How to Visit Castle Leoch from Outlander: Doune Castle in Scotland

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Did you know that you can visit the real-life Castle Leoch from Outlander? Yes, it’s true!

In this guide, I'm diving into one of the most recognizable filming locations from the Outlander series—Castle Leoch, also known as Doune Castle in Scotland.

For fans of Outlander (...raising my hand as I type this), Doune Castle holds a special place in their hearts as Castle Leoch, the seat of Clan MacKenzie. This 14th-century fortress located near Stirling, Scotland, served as an iconic backdrop in the early part of the series, bringing the fictional world of Jamie and Claire to life.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Castle Leoch, and read on to discover the real history of Doune Castle, essential visiting tips, and more Outlander-inspired information for your trip. Let’s go!

Table of Contents:

Introduction to Doune Castle: Castle Leoch in Outlander
The Real History of Doune Castle
How to Get to Castle Leoch (Doune Castle)
Tips for Visiting Castle Leoch

Doune Castle Tickets
Doune Castle Opening Times
Where You Can Visit on the Property
Outlander Filming Locations at Doune Castle

Other Nearby Outlander Filming Locations
The Best Outlander-Themed Guided Tours That Visit Doune Castle
Castle Leoch Scotland Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

The Real History of Doune Castle

While Doune Castle gained worldwide fame as Castle Leoch, its history stretches far beyond the realms of fiction. Built in the late 14th century by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, the castle has witnessed centuries of Scottish history. Its strategic location made it a vital stronghold during turbulent times.

Doune Castle actually played a large role during the Jacobite uprisings in 1745! It was a strategic base that backed Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) in his quest to reclaim the British throne. While it wasn't a major battlefield, its proximity to the action made it a key spot for Jacobite supporters to gather.

Over the years, Doune Castle has seen various owners and purposes, including serving as a royal residence and a military garrison. Despite its long history, the castle remains incredibly well-preserved, allowing visitors to step back in time and imagine life within its ancient walls.

How to Get to Castle Leoch (Doune Castle)

Getting to Doune Castle is easier than you might think. Located approximately 8 miles northwest of Stirling, it's accessible by various means of transportation. Here's how you can reach this historic site:

By Car: If you're driving, Doune Castle is conveniently situated off the A84 - not far from the Doune Village center. There’s ample parking available near the castle, making it a hassle-free option for those with a vehicle. The scenic drive through the Scottish countryside adds to the experience, providing breathtaking views along the way.
By Public Transport: For those relying on public transport, you can take a train to Stirling and then catch a Scottish Citylink bus to Doune Village. From there, it's a short walk to the castle. Buses run regularly, ensuring you have a convenient and cost-effective way to reach your destination. Check the Citylink bus schedules.
Guided Tours: If you prefer a more immersive experience, join an Outlander-themed guided tour. These tours include transportation, expert commentary, and visits to multiple filming locations. It's a perfect way to maximize your time and learn more about the world of Outlander.

>> Book a one day Outlander guided tour from Edinburgh

Tips for Visiting Castle Leoch

Now that you know how to get there, let's dive into some essential tips for your visit to Doune Castle!

Doune Castle Tickets

Before you go, it's a good idea to purchase your Doune Castle tickets in advance. This not only saves you time but also ensures you won't miss out during peak visiting hours. Tickets are available online through the official Historic Environment Scotland website, and are £10 for adults.

>> Book your Doune Castle tickets online

Current ticket prices:
Adult (16-64yrs) £10.00
Concession (65yrs+ and unemployed) £8.00
Child (7-15yrs) £6.00

Doune Castle Opening Times

Doune Castle is open year-round, but it's always best to check the opening times before planning your visit. During peak season (April - September), the castle opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 5 PM. During the low season (October - March), that changes to 10 AM - 4 PM. Keep in mind that opening hours may vary, so it's a good idea to double-check closer to your travel dates.

>> Double check opening times here

Current opening times:
1 Apr to 30 Sept: Daily, 9:30am to 5:30pm (last entry is 4:45pm)
1 Oct to 31 Mar: Daily, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3:15pm)

Where You Can Visit on the Property

Good news - you can explore the inside of this amazing castle! Once inside the castle, you'll have the opportunity to explore various rooms and areas, most of which are incredibly well preserved. Don't forget to grab an audio guide at the entry ticket area to be guided through the castle by Jamie Fraser's (Sam Heughan's) narration.

Highlights include the Great Hall, Lord's Hall, the massive kitchen and the stunning courtyard. Don't forget to climb the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside—it's a picture-perfect setting that you won't want to miss.

Outlander Filming Locations at Doune Castle

For Outlander fans, the real magic lies in exploring the filming locations at Doune Castle!

Doune Castle's exteriors were used for filming the series, and the castle's interior rooms served as direct inspiration for the studio sets that were built for interior shots.

