T.V. and Film Destinations in Scotland

Victoria Ruzzo
Jul 28
3 min read

Updated: Nov 4

Scotland's dramatic landscapes, atmospheric ruins, and timeless villages have long been a favorite for filmmakers and TV producers. Whether you're a fan of epic battles, time-traveling romances, mythical creatures, or wizarding adventures, Scotland has stood in for fantasy realms and historical dramas. Here's your guide to the top five film and TV locations to visit in Scotland, each offering a blend of cinematic history and real-world awe.

Glenfinnan Viaduct - The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

If you've ever dreamed of riding the Hogwarts Express, this one’s for you. The Glenfinnan Viaduct, with its sweeping 21 arches curving through the West Highlands, is one of the most recognizable locations in the Harry Potter film series. It’s featured in multiple scenes, most famously when the Hogwarts Express crosses it in The Chamber of Secrets. The surrounding scenery is equally magical, with Loch Shiel nearby, used in background shots as the Black Lake. This area also inspired Disney Pixar’s Brave, with the haunting beauty of the Highlands rendered in animated form. Hop aboard the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig and pretend you're headed to Hogwarts, or hike the Glenfinnan Viaduct trail and watch as the real-life Hogwarts Express passes by.

Doune Castle – Monty Python and Outlander

This one’s a triple threat. Doune Castle, located just north of Stirling, is arguably one of the most versatile film locations in Scotland. In Monty Python and the Holy Grail, it served as Castle Anthrax, Camelot, and more. If you’ve ever quoted “We want a shrubbery!” - this is your pilgrimage site. In Outlander, these grounds are Castle Leoch, the seat of Clan MacKenzie. Another popular T.V. site this castle was used for was for the first season of Game of Thrones, where Doune Castle stood in for Winterfell. The castle offers excellent guided tours - including an audio guide narrated by Terry Jones, full of classic Monty Python humor. Fans of multiple genres will love seeing how one place can tell so many different stories.

Glen Etive and Glencoe – Skyfall, Braveheart, and More

For pure cinematic majesty, few places beat Glencoe and nearby Glen Etive. These valleys have appeared in a variety of films. You'll recognize scenes from Skyfall (2012), where James Bond and M drive through Glen Etive to reach Bond’s childhood home. You'll see the epic, sweeping battle landscapes Braveheart (1995). You can even make a stop nearby the wild backdrop of Glencoe used for Hagrid’s Hut and several outdoor scenes used in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. These expansive highlands of Glencoe look like the edge of the world. with towering peaks, misty hills, and lonely roads. It make this region feel like a fantasy realm or epic battle scene. Take tours or self drive through these incredibly scenic routes, stop for photos, and take a hike to absorb the beauty.

Blackness Castle – Outlander and Mary Queen of Scots

Located on the Firth of Forth, Blackness Castle is often called “the ship that never sailed” due to its shape, but its screen résumé is equally as notable. In Outlander, it’s used as Fort William, where Jamie Fraser is imprisoned in some of the show’s most intense scenes. In Mary Queen of Scots (2018), it stood in for parts of Holyrood Palace and other historic royal locations. The castle juts into the sea like a stone warship, making it a visually striking stop. It’s lesser known than other filming sites, so often quieter for visitors - perfect for immersive photos and exploring.

The Isle of Skye – Brave, The BFG, and Stardust

Although technically animated, Disney Pixar’s Brave was inspired heavily by real Scottish landscapes and the Isle of Skye was a major influence. With its fairy pools, jagged Cuillin mountains, and the eerie Quiraing landslip, Skye feels like a dreamworld. It also appeared in Stardust (2007) to create the vast fantasy backdrops beyond the mysterious city of Wall. Additionally, The BFG (2016), Isle of Skye's raw landscape helped shape the giant's homeland. Even without filming gimmicks, Isle of Skye is pure cinematic scenery. Fans of fantasy, folklore, and adventure movies will recognize it in spirit even if it weren't for film. Keep in mind, this is not a quick stop - so plan to make this trip at least a few days. While you're there, you can hike the Old Man of Storr or catch sunset at Neist Point for truly unforgettable views.