Stirling Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, was not used as a filming location for the hit TV series Outlander. However, several other historic sites near Stirling were featured prominently in the show, making the area a popular destination for Outlander fans.
Locations Used in Outlander Near Stirling
While Stirling Castle itself did not make an appearance in Outlander, several other nearby castles and historic sites were used as filming locations for the series. Here’s a closer look at some of the key Outlander filming locations near Stirling:
Doune Castle
Doune Castle, a 14th-century castle located just 8 miles from Stirling, was used to depict Castle Leoch, the seat of the Clan MacKenzie, in the Outlander series. This well-preserved castle has a long and storied history, having served as a royal residence, a military stronghold, and even a filming location for other popular shows like Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Culross
The historic Royal Burgh of Culross, located just 30 minutes from Stirling, was used to represent the fictional village of Cranesmuir in Outlander. This picturesque town, with its cobbled streets and well-preserved 16th and 17th-century buildings, provided the perfect backdrop for scenes featuring Geillis Duncan and her husband Arthur.
Linlithgow Palace
Linlithgow Palace, a 15th-century palace located just 20 miles from Stirling, was used to depict the prison entrance and corridors where Jamie was imprisoned in Episode 15 of Outlander.
Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle, a 15th-century fortress located on the shores of the Firth of Forth, was used to represent Fort William, the headquarters of the villainous Black Jack Randall, in the Outlander series.
Aberdour Castle
Aberdour Castle, a 12th-century castle located on the Fife coast, was used to depict the French monastery Sainte Anne de Beaupré, where Jamie seeks refuge in Episode 16 of Outlander.
Why Were These Locations Chosen?
The Stirling area was an ideal filming location for Outlander due to its abundance of well-preserved historic sites and its proximity to other key filming locations. The castles and towns in the region provided the perfect backdrop for the show’s 18th-century setting, with their authentic architecture and picturesque landscapes.
Additionally, the Stirling area has a rich history of its own, with Stirling Castle serving as a former royal residence and the site of several important battles, including the Battle of Stirling Bridge and the Battle of Bannockburn. This historical significance added an extra layer of authenticity to the Outlander filming locations.
Visiting the Outlander Filming Locations Near Stirling
For fans of Outlander, visiting the filming locations near Stirling is a must-do activity. Many of the sites offer guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the castles and towns featured in the show and learn more about their history and significance.
Here’s a quick overview of some of the key Outlander filming locations near Stirling and what visitors can expect:
| Location | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Doune Castle | Guided tours of the castle, including the courtyard, great hall, and other key areas featured in Outlander. |
| Culross | Explore the historic town’s cobbled streets and well-preserved 16th and 17th-century buildings, including the town square and Mercat Cross. |
| Linlithgow Palace | Guided tours of the palace, including the prison entrance and corridors where Jamie was imprisoned. |
| Blackness Castle | Guided tours of the fortress, including the areas used to depict Fort William. |
| Aberdour Castle | Guided tours of the castle, including the areas used to represent the French monastery Sainte Anne de Beaupré. |
In addition to these filming locations, the Stirling area offers a wealth of other historic sites and attractions for visitors to explore, including Stirling Castle itself, the Wallace Monument, and the Bannockburn Heritage Centre.
Conclusion
While Stirling Castle was not used as a filming location for Outlander, the Stirling area has played a significant role in the show’s production, with several nearby historic sites serving as key filming locations. For fans of the series, visiting these locations is a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Outlander and explore the rich history of Scotland.