Discover & Explore Scotland
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The beautiful seaside town of St Andrews is located on Scotland’s East coast in the county of Fife. It makes for a perfect day trip from Edinburgh as it’s 1.5hrs in the car or 2 hrs on the X59 bus. Or if you have the time, spend a weekend here – there is loads to do, great places to stay and excellent restaurants….
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Tucked away on a gentle slope near the east end of Princes Street is a lovely road, packed full with an eclectic mix of unique shops and restaurants. Edinburgh’s Broughton Street, somewhat off the beaten track, has long been associated with a bohemian, arty vibe and still has a relaxed, friendly and community feel.
It’s sandwiched between well-heeled New Town and the vibrant Broughton, …
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Situated high above the town of Stirling on volcanic rock, sits one of Scotland’s largest and most important castles – Stirling Castle! A quick flick through the history books will reveal that Mary Queen of Scots, Bonnie Prince Charlie, Robert the Bruce and William Wallace all have links to this formidable fortress. Stirling was developed as the centre of Scottish royalty by the Stewart/Stuart kings between 1490 and 1600 and it’s this renaissance architecture that stands today.
Nowadays, you don’t need to be a king to explore this famous monument – the castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open daily from 9:30am. There is parking, a lovely gift shop and an excellent tearoom which serves delicious cakes and snacks. We recommend purchasing tickets online if you are visiting in the summer months as it can get busy.
Once through the gates you will come face to face with a beautiful formal rose garden, known as the Queen Anne Gardens. Apparently, the royal garden has been here since the 1400s! The roses were all in bloom when we visited and we also loved sheltering under the beech tree which is over 200 years old. Don’t miss the stunning view from battlements.
The ceiling in the Great Hall is seriously impressive!
The Great Hall has been restored fairly recently – the ceiling is breath-taking and is the largest banqueting hall of its type in Scotland. It’s not hard to imagine the great feasts that used to take place here, with all five massive fire places lit. At the end of the room is huge oak table together with two impressive thrones, take a seat for a perfect photo opportunity. Check out the amazing stained-glass windows in this area, they depict various family coats of arms.
Walk up the hill a little further and located in the Outer Close, near the Great Hall are the Great Kitchens. A truly fascinating insight into what was on the menu and how food was prepared and cooked back in the day.
For many visitors, the highlight is the grand Royal Palace and it does not disappoint. It was under the orders of King James V to celebrate the marriage to his new wife, Mary of Guise. You will be hit by the exterior first of all with its ornate stone carving. This is a very lavish building that was used to express the extent of royal wealth at the time. The royal chambers are decorated with rich fabrics and elaborate furniture, although most impressive are the unicorn tapestries and the painted Stirling Heads.
My favourite part of the Royal Palace are the guides, who dressed in authentic costumes and really bring the Palace to life. When we visited, there was a guide who, with wit and enthusiasm, gave us some history about the royal chambers. Our daughter also loved being told about the terrifying makeup trends of the time by two ladies who were great with kids.
If you were the King of Scotland in 1593 and you couldn’t find somewhere suitable to baptise your son, what would you do? Well James VI ordered a new chapel to be built, oh and it had to be completed in 7 months! Welcome to the Chapel Royal. The highlight of the first Protestant Kirk in Scotland is the very detailed fresco which was painted in 1628 ready for the visit of the new king Charles I.
The Stirling Heads, sometimes referred to as Scotland’s ‘other crown jewels’, are a collection of carved heads that were displayed in the King’s inner hall until the ceiling collapsed in 1777. Following 6 years of restoration work, 37 replica heads were installed at Stirling Castle in 2011 on the ceiling of the upper floor of the Royal Palace. Visitors can now get a glimpse of what the inside of the palace would have looked like back in the 16th century.
We spent the whole morning exploring the castle and finished off our trip, with a visit to the excellent tearoom for a wonderful lunch. Recommended.
Here’s the nitty gritty on visiting the castle, a kind of FAQ
Stirling Castle makes a great day trip from either Edinburgh or Glasgow and can easily be reached by car (see parking info below). Alternatively, you can catch a train or a bus to Stirling city centre followed by a 15 minute walk to reach the castle. It’s a fairly steep walk up to the castle so give yourself plenty of time!
