If there was anything more entrancing than the premise and characters of the award-winning Starz show Outlander, it was its setting. The dramatic landscape, set against the vibrant emerald hills of Scotland, the rocky outcrops that framed the sea, and the ancient buildings that saw Druids before they saw film crews, made this show so magical. Fans almost immediately added Scotland to their bucket lists, if only to witness the beauty and mysterious aura of these historic destinations for themselves. And, in the case of many of the show's castles and residence settings, the buildings themselves are period-accurate.
One of these was the setting of Lallybroch, the childhood home and manor estate of one Jamie Fraser. The good news for fans is this: while Lallybroch itself was a made-up name, the castle does exist.
Traveling to Midhope Castle, Just Outside Edinburgh
There's even more good news for those looking to visit Lallybroch, which is actually Midhope Castle in real life. The castle itself sits less than ten minutes outside of Scotland's capital city of Edinburgh and is pretty easy to find for those unfamiliar with the lay of the land. Furthermore, with the newfound interest in its hallowed grounds, there are plenty of tour options for visitors - including tours that are Outlander-specific.
There are some caveats, though, and fans should recognize that while the exterior of Lallybroch - or, more accurately, Midhope Castle - appears almost exactly as it does in the show, there are some differences. For starters, the castle is not open to the public, mainly due to the fact that there's not much to see inside. Age and time have taken their toll and while the exterior is positively historic in a way that only Scotland castles can be, the inside is, well... not what is seen in the TV series.
With that being said, the magic of the building itself and the grounds is more than a worthy experience for Outlander fans. The history of Midhope Castle is still very much alive, as it dates back to the 16th century. In its heyday, the castle was home to five stories, a garret, two-story bartizans, a courtyard, a walled garden, and a tower. It was first owned by the Martin family at the earliest known date of 1478, according to The Castles of Scotland.
Soon after, Lord Lindsay ratified the lands of Midhope in 1592, and the land was in possession of the Drummonds during the 16th and 17th centuries. From there, the castle was passed along to the Livingstones, and then the Hopes, where it became a seat for one of the Earls of Hopetoun - which is the estate on which the castle sits to this day.
Touring The Hopetoun Estate
The experience might begin with Midhope Castle, which allows visitors to walk the exact footsteps of Jamie and Claire. With the magic of Lallybroch (in real life) looming in the distant corners of Hopetoun Estate, many might not even realize they're on the same land as the Duke of Sandringham's lavish estate. This is where visitors can take in the landscapes of two settings in one, with both the countryside charm of Lallybroch just a short drive away from a tour of Hopetoun House's opulent grounds and interior.
- Tip: Visitors to Midhope Castle will need to purchase a vehicle pass to park near the castle. Only the exterior grounds can be toured, and visitors can walk around and see various locations of significance as seen in Outlander, including the iconic archway through which Jamie and his family are reunited. Note: Visitors should also keep in mind that the area is still residential and there are working farms, so visitors are expected to be respectful and considerate.
Hopetoun Estate is home to 6,500 acres of land, with a thriving community, some of the country's most renowned artwork, and an incredible agricultural and farming landscape. The venue has seen events that range from grand historic weddings to traditional pigeon shooting competitions, and visitors can tour the 17th-century house, grounds, and farms.
- Fun Fact: Even children can visit and take place in traditional 'hunts' that date back to the earliest days of Scotland's rural lifestyle.
Visitors interested in touring Hopetoun House and Lallybroch can find all of the information on Hopetoun House's website. Fans of Outlander will recognize the following major scenes during their tour:
- The Duke of Sandringham's house as seen in Hopetoun House
- The site on the lawn of the dual between the head of the McDonald clan and the Duke on the West Lawn
- The scene of a sword fight on the rear steps during season one
- The Stables Tearoom courtyard, which was used as a Parisian street in season two
Whether it's the magic and historic beauty of Midhope Castle one is seeking, or the majestic grandeur of Hopetoun Estate, Outlander fans will not be disappointed.