Top Scotland Pop Culture in 2026

Visit “Outlander” filming locations with a guide to show you around key historical sites in Scotland on this private tour. Set off from either Edinburgh or Glasgow with a guide who can tell you behind-the-scenes stories and secrets while you sightsee. Travel in a comfortable car with your private group and don’t forget to look out the window to watch the countryside roll by.

This self-guided audio tour uncovers Edinburgh's darkest history, narrated by a former Detective Sergeant with 27 years of policing experience. Starting where Cockburn Street meets the Royal Mile, you'll trace centuries of crime and punishment through the Old Town. You'll walk past the feared Calton Jail and Greyfriars Kirkyard, once stalked by grave robbers who supplied Burke and Hare's victims to the city's anatomy schools. In the Grassmarket, where public executions once drew crowds, you'll hear how Half-Hangit Maggie survived her own hanging, and the true story of Deacon Brodie, the respectable tradesman turned burglar who inspired Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. You'll also learn how the 1977 World's End Murders were solved decades later by DNA evidence, before ending on the Castle Esplanade, once used for witch burnings. This tour is perfect for true crime fans and history buffs. After booking, install the VoiceMap app and enter your ticket code to download and start touring.

"Award-winning 2-hour dark walking tour through Edinburgh's sinister UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Led by expert guide in authentic handmade costume, uncover chilling true crimes behind St Giles Cathedral's witch trials, Royal Mile's infamous hangings, and Grassmarket's body snatchers Burke & Hare. Discover Deacon Brodie's double life inspiring Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, Victoria Street's Wizard of West Bow Major John Weir, Parliament Square's execution sites, and Greyfriars' grave-robbing horrors. Meet Dr Robert Knox's anatomy secrets, the cannibal son of Marquis of Queensberry, and George IV Bridge's criminal underworld. Experience bagpipe music while exploring Edinburgh's darkest secrets. Perfect 5-star reviews, intimate small groups. This isn't just sightseeing - it's investigating real murders, body snatching, and supernatural crimes that shocked Scotland. Book your authentic Edinburgh crime investigation today!"

Explore the lesser known history of Aberdeen, alongside discovering some of the newest street art, all along the old road into Aberdeen. Battles, kidnappings and a martyred monk – these stories all took place along the old road into Aberdeen. But the road has also been the focus of more uplifting incidents, from tales of drinking to struggles for equality. Scot Free Tours brings to life what used to be Aberdeen’s most important road, guaranteeing that you will never see it in the same way ever again. Discover hidden gems and sensational street art as we explore some of Aberdeen’s forgotten places. Scot Free Tours has been running tours since 2016. Since then we have become the top-ranked tour provider in Aberdeen, collecting TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 with more than five hundred five-star reviews.

Dark Shadows of Edinburgh isn't simply a ghost tour—it's an immersive storytelling experience that reveals the darker side of Scotland's capital through one continuous narrative. Rather than jumping from one unrelated ghost story to the next, every stop, location and character helps uncover how Edinburgh earned its reputation as one of Europe's darkest cities. Walk the atmospheric streets of the Old Town as you encounter infamous criminals, accused witches, sinister legends and chilling true stories. From Plotcock and the Lost Piper to Deacon Brodie, Major Weir, Half-Hangit Maggie and Burke & Hare, each story builds upon the last, creating an unforgettable journey through history, folklore and mystery. With expert guides, immersive storytelling and carefully researched history, Dark Shadows of Edinburgh offers a unique perspective that goes far beyond the traditional ghost tour.

This evening tour blends Glasgow’s stories, atmosphere, and whisky culture into one memorable experience. With intentionally small groups, you’ll enjoy a personal, friendly tour where you can genuinely connect with your guide and fellow travellers — ideal for solo explorers, couples, and culture lovers. Your guide will share Glasgow’s history, humour, activism, and contemporary character, giving you insights you won’t find in guidebooks. We finish in a traditional local pub for a relaxed whisky tasting, where you’ll learn how to appreciate Scotland’s national drink the Glaswegian way. Perfect for travellers who want an authentic, social, and immersive introduction to the city in just a couple of hours.

Join a magical tour of Edinburgh with our fun Potter-head guide to see the places that inspired JK Rowling's wizarding universe, followed by a gin-tasting experience with a true expert! This tour combo is ideal for adult Potter fans who enjoy a drink or two! Starting at Tron Kirk on The Royal Mile, see historic Waverley Station and Edinburgh University Old College–a famous old campus that inspired for JK Rowling’s creations Continue through the atmospheric Old Town, visiting Greyfriars Kirkyard to see Tom Riddle's Grave, and the Elephant Café where JK Rowling dreamed up Harry Potter's world! Get amazing views of Edinburgh Castle on our way to Victoria Street - said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. We finish near Edinburgh City Chambers where you’ll discover JK Rowling’s impact on the city After the tour, enjoy some free time before heading to a cool cellar venue for a gin-tasting experience. Try multiple gins from different regions–a perfect way to kick off your evening!