Click on the map below for directions on walking from the bus or train station to Stirling Castle:
>> Check here if you’re looking for other day trips from Edinburgh! <<
There is a paying car park on the castle esplanade, however, it fills up very quickly so check here for other options within the city. You will need to pay for the Castle’s car park in cash, so make sure you have some pennies on you! It’s worth noting that Historic Environment Scotland members get free car parking at the castle.
Opening hours vary depending on the time of year so we recommend you check their website ahead of your visit.
Summer (1 April – 30 September): 9:30am – 6pm
Winter (1 October – 31 March): 9:30am – 5pm (closed 25 + 26 December and reduced opening hours on 1 January)
It’s cheaper to buy tickets ahead online – you’ll save about £1 per ticket.
Adult (16-59 yrs): £15 (advance purchase price) / £16 (onsite price)
Child (5-15 yrs): £9 (advance purchase price) / £9.60 (onsite price)
Children under 5: FREE
Concessions (60+ yrs and unemployed): £12 (advance purchase price) / £12.80 (onsite price)
You might also want to consider purchasing an Explorer Pass if you’re spending a few days in Scotland and are planning to visit several Historic Environment Scotland sites or even a yearly membership if you’re Scotland-based. You’ll also get free parking.
As mentioned above, it’s cheaper to buy tickets ahead online – you’ll save about £1 per ticket. Alternatively, you can buy them at the castle, however, be prepared for some queuing!
Don’t miss the stunning views from Stirling Castle. You can even see the Wallace monument in the distance.
Stirling Castle is less crowded than the likes of Edinburgh Castle, however, it still draws in the crowds during the summer months. We recommend heading to the castle in the morning and during week days rather than week-ends.
Absolutely! We visited with our then 8 and 11 year old and we found the castle to be extremely family friendly. In fact, I think we might actually prefer it over Edinburgh Castle – gasp!
There were some great spaces for kids to explore in particular the Palace Vaults in the basement of the Royal Palace. Expect lots of interactive displays and medieval style dressing up costumes, our young daughter loved this area. The area is divided up into themes such as the Jester, Tailor, stone mason, musician and painter, it’s educational and interesting.
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As you’ll no doubt know, your wallet can take a serious hit when visiting a city and a trip to Edinburgh is no exception. So if you’re on a tight budget, we’ve got lots of ideas to share with you that won’t cost you a penny. Save your pounds for a visit to the castle and mix it up with plenty of other free activities….
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If you are looking for something really special to do in Edinburgh at Christmas time, then a trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens should be at the top of your list. Since 2017, visitors to the Scottish capital have the opportunity to attend an enchanting Christmas Illuminated Trail at the Botanical Gardens. We decided to go on Christmas Eve and what a magical experience it was! …
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As you’ll probably already know, Scotland is world famous for its association with golf. While there is little doubt that the game has its roots firmly planted in Scotland, many also believe that the game was actually invented here. It’s all supposed to have begun in the small seaside town of St Andrews, now proudly known as the ‘Home of Golf’. And for golfers around the world, St Andrews and especially the Old Course is the ultimate golfing destination….
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Scotland’s dramatic scenery and ancient architecture have long played the starring role in many movies and TV productions. It was in 1949 that the classic film “Whisky Galore”, used the stunning backdrop of the Western Isles to bring the romance of island life to the silver screen.
More recently the popular “Outlander” led to a surge in Scottish movie tourism. The series successfully showcased the beauty of Scotland and its spectacular historic buildings to a worldwide audience.
If you feel like experiencing some of these unique locations for yourself, then here are a few suggestions to get you started. This is a monster of a post so we’ve created a handy table of contents that will allow you to move around the post more easily! Click on it below:
It is probably fair to say that the series of Harry Potter movies require little introduction. But if you haven’t read the books or seen the movies, they feature the adventures of a boy wizard who attends Hogwarts school of magic.
