Scotland. It’s a country renowned for its breathtaking beauty, its rich and fascinating history, and its plethora of incredible landmarks. Together, these trademarks of the Highland experience make the country an ideal location not only for magical, memorable staycations but also for serving as the setting for many of your favorite films and TV shows.
So, if you’re fed up with sitting at home watching them on Netflix, why not head up to the Highlands and explore these famous film locations in Scotland for yourself.
There’s more to Scotland than lochs and landmarks. From Bond to Braveheart via Harry Potter and The Crown, Join us below as we take you on a tour of some of the most famous film and TV locations in Scotland.
1. Glenfinnan Viaduct (83.2 miles from Dunalastair Hotel)
Featured in: Harry Potter
Tickets: Adults: From £46 / Children: From £28 | Times: Multiple journeys run daily from 10.15 AM
Visit: westcoastrailways.co.uk
Featured in our list of 10 life-changing things everyone must do in Scotland, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is instantly recognisable as one of Scotland’s most iconic Harry Potter film locations.
Every year, thousands of visitors flock to this world-famous attraction, notable for its appearance in both Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban films.
Meanwhile, fans of the boy wizard will love nothing more than stepping aboard the legendary Jacobite steam train and experiencing what it’s like to ride aboard the actual Hogwarts Express.
Guests staying at our five-star hotel in Kinloch Rannoch can board the train from nearby Rannoch Station, a short drive (20 miles) from the hotel.
All distances and mileage are between the location and the Dunalastair Hotel Suites. Please note that opening times of visitor attractions may vary during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Doune Castle (78.7 miles from Dunalastair Hotel Suites)
Featured in: Monty Python / Outlander
Tickets: Adults: From £9 / Children: From £5.50 | Times: Daily from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Visit: www.historicenvironment.scot
At first glance, this ancient castle may seem like just another of the many historical monuments found throughout the highlands. Look a little closer, however, and you’ll probably recognise Doune Castle from its starring roles in a whole host of popular films and shows.
One of the most famous film locations in Scotland, the castle played a pivotal part in Monty Python and the Holy Grail including the favourite opening scene, the ‘Trojan Rabbit’ scene and many other iconic moments from the cult comedy classic.
More recently, it added its name to one of the many popular Outlander film locations in Scotland, playing the part of Castle Loch and, of course, it served as Winterfell in the pilot episode of hit TV series Game of Thrones.
For a fun day out, combine a tour of the castle with a delightful tour of the nearby Deanston Distillery a little over a mile away.
3. Kinloch Rannoch
Featured in: Outlander
Visit: www.dunalastairhotel.com
Another notable Outlander film location in Scotland, Kinloch Rannoch served as the site for Craigh na Dun and the legendary standing stones that played such a vital role in the blockbuster TV show’s debut episode.
For those of you paying attention, Kinloch Rannoch is, of course, our home here at Dunalastair Hotel Suites, making us the ideal home-base for your tour of film locations across the Highlands.
Whether you’re coming to see iconic film locations or to get away from it all for a few days, Dunalastair Hotel Suites are committed to keeping you safe on your Scotland staycation with a range of COVID-secure measures including social distancing, fast check-ins, sanitizing stations and more. Click the ‘Keeping you safe’ tab above to find out more about how we’re looking after you during the current pandemic.
4. Rannoch Moor (16.4 miles from Dunalastair Hotel Suites)
Featured in: Trainspotting, Monty Python, Rob Roy, and more
Visit: www.visitscotland.com
Not far from where we are, you’ll find the enchanting, windswept wilderness of Rannoch Moor which has featured in numerous films shot in Scotland.
Along with Monty Python & The Holy Grail, Being Human, and Rob Roy, Rannoch Moor served as the setting for that memorable scene in Trainspotting where Ewan McGregor’s character decides he and his chums need to go for a walkout in nature.
You can -and scores of people have- retrace Renton & Co.’s steps and even sit on the very same bridge where he told us exactly what he thought of being Scottish!
5. Glen Nevis (70.7 miles)
Featured in: Braveheart
Visit: www.visitscotland.com
About a two-hour drive from Dunalastair Hotel Suites, you’ll find Glen Nevis, featured in the one film more people associated with Scotland than any other – Braveheart.
Of all the Braveheart film locations in Scotland, Glen Nevis is perhaps one of the best known for the vast amount of shooting that went on there. It was here where Mel Gibson’s William Wallace heads across the ten peaks of the Mamores and engages in many of the film’s most memorable moments.
6. Ardverikie Estate (40.9 miles)
Featured in: The Crown | Times: Daily – 9 AM – 5 PM
Visit: www.ardverikie.com
One of the most recent additions to the list of TV shows filmed in Scotland, the beautiful Ardverikie Estate, played Balmoral Castle’s role in the smash-hit Netflix series The Crown.
7. Rosslyn Chapel, Edinburgh (102 miles from the Hotel)
Featured in: The Davinci Code
Times: TBC | Tickets: Adults – From £9 / Children free as part of a family group
Visit: www.rosslynchapel.com
A little further afield, if you’re venturing from our hotel in Kinloch Rannoch over to Edinburgh, be sure to stop off at Rosslyn Chapel, the site which was used as the chapel from the blockbuster Tom Hanks movie, The Davinci Code.
8. Glen Etive (2 hr 23 min from the hotel)
Featured in: James Bond – Skyfall
Visit: www.visitscotland.com
Here’s another one that’s a little bit out of the way but well worth the day trip.
The historic Glen Etive was featured in no less than four different James Bond films. Fans of the long-running spy series will recognise it best from its prominent role in the Bond film Skyfall, particularly the scene where Bond and M are staring up at the majestic mountain from the side of the A82.
9. Black Rock Gorge (96.9 miles from the hotel)
Featured in: Harry Potter
Visit: www.walkhighlands.co.uk
Take a leisurely two-hour drive from Dunalastair Hotel Suites, and you’ll soon come across Black Rock Gorge, another prominent Harry Potter film location in Scotland.
It was here where the memorable scene in which Harry dukes it out with the dragon back in 2014’s Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.
10. Blackness Castle (90.6 miles from the hotel)
Featured in: Mary Queen of Scots
Times: Daily from 10 AM | Tickets: Adults from £6 / Children from £3.60
Visit: www.historicenvironment.scot
Finally, let’s finish with another one of Scotland’s most beautiful landmarks, the historic Blackness Castle. This one played a starring role in the hit 2019 movie Mary Queen of Scotts and is a must for any filming locations in Scotland.
See Scotland’s most iconic sights up close and personal with Dunalastair Hotel Suites. Book your stay online today or call our reservations team now on +44 (0)1882 580444.