Outlander fans will recognize Midhope Castle as the fictional Lallybroch, the childhood home of Jamie and Jenny Fraser. It’s located in Abercorn, about a 45 minute drive from Edinburgh. Much of the filming for the series occurred here, at the castle itself or in its environs.
The castle was built in the 15th century and was then known as Medhope Castle, after its owner, John Martyne, who was known as the Laird of Medhope. So yes, the castle is old enough that our fictional 18th century Jamie Fraser could have lived there.
The castle changed hands several times, until it was purchased by John Hope in 1678. Hope made a number of additions, including the arched courtyard entrance so familiar to Outlander fans.
Midhope Castle suffered a fire in the 1950s and the damage was so extensive that it wasn’t cost-effective to repair (it still isn’t; the castle is vacant). Any interiors you see in the Outlander series are stage sets, as the castle is only a shell.
I took the opportunity to get dressed up in 18th century clothing (including stays, which were actually quite comfortable) and have my photo taken at various spots around the castle. I had the good fortune of scheduling my visit for a perfect sunny Scotland day.
Here, I’m standing in front of the dovecote with Midhope Castle in the background.
A portion of the ground floor of the castle can be entered, so I got this nice shot in front of the fireplace.
Several scenes from Outlander were shot on these front steps, including one where Claire and Jenny are waiting for Jamie’s return, not knowing that he has been captured.
The arched entryway to the courtyard.
I’m with a cardboard cutout of Jamie Fraser inside the ground floor of the castle. You’ll notice that I’m wearing arm warmers (as Claire did) in this photo.
A replica of one of the standing stones. If you could travel through time, what era would you like to land in?
Another photo by the fireplace.
I’m inside the courtyard, with the outside trails and forest behind me.
Just a close-up of the outfit itself.
Using my tartan almost as a picnic blanket, I’m on the grounds just outside the castle.
The forest surrounding the castle. The film crew didn’t have to travel far for forest scenes.
This is the spot where Fergus lost his hand, which was cut off by English soldiers.
And this was Jamie Fraser’s cave, where he hid out from the Redcoats after Culloden. It’s really just a rocky outcropping, but it could be made to look like the entrance to a cave by adding some artificial greenery.
A scene from the filming of Outlander. Jenny and Claire confront a British soldier. Claire’s costume is very similar to what I was wearing.
Sam Heughan and Catriona Balfe between scenes.
Jamie Fraser and his sister Jenny.
Claire and Jamie ride away from Lallybroch.
Midhope Castle is located at Abercorn, Hopetoun Estate, South Queensferry in Scotland. It’s about a 45-minute drive west of central Edinburgh. They are open from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Admission is 9.50 GBP.