The Outlander bus tour in West Lothian is a must-do activity for fans of the popular TV series. This tour takes visitors on a journey to explore the filming locations of the show, which is set in 18th-century Scotland. The tour is an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of Outlander and experience the stunning Scottish landscape that serves as its backdrop.
Scotland is a country steeped in history and natural beauty, and the Outlander bus tour offers an excellent way to experience both. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the historic town of Linlithgow, which served as the backdrop for many scenes in the show. They will also visit the impressive Blackness Castle, which was used as the setting for Fort William in the series. The tour also includes a stop at the famous Kelpies, the world’s largest equine sculptures, which are a sight to behold.
The Outlander bus tour is set to resume in 2022, and fans of the show are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to explore the filming locations once again. With knowledgeable guides and a wealth of information about the show and its history, this tour is an excellent way to experience the magic of Outlander and the beauty of Scotland.
The Allure of West Lothian
West Lothian is a stunning region located in the central lowlands of Scotland. The area is known for its breathtaking scenery, historic castles, and picturesque towns. It has been a popular filming location for many movies and TV shows, including the famous Outlander series.
The region is home to many historic castles, including the magnificent Linlithgow Palace, which was once a royal residence and birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. The palace is situated on the banks of Linlithgow Loch and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Another famous castle in the area is Blackness Castle, which was used as a filming location for Outlander. The castle is situated on the banks of the Firth of Forth and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
Midhope Castle, also known as Lallybroch in Outlander, is a popular tourist destination in the area. The castle is located on the Hopetoun Estate and offers visitors the chance to step back in time and experience what life was like in the 18th century.
Aside from the castles, West Lothian is also known for its stunning scenery. The area is home to many beautiful parks and nature reserves, including Beecraigs Country Park and Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. These parks offer visitors the chance to explore the natural beauty of the area and see some of Scotland’s native wildlife.
Outlander’s Filming Locations
Outlander is a popular historical drama series that has captured the hearts of many viewers around the world. The show is set in Scotland and features stunning landscapes, castles, and historic sites. Many of these locations have become popular tourist attractions, and visitors can now take an Outlander bus tour to see some of the most iconic filming locations.
One of the most famous locations is Linlithgow, which was used as the setting for Wentworth Prison in the show. The town’s palace was also used as a filming location for several other scenes. Blackness Castle, located on the banks of the Firth of Forth, was used as the setting for Fort William in the show. The castle’s imposing appearance made it the perfect location for the fortress where Jamie was held captive.
Lallybroch, the ancestral home of Jamie Fraser, is actually Midhope Castle in real life. Visitors can see the castle’s exterior and take a tour of the surrounding grounds. The town of Falkirk was also used as a filming location for several scenes, including the Battle of Falkirk.
Glencoe, which is known for its stunning scenery, was used for several scenes in the show, including the opening credits. The area’s rugged mountains and moody skies made it the perfect location for many of the show’s outdoor scenes. Craigh Na Dun, the standing stones that transport Claire back in time, is actually a fictional location created for the show.
Castle Leoch, the home of the MacKenzie clan, is actually Doune Castle in real life. Visitors can take a tour of the castle and see where many of the show’s interior scenes were filmed. Culloden Battlefield, the site of the final battle between the Jacobites and the British, was also used as a filming location.
Other notable locations include Hopetoun House, Eilean Donan Castle, the Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Culross, Fife, East Lothian, Ardsmuir Prison, Ellesmere, Helwater, Wilmington, Gosford House, Preston Mill, Ravensheugh Sands, Newhailes House, and Muiravonside Country Park. Each of these locations played a significant role in the show and offers visitors a unique glimpse into Scotland’s rich history and culture.
Key Characters and Plot Points
Outlander bus tour West Lothian takes you on a journey through the Scottish countryside, visiting various locations that have been featured in the popular TV series Outlander. The show is based on the novels by Diana Gabaldon and follows the story of Claire Randall, a time-travelling nurse from the 1940s who finds herself transported back to 18th-century Scotland.
One of the key characters in Outlander is Claire, played by Caitriona Balfe. She is the protagonist of the story and the show revolves around her travels through time and her relationships with the people she meets along the way. Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan, is another central character in the series. He is a Scottish warrior and Claire’s love interest.