Follow in the footsteps of James Bond on this private tour of Scotland's 007-related places. See major filming locations, including Glencoe and Glen Etive, both featured in "Skyfall"; the Edinburgh birthplace of the first Bond, Sean Connery; and exclusive access to three iconic Bond cars at the Bo'ness Motor Museum with included tickets. Travel comfortably in private air conditioned sedan with a professional driver/guide.

Welcome to Jule's Outlander tour of Edinburgh! Are you a fan of the hit TV series? This is the perfect opportunity to step back in time and experience the world of Outlander for yourself. Join Jule, your passionate and knowledgeable guide, on a self-guided tour of Edinburgh's famous filming locations and discover the history and folklore behind the Jacobite uprisings. Explore the historic Old Town and follow in the footsteps of Claire and Jamie as you discover the hidden corners of Edinburgh that served as the backdrop for this epic tale. Along the way, Jule will share fascinating stories about Scotland's past and introduce you to the mythical creatures and legends that inspired the Outlander series. You'll be transported to a different time and place, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Scotland. By the end of the tour, you'll have gained a deeper understanding of the Jacobite uprisings and the lasting impact they had on this beautiful country.

Scotland’s biggest city holds some of the country’s darkest secrets. On this self-guided walking tour of Glasgow, you’ll uncover shocking tales from the ‘Dear Green Place’ with a local guide and comedian in your ear. Starting in George Square and ending at Scotia Bar, you’ll hear about gruesome grave robberies, haunted hotels, and the fates of murderers after the gallows. You’ll also admire beautiful murals on the High Street with darker origins and marvel at Victorian architecture like the Royal Infirmary Hospital. By the end of this hour-long tour, you’ll know the dark secrets beneath the face of the UK’s Friendliest City.

Solve A Mystery is a self-guided murder mystery city tour in Edinburgh for friends and family! Simply purchase online, collect it at our pick-up spot, and begin your adventure any time that suits you. The murder mystery takes place in central Edinburgh. The start destination is outside Tron Kirk on High St. The final destination is Grassmarket. Walking distance: 4 miles. The year is 1968. You are the only Detective Constable on duty due to a anniversary celebration of the Edinburgh police department, when suddenly the body of a dead woman is discovered. You must serve justice to those guilty of this hideous crime. Much is at stake! Throughout the experience, you will be guided around Edinburgh, while solving tasks and riddles related to the historical surroundings. You must gather sufficient evidence and indict the right suspect to ensure the peace of Edinburgh's citizens. Good luck and happy solving! PLEASE NOTE: This mystery is only available in ENGLISH!

Take a journey through the iconic world of "Outlander" and explore three key locations in Jamie Fraser's life on this private half-day tour. Visit Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Culross (Cranesmuir) and Drummond Castle, which was featured as the Palace of Versailles in the show. Perfect for fans, groups up four can take part daily with free pickup from Edinburgh or your port.

This private heritage tour reveals the historic and cultural legacy of the Scottish Highlands. Travel through ancient landscapes where history stretches centuries beyond the United States. Discover dramatic glens, historic landmarks, and architectural treasures that inspired stories known around the world. What Highland legends helped shape the magical world associated with Hogwarts? Explore landscapes rich in clan history, medieval heritage, and remarkable natural beauty. Learn how centuries of tradition and folklore transformed these historic places into enduring cultural icons. Experience breathtaking scenery where civilization, heritage, and timeless Highland character come together on an inspiring journey. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

This is a journey through the city’s darker streets, stranger stories and more unsettling past. A city well-known for its turbulent past, Glasgow has a lot of secrets. Built by industry, shaped by its working class, and run by gangs operating out of ice-cream vans. With your own local guide, uncover the murders, criminals, prisons, ghosts, gangs and grim tales that have shaped Glasgow over the centuries. Walk through the historic streets around Glasgow Cathedral, the old prison quarter and the Clyde, hearing stories of notorious inmates, unsolved murders, grave robbing, the Gorbals Vampire and Glasgow’s connections to the slave trade. And this isn’t just history… some of these stories are surprisingly recent.

Delve into Glasgow’s culinary scene while uncovering the stories that shape this vibrant city. This unique food tour highlights the interplay between Scottish cuisine and Glasgow's rich history, guided by a local expert. Enjoy generous tastings at four or more handpicked spots, where each bite reveals a tale of the city’s culture and community. Engage in lively conversations and discover insights you won’t find on a typical bus tour, all within a relaxed pace that allows for true exploration. - Explore Glasgow through its culinary offerings - Visit five or more carefully selected local eateries - Enjoy generous tastings and engaging local stories - Join a small, friendly group for a personalized experience

Hit the streets of Scotland on this private roadtrip through Lochcarron to Eilean Donan Castle from Invergordon Port. Your guide and driver will pick you up from the port for ease, and then you can relax in your private vehicle. Check out the spectacular scenery along the way. Stop at Eilean Donan Castle, plus pay visits to Urquhart Castle and Inverness Castle, too.

