Outlander 8-Day Rail and Trail Journey from Manchester
Traverse beautiful Scottish landscapes on the Outlander 8-Day Rail and Trail Journey from Manchester. Discover the country that inspired the story.
It was during a visit to Scotland that Diana Gabaldon first came up with the idea for her historical romance novels. Immersing herself in the stunning natural scenery and the ancient surroundings, she formed the initial ideas for her renowned book series. Now, as her words are brought to life on-screen, the Scottish landscape has again become a vital part of the drama. Its verdant glens and imposing castles offer more than just a backdrop but help to propel the characters’ journeys.
Quick view
Locations
A. Meeting point: Manchester Airport Train Station
B. Meeting Point: Manchester Piccadilly Train Station
C. Meeting point: Penrith train station
D. Penrith Castle
E. Ullswater
F. Keswick
G. Windermere
H. Hawkshead
I. Whinlatter Pass
J. Honister Pass
K. Pick-up area: Edinburgh city centre
L. Culross / Cranesmuir
M. Falkland / Inverness
N. Culloden Battlefield
O. Castle Leod
P. Glen Affric Holiday Park
Q. Fort William
R. Glencoe
S. Doune Castle / Castle Leoch
T. Meeting Point: Edinburgh Bus Station
Tour details
Full description
Now you have the chance to experience them for yourself!
The Outlander 8-Day Rail and Trail Journey from Manchester offers an in-depth look into historical Scotland. Guiding you through the country’s many natural and ancient wonders, this tour lets you follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie Fraser. Visiting many iconic filming locations, you’ll be able to relive your favourite Outlander scenes.
The Outlander 8-Day Rail and Trail Journey from Manchester also takes in the best of England’s natural beauty.
Before making the trip up north, you’ll first get to experience the lush surroundings of England’s Lake District National Park in Cumbria. You’ll spend a few days here, taking in the spectacular natural settings. Gaze upon Ullswater lake, among others, and visit the ancient Castlerigg Stone Circle. Then, take a stroll through the woods in Whinlatter Forest Park, and see the views from up high on the Honister Mountain Pass.
From the countryside you’ll travel to the city, getting the opportunity to experience the wonderful streetscapes of Edinburgh. Here you’ll be able to wander about at your own leisure. You can take in all the main tourist attractions, or just relax in a quaint coffee shop and watch the day go by.
Then it’s time to explore the sites of Outlander’s most famous scenes!
The Outlander 8-Day Rail and Trail Journey from Manchester makes sure to bring you to the most recognisable locations from the TV series. You’ll get to see the real-life settings that became Cranesmuir and 1940s Inverness. As well as the Newtonmore Highland Folk Museum, where the replica 18th-century village came in handy for shooting period scenes. You’ll also see memorials to the Jacobite Risings, like the Culloden battlefield, and the Glenfinnan Monument.
And of course, no Outlander tour would be complete without visiting some castles. On this 8-day trip, you’ll stop at Castle Leod, Duone Castle, and Blackness Castle. All of which either feature in the TV series or inspired locations from the story.
Locations (20)
1. Meeting point: Manchester Airport Train Station
2. Meeting Point: Manchester Piccadilly Train Station
3. Meeting point: Penrith train station
4. Penrith Castle
5. Ullswater
6. Keswick
7. Windermere
8. Hawkshead
9. Whinlatter Pass
10. Honister Pass
11. Pick-up area: Edinburgh city centre
12. Culross / Cranesmuir
The picturesque village of Culross has been around since the 17th century, featuring a mustard yellow palace, rustic village homes and is lined with idyllic cobbled streets. Culross is the setting for Cranesmuir used in many scenes of the Outlander series.
Culross first appeared in season 1, painted as a dull and grey looking town during filming. After shooting the Outlander scenes, the village was painted back to its original white colour. In the centre of Culross we find the town square with the Mercat Cross and the home of Geillis Duncan in Cranesmuir. This is where Geillis was sentenced to burn as a witch and where Jamie and Claire rescued the young thief when his ear was pinned to a post.
13. Falkland / Inverness
The small and quiet Scottish village of Falkland has streets lined with stone cottages which have been around since the 17th and 18th centuries. The village is home to 28 listed buildings, one of which includes the historic Falkland Palace. Falkland serves as Inverness in the TV series, because Inverness was unsuitable for filming as the buildings and streets were too modern, which was far from the look and feel needed for the show.
We first see Falkland when Claire and Frank arrive in Outlander’s Inverness for their second honeymoon. Here they meet Reverend Wakefield the local minister, and Mrs Baird the owner of the bed and breakfast. Falkland featured streets such as Rotten Row, Sharps Close and Brunton Street. A house in Brunton Street is where Mary Hawkins cared for sick Alex Randall at McGilvrey’s Boarding House.
14. Culloden Battlefield
15. Castle Leod
16. Glen Affric Holiday Park
17. Fort William
18. Glencoe
19. Doune Castle / Castle Leoch
Doune Castle was built in the 14th century to seat Scotland’s uncrowned King Regent Albany, and the medieval courtyards of the castle showcase the regent’s rich tastes. The castle has one of Scotland’s best-preserved great halls and a stunning 100ft (30m) gatehouse.
Doune Castle served as the setting for Outlander’s Castle Leoch and is highlighted in several key scenes across the first season of the show. In the 18th century episodes, Castle Leoch is the home of Colum Mackenzie and his clan. At the beginning of the series, Claire and Frank pay a visit to Castle Leoch on a day trip, only to discover the castle is in ruins. Doune Castle also hosted the scene where Claire, Jamie and Dougal’s party approach the castle courtyard.
Doune Castle is more than just the home of Castle Leoch, as it was also the backdrop of Winterfell in the GOT TV series and was also seen in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
20. Meeting Point: Edinburgh Bus Station
Check in 15 minutes before departure at
Edinburgh Bus Station, Gate J and Gate K,
St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH1 3DQ
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