5 Famous Outlander Locations in Edinburgh

Explore the real history of Outlander on an Edinburgh Outlander Experience tour.  

Outlander season 7 part 2 returns this week. After this, the hit show will be heading into its final season sometime in 2025, wrapping up the beloved story of Claire and Jamie. 

Already worried about Outlander withdrawal? Have no fear: we’ve compiled a list of several Edinburgh locations featured in (or connected to) the show that you can visit any time.  

*Spoiler alert* If you haven’t finished past season 3 yet, save this in your bookmarks for later! 

 

1. Bakehouse Close  

Step back in time and relive the romantic reunion between Claire and Jamie. Bakehouse Close (renamed Carfax Close in the series) was the site of Alexander Malcolm’s print shop in season three.  

Situated on the Edinburgh Royal Mile, both Bakehouse Close and Tweeddale Court (more on that next) can be found right in the middle of Old Town: a perfect place to visit as you take in the beauty of the city!

 

2. Tweeddale Court 

Tweeddale Court is a peaceful and rather hidden location. Here, you can find a section of the King’s Wall, one of the four town walls of Edinburgh. It dates to the 15th century. 

In Outlander, it was transformed into the scene of a busy and bustling marketplace. Soon after their reunion, Claire accompanies Jamie here. And it is here that they subsequently run into Fergus, an orphan who is like a son to Jamie. 

 

3. Craigmillar Castle 

Craigmillar Castle is a must-see if you’re travelling to Edinburgh. Easily reachable from Edinburgh’s city centre the site has links to Mary, Queen of Scots.  

In Outlander, the castle plays host to Ardsmuir Prison after the Jacobite rising. Jamie, who is himself a senior Jacobite, is held there alongside others after he fought against the English. He later makes an escape. 

 

4. Signet Library 

This beautiful and historic building was a Jamaican mansion belonging to the governor in Outlander.  

In real life, it is a research centre and library located at Parliament Square, right next to our favourite monument: the Mercat Cross.  

It’s also home to the Society of Writers to His Majesty’s Signet made up of only lawyers/solicitors. The society is one of the oldest of its kind in the world. In Outlander, Ned Gowan just so happens to be a former member of this exclusive group.  

 

  

5. Palace of Holyrood 

Situated at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle is the Palace of Holyrood, once residence to royals like Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth II.  

Bonnie Prince Charlie lived here on his trip to Edinburgh in 1745. Though he failed to gain Edinburgh Castle—which was highly protected by the Hanoverians—he still received a warm welcome as thousands of Jacobites flooded the Royal Mile.  

In Outlander, Jamie and Claire reside in the palace with Bonnie Prince Charlie. While there, they try to convince him to stop the ongoing fighting at Culloden.  

It was the massive Jacobite defeat at Culloden in 1746 that led to the prince’s exile in real life and ended his tenure at the palace. 

  

Bonus: Edinburgh Castle 

Okay, so Edinburgh Castle wasn’t used in filming for the Outlander series. But it’s a historically important location that connects to some of your favourite characters. 

Remember the name Geillis Duncan? Well, the real Geillis Duncan (who served as inspiration for Diana Gabaldon) was just a young girl when she was accused of witchcraft in 1589.  

She, along with hundreds other women, was executed here at the Edinburgh Castle esplanade. 

  

If you enjoyed this blog and would like to visit some of the sites written about, why not go on an Edinburgh Outlander Experience tour on your next visit? Join our expert Storytellers as they weave the story of Outlander into the real history of Edinburgh.