and warm.
Your Winter Campervan Checklist
To make your Outlander winter tour successful, remember a few essential things:
- Winter Tyres/Chains: While major roads are gritted, higher or rural roads can be icy. Better safe than sorry!
- Layered Clothing: Scotland’s weather changes fast. Think thermal base layers, fleeces, and waterproof outer shells.
- Pre-booked Campsites: Many smaller sites close, so book campsites to ensure you have an electric hook-up and facilities.
- Plenty of Fuel: Rural filling stations may close earlier; top up when you see the chance!
- A Thermos Flask: In our minds, hot coffee, tea, or soup is non-negotiable for warming up after exploring a cold castle!
- Headlamp/Torch: Days are short! You’ll need this for setting up your evening campsite.
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Outlander: Immerse Yourself!
Touring the Outlander trail in a campervan from Glasgow in winter is more than just ticking off filming locations. It’s about experiencing the authentic, wild heart of Scotland – the ruins, the ruggedness, and the real people.
It’s about pulling up near a frosty loch after a day of exploration, boiling a kettle on your stove, and watching the sun set over a landscape that hasn’t changed its character in centuries.
So, this winter, embrace the chill, chase history, and find your own piece of Scottish magic. Our cosy, dependable campervans are ready to be the perfect base for your unforgettable winter adventure.
Happy (time) travels!
Useful Links
- VisitScotland – for what’s on and where to go!
- CalMac Ferries – book well in advance!
- Met Office – check the weather!
- Traffic Scotland – for route changes and updates.
- WalkHighlands – the best hiking trails and tips.
- Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) – be informed!
- Highlands2Hammocks (That’s us!) – for our online shop, other blogs, and brand-new campervan rental service.
