As you watch the new season of the Starz hit series Outlander, we know what you'll be thinking: How can I live my best Claire Fraser life? Not forever, of course, because who wants to travel through time over and over again? No one, because it sounds exhausting. But you probably wouldn't mind being married to Jamie, right? Or wearing some of those dope dresses with all the bows and lace? Or, most important of all: traveling through the Highlands on your own Outlander adventure.
Well, we can help you with at least one of these things.
We've compiled a list of Scottish destinations die-hard Outlander fans (or, really, anyone who enjoys a good vacation) will love. This includes a trip to the real Craig Na Dune, shopping in Iverness, and visiting the chapel where Claire and Jamie were married. We've even given some love to places mentioned only in the books — for those OG Outlander fans.
So if you've been dying to hit up Scotland and visit all your favorite Outlander locations, click ahead to start planning your trip.
Turas math dhut! (Bon voyage!)
Where To Stay: The Covenanter Hotel
If you’re going to vacation like you’re Claire (Beauchamp Randall) Fraser, then you’re going to need some Claire-worthy accommodations, yes? Why not book a room at the very bed and breakfast where Claire and Frank stay at the beginning of the series? In real life, Mrs. Baird’s B&B is The Covenanter Hotel, built in the 17th century, and it's located in the small town of Falkland, about 120 miles from Inverness. Rooms start at $62 a night with breakfast, and the hotel looks just as cozy on the website as it does during Frank and Claire’s second honeymoon.
If the Covenanter is all booked up (or you prefer to stay in Inverness), there are plenty of other B&Bs for your Outlander vacay. They may not have Mrs. Baird, but they've got tons of atmosphere.
Places To Visit: Inverness
Claire’s journey begins in Inverness while on her second honeymoon with her 1940s husband, Frank. The real life Inverness is a beautiful city in the Highlands, about 150 miles from Edinburgh and set on the lovely River Ness. You can eat local game and fresh salmon, check out the famous Inverness Castle, and visit local museums. You won’t have to choose between two husbands in two different time periods, but you will have to choose where to eat and which sights to see first.
Things To Do: Visit The Highland Archive Centre
In the first episode of Outlander, we see Frank visit the Highland Archive Centre in search of information about his family history. It’s where he learns about his absolutely heinous ancestor, Captain Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall. You can visit the real Highland Archive Centre and trace your own family history. For $17 per day, you can book one of the centre’s four family history rooms. There are also volunteers available to help you Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Places To Visit: Clava Cairns
Every Outlander fan knows that Claire was transported through time after touching the sacred stones at Craig Na Dune. What you may not know is that Craig Na Dune does not exist. Sorry to burst your bubble. But there’s good news: You can visit the inspiration for the Craig Na Dune stones — the Clava Cairns, a.k.a. the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Bulnuaran of Clava. Part of the few sacred stone ruins in Scotland, this is a group of three Bronze Age cairns a 20-minute drive from Inverness, and it dates back 2,000 years. The only catch? We can’t guarantee it will sweep you back in time to meet the true love of your life.
Things To Do: Shop Edinburgh’s Famous Royal Mile & The Old Town
The Royal Mile is where Claire and Jamie reunite after 20 years. And today it happens to be a major tourist destination. But don’t let the crowds scare you off: The Royal Mile is a great shopping stop. There are tons of stores where you can find awesome tartan, high-quality cashmere, and rich fudge. There’s even a kilt-maker to help you — or your S.O. — channel your inner Jamie Fraser.
Things To Do: Tour The Palace Of Holyroodhouse
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, but it also plays a key role in the Outlander books. The palace is at the end of the Royal Mile, and it features art exhibitions as well as the chambers of Mary Queen of Scots (in case you're also a fan of Reign). You can also tour the palace's beautiful gardens. It's open daily at 9:30 a.m., and admission varies depending on whether you decide to take in one of the traveling exhibitions.
Places To Visit: Doune Castle
Scotland’s Doune Castle served as the inspiration for the fictional Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in the 18th century. Doune Castle was built for the Regent Albany in the 14th century. The craziest part of the castle is its 100-feet-high gatehouse, which includes the Duke’s Hall, a double fireplace, and a carved oak screen. The castle is open seven days a week and has a $6 admissions fee.
Fun fact: This castle was also used as a film location for the BBC production of Ivanhoe and for Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Places To Visit: Glencorse Old Kirk
No Outlander fan could forget the steamy wedding episode. If you weren’t totally distracted by all of the sex scenes, you probably remember the part where the pair actually gets married. Glencorse Old Kirk is where Claire and Jamie exchange their vows in secret. It’s a real-life wedding venue, so you could even go far as to get married in the same spot (with a few more modern amenities).
Things To Do: Take A Whiskey Tour
If there’s one thing to know about Outlander , it's that there’s a lot of drinking. Honestly, every time Claire is up to no good, or plotting time-travel-related tasks, or nervous about having the best sex of her life with Jamie, she takes a shot. So, you would be remiss to visit Scotland and not enjoy some "uisge beatha."
Scotland has five whiskey-producing regions: Campbeltown, Highland, Islay, Lowland, and Speyside. Where whiskey is made can have a huge bearing on its flavor, and Scotland’s tourism site actually has an entire section devoted to whiskey tourism. Can you say "slàinte"?
Places To Visit: Urquhart Castle & Loch Ness
Remember that time in the books when Claire went down to Loch Ness to get some water and swore she saw the Loch Ness monster? Well, it’s high time you tried to catch your own glimpse of the world's most famous lake creature. Head over to Uruquhart Castle for a view of the iconic loch from the castle’s grand tower. It’s about $6 for a visit.
Things To Do: Explore Glen Affric
Glen Affric was the setting for Claire and Frank’s first honeymoon. It’s one of Scotland’s most beautiful glens (also known as valleys). An hour outside Inverness, the glen includes one of Scotland’s largest pinewood forests, plus lochs and moorland — making it a great location for climbing, hiking, cycling, and fishing.
Take An Outlander-Themed Sightseeing Tour
If you feel like all these recs require too much planning on your end, we have good news: There are several Outlander-inspired sightseeing tours in Scotland, for those who prefer to have a guide. The “Burning the Claire and Jamie Trail — an Outlander Theme Tour” is a seven-day journey through the Scottish Highlands that includes an exploration of the Royal Mile and Edinburgh’s Old Town, a visit to Doune Castle, and a whiskey distillery tour. Prices start at $740 and include accommodations. There’s also Lynott Tours’ special “Follow in the Footsteps of Jamie and Claire,” a seven-day trip through Scotland. Tours start at $1,751 per person, based on double occupancy.
How To Get There: Flights from NYC, L.A., & Chicago
If you’re in the NYC area: Fly nonstop to Edinburgh from JFK on American Airlines or Delta, starting at around $900.
If you’re in the Chicago area: Fly nonstop to Edinburgh with United for about $848.
If you’re in the L.A. area: There aren’t any direct flights, but British Airways, United, and Aer Lingus offer one-stop flights to Scotland.
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