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Scotland: OutlanderDoune Castle: Castle Leoch
The filmography of Doune Castle is impressive. Not only was it cast for a main role in Outlander, it also stars in Monthy Python and the Holy Grail and in the pilot episode of Game of Thrones. Fans love this iconic location, so be aware that this is not a place of quiet solitude.
Built in the late 1300s Doune Castle is a so-called courthouse castle, which is obvious in this bird eye's view.
The gatehouse houses the great hall with its carved oak screen, musicians gallery and double fireplace. Other highlights include the kitchen and the view from the battlements over the surrounding countryside - extending towards the Menteith Hills and Ben Lomond. Good to know: the castle is open all year-round.
The great hall features prominently in Monthy Python and the Holy Grail.
The courtyard can be reached via a cobblestone tunnel.
Monty Python actor Terry Jones narrates some of the tales of The Holy Grail in an audio tour of the castle.
Key Scenes
Castle Leoch appears throughout Season 1 but we first see it in Episode 1 when Claire and Frank visit the ruined castle during their honeymoon.
In its 18th century incarnation, the castle is home to the clan of Colum MacKenzie and his brother Dougal. After touching the standing stones of Craigh Na Dun, Claire finds herself in the middle of a skirmish between English redcoats and rebel Highlanders who take her to Castle Leoch (Season 1: Episode 1).
Claire is presented to Colum MacKenzie, laird of castle Leoch, where she learns she has landed in 1743.
Colum is seated in the middle, on the right his brother Dougal. The interior scenes were shot in the studio.
In the same episode, Claire meets Geillis Duncan who is a regular visitor to the castle's herb garden.
Geillis shares Claire's passion for herbs... although hers is a somewhat darker interest.
Watch
Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) and Dougal MacKenzie (Graham McTavish) battle in a rousing game of shinty in front of Castle Leoch (Season 1: Episode 4).