Outlander Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town

Outlander Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town: An In-Depth Review

If you’re a fan of the Outlander series or just love exploring Edinburgh’s historic streets through a lens of Scottish storytelling, this Outlander Walking Tour promises an engaging experience. While we haven’t personally taken the tour, the mix of detailed reviews, the carefully curated itinerary, and the passionate guides suggest it’s a compelling way to step into the series’ world while uncovering Edinburgh’s charm.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines film-location sightseeing, historical storytelling, and a small-group atmosphere that makes for a personal, relaxed stroll. The inclusion of lesser-visited parts of the Old Town ensures you’ll get a more intimate look at Edinburgh, often missed by larger crowds.

However, one point to consider is the tour’s timing—running in the evening can result in darker surroundings, especially in fall or winter. If you’re eager to see Holyroodhouse fully lit up, a daytime option might suit you better. This tour is perfect for Outlander fans, history buffs, and travelers who enjoy walking tours with a storytelling twist.

Key Points

• Filming Locations: Visit iconic Outlander sites in Edinburgh’s Old Town without the hassle of research.
• Historical Insights: Learn about the Jacobite era and life in Edinburgh from a knowledgeable guide.
• Small Group: Enjoy personalized attention with no more than 12 participants.
• Authentic Experience: Explore parts of Edinburgh often missed by travelers.
• Flexible for All Weather: Operates regardless of weather, but dress appropriately.
• Ideal for Fans: Perfect for those wanting a mix of TV magic and Scottish history.

The Tour Experience: What to Expect

Starting Point: St Giles’ Cathedral

The tour kicks off at St Giles’ Cathedral, right on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. While only about five minutes of the tour involve this iconic spot, it’s a fitting starting point, and often a landmark you’re likely to visit anyway. The guide will share snippets of Edinburgh’s medieval past and set the scene for the series’ filming locations nearby. A fellow reviewer mentioned the guide’s ability to share both Outlander insights and historical facts, making the experience richer.

John Knox House Museum and Filming Spots

Next, the group heads to the John Knox House, a historic building with roots dating back to the 15th century. Here, you’ll see the nearby close used for the reunion scene with Claire and Fergus in the TV series. This location is a highlight for fans who recognize it immediately from the show. One reviewer remarked how the guide’s storytelling made these spots come alive, bringing both the fictional and real histories into sharper focus.

Bakehouse Close and the Printshop

A short walk leads to Bakehouse Close, one of Edinburgh’s atmospheric alleys that feature prominently in Outlander. This is where you’ll see the steps of the printshop—an important location in the series. The guide might point out details like the cobblestones and narrow alleyways that amplify the historic feel. Travelers have mentioned how the guide’s commentary made it easy to imagine the characters walking these streets.

Palace of Holyroodhouse and Bonnie Prince Charlie

The Palace of Holyroodhouse is a major stop, both historically and in the series. While the tour doesn’t include entry—so you’ll need to visit separately if you want to explore inside—the guide offers engaging stories about Bonnie Prince Charlie and his time at the palace, tying in both real history and its role in the novels. Some reviews note that the tour ends outside this royal residence, leaving plenty of time for further exploration.

Canongate Kirk and Final Stops

The last stop is Canongate Kirk, a church steeped in fictional and real significance. You might recall key events from the novels happening here, and your guide will explain the storylines connected to this historic site. The tour concludes outside the palace, making it a natural spot to continue wandering Edinburgh’s historic streets on your own.

Navigating the Details: Price, Duration, and Group Size

At $404.42 per group (up to 8 people), the price might seem steep at first glance. But considering the insider access and personalized attention, many would say the value justifies the cost. The 1 hour 30-minute walking duration keeps the pace brisk yet manageable, perfect for those wanting a focused experience without a full day commitment.

The small-group format—with no more than a dozen participants—ensures you get personal stories from your guide, who is often a passionate Outlander fan herself. One reviewer noted how the guide, Sam, provided a wealth of information about both the filming sites and Edinburgh’s history*, making the tour both educational and fun.

Practical Tips

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, so dress comfortably and be prepared for rain or shine.
• Comfortable walking shoes are a must, given the cobbled streets and uneven surfaces.
• Since no transportation or entry fees are included, plan ahead if you wish to visit Holyroodhouse or other attractions afterward.
• The meeting point is centrally located on High Street, accessible by public transit—making it easy to join without hassle.

Authenticities and Reviewer Insights

Multiple reviewers praised the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides. For example, one mentioned how the guide, Sam, not only provided detailed insights into the series’ filming locations but also shared fascinating historical stories about Edinburgh’s past. Another reviewer appreciated that the tour balanced Outlander-specific sites with broader Scottish history, making it engaging whether you’re a fan or just curious about the city.

Some reviewers also pointed out the value for money: for the price, you get a dedicated guide, personalized attention, and access to locations that are often overlooked. The small size of the group contributed significantly to the experience, allowing questions and interaction.

A few noted that the tour might be less suitable during the darker winter months if visibility is an issue, as one reviewer complained about visiting Holyrood in the pitch dark. We’d recommend daylight hours if photography or sightseeing views are important to you.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideally suited for Outlander fans eager to step behind the scenes and see the show’s filming locations in an authentic setting. History buffs who enjoy Scottish stories will find the narrative compelling, especially with the guide’s ability to connect filming sites with historical facts.

It’s also great for travelers who prefer small-group outings and want a more personal experience rather than large, impersonal tours. If you enjoy walking through Edinburgh’s ancient streets, discovering hidden corners, and hearing stories about the city’s past, this tour is a perfect fit.

However, if you’re looking for a quick, all-in-one sightseeing tour with transportation included, or want to visit interior sites like Holyroodhouse, you might want to supplement this experience with additional visits.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, and most travelers can participate, making it family-friendly as long as the kids enjoy walking and stories.

How long does the tour last? The tour runs approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, which is enough to see several key locations without feeling rushed.

Do I need to prepare or bring anything? Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Since the tour operates in all weather, be prepared for rain or shine.

Are entry tickets included? No, admission to Holyroodhouse and other sites is not included, so plan to purchase tickets separately if you wish to explore inside.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins at St Giles’ Cathedral on High Street and ends outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

The Outlander Walking Tour of Edinburgh’s Old Town combines fan-favorite filming locations with rich historical context, all delivered in a friendly, intimate setting. It’s a wonderful way to deepen your appreciation of both the series and Edinburgh itself, especially if you enjoy storytelling and exploring on foot.

While the price may be on the higher side, the small group setting and knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile investment for those eager to understand the series’ Scottish roots and see the city through a unique lens. Whether you’re a dedicated Outlander fan or a curious traveler eager to uncover Edinburgh’s hidden stories, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience that’s both entertaining and educational.

In summary, this tour is best suited for Outlander enthusiasts, history lovers, and those who appreciate a personalized, small-group walking experience. It’s a fantastic way to see Edinburgh’s historic streets, connect with the series’ locations, and learn fascinating stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Just remember to dress for the weather and set aside enough time to explore Holyroodhouse or other nearby attractions afterward.