Note: Lochleven Castle is only open during summer season. Explore the life of Mary, Queen of Scots, through history and film on this private day tour from Edinburgh. Visit Craigmillar Castle, Linlithgow Palace, Stirling Castle, Falkland Palace, and seasonally, Lochleven Castle. Discover the true stories behind these historic sites and how they've been portrayed in popular films. Uncover the legacy of this iconic queen amidst Scotland's stunning landscapes.

This private walking tour uncovers the darker side of St. Andrews history. Walk through medieval streets where centuries-old legends still echo. Hear stories of bishops, scholars, and figures tied to the town’s past. Explore ancient pathways once used by monks and clergy. Stand near the cathedral ruins where history meets mystery. Visit the castle grounds shaped by conflict and power. Learn how belief and folklore shaped this coastal town. This experience blends cultural heritage with atmospheric storytelling. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Discover the highlights and hidden secrets of Edinburgh’s magical Old Town by setting off on a guided tour. Along the way, find stories you’d miss if exploring alone—such as famous residents who have lived in the city, and learn about the history behind its famous landmarks, such as Edinburgh Castle, and St Giles’ Cathedral. Also, if you opt for the evening tour, hear about local ghost stories.

Every Harry Potter tour in Edinburgh will tell you Victoria Street is Diagon Alley and a certain gravestone inspired Voldemort's name. Ours is the one that tells you whether that's actually true. This walk runs on years spent digging into old newspaper archives and J.K. Rowling's own interviews, not on the same script other tours have been repeating for a decade. Every stop gets a straight verdict: verified, disputed, or just a good story that never happened. We call the method behind it The Revelio Bureau. Along the way you'll walk through some corners of the Old Town that genuinely shaped the Harry Potter books, led by a guide who knows the difference between what Rowling actually said and what the internet decided she said somewhere along the way. Worth knowing before you book: these are the real literary inspiration sites, not film locations. Edinburgh is where Rowling wrote, not where the movies were shot. Cameras welcome. Myths not included.

Did you know that Voldemort has a grave in Edinburgh cemetery? Or that the Patronus of James Potter comes from a Scottish legend? When she wrote Harry Potter, JK Rowling had just moved to Edinburgh and was inspired by everything she saw around her. During this 2h private tour, you will follow our storyteller who will tell you more of the behind the scenes of magic. You will learn anecdotes about both Harry Potter and the life of its author while discovering all the hidden spots of Edinburgh - which are strikingly similar to the world described by JK Rowling.​ Young wizards (under 18) must be with an adult.

Explore Outlander locations close to Edinburgh with a fellow fan Driver/Guide. Winter in Scotland is a great time to visit as most locations are quiet. See Inverness (Falkland) from seasons 1, 2 and 4. Will you see Jamies Ghost? Culross has featured in seasons 1, 2 and 4 as Crainsmuir, a Jacobite encampment and much more. No Outlander tour would be complete with out a visit to the infamous Fort William (Blackness Castle) and the Mackenzie stronghold, Castle Leoch (Doune Castle). Midhope Castle (Lallybroch) has limited access in the winter, if accessible it will be included in the tour. The tour can be customised if agreed in advance of the tour date.

Want to see the Edinburgh movie and TV locations behind Outlander, Avengers: Infinity War, One Day, Frankenstein and Fast & Furious 9 in the company of local film journalist and author Jonathan Melville? An Edinburgh Movie Tour is the best way to explore them: a guided route through Edinburgh’s most cinematic streets and closes, with behind-the-scenes stories and trivia. The tour begins in Parliament Square, where Wanda and Vision fought for their lives in Infinity War, and ends in Bakehouse Close, where Claire was reunited with Jamie in season three of Outlander! Your guide is local film journalist and author Jonathan Melville, who has written multiple books on Scottish films and TV series. Visitors and locals will see the city in a completely new light.

Step into the shadows of 19th-century Edinburgh, a city split between Enlightenment brilliance and desperate, grinding poverty. On this immersive true-crime journey, you will trace the bloody footsteps of William Burke and William Hare, two men who turned murder into a highly profitable business. Discover how the insatiable demands of the medical establishment created a black market for human corpses, and explore the chilling ethical lines crossed in the name of science. This is not just a story of serial killers; it is a tale of class, complicity, and the forgotten victims of the Old Town. - A 2.7 km self-guided tour with 6 stops over 94 min - Ideal for travelers interested in History & Memory and Social Fabric & Everyday Life - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app