>> Click here to order up your own copies of the books or watch the entire film collection on Prime! <<
Given the very fact that J K Rowling wrote the seven Harry Potter books while living in Edinburgh, it’s perhaps only natural that a great deal of inspiration comes from Scotland’s landmarks and landscapes. As a result, the movies feature some spectacular Scottish locations, some real and some in part fictional.
Here’s a handy map that shows you at a glance all the Harry Potter filming locations which we’re going to cover below. Simply click into the map for more information on each location.
The iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct! You’ll no doubt remember the scene when the Hogwarts Express steam train crosses the ancient stone viaduct or when the Dementors are searching the train for Sirius Black in the Prisoner of Azkaban.
The most obvious place to start is with the incredible and iconic architecture of the Glenfinnan rail Viaduct. It’s hard to forget the image of the Hogwarts Express steam train crossing the ancient stone viaduct. I’m sure you will remember the Dementors searching the train for Sirius Black in the Prisoner of Azkaban. Or maybe you recall Ron and Harry flying the little blue Ford Anglia over the viaduct in The Chamber of Secrets. You can actually see one of the cars used in the filming at the Bo’ness motor museum near Edinburgh.
Although the Hogwarts express is a fictional train, it is possible to ride the Jacobite steam train which has more than a passing resemblance to the one shown in the movie. The train leaves from Fort William and terminates in Mallaig, the journey is nothing short of spectacular and is highly recommended. The train does of course cross the viaduct so you get to feel like Harry Potter for the day. If you are planning to visit the 500-metre-long viaduct, to watch the steam train passing over, my advice would be to get there early as parking can be an issue.
It’s also worth mentioning that the viaduct is incredibly close to the jaw dropping beauty of Loch Sheil, a place popular with tourists long before Harry Potter. If you are trying to place it in one of the movies, it makes an appearance in the Chamber of Secrets in the scene with Hedwig.
Atmospheric Rannoch Moor
Not far from Glen Coe and deep in the Scottish wilderness is the brutal beauty of Rannoch Moor. The moor mostly consists of a desolate peat bog interspersed with tiny lochs – but don’t let this put you off, it has a special scenic quality. This location was chosen to film the scene in the Deathly Hallows where the Death Eaters stop and then enter the Hogwarts Express looking for the boy wizard.
To get here the easy way, take the Jacobite Steam train or the more budget friendly option of the West Highland train line. Otherwise prepare for a serious a hiking trip!
Located in Glen Nevis close to Fort William, check out the spectacular 120m long Steall Falls, the 2nd highest waterfall in Scotland.
The closest town to the waterfall is Fort William – a handy place to stop over with a good selection of shops and accommodation available. Steall Falls are an impressive sight with a drop of over 100 metres and Ben Nevis in the background (the UK’s tallest mountain). If you would like to get close to the Falls, then prepare for a bit of a hike – it takes around 30 minutes.
The towering Falls feature in many of the Harry Potter movies and are usually cast as a fitting background for the high energy Quidditch matches. In “The Goblet of Fire” for example, you’ll notice the imposing water fall during the Triwizard Tournament.
Stunning view down Glen Etive in the Argylle & Bute area. It’s here that Harry, Ron and Hermione set up camp and land in the water following the Dragon ride.
Glen Etive, in the Argyll and Bute area, has been made famous in the movie Skyfall (it’s where 007 returns home to and the location of the fictional Skyfall House). The Glen includes Loch Etive, a beautiful sea loch which is reminiscent of a small Norwegian fjord. The Glen is popular with walkers who enjoy the amazing views, while kayakers can often be seen exploring the 30-mile-long loch. It’s best to get here by car and takes about 3hrs from Edinburgh and 2hrs from Glasgow.
When it comes the Harry Potter movies, watch “The Deathly Hallows” as the lake shown is Loch Etive. Harry, Ron and Hermione set up camp here and land in the water following the spectacular Dragon ride.
This is the place where Hermione punched Draco in the face! It’s also here that Hagrid’s hut and pumpkin patch were located.
The Glen Coe area is a movie location that comes up time and time again. As you’ll find out later in this post, it was used in Mary Queen of Scots and The Outlaw King, and there is a very good reason for this: it’s Scottish wilderness at its best. Situated between Fort William and Glasgow, it’s accessible by car and bus, but there is unfortunately no train station. As for Glen Coe itself, well it’s all about natural beauty, although there is a small town of the same name with a cosy little folk museum and visitors centre.
