Outlander Tours from Inverness
Private Highland day trip to Culloden, Clava Cairns, Castle Leod views, Beauly & Loch Ness. The real history behind the story.
Inverness is the heart of the Jacobite Highlands – the land of clans Fraser and Mackenzie, the site of Culloden, and the landscape that inspired Diana Gabaldon’s story. An Outlander day tour from Inverness takes you to the real places behind the fiction, with a local driver-guide who knows the history beyond the screen.
While the Edinburgh Outlander tour focuses on Central Belt filming locations, the Inverness tour goes deeper into the authentic Highland history, clan territories, and atmospheric landscapes that make the Outlander story so powerful.
This tour is part of our Outlander tours Scotland collection. Also available: Edinburgh Outlander tour and Glasgow Outlander tour.
Typical route
Inverness Outlander Day Tour Route
A full day through the Jacobite Highlands, combining the most significant Outlander and clan history locations near Inverness. Every stop is paced for real immersion – no rushing.
Culloden Battlefield
First stop – morning
The most powerful Outlander location in Scotland. Stand on the moor where the Jacobite cause ended on 16 April 1746, in a battle lasting just 40 minutes. The NTS visitor centre provides excellent context, but it's the battlefield walk – the clan graves, the memorial cairn, the silence – that stays with you. Our driver-guides bring the military strategy and personal stories to life.
Clava Cairns (Craigh na Dun Inspiration)
Mid-morning
A 4,000-year-old ring of standing stones and passage cairns, just minutes from Culloden. Diana Gabaldon has confirmed these atmospheric Bronze Age monuments inspired the standing stones at Craigh na Dun where Claire travels through time. Best visited in the morning for quiet, atmospheric conditions. Free entry, easy parking.
Knockfarrel Hill Fort & Castle Leod Views
Late morning
An ancient vitrified hill fort above Strathpeffer with commanding 360-degree views. Below sits Castle Leod – the real ancestral seat of clan Mackenzie and the inspiration for Castle Leoch in the novels. The castle itself is privately owned but clearly visible from the hill. A favourite stop for Jacobite and clan history enthusiasts.
Beauly Priory & Wardlaw Mausoleum
Lunch stop
The quiet Highland town of Beauly is home to a 13th-century priory ruin and the Wardlaw Mausoleum, resting place of Fraser clan chiefs – the real Frasers whose history underpins the Outlander narrative. The town has excellent lunch options and a relaxed pace. Deeply tied to real Highland history.
Loch Ness Viewpoint
Afternoon
No Highland tour is complete without Loch Ness. We take a scenic route along the loch with stops at the best viewpoints. Options to add Urquhart Castle ruins, a Loch Ness boat trip, or Fort Augustus village depending on your pace and interests.
Optional Extras & Extensions
Castle Leod (Seasonal Open Days)
The real Mackenzie ancestral seat occasionally opens for guided tours and clan gatherings. We can check dates and arrange a visit.
Fort George
One of the finest 18th-century artillery fortifications in Europe, built after Culloden. Still an active military base with an excellent museum.
Cawdor Castle
Famous for its Shakespeare connection but also steeped in Highland clan history. Beautiful gardens. Open seasonally.
Brodie Castle
A Z-plan tower house with a fine art collection. Close to Culloden – easy to combine on the same route.
Ready to explore the real Outlander Highlands? Share your dates and we will plan everything.
Inverness Outlander Tour FAQ
How long is the Inverness Outlander day tour?
A full day, typically 8–9 hours. We collect you from your Inverness hotel, cruise port, or holiday let around 9:00am and return by 5:00–6:00pm. Timing is flexible to suit your schedule.
Which Outlander locations are near Inverness?
Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns (Craigh na Dun inspiration), Castle Leod (Mackenzie ancestral home), Beauly and Wardlaw Mausoleum (Fraser clan), and scenic Highland landscapes that provide the dramatic backdrop for the series.
Is the Inverness tour different from the Edinburgh one?
Yes – completely different locations. Edinburgh covers Central Belt filming locations (Lallybroch, Castle Leoch, Cranesmuir). Inverness focuses on the real Highland history – Culloden, standing stones, clan territories. Many serious fans do both.
Can we combine Outlander with Loch Ness?
Yes, this is one of our most popular combinations. The tour naturally passes Loch Ness, and we can add Urquhart Castle, a boat trip, or a scenic drive along the loch.
Can you collect from a cruise ship at Invergordon?
Yes. We regularly collect cruise guests from Invergordon port. An Outlander day tour from Invergordon works perfectly – Culloden and Clava Cairns are en route. See our shore excursions page.
How much does the Inverness Outlander tour cost?
Pricing varies by group size and vehicle. Contact us with your dates and we will send a quote within 24 hours.
Book Your Inverness Outlander Day Tour
Share your dates, group size, and any specific locations you want to include. We will send a tailored proposal within 24 hours.