First Outlander location, former royal burgh, today, Falkland is a mighty charming village surrounded with views that feed the soul and nature that makes you want to keep coming back. From our kids perspective – loads of natural wonders every step of the way and their number one of the whole weekend -Scotland’s favourite Wicked cheesecakes that can be found in the Town House Deli and Bakery.
Falkland is definitely worth a weekend or even just a day trip. It might be only an hour away from Edinburgh but it certainly has a feel of stepping into a whole different era. No wonder it was chosen to stand in as the Inverness locations not only those from the 1940s, 60s but also 1740s. It’s like a wee nudge to all of us to slow down.
Our first stop was the Falkland Estate. The Stables Cafe and Shop caught our attention but after days (that seemed like weeks) of Covid confinement it is nature we needed.
So many paths to choose from. Ours was to follow the murmur of Arraty and Marpie Burn. Goal – to watch the world from behind a waterfall! Yad Waterfall at Maspie Den will allow you exactly that. Lovely two hour circular walk and after a good cleanse of our lungs and mind it was time for some cultural ascension.
Falkland Palace, one of favourite places where Mary Queen of Scots chilled and played tennis and where Stuart Kings and Queens of Scotland came for rest and recreation. Also one of Outlander locations – as the apothecary where Claire meets Mary Hawkins. To be fair, you can go around all the Outlander locations in Falkland under half an hour and that’s with photos and looking out for memorabilias.
What we learned
~ That same tennis court still stand on the Palace grounds and can be seen from up close. It is the oldest surviving real (or royal) tennis court in the world. Might not be what you expect out of royal court but worth cheching out.
~ Johnny Cash, the Man in Black himself, found out later in life his roots came from Falkland. He visited the village often and even arranged to play a concert at Falkland Palace in 1981.
~ There is a stirrer made from wood called ‘spurtle’. It is a special kitchen utensile made to stir the porridge (Sctos claim the autorship of the porridge). Due to its resemblance to a magic wand some find that loads of Scottish myths and legends are connected to spurtle. What did surprise our boys is that long time ago porridge was far more than a breakfast meal. Variety of meals from sweet to savoury included oats as a nutritious substitute for more expensive meat and fish. Once the porridge was made it would be flatened and cooled and could be taken as a snack/lunch for workers. Original Scottisch spurtle can be found in the Royal Palace Shop.
What we liked
~ Garden chess…no explanation needed
~ Robin the influencer. Must be either the bravest Robin in the world or a bird that definatley likes posing to visitors of the Royal Palace. One way or the other we felt like Robin whisperers by the end of our visit!
And of course…
Ending a day with a sweet treat – Wicked cheesecakes and Buffalo Burgers from Town House Deli and Baker. Absolutely delicious.
Deciding where our next Van Adventure will be there are a few guidelines we follow – loads of nature walks, quiet spot for the night (preferably in the nature) and that there is something for everybody.
Craigmead Car Parkwas was just the perfect stop – not only it’s in the heart of the most beautiful walks in the area it also has designated bay areas for vans who wish to stay the night plus toilets and picnic benches. Would definately recommend as a place to call it a night!
For more film locations in the UK check out one of our favourites – where not only Harry Potter was filmed but you can learn to fly on a broom – Alnwick Castle.