From Outlander to Outlaw King, Linlithgow has something for fans of the big and small screen alike.
Filmed extensively in and around the area, including scenes set in America, Linlithgow is the perfect hub to explore Outlander locations. For a comprehensive list, you can pick up a paper copy at most sites, or download the interactive Visit Scotland map .
Within 30 minutes from Linlithgow, you can reach:
Linlithgow Palace: the entrance and corridors were used as Wentworth Prison, where Claire comes to plead with the Governor to release Jamie.
Linlithgow was also used extensively in filming of The Outlaw King, the Netflix film about Robert the Bruce. The Palace was used as Perth Castle and outside, overlooking the Loch, for the crowning of King Robert. St. Michael’s Church was used in the wedding scene and also for the funeral of Robert’s father.
Blackness Castle was used in key Outlander scenes as the headquarters of “Black Jack” Randall. It’s here that Jamie is flogged and that he rescues Claire by jumping from the battlements. It’s also featured in Outlaw King and as Holyrood Palace in Netflix’s Mary, Queen of Scots.
A short 15-minute drive from Linlithgow lies the most iconic of all Outlander locations: Midhope Castle, Outlander’s “Lallybroch”: the Fraser family home, featuring in all seasons. Hopetoun House has hosted several Outlander scenes. In the first series, it’s the Duke of Sandringham’s home, the setting for various French scenes, then later (in the third series) the stables at Helwater and the front vista is the Earl of Ellesmere’s home. More recently, it has been used for several period pieces, including 2020 TV drama “Belgravia” and feature film “Mr. Jones”.
Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway is a favourite choice for many period films. In Outlander, it’s the railway station where Claire and Frank bid each other farewell in the 1940s.
Beecraigs Country Park, as well as playing host to an infamous scene in T2: Trainspotting, is often used in outdoor Outlander scenes, including when the characters settle in America. Muiravonside Country Park was used for battle scenes in both Outlander (Battle of Prestonpans) and Outlaw King. Falkirk’s Callendar House played host to one of Outlander’s grislier scenes: the Duke of Sandringham losing his head! More peacefully, the charm and heritage of the Union Canal regularly feature in current-affairs TV documentaries and travelogues.
FilmOnForth.co.uk is a great resource for exploring film locations in the area, while Linlithgow’s own Mary’s Meanders (07818 687066 / marysmeanders.co.uk) offer a wide variety of historical and Outlander tours. Lilypond Crafts & Gifts is Linlithgow’s official Outlander merchandise outlet.
