How to Visit Midhope Castle in Scotland: Outlander Lallybroch Location

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may make a commission at no cost to you. Please see my full disclosure policy for more details.

Calling all fellow Outlander fans! If you only have time to visit one Outlander location in Scotland, I'm guessing that Lallybroch is at the very top of your list - with good reason. The beloved home of Jamie Fraser stirs up all of the emotions, and to see it in real life is pretty surreal.

Yes, Lallybroch is a real place that you can visit. The location used for filming in the Outlander series is called Midhope Castle, and it's only about a 30 minute drive from Edinburgh, Scotland.

I'm not going to lie, this ruined castle gives me cold chills each and every time I visit. As a huge Outlander fan, the sight of "Lallybroch" in person seems to bridge the gap between fiction and reality.

This guide has everything you need to know for your visit, from Midhope Castle's true history to essential tips for planning your trip to Lallybroch. Let's go!

Table of Contents

Introduction
The Real History of Midhope Castle
How to Get to Midhope Castle
Tips for Visiting Lallybroch

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

Other Nearby Outlander Filming Locations
The Best Outlander-Themed Guided Tours That Visit Midhope Castle
Lallybroch Scotland Map
FAQ
Final Thoughts

Short on time? Book this one day Outlander guided tour to check off multiple Outlander filming locations in a day! The tour includes top spots (including Midhope Castle), entry tickets and round-trip transport from Edinburgh.

The Real History of Midhope Castle

Though it has gained fame as the Outlander Lallybroch location, Midhope Castle in Scotland has a storied history dating back many centuries. Built in the 15th century, the castle was originally a tower house belonging to the Martyn family, who were influential landowners in the area.

Over the years, it changed hands several times, with each owner leaving their mark on the structure. The castle you see today is largely the result of renovations carried out in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The estate changed hands in the 18th century and fell into neglect for a while, but even though it faced tough times, the castle is still a beautiful example of Scottish baronial architecture. Also, because of its current ruined state, Midhope Castle visitors can only visit the exterior of the building and the property.

>> More of Midhope Castle’s history can be found in this quick guide from the Hopetoun House estate’s website.

How to Get to Midhope Castle

Getting to Midhope Castle is pretty straightforward, especially if you're based in Edinburgh. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you reach this iconic location:

By Car: The most convenient way to visit Midhope Castle is by car. From Edinburgh, it's around 30-minute drive via main roads until you get close to the castle. Plenty of parking is available on-site.
By Public Transport: While less direct, it's possible to reach Midhope Castle using public transport. Take a train from Edinburgh Waverley Station to either Dalmeny Station in South Queensferry, or to Linlithgow, then catch a taxi to the castle.
Guided Tours: Several Outlander-themed tours include Midhope Castle in their itineraries, offering a hassle-free way to visit multiple filming locations in one day!

>> Book a one day Outlander guided tour from Edinburgh

*Walking towards Lallybroch (Midhope Castle) from the car park.*

Tips for Visiting Lallybroch

Midhope Castle Tickets

To visit Midhope Castle, you'll need to purchase a ticket. These can be bought online or at the castle's parking lot. Advance booking is highly recommended to make sure you're not turned away at the gate. Tickets are £7 per person.

>> Book your ticket online

Midhope Castle Opening Times

Midhope Castle is typically open to visitors from April to September. However, opening times can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit. Roughly, open hours will be between 9:00am - 5:00pm daily.

Where You Can Visit on the Property

While the interior of Midhope Castle is not open to the public, you can explore the exterior and the surrounding grounds. Stand in the courtyard where Jamie and Claire shared many heartfelt moments, and you'll feel transported back to their world!

Don't worry - all of the interior Lallybroch shots were actually created in a studio setting, so you won't be missing anything by not going inside.

Outlander Filming Locations at Midhope Castle

Midhope Castle features prominently in several Outlander episodes. Wander through the grounds and envision the scenes where Jamie and Claire reunited, the emotional family gatherings, and the dramatic confrontations that took place here.

