Cawdor Castle is a romantic, 14th-century Scottish tower house and ancestral home of the Thanes of Cawdor. A prime example of authentic Highland architecture, its stone walls and towers capture the atmosphere of a traditional Scottish castle. For Outlander fans, the castle offers a sense of the Scotland portrayed in the books and TV series. The castle welcomes visitors from May to September, a seasonal stop for those exploring the Highlands. While famously linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the castle was built centuries after the historical king’s reign. In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth is given the title Thane of Cawdor — despite having no connection to the castle. Cawdor Castle is also known for the legendary holly tree around which it was built. According to the story, a donkey carrying a chest of gold stopped beneath the tree and refused to move, leading the Thane to choose the spot for his castle. The remains of the tree are still visible today in the lowest level of the tower.

This ancient, mystical site is centred around the tradition of tying fabric—or "cloots"—to trees to heal ailments. In Scots, "clootie" means cloth. These sacred sites feature trees close to holy wells or springs. Traditionally, a rag or cloth is dipped into the water and tied to a tree in the hope of curing a sickness or ailment. There is something hauntingly beautiful about the weathered cloth hanging among the trees, each represents an old belief in the healing power of nature. The practice lies at the crossroads of folklore, superstition and ancient tradition, where the natural and supernatural seem to meet. This unique location aligns perfectly with the folklore and pagan themes explored throughout Outlander. It offers a tangible connection to the timeless, magical and superstitious culture portrayed in the show. For Outlander fans, it is a chance to experience a landscape where ancient beliefs still linger, and where a simple piece of cloth carries the weight of an age-old hope.

A charming village near Inverness and a key location for the Outlander series, Beauly lies in the heart of Clan Fraser country. It is closely connected with the historic Fraser family and features the atmospheric ruins of the 13th-century Beauly Priory. While the site portrayed the fictional monastery of Saint Anne de Beaupré in the TV series, the books describe it as the location of the Lovat Fraser family tombs and the setting where Claire meets the seer, Maisri. Explore the roofless church and surrounding graveyard, where many Fraser family headstones can be found, with names that reportedly inspired various characters in the series. We’ll also visit Robertsons Farm in Beauly, where you can meet Jamie, a famous Highland Hairy Cow, along with his family and friends—a charming Highland encounter that adds a touch of local character to your Outlander experience.

Home of our beloved Nessie, Loch Ness is one of the Highlands’ most iconic and atmospheric landscapes. The loch is a pivotal location in both the Outlander novels and television series, serving as the setting for Claire and Frank’s cruise and the place where Claire encounters the mysterious “water horse” during the 18th century. Beyond these specific scenes, Loch Ness and the surrounding Highlands provide an important backdrop to the story’s beginning, including Claire’s journey back in time. The area around the loch is also closely connected to the historical Jacobite events and Highland lore woven throughout the series. With its deep waters, dramatic mountains and centuries of history, Loch Ness offers the perfect atmosphere to explore the Scotland of Outlander while keeping an eye out for Nessie herself.

This windswept moor marks the location where the 1745 Jacobite Rising came to a tragic and decisive end on April 16, 1746, serving as the site of the last pitched battle fought on British soil. Today, Culloden Battlefield offers a powerful glimpse into the people and events that shaped Highland history. The Battle of Culloden is a central historical event in the Outlander series, serving as the tragic climax of the Jacobite rebellion that Jamie and Claire Fraser spend two seasons trying to prevent. The battlefield and surrounding landscape connect the fictional story with the real people, places and events behind the Jacobite cause. Amid this historic landscape stands Leanach Cottage, a rare surviving example of an 18th-century Highland cottage, offering a glimpse into rural homes and lives of the time. The battlefield grounds are free to visit, while admission to the Culloden Visitor Centre requires a ticket for Guests who wish to explore the Visitor Centre.