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In summary

  • Explore the Jacobite Edinburgh of the Outlander novels, with your expert Storyteller
  • See Canongate Kirk, the Tolbooth Jail, 18th Century taverns that are still open today and numerous other perfectly preserved historical locations
  • Visit the historical Edinburgh locations that were used in the filming of the Outlander TV Series
  • Hear stories of witchcraft, the Jacobites, Royal Stuarts, curses, clans and more
  • Learn how Claire and Jamie’s story relates to the real history of Edinburgh
  • Relish a platter of fine Scottish fayre in the original Tolbooth
  • Mercat exclusive audio devices - be immersed and get lost in the stories...

 

About this tour

Walking tour

Edinburgh, 1745. The Jacobite rising has reached the city gates, and Bonnie Prince Charlie is met by a cheering crowd of 20,000 people. Amid the chaos of rebellion, we find Claire and Jamie, two characters entwined in a story that spans centuries. 

Tracing the real events that inspired Diana Gabaldon’s acclaimed Outlander novels, this walking tour (best enjoyed by adult fans) captures the spirit of the Jacobite rebellion in Edinburgh – the Redcoats, the Highlanders and the smell of gunpowder in the air.

“Edinburgh was a small city – no more than a single high street, with the tiny ill-lit wynds and closes opening off it. Ladywalk Wynd was one of the poorer ones.” – Claire Randal, Dragonfly in Amber, 1992.

Behind the scenes of fact and fiction

Your expert Storyteller will take you deep into the Old Town, to the places where real history was made: Tolbooth Jail, Canongate Kirkyard and the World’s End Tavern. You will visit some of the sites familiar in Dragonfly in Amber and Voyager, as well as hearing Diana Gabaldon’s descriptions of Jamie and Claire’s experiences in this historic capital city.

With Edinburgh being the atmospheric setting for the second Outlander novel, our superb Edinburgh Outlander Experience takes you behind the scenes, where the magic happens.
 

EXCLUSIVE - dine in the original medieval Tolbooth Tavern

From 1st April 2022, step into this cosy traditional Scottish pub full of character and charm and be transported back to Claire and Jamie's era.  Featured in the series as the Tolbooth Jail, relax and savour hearty home-cooked Scottish fayre using locally sourced produce; where better to slake your thirst and quell your hunger after your walking tour.  Upgrade your ticket and enjoy a platter featuring;

  • MacSween’s haggis bon bons with a sweet chilli sauce

  • Wild mushrooms, garlic cream sauce, toasted sourdough

  • Smoked salmon with Scottish oatcakes

  • Mini Fish n chips – Hand battered Peterhead haddock

  • Traditional Cranachan

To enjoy your exclusive upgrade, you'll find terms here 

Customer review

"A good history of the Jacobite rebellion, as well as the filming locations used in Outlander. It explorers a lot of "hidden gems" and is really good value for money."

Peter, TripAdvisor

Enquire about Edinburgh Outlander Experience

Tour details

Duration

  • 2 hours

Step Count

  • 1800

Tour location

  • Start point: Mercat Cross, High Street
  • End point: Holyrood Palace, Canongate

Need help booking?

Get in touch with us and one of our experts will be able to give you advice on our tours.

Customer review

"A good history of the Jacobite rebellion, as well as the filming locations used in Outlander. It explorers a lot of "hidden gems" and is really good value for money."

Peter, TripAdvisor
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Souvenir Guidebooks

Don't forget to buy a Mercat Tours souvenir guidebook with your ticket.

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