The Duke of Sandringham is a recurring character in the series, played by Simon Callow. He is a wealthy and influential man who becomes entangled in the lives of Claire and Jamie. Black Jack Randall, played by Tobias Menzies, is another important character in the series. He is a sadistic British army officer who becomes obsessed with Jamie.
Other characters that play a significant role in the Outlander series include Brianna, Frank, Roger, Stephen Bonnet, Governor Tryon, and many more. Each character has their own unique story and motivations, which contribute to the overall plot of the series.
The Outlander bus tour West Lothian takes you to many of the locations where the show was filmed, including the historic town of Linlithgow, which was used as a backdrop for several scenes. The tour also includes a visit to Blackness Castle, which was used as the setting for Fort William in the series.
Outlander Tours of Scotland
Outlander fans can experience the magic of the hit TV show by taking an Outlander bus tour in West Lothian. These tours take visitors on a journey through the stunning Scottish countryside, visiting filming locations and historical sites that inspired the show’s creators.
Private tours are available for those who prefer a more personalised experience, while Jacobite tours offer a chance to explore the Highlands and visit the iconic locations featured in the show.
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile is a great starting point for Outlander tours, with many tour companies offering pick-up services from the city centre. Visitors can also check reviews on Tripadvisor to find the best tour for their needs.
Books and Seasons
The Outlander Bus Tour West Lothian takes fans of the series on a journey through the Scottish landscapes that inspired the books and TV show. The tour covers various locations that are featured in different seasons of the show.
Season 2 of Outlander was based on the second book in Diana Gabaldon’s series, “Dragonfly in Amber.” The tour takes visitors to locations such as Linlithgow Palace, which was used as Wentworth Prison, and Hopetoun House, which was used as the Duke of Sandringham’s residence.
Season 5 of Outlander was based on the fifth book in the series, “The Fiery Cross.” The tour takes visitors to Midhope Castle, which was used as the exterior of Fraser’s Ridge, and Blackness Castle, which was used as the setting for the Ardsmuir Prison Camp.
Diana Gabaldon’s books are known for their intricate plotlines and detailed historical accuracy. The tour takes visitors to locations that are significant to the books, such as the Culloden Battlefield, which features in “Dragonfly in Amber” and “Voyager.”
Season 4 of Outlander was based on the fourth book in the series, “Drums of Autumn.” The tour takes visitors to locations such as Doune Castle, which was used as the exterior of River Run, and Culross, which was used as the setting for Claire’s herb garden.
Season 3 of Outlander was based on the third book in the series, “Voyager.” The tour takes visitors to locations such as Falkland, which was used as the setting for 1940s Inverness, and Dysart Harbour, which was used as the setting for the port of Le Havre.
Additional Attractions
In addition to the Outlander bus tour, West Lothian offers a range of attractions that are sure to delight visitors.
Scottish History
If you are interested in Scottish history, you won’t want to miss a visit to Linlithgow Palace. This stunning palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and was once a favourite residence of the Stuart monarchs. The palace is open to visitors year-round, and guided tours are available.
Battlefield
For those interested in battlefield history, the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge was fought in 1526, and the battlefield can still be seen today. Visitors can walk the battlefield and learn about the history of the battle and its significance.
Shopping
If you prefer shopping, the Livingston Designer Outlet is a must-visit destination. With over 70 stores, including designer brands such as Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, and Tommy Hilfiger, you’re sure to find something you love.
Hotels
If you’re looking for a place to stay, West Lothian has a range of hotels to suit all budgets. The Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel is a popular choice, with its stunning 16th-century tower and beautiful gardens.
Attractions
Other attractions in the area include the Five Sisters Zoo, where you can see a range of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears. The Almond Valley Heritage Centre is also worth a visit, with its interactive exhibits and farm animals.
Mary Queen of Scots
For fans of Mary Queen of Scots, a visit to Blackness Castle is a must. This stunning castle was used as a filming location in the Outlander series and was also used in the filming of Mary Queen of Scots.
Harry Potter
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, a visit to Glenfinnan Viaduct is a must. This stunning viaduct was used as a filming location in the Harry Potter films and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
James Bond
Finally, for fans of James Bond, a visit to Glencoe is a must. This stunning area was used as a filming location in Skyfall and offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.