Many of us have gotten enchanted by the magical world of the ‘Outlander’ TV series based on Diana Gabaldon’s novels. The show is based in Scotland and features some of the best vistas and places our wee country has to offer. What is more, Visit Scotland made a handy map where all the series’ locations within Scotland are in one place. So, let’s take a wee ‘Outlander’ tour around Glasgow of the six filming locations that were used in various seasons.
‘Outlander’ tells the tale of a former Second World War nurse Claire, who finds herself transported back in time to mid 18th century. There begins a love story between Claire (Caitríona Balfe) and Jamie, played by Sam Heughan, where the pair is then involved in the Jacobite rising.
1. George Square
When it comes to architecture, Glasgow sure delivers. The historic George Square was used in Season 1 of ‘Outlander’ while it was still in the 1940s: within the scene, Frank impulsively proposed to Claire. The main square of the city is the perfect spot to start your tour, as it’s also where Glasgow Queen Street train station is if you’re coming in from other cities.
2. Glasgow Cathedral
Next up is Glasgow Cathedral, one of the only remaining Medieval churches in Scotland that remains untouched after the Reformation. In Season 2 of The ‘Outlander’, the cathedral’s crypt was used to act as L’Hopital Des Anges in Paris, the place where Claire was volunteering. Located on Duke Street, Glasgow Cathedral is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Glasgow, praised for its classic Gothic architecture.
3. The University of Glasgow
Glasgow University was used to portray Harvard University in Seasons 3 and 4. Within the scenes, Frank taught there as a professor and Brianna paid him a visit in the office. The University of Glasgow is, actually, the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world, having been built in 1451. While you’re there, have a walk around the inner courtyard and check out The Hunterian Museum.
4. Kelvingrove Park
Located right next to the University of Glasgow is Kelvingrove Park, a serene green oasis nestled on the banks of River Kelvin. During Season 3, Claire was pictured taking walks in Boston Park with her daughter Brianna. But in reality, this was all filmed right under our noses, in Kelvingrove Park! I think the scene where she passed a man playing the bagpipes should have given it away…
5. Pollok Country Park
Many of us noticed the stunning grounds of Pollok House within Pollok Country Park in Glasgow’s Southside used as the surroundings of Castle Leoch in Season 1. Plus, in Season 2, the country park also doubled as the French countryside while the characters were travelling from Le Havre to Paris. Pollok Country Park is one of our favourite green spots in Glasgow, where you can find the vast Burrell Collection, Highland cows and plenty of woodland and greenery to marvel at.
6. Calderglen Country Park
While Calderglen Country Park is not exactly in Glasgow but in South Lanarkshire instead, we still wanted to include the green space within the ‘Outlander’ filming locations list, as we love a good walk and it’s a mere half an hour’s drive away from the city centre. The park was used in Season 4 when Willie went on a fishing and hunting trip with Jamie that did not end so well. While you’re there, enjoy the vast greenery of nature with the abundance of available walking trails, as well as the Zoo, the historic Torrence House and golf courses.