Reviewing the Outlander Tour of Tryon Palace in New Bern, North Carolina
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Dreaming of following in Claire and Jamie Fraser’s footsteps but can’t make it all the way to Scotland for an Outlander filming location tour?
I was actually supposed to visit the Outlander set back when I worked in TV, but it didn’t pan out, and I wound up visiting Stirling Castle instead (a great Highland locale).
But don’t worry if you can’t make it across the pond! There’s a tour in North Carolina that’ll immerse you in Diana Gabaldon’s world (she also conducted research here three times!)
As both a literary traveler and Outlander book reader/TV series fan who’s experienced the exclusive Outlander tours at Tryon Palace firsthand, I know exactly what fellow Sassenachs are seeking.
I attended both the Governor’s Palace and Home and Hearth tours in New Bern during my visit, which marked the start of my Hamilton-inspired tour of the East Coast.
Fans looking for practical details on booking these extremely limited tours will find them below, along with my honest take on which tour delivers the most authentic Fraser experience and how to make the most of your “outlandish” day in New Bern.
Is the Outlander Tour at Tryon Palace Worth It?
Yes, if you’ve read past book three or watched past season four, as the tour assumes you know Jamie and Claire’s North Carolina story. Costumed interpreters guide you through the palace as if you’re inside the novels. Diana Gabaldon researched here three times, so the building closely matches the one depicted in the books. I attended in 2019 when there were two tours; however, there is now one. Non-fans still get a solid colonial history tour; anyone expecting filming locations should know the series was shot in Scotland.
What is the Connection Between Outlander and North Carolina?
In season four of the TV show, we follow the iconic couple after they were shipwrecked in the American colony of Georgia.
Then, making their way up the coast to Wilmington, they meet William Tryon, the Governor of North Carolina, for whom Tryon Palace is named.
The Palace is in New Bern, which is primarily known as North Carolina’s first permanent state capital.
Upon arrival, Governor Tryon offers Jamie Fraser a land contract in the wilds of North Carolina.
While it’s a rich offer in that it provides him with a huge amount of land, it also makes him responsible for finding men to settle and work the land. As well as adding a clause that should Tryon call Jamie into service, he would have to answer.
They agree, and Jamie and Claire settle on a piece of land, which they dub Fraser’s Ridge.
Whether you’ve read the books or watched the series, you will undoubtedly recall Governor Tryon and his palace.
Book Recommendation
Start with Outlander Book 1—I listened to the audiobook shortly before the series began airing and loved how many details it includes, especially as a history buff.
I get my audiobooks from Libro.fm—they split the profits with an independent bookstore of your choice.
What Outlander Tours are Available at Tryon Palace?
These tours used to run monthly with two separate options on the same day — I did both. Tryon Palace now runs a single Outlander tour per date, so there are far fewer seats to go around. Book as soon as tickets open, since quantities are extremely limited.
When I visited in May of 2019, I attended both tours on offer, the Governor’s Palace and the Home and Hearth.
However, only one is now on offer that appears to be a blend of the two.
Here’s what each tour was like when I took them.
The Governor’s Palace Tour
On the Governor’s Palace tour, we met servants who embedded themselves in the story of Outlander—talking as if we were actually inside the novels and visiting the Palace just as Claire and Jamie did.
It’s a real treat for those who are big fans of the books or TV series.
We toured the main floor and the upstairs while hearing all about Claire and Jamie’s time at the palace.
It should be noted that they didn’t film the series here but back in Scotland, where most of the Outlander filming locations are.
However, because Diana Gabaldon did research at the Palace before writing the novel, it is truly very similar to the location that you either read about or saw in the series.
We were asked not to take photos in the main house, so I have these adorable Outlander marionettes for you.
The Home and Hearth Tour
My favorite of the two tours was the Home and Hearth tour.
While it was less about the characters themselves, it reflected more of what their daily lives were like, which I rather enjoyed.
We were able to meet the Governor’s Cook, the local Apothecary, and a Weaver. We were given the opportunity to smell and touch many of the items in the rooms we toured.
