Edinburgh and Outlander by Rail from London 3-Day Tour

Exploring Edinburgh and Outlander by Rail from London: A Practical, Authentic View

Traveling from London to Edinburgh for a 3-day adventure offers an enticing mix of history, scenery, and pop culture. This tour, organized by Evan Evans Tours, promises a balanced itinerary combining train travel, guided excursions, and free time to soak up Scotland’s capital.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the reserved train seats from London provide comfort and convenience. Second, the full-day Outlander Explorer Tour brings fans face-to-face with film locations and real castles. Lastly, the city hop-on hop-off bus helps travelers see Edinburgh at their own pace, covering key sights and hidden gems.

A possible drawback? Since the tour includes a mix of unescorted days and guided excursions, some might find the scheduling a little tight, especially if they want to linger longer at certain spots. Also, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues or young children under five, which is worth considering if you’re traveling with family.

This tour suits history buffs, Outlander fans, and travelers looking for a well-rounded taste of Scotland without the hassle of planning each step. If you enjoy comfortable train journeys combined with engaging sightseeing, this package might be just right.

Key Points

• Comfortable Rail Travel: Return train with reserved seats from London makes the journey relaxing.
• Historic Sites: Visits to Edinburgh Castle, the Stone of Destiny, and iconic castles bring Scottish history alive.
• Outlander Filming Locations: Explore Midhope Castle, Doune Castle, and Blackness Castle for fans of the series.
• Flexible City Exploration: The hop-on hop-off bus allows you to craft your own Edinburgh adventure.
• Guided Outlander Tour: A full-day, expert-led experience dives into filming locations and local stories.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments or very young children.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Journey from London to Edinburgh

The trip kicks off early, with a 7:00 am train from London King’s Cross, arriving at Edinburgh Waverley around 11:20 am. This timing offers ample opportunity to start exploring soon after arrival. The train ride itself is a highlight, with scenic views and comfortable reserved seating on LNER services. The journey lasts roughly four hours, allowing you to relax, read, or enjoy the passing landscape of the English and Scottish countryside.

While the train is unescorted on Days 1 and 3, the experience is straightforward — your e-tickets and itinerary arrive a week in advance, making check-in smooth. The return journey from Edinburgh departs at 5:30 pm and gets you back to London by 10:09 pm, fitting neatly into a 3-day schedule.

Day 1: Discovering Edinburgh

Arriving in Edinburgh, you’ll start with a ticket to Edinburgh Castle, perched atop Castle Rock, an extinct volcano. This fortress, over 1,100 years old, is a must-see for its commanding views and historic significance. Visitors note that the castle’s long military and royal past is brought to life through engaging stories, often shared by guides or informational plaques. One reviewer highlights the “impressive stones and stories” that make it a memorable introduction to Scottish history.

The hop-on hop-off guided bus tour is included and covers 14 key locations around the city. You can hop off at spots like Grassmarket, a lively historic marketplace with views of the castle, or John Knox House, a medieval building from the 15th century. The Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh, offers a regal glimpse into royal life.

The flexibility to hop off and explore at your own pace is a big plus—many travelers appreciated the full-day validity, allowing them to revisit favorite spots or relax without feeling rushed. Several reviews mention that the guide’s narratives add depth, sharing stories about Edinburgh’s past and cultural quirks.

Day 2: Outlander Filming Locations

The highlight for Outlander fans is the full-day Outlander Explorer Tour. Led by Highland Explorer Tours, the guide enriches your experience with historical context and behind-the-scenes trivia.

The day begins with a visit to Midhope Castle, the real-life Lallybroch, where Jamie Fraser’s home in the series is filmed. It’s a picturesque spot, with the castle’s ruins surrounded by lush greenery. Reviewers love the authenticity — “You feel like you’ve stepped right into the show,” one wrote.

Next, you’ll visit Doune Castle, a medieval marvel used as Castle Leoch in Outlander, and also famous for its appearances in Game of Thrones and Monty Python. The castle’s well-preserved state makes it easy to imagine its former glory, and the guide shares fascinating stories about its use in filming.

A lunch break in Culross offers a charming village experience, standing in for Cranesmuir in the series. Many visitors appreciate Culross’s authentic 17th and 18th-century architecture, which creates a believable Scottish village setting. Some mention the village’s quiet, almost cinematic feel, perfect for Outlander fans.

The tour concludes at Blackness Castle, which doubled as Fort William in the series. It’s a dramatic setting overlooking the Firth of Forth, with spectacular views of the Forth Bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors often comment on the awe-inspiring scenery and the opportunity to walk through a real castle with a story.

