Outlander filming locations - Falkland (1945 Inverness)

​The Village of Falkland in Fife, Scotland, was used several times as an Outlander filming location and it's easy to see why when you visit. The traditional stone cottages that line the streets were built in the 17th and 18th century and there are 28 listed buildings including the impressive renaissance Falkland Palace. The door frames of the cottages are small which is typical of the era, there are original marriage lints above several of the doors and some of the cottages even have thatched roofs. The winding cobbled lanes, colourful hanging baskets and quirky artistic touches make Falkland a popular day trip for locals. You read more about Fife here

Filming for season one began in October 2013 and Falkland was used as Inverness in 1946. The real Inverness was not suitable as the buildings and roads are now modern and not exactly the look they were going for!

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Much of the filming concentrated on the main Square. Claire and Frank spent their second honeymoon in Mrs Baird's B+B after returning from the war. The Covenanter's Hotel was used as the B+B and the team didn't have to change much so you will instantly recognise the building. ​the black window frames were painted a mustard yellow and the white posts outside the front door were painted a matt black.

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In the centre of the village you will find the Bruce fountain and you won't be the first to recreate the scene where Jamie's ghost looks up at Claire in the window. Again not much was changed except the horse statues on each corner which are usually red were changed to black using what looked like a black rubber covering. ​

Campbell's Coffee House was originally a pharmacy before filming but the owners have now decided to remain a coffee house although the front was altered to include a thatched canopy and wooden fruit and veg crates were piled up against the windows. ​

​The Fayre Earth Gift Shop was used as Farrell's Hardware shop and was where Claire was admiring the blue base in the window. The shop was given a 17th century revamp, the sign was replaced and the usually bright and cheerful exterior was painted in a more traditional palatte.
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The village was transformed again for season 2, as 1960's Inverness complete with 60's cars, bikes and the typical colour palette of the decade. 

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Falkland itself is one of my favourite villages and I've spent a lot of time there growing up. My aunt Ella used to work in the gift shop in the Palace so as kids we spent a lot of time exploring the gardens. ​

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While you are in Falkland I'd highly recommend visiting the palace. Mary Queen of Scots spend a lot of her early years here and enjoyed playing tennis in the court in the gardens, which is the oldest real tennis court in the UK. Apparently the gentlemen were shocked and appalled when she stepped out in men's breeches! The royal Stuarts used Falkland Palace as their country retreat to hunt and fish in the surrounding fields and forests. James IV and James V commissioned the best architects to build a 'pleasure place' and the result is what you see today, a beautiful French inspired Renaissance Palace. ​

If you are visiting Falkland take some time to explore, take a walk up the winding lanes to see cute, flower covered cottages, visit the small independent craft and art shops and have lunch in one of the cafes. You can even have lunch and a drink in Mrs Baird's.

Tip If you visit in the winter try the stovies and oatcakes from The Palace Pantry, they are amazing!

Shops in Falkland

Fayre Earth is a lovely little shop with an array of beautiful gifts, such as Harris tweed purses, knitted animals, pretty scarfs, wooden ornaments and wonderful clothing. The stock changes regularly so there is always new things to see.

The Rowan Tree sells lots of quirky colourful clothes and accessories and also have a stunning range of jewellery. 

Cottage Craft is possibly one of my favourite shops in the world. It is literally a cottage, stuffed to the rafters with a brilliant range of unique gifts including anything from hand drawn postcards to beautifully designed cushions. It's an Aladdin's cave of goodies, each room full of carefully chosen and unique items. 

Maspie House is a gorgeous art gallery situated right next to the palace. They have some amazing art work for sale and also have a nice range of gifts, books and homeware.

The Rusty Fox is just the cutest little shop and it's up an alley so don't miss it. They stock clothes and accessories that I've just never seen anywhere else. 

Vintage Quine is newly opened and if you love all things retro you'll love this shop. The clothes and accessories are all genuine vintage finds and there is some beautiful pieces from the 1950's and 1960's. 

Hotels in Falkland

Falkland has some lovely hotels, B+B's and apartments to stay in while you are here. 

The Ruin at Maspie House is absolutely stunning. This two-floor apartment has scrumptious decor, wonderful artwork on the walls and comes with free continental breakfast.Check rates

The Covenanter Hotel, aka Mrs Baird's B+B, has lovely rooms with ensuite bathrooms and of course, comes with an onsite restaurant. There is also a cosy little coffee shop. The walls are also a lot thicker than the ones in Outlander, luckily. Check rates

If you are travelling with family Saddler's House is ideal. What was now the village saddler's house is now a traditionally decorated, spacious 4 bedroomed holiday home. Spread out over 4 floors there is a formal dining room, a huge drawing room and a garden. Check rates

The Studio at Maspie House sleeps two and, like The Ruin, is beautifully decorated and includes a continental breakfast. Check rates

The Bruce Inn is a traditional Scottish pub with a lovely atmosphere and super friendly staff. The rooms above are spacious and comfortable. Check rates

Read next : The Highland Folk Museum, another fantastic Outlander filming locations 

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