Culross - This 16th century village poses as Cranesmuir in Outlander.

Blackness Castle - Enjoy breath-taking views over the Firth of Forth. Blackness Castle stood in for Fort William in series one of TV show Outlander.

Linlithgow Palace - The birth place to Mary, Queen of Scots. It’s also known for one of the most intense scenes in the Outlander series

Kelpies - the largest equine sculptures in the world, a fabulous and striking addition to the Forth & Clyde Canal

Callandar House - stunning 14th century, French chateau styled house, with working Georgian kitchen

The Forth Bridges – We start the morning with a very unique view through time by crossing the most recent bridge over the Firth of Forth, which opened in 2017. From here, enjoy the sights of the Forth Road Bridge which was opened in 1964 and beyond that the original Forth Bridge which was opened in 1890. Over 120 years of engineering, shown side-by-side.

Culross – The first stop of the morning is in the Royal Burgh of Culross. This quiet village is acknowledged as one of the most beautiful in Scotland. This well-deserved reputation has drawn the attention of eagle-eyed location scouts. As a result, it has appeared in film and TV for years, from the BBC adaptation of 39 Steps, to Captain America: The First Avenger and recently in the TV series Outlander as Cranesmuir, the fictional home of Geillis Duncan.

Blackness Castle – This 15th century fortification is known as ‘The ship that never sailed’ due to it’s unusual boat-like shape. Explore the rich history within the castle walls and learn of it’s multi-functional history as a lordly residence, garrison fortress and state prison. Fans of Outlander may also recognise that the exterior posed as Fort William, the foreboding headquarters of Black Jack Randall.

Linlithgow Palace – These hugely impressive ruins were the birthplace of several monarchs, but the most notable was Mary Queen of Scots. The palace was built by the Stewart Kings and expanded over two centuries to become a popular rest stop on the road between Edinburgh and Stirling for travelling royalty and nobles. Enjoy a visit inside this royal residence and marvel at the ornate fountain in the courtyard area. Outlander fans will know the outside of the palace as Wentworth Prison.

The Kelpies – One of the internationally lesser known Scottish attractions. These two massive horse-head sculptures sit on the Forth Clyde Canal. The sculptor Andy Scott explains his work the best; "The artistic intent of the Kelpies is built around a contemporary sculptural monument. Water-borne, towering gateways into The Helix, the Forth & Clyde canal and Scotland, translating the legacy of the area into proud equine guardians.” Explore The Helix facility and learn about the story, construction and inspiration behind this modern artistic feat.

Callendar House – The final stop of the day is at the stately home of Callendar House, which dates from the 14th century and is set in the beautiful grounds of Callendar Park. A stroll around the lovely interior wouldn’t be complete without taking a look at the restored 1825 kitchen. Within the kitchen, costumed interpreters await to tell you more and may even have an example of early 19th century food for you to try. Outlander fans may again recognise this kitchen as the bloody (but well-deserved!) climax to the episode from season 2 ‘Vengeance is Mine’

Scotland: Castles, Palaces & The Kelpies

Grayline Scotland

Scotland: Castles, Palaces & The Kelpies

Grayline Scotland