You'll instantly notice the most recognizable feature of the castle: the front gate, where (in addition to many other big moments) Claire returned to Lallybroch in the final episode of Season 2, set in the 1960s, and envisions Jamie returning to her through the gate. Wiping away tears as we speak...

Other Nearby Outlander Filming Locations

Your Outlander adventure doesn't have to end at Midhope Castle. The surrounding area is home to several other filming locations worth visiting:

Hopetoun House: Located on the same estate as Midhope Castle, Hopetoun House served as the residence of the Duke of Sandringham in the series. Explore the elegant State Rooms and lush gardens that featured in many scenes.
Blackness Castle: Known as Fort William in the series, this imposing fortress is where Jamie was flogged by Black Jack Randall. Its dramatic setting on the Firth of Forth makes it a must-visit.
Linlithgow Palace: This historic palace stood in for Wentworth Prison, where Jamie was held captive. Wander through its eerie corridors and imagine the intense scenes that unfolded here.

>> Read the full guide: 15 Amazing Outlander Series Filming Locations to Visit in Scotland

The Best Outlander-Themed Guided Tours That Visit Midhope Castle

Several tour companies offer Outlander-themed day trips that include a visit to Midhope 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 Midhope Castle, Culross (Cranesmuir), Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), and Blackness Castle (Fort William).
From Glasgow Outlander Adventure: Starting from Glasgow, this tour takes you to Midhope Castle, Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), 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 to book:

Powered by GetYourGuide

Lallybroch Scotland Map

To help you plan your visit, I'm attaching a map showing the exact location of Midhope Castle! Be sure to combine this with some other nearby Outlander filming spots.

Don't miss the full guide: 15 Amazing Outlander Series Filming Locations to Visit in Scotland

FAQ

Q: Is Lallybroch a Real Place?

A: While "Lallybroch" is technically a fictional estate in the Scottish Highlands created by Diana Gabaldon, the author of the Outlander series, it is brought to life on screen through Midhope Castle.

Q: Where is Lallybroch in Scotland?

A: In the Outlander series, Lallybroch is located in the Scottish Highlands. However, in real life, the Outlander Lallybroch location used for filming is just a short drive from Edinburgh. Only 30 minutes! The convenient location makes it an accessible day trip for anyone visiting Scotland's capital.

Q: Can You Go Inside Midhope Castle?

A: Midhope Castle was primarily an external-only location used for filming the Outlander series. While you can explore the beautiful grounds and take memorable photographs of the castle from the outside, access to the interior of Midhope Castle is restricted since it is a ruined building.

Q: What Does Lallybroch Mean?

A: "Lallybroch" actually means "lazy tower" in Gaelic. Apparently, that is because the tower leans slightly to the north since it was rebuilt multiple times.

Q: Is Midhope Castle Worth Visiting?

A: Absolutely! Any Outlander fan would be crazy to miss this iconic Outlander location, even with it being a castle ruin. In total, you will probably need no more than 20 minutes to get a feel for the place and capture some great photos. So, don't hesitate to pair it with other nearby Outlander series filming locations. Hopetoun House and Blackness Castle are the two closest options.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Midhope Castle is a dream come true for any Outlander fan. This iconic location offers a unique opportunity to step into Jamie and Claire's world while exploring a real piece of Scotland's history.

If you're a die-hard fan of the series (or maybe just a family member or friend of an Outlander fan who is along for the ride 😅), Midhope Castle is a must-visit destination while in Scotland.

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 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
15 Amazing Outlander Series Filming Locations to Visit in Scotland

Edinburgh:
The Perfect 2 Day Itinerary for Edinburgh, Scotland
The Best Hotels in Edinburgh with Views of Edinburgh Castle
15 Best Things to Do in Edinburgh, Scotland for First Time Visitors