Visit Doune Castle's iconic front entryway, the large courtyard, and the sprawling grounds to see the exact filming locations for quite a few recognizable Castle Leoch scenes.

Once you head inside, check out the massive kitchen area and the grand hall. These locations were almost identically replicated in a studio set for Castle Leoch.

Other Nearby Outlander Filming Locations

While Doune Castle is a major highlight, it's just one of many Outlander filming locations in Scotland. Consider extending your adventure to nearby sites that played large roles in the series:

Midhope Castle (Lallybroch): Visit Jamie Fraser's ancestral home of Lallybroch, and relive some of the most emotional moments from the show.
Blackness Castle (Fort William): This fortress stood in for Black Jack Randall's headquarters, Fort William. Pair this with a visit to Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), as they are just a short drive from each other.
Culross (Cranesmuir): Explore the incredibly charming village of Culross, which served as the fictional town of Cranesmuir.
Drummond Castle Gardens (Palace of Versailles): Located just a stone's throw from Doune Castle, these formal castle gardens were used as the Palace of Versailles gardens during Jamie and Claire's time in France during Season 2.

>> Read the full guide: 15 Must-Visit Outlander Filming Locations in Scotland

The Best Outlander-Themed Guided Tours That Visit Doune Castle

Several tour companies offer Outlander-themed day trips that include a visit to Doune Castle. These tours are an amazing way to see multiple filming locations in a single day, complete with insider knowledge. Here are a few top options:

From Edinburgh Outlander Tour: This full-day tour departs from Edinburgh and covers several key filming locations, including Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Culross (Cranesmuir), and Blackness Castle (Fort William).
From Glasgow Outlander Adventure: Starting from Glasgow, this tour takes you to Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Falkland (1940s Inverness), and other iconic sites.
Private Custom Tours: For a more personalized experience, consider booking a private tour tailored to your interests and schedule.

Here are the top rated Outlander tours:

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Castle Leoch Scotland Map

To help you plan your visit, I'm including a map showing the exact location of Doune Castle (Castle Leoch)! Be sure to combine this with some other nearby Outlander filming spots, since there are plenty within a reasonable driving distance.

FAQ

Q: Is Castle Leoch a Real Place?

A: Castle Leoch is a fictional location that only exists in the Outlander world. However, the filming location for Castle Leoch in Outlander (Doune Castle) is a very real historic site with a fascinating history and well-preserved interiors to explore.

Q: Can You Go Inside Doune Castle?

A: Absolutely! Doune Castle is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its interior, including the Great Hall, Lord's Hall, and more. Guided tours and audio guides are available to enhance your experience.

Q: What Happened to Castle Leoch After Culloden?

A: In the Outlander series, Castle Leoch faces challenges after the Battle of Culloden, mirroring the hardships experienced by many Scottish clans during that period. While the castle itself remains intact, the fictional Clan MacKenzie faces significant turmoil.

Q: Who Lived in Castle Leoch in Outlander?

A: Castle Leoch is the ancestral home of Clan MacKenzie, led by Colum MacKenzie. In the Outlander series, it serves as a central hub for many key events in the early years of the story.

Q: What Has Been Filmed at Doune Castle?

A: Apart from Outlander, Doune Castle has been featured in several other productions, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones (as Winterfell in the pilot episode), Outlaw King, and more.

Q: Was Game of Thrones Filmed at Doune Castle?

A: Yes, Doune Castle was used as the location for Winterfell in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones! While the majority of Winterfell scenes were later filmed elsewhere, Doune Castle is still a notable part of the show's history.

Final Thoughts

Doune Castle, aka the real-life version of "Castle Leoch," is a magical experience for Outlander fans visiting Scotland. With its rich historical significance and its role in the beloved TV series, there's so much to discover within its ancient walls. One of my favorite aspects of this castle is that you can actually explore the majority of the inside, which is not always the case with castle ruins.

If you're planning a trip to Scotland, make sure to include Doune Castle in your itinerary!

For more tips and guides on visiting Outlander filming locations, don't forget to check out the other blog posts:

>> 15 Amazing Outlander Series Filming Locations to Visit in Scotland

>> How to Visit Midhope Castle in Scotland: Outlander Lallybroch Location

>> How to visit Craigh na Dun from Outlander

Happy travels!

More Scotland travel guides:

Scottish Highlands:
Ultimate Scotland Bucket List: 17 Places You Need to Visit
13 of the Best Hidden Gems in Scotland
How to Spend One Day on the Isle of Kerrera
How to Spend Two Days in Glencoe, Scotland
How to Visit Craigh na Dun From Outlander
How to Visit Midhope Castle in Scotland: Outlander Lallybroch Location
15 Amazing Outlander Series Filming Locations to Visit in Scotland