Now cast your mind back to the Prisoner of Azkaban, and if you remember Hagrid’s hut and his wonderful pumpkin patch, then you will recognise the Glen Coe scenery. You might also recall the scene when Hermione punched Draco in the face – it happened here.
Located south of Mallaig, check out the stunning Loch Morar – it has its very own monster called Morag! It’s also the lake that’s located in front of Hogwarts.
Formed around 10,000 years ago, this remote freshwater loch is the deepest in the British Isles with a maximum depth of over 300 metres. It’s located in the Lochaber area close to Fort William and like Loch Ness, it has its very own monster called Morag. It’s possible to drive around part of the loch but if you wish to get a bit closer, walk from Morar Station to Tarbet and then get the boat back to Mallaig.
The loch is used in many of the Harry Potter movies and is best known as the lake in front of Hogwarts.
This distinctive natural form appeared in the Goblet of Fire.
This 1.5 km long gorge is carved from red sandstone by the fast running stream at the base. It’s 35 metres deep and a narrow wound in the rock. The gorge is located in the highlands – the nearest town is Evanton, which is about 30 minutes’ drive north from Inverness. Once you arrive, wander across the small wooden bridge for a great view to the bottom and enjoy a lovely walk through the woods. Local legend suggests that a noble woman was once lured to her death here by a strange man thought to be the devil, but don’t let this myth put you off.
This very distinctive natural form appears in the Goblet of Fire and back in 2014, the crew filmed here for almost 2 weeks. You’ll recognise the gorge from the scene where Harry battles with the dragon and he ends up trying to take refuge here.
Based on a true story, a ship laden with 50,000 cases of whisky runs aground off the tiny Scottish Island of Eriskay much to the delight of the locals who obviously decide to fill their boots, until the Customs and Excise man arrives and puts a spanner in the works.
Much of the filming of the 1949 version took place on the picture-perfect Isle of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. The beaches are glorious with fine pale sand and crystal-clear turquoise water – turn up the temperature and you could be in the Caribbean.
My favourite place is the southern beach of Vatersay Bay which consists of half a mile of white sand and shallow water. Water sports are big on the island, with surfing, kayaking and paddle boarding all being available through specialist adventure companies.
View of Vatersay Beach in the Outer Hebrides
The classic comedy was remade in 2016, with a cast that includes Gregor Fisher (aka Rab C Nesbitt), Eddie Izzard and James Cosmo who also starred in the original Braveheart. This time, multiple locations all over Scotland were used to represent the Eriskay coast. Starting in southern Scotland, the rocky cliffs at St Abbs Head on the Berwickshire coast, then onto St Monans Parish Church in Fife. Heading West we see Ardeer beach in Ayrshire and finally in the North, the lovely Aberdeenshire fishing village of Portsoy. Click here to watch the 2016 version.
The James Bond movie “Skyfall” starring Daniel Craig uses Scotland’s dramatic scenery to great effect. The most memorable scene is when Mr Bond visits his childhood home known as Sky Fall House, in his classic Aston Martin DB6. This is also the part of the movie when Dame Judi Dench’s character M dies in a spectacular helicopter battle.
Check it out on Prime! UK readers >>> click here & US readers >>> click here
Stunning view down Glen Etive in the Argylle & Bute area and the fictional location of Skyfall House in the movie Skyfall.
Fictional Skyfall House is in the very real Glen Etive, part of the jaw droppingly beautiful Glencoe mountain wilderness. This is a stunning place to visit anytime of the year… a bit of rain and mist just adds to the experience. Access to the Glen is by a wild dead-end single-track road, which is all part of the fun. There is a signpost shortly after the Glencoe ski area when travelling North.
If you are visiting in winter or autumn, it’s extremely likely that you will meet the friendly wild deer that wander around looking for food. The Glen features a picturesque rocky stream that flows into a stunning Loch, which reflects the nearby heather covered mountains. Or snow-covered, if you are lucky. Public transport is not an option, so renting a car is a good idea www.rentalcars.com or why not rent a classic convertible sportscar.
