Visiting Midhope Castle in Scotland: Outlander’s Lallybroch

Calling all Outlander fans! Let’s talk all things Midhope Castle.. or to some, Lallybroch!

It is no secret that I am a HUGE Outlander fan, and with that in mind, I consider myself particularly lucky to live a stones throw (pun intended) from Midhope Castle and within driving distance to the majority of the Outlander filming locations across Scotland. If you like me, love Outlander, and are planning to visit Midhope Castle, or maybe you would like to learn a little more about its background having already visited it, read on because this blog post is all about visiting Midhope Castle, the one and only Lallybroch.

A little bit of history…

Midhope Castle dates back to the 16th century and shows a classic example of a Scottish tower house, though now a ruin. The castle originally belonged to the Martyn family, who were influential landowners in the area. Over time, it changed hands with each owner leaving their own mark on the structure. The castle we see today is largely the result of renovations carried out across the 16th and 17th centuries. In the 18th century the estate changed hands once again and sadly fell into neglect over time into the ruins we now see. I do in a way dream of it being restored so I can fulfill my Outlander dreams of staying at the castle, but alas I am also so happy to be able to see the outside with my own eyes. Imagine life here centuries ago.. or watch Outlander to help your imagination along.

For those who adore Outlander (Hi! me too!), you already know this is the iconic Lallybroch. The home of Jamie Fraser; Broch Tura. The exterior of the castle is frequently seen in the much loved tv series based on the books by the legendary Diana Gabaldon. Walking around the grounds it is incredibly atmospheric and you can truly imagine Claire and Jamie in the castle grounds in the 18th century.

Visiting Midhope Castle

Location & Access

Midhope Castle is located on the edge of West Lothian near South Queensferry, and only a short drive from Edinburgh. It can be found hidden in a rural location on Hopetoun Estate. It can be visited by car or as part of a tour. You are required to have a ticket for entry and can book this online here or buy one on entry at the gate. You can also view the castle when closed from beyond the security gate, you just can’t actually enter the grounds while closed. There is a car park just beside the castle and then it’s a short walk to the castle entrance.

It is worth checking the opening times before your visit as the castle does close and change opening hours seasonally, you can check the correct opening days and hours here.

This once hidden gem is now extremely popular with Outlander fans, with people coming from all across the world to visit their much loved Lallybroch, with this in mind it is likely to be busy most of the time. I try to visit the castle early in the morning and be there for it opening, or much later on in the day. Organised tours leaving from the Edinburgh area would likely visit this location earlier on in the day rather than later as a first stop out with Edinburgh.

Photography

From the perspective of a photographer, it is best to visit early in the morning or much later in the day to capture the sky at its softest and prettiest light for photographs. I have visited Midhope Castle in all seasons, and each has its own unique charm and beauty. I have recently been very lucky to capture an image of the castle with a light dusting of snow, a photograph I have wanted to capture for a long time and am delighted to have this in my portfolio and now offer as a fine art photography print here so you can take home a piece of Lallybroch to remember your trip.

FAQs

Is Midhope Castle really Lallybroch from Outlander?

Yes! Midhope Castle was used as the exterior filming location for Lallybroch in Outlander. It represents Jamie Fraser’s family home in the much loved series.

Can you go inside Midhope Castle?

The interior scenes of Lallybroch were filmed on a studio set in Scotland, not inside the real castle. You can freely wander the grounds of the castle exterior, the castle interior has been very occasionally opened for special events but is not open to the public to visit.

Where is Midhope Castle located?

Midhope Castle is located in West Lothian, Scotland, near South Queensferry on the Hopetoun Estate. A short drive from Edinburgh.

Do you need tickets to visit?

To enter through the gate at the entrance you are required to have a ticket to visit Midhope Castle, these can be bought online here or on entry to the castle.

Is it worth visiting if you aren’t an Outlander fan?

Absolutely, it is a beautifully romantic place to visit and a great location for anyone who loves Scotland, castles, history or photography. Saying this, I would highly recommend watching Outlander, there’s no way you won’t be a fan after watching it!

Is Midhope Castle restored?

No, the castle remained largely unrestored in its current condition which really adds to its historic, authentic charm.

How long do you need to spend there?

I would probably suggest around 45 minutes but there is no time limit with your ticket. It isn’t a large site but it is incredibly photogenic. I personally could wander for hours imagining Outlander scenes.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning or later on in the day if you are looking to take photographs with a dreamy, cinematic feel.

Is Midhope Castle busy?

Yes, particularly in the summer. Visiting out with peak hours with be a much more quiet experience.

Are there any Outlander locations nearby?

Yes, there are many within driving distance but the closest are Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Place and Culross.

Field Notes

Thank you for reading this blog post about Midhope Castle, I do hope you find it useful in planning your visit. I have been fortunate to have visited the castle many times and with each visit I still get chills imagining Claire and Jamie approach Lallybroch for the first time in season one of Outlander. Most notably to me is the scene filmed in the 1960’s when Claire visits Scotland again and finds herself back at Lallybroch and imagines Jamie standing in the archway outside the castle while she sits on the steps. This is something I imagine with each visit and hear the characters lines over and over. As an Outlander fan, it is an incredible experience as it truly is just as you see it in the tv series. I look forward to visiting the castle again this Spring and hope to capture it with flowers across the grounds. If you would like to take a piece of history or fantasy home with you from your trip, I have beautiful Fine Art Photography Prints of Midhope Castle available here.

If you would like to follow along on my Scottish adventures, you can do so on Instagram: @LJHortonPrints