The guided day is packed but well-paced, with plenty of time to appreciate each site. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and the depth of storytelling, making it a truly enriching experience.

Day 3: Exploring Edinburgh at Your Own Pace

The final day offers you free rein to revisit favorite spots or discover new ones. Many travelers enjoy walking the medieval streets of Old Town, soaking in the atmosphere of narrow alleyways and historic courtyards. The Stone of Destiny, used in Scottish royal coronations, is accessible on Castle Hill, and standing there gives a tangible connection to history.

Others prefer to explore New Town’s elegant Georgian architecture, or ascend Calton Hill for panoramic views of the city. It’s a fantastic way to see Edinburgh from above and snap some memorable photos.

For last-minute shopping or sightseeing, this day allows flexibility. The tour’s structure ensures travelers can leave with a well-rounded impression, whether it’s a castle visit, a walk through history, or simply relaxing in a cozy café.

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Overall Value and Practical Insights

This 3-day tour balances sightseeing with comfort, making it a practical choice for those wanting a curated experience without the hassle of independent planning. The return train journey adds a layer of convenience, and the full-day guided Outlander tour provides depth for fans and history enthusiasts alike.

While the absence of a dedicated tour guide on Days 1 and 3 means you’ll need to navigate on your own, the included tickets and detailed information make self-exploration straightforward. The hop-on hop-off bus offers great flexibility, and the castles’ entry fees are included, maximizing your budget.

The tour’s pricing is reasonable considering the combination of transportation, guided excursions, and castle entries. Many travelers found it offers good value, especially those interested in Outlander or Scottish castles. The small group size and knowledgeable guides (particularly on Day 2) enhance the overall experience, making it more engaging and personal.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re a history buff, a pop-culture fan of Outlander, or simply someone who wants a comfortable yet immersive taste of Edinburgh and its surrounds, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate a mix of guided insights and free exploration, and who value scenic views and authentic sites.

Keep in mind, it’s not suited for those with mobility issues or very young children, as some sites involve walking or uneven terrain. Also, if you want to spend more than a day exploring Edinburgh or prefer a more independent trip, you might consider extending your stay or customizing your schedule.

The Sum Up

This Edinburgh and Outlander by Rail tour offers a well-rounded package for those eager to combine Scottish history, stunning castles, and Outlander magic in just three days. The comfortable train journey, strategic sightseeing stops, and expert guides on Day 2 make it a thoughtful, engaging experience.

Travelers looking for convenience without sacrificing depth will find that the mix of self-guided and guided elements strikes a good balance. The inclusion of major landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the castles featured in Outlander ensures you’ll walk away with a genuine sense of Scotland’s history and cinematic charm.

In short, if you’re after a value-packed, authentic, and memorable glimpse into Edinburgh and its Outlander connections, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a structured yet flexible itinerary and appreciate good storytelling paired with scenic views.

FAQ

Is the train journey comfortable? Yes, the return train from London to Edinburgh is with reserved seats on LNER, ensuring a comfortable and relaxed ride with scenic views along the way.

What’s included in the tour? Your package includes return train tickets, entrance to Edinburgh Castle, a hop-on hop-off guided bus tour, and a full-day Outlander Explorer Tour with visits to Midhope, Doune, and Blackness Castles.

Are there any restrictions? The tour is not suitable for children under five, and it’s not accessible for travelers with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

How flexible is the free time? You have the entire afternoon on Day 3 to explore Edinburgh at your leisure, whether that’s revisiting sites, shopping, or relaxing.

Can I see all main attractions in one day? The itinerary is designed for a 3-day experience, so it’s best to spread out the highlights to avoid rushing. Day 1 and 3 are primarily free for personal exploration.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a camera, snacks, and water are recommended to make your days more enjoyable.

Is there a guide on Day 1 and 3? No, Days 1 and 3 are unescorted, but detailed information and tickets are provided ahead of time.

What if some castles are closed? The itinerary may be adjusted if Midhope Castle or Doune Castle are closed for filming, but alternative arrangements will be made.

How long does the Outlander tour last? The full-day guided Outlander experience typically involves visits to three key locations, with enough time at each to enjoy the scenery and learn from guides.

Is this tour good value? Considering transportation, entrance fees, and expert guides, many find it offers a good balance of price and memorable experiences, especially for Outlander fans and history lovers.

This detailed review aims to give you the full picture, helping you decide if this tour aligns with your Scottish adventure dreams. From historic castles to cinematic locations and scenic train rides, it’s designed to leave a lasting impression of Edinburgh and its storybook charm.

You can check availability for your dates here: