I’ve checked the website for weeks and can finally report that Midhope Castle is finally open for visitors!
*this post may contain spoilers*
Outlander fans might recognise this as ‘Lallybroch’, or Broch Tuarach, but it is in fact Midhope Castle. Built by John Martyne, the Laird of Midhope in the 15th Century and sits on some of the impressive 6,500 acres of land that the Hopetoun Estate covers. Both Midhope and Hopetoun feature through out the series of Outlander and both could be visited in the same trip for keen fans.
Lallybroch is Jamie, and his sister Jenny’s ancestral home, to where he returns with Claire. It features heavily throughout series one and a few others when such as Season 3 when Claire returns on her own in 1960 to find it empty and boarded up.
Visiting ‘Lallybroch’ is just a small part of the entire Outlander experience, but one of the most important in my opinion due to how much meaning it has in the show.
For those visiting for the history, the entire place takes no more than 15 minutes to see, it’s an exterior visit, as the interior closed to the public. But for any Outlander fan you’ll want to wander around and see it all more than once, recreate some of the scenes too. It’s an external visit only, as inside is derelict and closed to the public.
But don’t worry, everything that was filmed inside was shot in a studio, so you aren’t missing out!
Don’t forget to visit the stables behind the property too!
You can sit on the stairs and wait for Jamie, just like Claire, though you will be waiting a while….
Midhope Castle is a working farm and can sometimes can be closed to the public, for filming or other work, there are a full list of dates on their website, so check before you book/turn up.
It’s a gorgeous little visit and not one to miss if you are a huge fan of the show! I already can’t wait to go back!
How to book your trip:
Due to Covid, you currently have to book online before you visit.
Tickets are £4 per person and under 5’s go free. For small family vehicles parking is free. You can book your parking slot at the same time as your ticket.
This is not an official attraction, so there are no facilities or cafes near by.
You can book here: Midhope Castle
Directions:
Driving: Take the A90 west out of Edinburgh, past the Queensferry Crossing. Onto the A904 for Newton & Abercorn.
Once passed Newton, follow the A904 and turn right at the roundabout and drive for approx 1 mile.
You’ll see a sign for Midhope Castle, take a left and drive down the little road, and you’ll soon see Lallybroch right before you.