This movie is based on the fascinating life of the Scottish warrior, Robert the Bruce, and follows his rise to King of Scotland in 1306. During this time, Scotland was at war with England, resulting in many bloody battles being waged across the country. Once again, Scotland came up with the goods for the movie makers dishing up some superb backdrops.
The locations are in and around the central belt, so it’s possible to visit them in a day with a minimal amount of driving.
As you can see in the map below, the filming locations for Outlaw King were predominantly in the Central Belt.
The iconic cloisters at Glasgow University
Starting off in Glasgow, where both the city’s Cathedral and University were used in a couple of key scenes. You might recognise the distinctive architecture of the 12th century Cathedral in the scenes that immediately follow the murder of John Comyn in its crypt.
When you watched King Edward II practising archery on the lawn, it was amongst the ornate cloisters and gothic architecture of Glasgow University. I suspect you may also remember King Edward II with the swan at the medieval banquet, it was filmed here too.
Mugdock castle was used to portray a medieval settlement within the castle grounds. The temporary site included stables for horses and 10 traditionally thatched buildings.
It’s about a 25-minute drive north from Glasgow to Mugdock. The castle is located in Mugdock Country Park and is now in ruins but it was once the stronghold of Clan Graham in the 13th century.
For the movie, a complete medieval settlement was constructed in the castle ground to allow scenes to be shot in an authentic village. The temporary site included stables for horses and 10 traditionally thatched buildings.
Located next to a small loch, the impressive ruins of Linlithgow Palace are most celebrated today as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.
About a 50 minutes’ drive East from Mugdock, is the famous Linlithgow Place, where Mary Queen of Scots was born. Although in Outlaw King, the Palace is used as Scone where Robert was crowned king. The grand palace is now ruinous but there is still loads to explore and it’s even possible to climb some of the impressive spiral staircases. It’s also set in a lovely park which includes a loch and there’s a small visitor centre for children. It makes a great day trip from Edinburgh – check out this post for further details.
15th century fortress located on the south shore of the firth of Forth and a very popular movie location of recent times.
Just a short 10 minute drive from Linlithgow is Blackness castle. This distinctive castle is no stranger to the silver screen as it features heavily in the world-famous TV series Outlander. It looks a little like a giant stone boat and sits right next to the Firth of Forth which adds to the nautical feel. At one point in the movie, an actress is suspended high up over the edge of the castle walls in a rusty iron cage.
13th Century Dunfermline Abbey which was used to represent Westminster in Outlaw King.
Now back in the car again for a 25-minute road trip that includes the architectural wonder that is the new Forth Road Bridge. After arriving in the Kingdom of Fife, head for the town of Dunfermline and its ancient abbey, where Robert the Bruce is buried in real life. It is perhaps no surprise that the abbey features in the movie, although it was in fact used to represent Westminster. Top highlights for me are the impressive stained-glass windows, the ornate stone columns and the ghostly cast of Robert the Bruce’s skull which is straight out of a horror movie.
View of Craigmillar Castle located near Edinburgh and around 40 mins drive from Dunfermline. It features both as the Bruce family castle and as Kildrummy castle, where the Bruce clan enter looking for safety.
Craigmillar castle is located about a 40 minute drive from Dunfermline to Edinburgh. As a contrast to the previous Palace, this castle stronghold doesn’t require a great deal of imagination to picture how it once was… it’s a fascinating place to visit. And it’s obvious why Craigmillar was chosen as one of the main locations in the film. Look closely and you will notice it features both as the Bruce family castle and as Kildrummy castle, where the Bruce clan enter looking for safety.
The fascinating life story of Mary Queen of Scots is deservedly popular throughout the world. The tale of a strong female heroin, born in Scotland, sent to France as a young child, returned to Scotland to rule as a young lady, married the wrong person, took on the formidable misogynist John Knox, became implicated in a murder, spent 19 years incarcerated, got her head chopped off by her cousin. What’s not to love?
The glamorous 2019 movie was filmed on location in Scotland so there are plenty of impressive places to visit for fans. Choose from a trip to a stunning wind-swept beach to an historic castle, or just admire the beautiful Scottish landscape.
