See inside Callendar House, the 14th century Scottish mansion where 'Outlander' was filmed

Mikhaila FrielMay 29, 2024, 07:31 IST

The exterior of Callendar House in Falkirk, Scotland.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

Callendar House in Falkirk, Scotland, was a filming location for 'Outlander' season two.
The mansion dates back to the 14th century and was home to the powerful Livingston family.

Fans of "Outlander" can visit an ancient Scottish mansion where part of the series was filmed — and it won't cost a penny.

Callendar House in Falkirk, Scotland, was used as a filming location in season two of the historical drama series.

But the building's cultural and historical significance stretches beyond the TV show. Dating back to the 14th century, Callendar House was once home to the Livingston family, one of the most powerful noble families in Scotland.

Alexander, the 5th Lord Livingston, was appointed guardian of Mary, Queen of Scots, after her birth in 1542. The royal visited Callendar House on many occasions, and she was close friends with Alexander's daughter, also named Mary.

These days, Callendar House is a free tourist attraction and private event venue. I took a tour and was amazed by the building's beauty.

I spent a day exploring Callendar House, a 14th-century stately home known for its connection to Mary, Queen of Scots and "Outlander."

The author pictured outside Callendar House.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

The mansion was built near the site of the Antonoine Wall in Callendar Park, which the Romans constructed in the 2nd century AD.

Callendar House.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

The mansion was home to the Livingston family from the 14th century until the 18th century.

Callendar House.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

The building is free to visit. Upon entering, you will find a gift shop with postcards, books, and children's toys.

The entrance and gift shop.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

There were several "Outlander" inspired gifts, including books about the making of the show.

Books about "Outlander" in the gift shop.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

The mansion has more than 15 rooms across three floors.

The main hallway and staircase leading to the first floor.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

Life-size replicas of the Livingston family can be found in a permanent exhibition about the mansion's origins on the first floor.

Statues of the Livingston family.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

Like most of society during the 16th century, the Livingston family was Protestant. According to the exhibition, they were "loyal supporters" of Mary, who was Catholic.

A replica of a dress worn by Mary, Queen of Scots.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

Like most of society during the 16th century, the Livingston family was Protestant. According to the exhibition, they were "loyal supporters" of Mary, who was Catholic.

The mansion's Georgian kitchen was used as a filming location for "Outlander" in 2015.

The Georgian kitchen where "Outlander" was filmed.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

Behind-the-scenes photos of the set were on display.

Photos from the set of "Outlander."Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

The mansion's second and third floors are used for various exhibitions. One exhibition is "Live it Paint it" by Falkirk-based artist Lys Hansen.

An art exhibition.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

I was blown away by the mansion's colorful decor.

A mural on the ceiling.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

After completing the tour, I sat down in the tea room on the first floor.

The tearoom at Callendar House.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

I opted for a cup of English breakfast tea and a banana-and-chocolate scone.

Tea and scones in the tearoom.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

Whether you are a history buff or an "Outlander" fan, I recommend visiting Callendar House.

Callendar House in Scotland.Mikhaila Friel/Business Insider

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See inside Callendar House, the 14th century Scottish mansion where 'Outlander' was filmed

I spent a day exploring Callendar House, a 14th-century stately home known for its connection to Mary, Queen of Scots and "Outlander."

The mansion was built near the site of the Antonoine Wall in Callendar Park, which the Romans constructed in the 2nd century AD.

The mansion was home to the Livingston family from the 14th century until the 18th century.

The building is free to visit. Upon entering, you will find a gift shop with postcards, books, and children's toys.

There were several "Outlander" inspired gifts, including books about the making of the show.

The mansion has more than 15 rooms across three floors.

Life-size replicas of the Livingston family can be found in a permanent exhibition about the mansion's origins on the first floor.

Like most of society during the 16th century, the Livingston family was Protestant. According to the exhibition, they were "loyal supporters" of Mary, who was Catholic.

The mansion's Georgian kitchen was used as a filming location for "Outlander" in 2015.

Behind-the-scenes photos of the set were on display.

The mansion's second and third floors are used for various exhibitions. One exhibition is "Live it Paint it" by Falkirk-based artist Lys Hansen.

I was blown away by the mansion's colorful decor.

After completing the tour, I sat down in the tea room on the first floor.

I opted for a cup of English breakfast tea and a banana-and-chocolate scone.

Whether you are a history buff or an "Outlander" fan, I recommend visiting Callendar House.