Menu
Dunkeld Hermitage River in Scotland

Places to Eat on the Outlander Trail in Scotland

Last Updated: 25/03/2024

On an Outlander Scotland package, travel back in time with Jamie and Claire to a world of Highland adventure, passionate romance, and glorious scenery. Imagine gorgeous glens, charming coastal towns, and fascinating historical monuments, all of which inspired the series.

Yet there’s one question we are asked a lot by travellers on the Outlander Trail in Scotland: where are the best places to eat along the way? As such, we’ve asked our expert local guides to share their favourite tearooms, pubs, and restaurants on the Outlander itinerary.

From Scotland’s fabulous cities to its Highland villages, there are many fantastic options to choose from. In this post, we share 9 tempting foodie haunts to try on your journey.

Signet Library in Edinburgh - Places to Eat on the Outlander Trail
Signet Library in Edinburgh ©VisitScotland - Kenny Lam

1. Signet Library, Edinburgh

The Signet Library, in Edinburgh, is a 19th-century drawing room in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town. But for Outlander fans, it’s perhaps more recognisable as the Governor’s Jamaican mansion in season 3.

Tucked inside this Georgian venue is the Colonnades, a restaurant that’s one of the loveliest places to eat in Edinburgh. Locals like to come for the renowned afternoon tea. It’s a glamorous, traditional, and delicious way to spend your time in Scotland’s capital.



2. The Stables Kitchen, Hopetoun House, South Queensferry

Another location you’ll recognise from the series is Hopetoun House, or the Duke of Sandringham’s residence in season 1. This grand stately home sits a few miles west of Edinburgh, and it’s truly an astonishing, luxurious place.

Hungry travellers should head to the House’s Stables Kitchen, an elegant dining room in the recently restored 18th-century stables. Offering cream teas, Cullen skink (the traditional Scottish fish and potato soup), and lots more, you’ll find something delicious to indulge in at any time of the day.



Row of houses in Falkland

3. Campbell’s Tea Room, Falkland

The next stop on the Outlander Trail is the Kingdom of Fife. Here, explore the picturesque village of Culross, which stars in the series as Cranesmuir, the home of Geillis Duncan. Or head a short distance up the road and discover Falkland, the village you’ll know as Inverness in the series.

In Falkland, Campbell’s Coffee House is a tearoom that features in the series itself. It looks over the village streets that Claire and Frank explore on their honeymoon. And, in real life, it’s worth a visit for the breakfasts, cakes, and coffee too.

4. The Taybank, Dunkeld

Heading north into the Highlands, one of your first stops will be at the delightful village of Dunkeld.

At the cathedral, discover the history of the Battle of Dunkeld, fought in 1689 between Jamie’s Jacobites and the Cameronians. Or, just outside the village, visit the estate of the Dunkeld House Hotel, which featured as the set of the American wilderness in series 4.

Whatever you choose to do, Dunkeld is a fabulous place to eat. The Taybank, one of Scotland’s most famous jazz and blues venues, has a lovely garden down to the River Tay. Or try the Aran Bakery, an artisan café owned by Great British Bake Off star, Flora Shedden.



Rothiemurchus Forest near the Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore
Rothiemurchus Forest ©VisitScotland - Kenny Lam

5. The Old Bridge Inn, Aviemore

The region around Aviemore and Newtonmore, on the road north to Inverness, boasts some of Scotland’s most beautiful natural scenery. And, of course, it’s hosted some of the most compelling scenes from Outlander too.

In this part of the world, Aviemore’s Old Bridge Inn is a lovely place to eat. Its menu is packed with many of the most famous flavours of Scotland – including seafood and game.

The food aside, it’s a gorgeous location. And in an interview with Condé Nast Traveler, the Outlander crew cite the pub as a favourite lunch spot when they filmed in the area.

6. The Fiddler’s, Loch Ness

On your journey south from Inverness to Fort William, make sure you stop off in Drumnadrochit. Here, you’ll witness Urquhart Castle, an incredibly evocative ruin on the shores of Loch Ness where Claire sees the water horse.

While you’re here, stop off at the Fiddler’s pub and café in the village. It’s one of the most charming eateries in the Highlands.



View of the Glenfinnan Viaduct by the Glenfinnan Station Museum
Glenfinnan Viaduct ©VisitScotland - Kenny Lam

7. Glenfinnan Station Museum, Glenfinnan

Taking you to the heart of the history that inspired Outlander, Glenfinnan was one of the most important locations in  Scotland’s Jacobite uprising of 1745. With its monument to Bonnie Prince Charlie, it’s one of the highlights of the Outlander Trail and among the most scenic spots in Scotland. 

If you’re feeling peckish, head to the Glenfinnan Station Museum Dining Car. Overlooking the waters of Loch Shiel, it’s a beautiful place for lunch.



8. Mhor Fish, Mhor Bread, and Tearoom, Callander

One of the most dramatic areas on the Outlander Trail is the Trossachs, a national park of majestic lochs and gorgeous mountain peaks. The tranquil little town of Callander is a convenient place to stop off thanks to its wealth of eating options.

The Mhor takeaway, tearoom, and bakery is a very reliable option, offering fish and chips, sandwiches, and more.

Just down the road, don’t miss the 14th-century Doune Castle, the real site of Castle Leoch, one of the most familiar locations in the show.



9. Crannog Seafood Restaurant, Fort William

When journeying through Outlander’s Scotland, spend the night in the Fort William area. Fort William is the place where Jamie is flogged in series 1 (although it is actually shot in Blackness Castle, just outside Edinburgh).

You’ll be spoilt for choice for places to eat in this bustling Highland town. We recommend Crannog, a seafood restaurant on the shores of Loch Linnhe. Make sure you book ahead!

The Crannog Seafood Restaurant in Fort William
Crannog Seafood Restaurant ©VisitScotland - Kenny Lam

Discover the Outlander Trail in Scotland with Nordic Visitor

In Scotland, the captivating world of Outlander awaits. With its magical locations and evocative history, you’ll fall in love with the country that inspired the show.

If you book your Outlander tour with Nordic Visitor, we’ll make everything easy. Our local travel experts, who are based in Edinburgh, will handle the accommodation, route, and all the must-see destinations. And we can provide further food recommendations tailored to your tastes too.

Come and explore the world of Outlander. Get in touch to start your adventure

Tags:
emma blog profile
Post by: Emma Gillies

Wanderlust has taken Emma across much of the world, but it was Scotland that she made her adopted home. Aside from enjoying countryside walks, campervan weekends and gigs in Glasgow, you’ll often find her writing about European travel and plotting her next trip.

More posts by Emma Gillies

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.