Doune Castle – top filming location in Scotland

Doune Castle

Doune Castle has slowly built itself a top reputation over the last 20 years as an excellent filming location.

Doune has featured in six top TV and film productions

  • Monty Python and the Holy Grail
  • Game of Thrones ( Winterfell )
  • Outlander ( Castle Leoch )
  • Mary Queen of Scots
  • the Outlaw King
  • Blood of my Blood

Doune Castle tours can be booked online or by phone / Whatsapp on +447305294773 .

Doune Castle, nestled in the central part of Scotland, near the village of Doune in Stirlingshire, stands as a monumental testament to Scotland’s rich history and its burgeoning role in the global film and television industry. This medieval stronghold, originally built in the 13th century and rebuilt in the late 14th century by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, has transcended its historical roots to become one of Scotland’s most recognized and celebrated filming locations.

The castle’s architecture, characterized by its 100-foot high gatehouse and the remarkable preservation of its great hall, chambers, and courtyards, offers filmmakers a versatile and authentic medieval setting. Its location, amidst the Scottish landscape with rolling hills and the nearby River Teith, provides a scenic backdrop that enhances its appeal for visual storytelling. This combination of historical authenticity and natural beauty has made Doune Castle a magnet for film and television productions seeking to capture the essence of historical and fantastical narratives.

One of the most iconic uses of Doune Castle was in the 1975 film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” The castle served as the primary location for the film, standing in for various fictional castles in the comedic re-telling of the Arthurian legend. Its walls and courtyards echoed with the absurdity and humor of the Monty Python troupe, leaving an indelible mark on the castle’s legacy and drawing fans of the film to its grounds for decades.

In more recent years, Doune Castle has been immortalized as Castle Leoch in the hit television series “Outlander.” The show, which blends historical fiction with time travel and romance, uses the castle as the seat of Clan MacKenzie in the 18th century. Its appearance in “Outlander” has not only introduced the castle to a new generation of fans but has also contributed to a significant increase in visitor numbers, eager to walk the halls and grounds that have framed the dramatic tales of Claire and Jamie Fraser.

Originally dating to the 13th Century, Doune Castle near Stirling plays Castle Leoch, home to Colum MacKenzie and his clan in Outlander TV series .

It also features in the 20th century episode when Claire and Frank Randall visit the castle on a day trip. In Outlander Jamie calls Claire Sassenach as a term of affection .

Doune castle tours

Once a Royal residence, Doune Castle was rebuilt by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany in the late 14th Century.

Doune Castle Outlander filming for season 8  starts soon

Doune Castle will also feature in the Outlander prequel Blood of my Blood , the story of the parents of Jamie and Claire Fraser . Filming took place in January at the castle .

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This castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland ( Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba ) , a government agency . Ticket income is used to maintain the castle.

Alongside our normal choice of tours , Private Custom Tours Edinburgh also offers bespoke private tours and one day Outlander tours customised to the requirements of each customer .

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For the latest information about availability and best prices please contact David at Private Tours Edinburgh by phone / WhatsApp on +447305294773 or contact us online .

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What Scottish castles are open to tour?
These castles have provided the backdrops for bloody battles or famous films, and are still frequented by Royals or used as family homes.
  • Stirling Castle.
  • Midhope Castle.
  • Blackness Castle.
  • Doune Castle.

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Where are the top filming locations in Scotland ?

Doune Castle is definitely one of the top filming locations in Scotland. Game of Thrones , Monty Python and Outlander were all filmed at this castle. The new Outlander prequel Blood of my Blood has been filmed there . Book your film location tour in Scotland to visit some of the best filming locations in Scotland

Was Midhope Castle used in Outlander ?

Midhope Castle is a key location in Outlander as it is Lallybroch , the ancestral home of Jamie Fraser . You can visit Lallybroch on our Classsic Outlander tour
Outlander tours from Edinburgh can be booked online broch Tuarach Outlander tours from Private tours Edinburgh

Where is Outlander currently filming ?

At the moment there are two Outlander shows being filmed in Scotland – Outlander season 8 and the prequel Blood of my Blood . We know that the prequel Blood of my Blood has already been filmed at Doune Castle and Glasgow as I visited the set at Doune when they were filming . Outlander season 8 has been filming for a month but so far we don’t have any information about where they have been filming . Check back here for and news and updates .castle leoch set jetting tours

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Outlander Blood of my Blood filming  began filming at Doune Castle in Scotland in January. Outlander fans in the US , UK and around the world are getting excited about seeing the second half of season 7 this year and season 8 , the final season next year .

Crown castles tour Scotland. Season six of the Crown featuring St Andrews is on Netflix.

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Private tours of    Lallybroch and Outlander , Glencoe and the Highlands , Eilean Donan Castle ,  St Andrews ,  the Kelpies in Falkirk , Game of Thrones and Doune Castle  .

Your driver / guide is David Rankin  , a photographer  with 20 years experience  and a tour guide for 6 years . David has extensive knowledge of the top locations in Scotland for a wide range of tours to castles ,  the Highlands and film locations including Outlander and Game of Thrones   . Please phone / text / Whatsapp him on +447305294773 or contact us online 

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What Scottish castles are open to tour ?

These castles have provided the backdrops for bloody battles or famous films, and are the most popular castles in Scotland

Stirling Castle.
Midhope Castle.
Blackness Castle.
Doune Castle.

Was any of Braveheart filmed in Scotland?

Mel Gibson decided to direct the film, as well as star as Wallace. Braveheart was filmed in Scotland and Ireland from June to October 1994. Book your Braveheart tour online

Is there a real Lallybroch ?

Yes, Midhope Castle is the real life location for Lallybroch , the ancestral home of Jamie Fraser . You can visit Lallybroch on our unique Outlander tours  . Lallybroch, or Broch Tuarach, is Jamie’s fictional home in the series.
Outlander tours from Edinburgh can be booked online . In real life it’s an ancient 16th-century tower house outside Edinburgh. The castle stars in a number of Outlander episodes as the ancestral home of Jamie Fraser , played by Scottish actor Sam Heughan . You can visit the castle on one of our tours and take a look around the outside . Unfortunately the inside of Lallybroch is derelict and not accessible at the moment  , although plans have been announced to build accommodation inside the castle . Lallybroch Outlander tours from Private tours Edinburgh

what does Broch Tuarach mean ?

What is Broch Tuarach ? And can you take a tour to it ? It is an old  broch on the land, Broch Tuarach means “north-facing tower” in Gaelic. Lallybroch, as the estate is known among those who live there, in turn means “lazy tower”. Lallybroch , ancestral home of Jamie Fraser , is also known as Broch Tuarach . 
Broch Tuarach tours  can be booked online . For last minute bookings phone / Whatsapp us on  +447305-294773


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