Confirmed · Glasgow & Clyde · Attraction

University of Glasgow

Harvard University in Outlander. Open to visitors · campus remains a working university; allow 45–90 minutes.

On screen as: Harvard University
Series and episodes: Season 3
Access: Open to visitors · campus remains a working university
Time needed: 45–90 minutes
Where: Glasgow

On screen

How University of Glasgow appears

The University of Glasgow main building represents Harvard University in Outlander’s third season. Its neo-Gothic architecture helps create the American academic setting associated with Claire and Frank’s Boston years, though the actual institution is in Scotland. The fictional identity does not imply that teaching spaces or every courtyard are available for a filming visit. This entry records the building’s screen role while keeping the working university separate from public park and city-square locations elsewhere in the Glasgow guide.

The real place

What you can visit

The University of Glasgow's Gilmorehill main building is a working university, but visitors are welcome on the campus. The vaulted cloisters (the undercroft) beneath the Bute and Randolph Halls are the arches seen in Outlander's Boston scenes, and the quadrangles and Hunterian Museum, Scotland's oldest public museum, are in the same building. The university also runs public guided tours of its architecture and history. Expect students, exams and graduation events, which take priority over visitors.

Visit in the late afternoon or during vacations for quieter cloisters; graduation days fill the quadrangles.

VisitScotland ↗

Getting there.

The main building is on University Avenue in the West End, about ten minutes' walk from Hillhead subway station and close to Kelvingrove Park. Street parking nearby is limited, so the subway or a bus is easier. Check the university's visit pages for guided tours and the Hunterian's opening times. Keep the cloisters clear during busy changeovers between classes, and stay out of teaching rooms.

Official visitor information ↗Open in Google Maps ↗Read the visiting guide →

Common questions

Planning a responsible visit

Is the real Harvard University used here?

No. Outlander's Boston and Harvard scenes in season three were filmed in Glasgow, with the university's neo-Gothic cloisters and quadrangles standing in for Harvard.

Can I walk through the cloisters?

Yes, the undercroft cloisters are part of the publicly accessible main building. Be considerate of students and staff, and avoid blocking the arches during busy times or university events.

What else is there to see?

The Hunterian Museum is in the same building, and the university runs public guided tours of its architecture and history. Kelvingrove Park and its art gallery are a short walk away.

Plan your visit