Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour

Outty Ranking 45 3.0 · 5 traveler reviews1 hoursFrom $12
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Outty Ranking

45/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.0/5

Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour worth booking?

Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour is a 1-hour experience in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, from $12 per person. It scores 45 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3/5 rating across 5 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
45 / 100
Rating
3/5 (5)
Duration
1 hours
From
$12 per person

Welcome to Jule's Outlander tour of Edinburgh! Are you a fan of the hit TV series? This is the perfect opportunity to step back in time and experience the world of Outlander for yourself. Join Jule, your passionate and knowledgeable guide, on a self-guided tour of Edinburgh's famous filming locations and discover the history and folklore behind the Jacobite uprisings. Explore the historic Old Town and follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie as you discover the hidden corners of Edinburgh that served as the backdrop for this epic tale. Along the way, Jule will share fascinating stories about Scotland's past and introduce you to the mythical creatures and legends that inspired the Outlander series. You'll be transported to a different time and place, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Scotland. By the end of the tour, you'll have gained a deeper understanding of the Jacobite uprisings and the lasting impact they had on this beautiful country.

What you get

    About this experience

    Welcome to Jule's Outlander tour of Edinburgh! Are you a fan of the hit TV series? This is the perfect opportunity to step back in time and experience the world of Outlander for yourself. Join Jule, your passionate and knowledgeable guide, on a self-guided tour of Edinburgh's famous filming locations and discover the history and folklore behind the Jacobite uprisings. Explore the historic Old Town and follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie as you discover the hidden corners of Edinburgh that served as the backdrop for this epic tale. Along the way, Jule will share fascinating stories about Scotland's past and introduce you to the mythical creatures and legends that inspired the Outlander series. You'll be transported to a different time and place, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Scotland. By the end of the tour, you'll have gained a deeper understanding of the Jacobite uprisings and the lasting impact they had on this beautiful country.

    What's included

    Included

    • Jule will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!)
    • An email with instructions to activate your tour (booking reference isn't the code!)
    • Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need
    • 3 weeks unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app
    • Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour

    Not included

    • In-person Guide
    • Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour

    What you'll see and do

    1. Writers' Museum

      The beautiful building across the square is the Scottish Writer’s Museum. As you’ll know, Outlander was a book series first (published in the 1990s), before becoming the popular TV show that it is now. So, it is quite fitting to start our tour at a place that celebrates Edinburgh’s literary legacy.

      10 minutes here

    2. Scott Monument

      This is the Sir Walter Scott Monument, the largest monument to an author anywhere in the world. As you know, Sir Walter Scott’s novels focused in particular on the Jacobite uprisings, and as Outlander fans you will definitely have heard of them before. But who were the Jacobites? Discover the history and stories behind the Jacobites with Jule.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Heart of Midlothian

      This beautiful cobblestone heart is called the Heart of Midlothian. Discover why this landmark is important both for the city and Outlander in our tour.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. You have arrived at the first Outlander filming location of the tour, the Signet Library. You will learn about this location and what was used for in the TV Series. And if you are curious to see what it looks like on the inside, the Signet Library is open for afternoon tea!

      15 minutes here

    5. This courtyard is called Parliament Square, because of the building opposite the cathedral, the old parliament of Edinburgh. Now used as the civil law court of Scotland, this is where the Scottish parliament met up until 1707.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Mercat Cross

      The structure with the unicorn on top of the pillar is the Mercat Cross. In this place stood a Mercat Cross since 1215, and the original one would have been made of wood. Discover why this landmark is important both for the city and our beloved Outlander TV Series.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. We got to another exciting Outlander filming spot! Can you guess what was this courtyard used for? And in which Season was it? Discover this and the historical relevance of why these scenes were important for Edinburgh, Scotland and the United Kingdom (yes, it is related to the Jacobites but also to a specific King).

      5 minutes here

    8. Calton Hill

      The hill on the other side of the valley, with the castle-like structure on top of it, is Calton Hill. If you look a bit to the right, you might even be able to see the stone pillars that resemble the Parthenon in Athens. Calton Hill is Edinburgh’s Faerie hill. Discover why these tales are related to our TV Series Outlander as the historical importance they have.

      10 minutes here

    9. The World's End

      This pub marks the old city gates of Edinburgh. If you look down towards the middle of the road, you can see the old gates, called the Netherbow Port, outlined in golden cobblestones. If you were to follow the road opposite you (St Mary’s Street), you would also get to some of the last remaining parts of the Flodden Wall, the old city wall of Edinburgh.

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Canongate Kirk

      This church is the royal church in Edinburgh – it has been associated with the royal family since the Glorious revolution in 1688. When Queen Elizabeth II came on her yearly visit to Edinburgh, this is where she would worship.

      10 minutes here

    11. Bakehouse Close

      You may recognise this lovely alley from Outlander, which is called Carfax Close. Probably the emblem of Outlander in Edinburgh and why most fans visit this city. Discover the historical significance of this place and its parallel story in Outlander and the Jacobites' uprising.

      10 minutes here

    12. We have now reached Holyrood Palace, the Scottish royal seat. This is where the King, or any member of the royal family, stays when they visit Edinburgh. Discover why this place was so important in the Outlander book and series. Which King do you think is named to hold residence in this palace at that time?