More importantly, they encouraged questions!
As I was on the tour with many Outlander fans, it was lovely to see how much these wonderful people actually knew, as their knowledge was tested, especially in the upper room where the weaver was.
Mrs. Pinckney, a plantation owner in South Carolina notable for introducing domestic silk production, was even mentioned on this tour.
We were able to see the evolution of silk and other materials on site.
The Apothecary was also extremely knowledgeable, not only in relation to the series but also in medicine and surgery during Governor Tryon’s time.
How to Plan a Day at Tryon Palace
When I took the two tours, there was a bit of time between them.
How I filled the time was by visiting some of the palace’s other attractions.
On the day I visited, they also had a Colonial Market Day, so there were some outdoor activities associated with that.
I was also able to visit the Stanly House, where George Washington once slept.
Additionally, I visited the Palace Gardens, the Academy Museum, and the History Center.
Even with all that, I still had time for lunch and a walk around New Bern a bit for a full day of outlandish fun!
If you’re looking for even more to do in this area, check out the North Carolina Lighthouses!
Who Should Take the Outlander Tour?
On the Outlander tour, I learned not only about the fictional characters but also about real characters like Governor Tryon and his family.
I would highly recommend this tour to any fan of the book or TV series.
However, since it also covers real historical people and not just the show, non-fans will likely get something out of this tour as well, especially if they’re interested in early United States history.
Note that the tour covers books 4-8 and TV seasons 4-8.
Adult – $20
Youth – $10
| Take This Tour If You… | Skip It If You… |
|---|---|
| Have read past book three or watched past season four | Aren’t current on the books or show — the tour spoils books 4–8 and seasons 4–8 |
| Want the real setting Gabaldon researched three times before writing | Are looking for actual filming locations (those are in Scotland) |
| Enjoy costumed interpreters and living-history sites | Prefer to explore a historic house at your own pace |
| Are interested in colonial and early American history, fan or not | Only have time for one thing in New Bern and want the full palace tour instead |
If you plan to make a stop up the coast as well, Wilmington is excellent for a weekend.
Or head across the pond to check out some of the prior season’s Outlander filming locations in Scotland.
FAQs
Did Outlander Film at Tryon Palace?
Outlander did not film at Tryon Palace in New Bern, North Carolina.
The series’ American scenes for seasons four through seven were filmed primarily in Scotland, as were the earlier Scottish-set seasons.
However, Tryon Palace holds a unique connection to the story: author Diana Gabaldon conducted research at the palace three times before writing the novels, meaning the fictional version depicted in the books and on screen closely reflects the real building.
What is Tryon Palace?
Tryon Palace is a historic colonial building in New Bern, North Carolina, that served as the colony’s first permanent capital and the official residence of royal governors.
The original palace was built between 1767 and 1770 for Governor William Tryon, after whom it is named.
The palace complex includes the main building, historic gardens, and several auxiliary structures and museums—including the Stanly House (where George Washington once slept), the New Bern Academy Museum, and a History Center.
The original palace was destroyed by fire in 1798 and reconstructed between 1952 and 1959 based on original architectural drawings and period records.
Today, it operates as a living history museum hosting regular tours, events, and educational programs.
How Do I Get Tickets to the Outlander Tour at Tryon Palace?
Tickets are sold through Tryon Palace’s website and processed via Etix. Adult tickets are $20, and youth tickets are $10, both plus tax; all sales are non-refundable.
The tour runs about an hour, from 3:45 to 4:45 PM, on scheduled dates through the year. Check in at the Waystation ticketing desk no later than 3:30 PM — the tour begins at 301 George Street, across from the Tryon Palace Main Gates, not at the main entrance.
Book as early as you can. Ticket quantities are extremely limited, and there are fewer opportunities now than when I visited: in 2019, a single tour date offered two separate Outlander tours; today, each date has just one.
For upcoming dates, check the Outlander at Tryon Palace page.
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