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Edinburgh

    All our tours are self-guided. You will be led by the GPS in the app. Remember to check the "Before You Go" Section of your ticket and give Pandemic Tours App access to your location!

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The tour finishes at Holyrood Palace, at the end of the Royal Mile and near Edinburgh's Old Town Centre.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Exploro Limited

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Check the "Before You Go" Section of your ticket!

    Photos

    Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour, photo 2Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour, photo 3Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour, photo 4Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour, photo 5Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour, photo 6Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    1 mention

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    5 verified traveler reviews for Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
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    Tourist60174549016 · May 2026

    Nice self-guided walk, very atmospheric even in bad weather

    Did this self-guided Outlander tour around the Old Town and Royal Mile. It was easy to follow and the filming locations were fun to spot, especially if you’ve seen the show. There’s a good mix of Outlander references and real Jacobite history, so it doesn’t feel too “fan service” heavy. Weather wasn’t great when I did it, classic Edinburgh drizzle, but it kind of worked with the vibe. Overall, a simple but enjoyable walk with some interesting context.

    Response from the operator: "Classic Edinburgh drizzle" setting the mood for an Outlander walk might just be the most on-brand weather possible! We're really pleased the balance of show references and real Jacobite history landed well — our guide works hard to keep it grounded in actual history rather than leaning too far into fan service. Thank you for the lovely write-up, rain and all.

    via Tripadvisor

    dores111 · December 2025

    Don't trust a tour that forces you to download apps that don't work

    I did not visit since it was not possible to download the link to have access to audio guide and gps. Never buy activities with this operator again

    Response from the operator: We’re sorry to hear about your frustration, but this review does not reflect how our service works. Thousands of travellers download and use this tour every month without issue, and when someone has difficulty, our support team is available through email, WhatsApp, and phone — none of which we received from you prior to this review. The link and the app were fully functional on the day of your booking, and your access code was never redeemed. In self-guided experiences like ours, it’s essential to follow the instructions provided on the booking page and in the confirmation email. If you still wish to use the tour you purchased, or if you need help getting started, we will gladly assist you directly. Please contact us through TripAdvisor/Viator messages, email or phone so we can solve this properly.

    via Tripadvisor (translated)

    Gregory_J · July 2025

    Look elsewhere for a true Outlander experience

    The Outlander series was mentioned in passing with a summary of the different sites we stopped at. What the tour needed was a mention of which scenes from which episode the significance of each site had.

    Response from the operator: Hi Gregory, Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We're genuinely sorry to hear that the tour didn’t meet your expectations. The intention of our Outlander tour is to combine real Edinburgh history with references to the show, highlighting places that inspired the series rather than filming locations exclusively — as many of those are spread across Scotland. That said, your feedback is valid, and we’ll review the script to see where we can include clearer references to specific scenes and episodes. We're always aiming to improve, and comments like yours help us grow. We hope you’ll give us another try in the future. Warm regards,

    via Viator

    974valentinax · November 2024

    Great Outlander Fan Experience

    A must do for any Outlander fan 😍 Would definitely recommend it to anyone hwo likes the show- easy to use, download and very clear instructions

    Response from the operator: Thank you, Valentina! Thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Outlander experience in Edinburgh. It’s always fantastic to know we've made a fellow fan's day! Keep exploring and who knows where the next tour might take you!

    via Tripadvisor

    Heather_E · May 2024

    Underwhelmed

    The tour is less about Outlander and more about the Jacobite Rising. It’s very difficult to do the tour when there are a lot of people about. You’re constantly stopping and stepping out of the way to listen or figure out where you’re supposed to be. I never found Bakerhouse Close.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We're sorry to hear that the tour didn't meet your expectations. We strive to provide an immersive experience for Outlander fans, and we regret that the busy atmosphere detracted from your visit. We'll work on improving our directions and highlight quieter times for a better experience. As for Bakerhouse Close, we'll make sure our maps are clearer. We appreciate your insights and hope to offer you a more enjoyable experience in the future.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Exploro Limited, who run 8 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.7.

    See everything Exploro Limited runs

    Why this scores 45

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)61
    Review evidence (18% weight)22
    Booking momentum (14% weight)16
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)5
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Edinburgh.

    How much does Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour cost?

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    Prices start at $12 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Edinburgh usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour take?

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    Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Edinburgh is not rushed.

    Is Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 45 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Edinburgh, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour?

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    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour?

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    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Edinburgh can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Edinburgh and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Edinburgh within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Edinburgh?

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    On Outty we rank every Edinburgh experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Chocolatarium Chocolate Tour Experience in Edinburgh, The Mountebank Comedy Walk of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Old Town: Historical Guided Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Edinburgh?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Edinburgh?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour?

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    Included: Jule will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!); An email with instructions to activate your tour (booking reference isn't the code!); Audio guide, videos, pictures, recommendations and all the info you need; 3 weeks unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app; and Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour. Not included: In-person Guide; and Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour?

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    All our tours are self-guided. You will be led by the GPS in the app. Remember to check the "Before You Go" Section of your ticket and give Pandemic Tours App access to your location! Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Edinburgh. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour?

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    Across 5 reviews averaging 3.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Edinburgh Outlander Self-Guided Private Tour.

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