If you are staying in Edinburgh or Glasgow it might be an idea to start your day in Aberdeen as there is plenty of accommodation choice in the city.
Starting off in the beautiful North of Scotland, head to the ancient Poldullie Bridge in Strathdon. The elegant 70-foot-long stone bridge was originally constructed around 1715 to cross the meandering river Don. In the movie this is where the ambush of Mary takes place, cows are used as a blockade and a bloody fight scene then develops.
Cairngorm Ridges of Coire Cas in Scotland
About an hour’s drive from Strathdon the Cairngorm mountain range needs little introduction, it’s the closest that Scotland gets to the Alps with its little ski resort of Aviemore. It’s a touristy area all year round and is always popular with walkers looking to explore the Scottish wilderness. It is for this reason that the team behind the movie chose to show Mary riding on horse back through the dramatic countryside.
A great deal of filming was completed on the 45,000-acre Glen Feshie Estate which can be visited even though it’s privately owned. There is also the possibility to stay there and if you are very fortunate, you might see a golden eagle. www.glenfeshie.scot
It’s a 2-hour drive if you’re heading directly from the Cairngorms to Glencoe, so pack some snacks as well as a camera. Glencoe must be the most famous Glen in Scotland, with its breath-taking mix of wild volcanic mountains and dramatic valleys, simply spectacular scenery. It also features in Harry Potter and James Bond.
In the Mary Queen of Scots movie, it provides the perfect back drop for the iconic image of the young queen and her husband Lord Darnley, riding horses through the wild Scottish countryside.
This 15th century fortress is located near the village of Blackness on the south shore of the Firth of Forth.
It’s around a 2-hour drive from Glencoe to Blackness passing by the stunning Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
Even though Mary was born and spent her early years at nearby Linlithgow Palace, Blackness castle is used in the movie for this period of her life. The impressive walled courtyard features heavily in the movie. This unique fortress was constructed in the 15th century on the banks of the Forth Estuary and has been a popular film location in recent years.
The castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public throughout the year. There is a small shop, a picnic area and a quiz that our kids enjoyed.
If you are leaving from Blackness, expect to be in the car for about an hour before you arrive at this destination. Sea Cliff beach is just a few miles from the gorgeous seaside town of North Berwick, which our family agrees is a must see.
This picture-perfect sandy beach sits within an old estate which boasts a ruined mansion, a ruined castle and views to the distinctive island of Bass Rock.
This beach is steeped in history. Towards the southern end is a rock formation known as the Scoughall Rocks, where a group of pagans once lit fires to attract ships onto the nearby rocks. Continue walking south and hidden in the trees are the ruins of Sea Cliff House, constructed in 1750, but burnt to the ground in 1907 and never restored. There was also once small village on the headland but all that remains now are ruins of Auldhame Castle. Much more impressive is the dramatic outline of the ruinous Tantallon Castle, which looks great viewed from the beach. I also recommend exploring the brilliant little harbour cut deep into the stone.
You will be familiar with Sea Cliff beach in the movie from the scene when Mary returns to Scotland by boat from France. This beach also features in the Outlaw King movie made by Netflix.
Although the Palace of Holyrood doesn’t feature in the movie, for any fan of the Mary Queen of Scots story, the Royal pile is essential. In the Palace you can visit her bedroom, enter the room where her friend and secretary David Rizzio was murdered. Also, on display are a collection of Mary’s jewellery and embroidery, which she completed during her long prison sentence in London.
Based on the book of the same name The Cloud Atlas is a Fantasy film that spans different time periods and different worlds. Starring Tom Hanks, Jim Broadbent and Halle Berry in multiple plots, it explores the relationship between actions in the past, present and future. It’s a movie of substance and has the sort of plot that you think about long after the titles roll.
The iconic cloisters at Glasgow University doubled up as Cambridge University in Cloud Atlas.
Various streets around Blythswood Square, including Montrose Street and Douglas Street were used to represent the streets of a 1970s San Francisco. The most memorable scene sees Halle Berry involved in a car chase featuring some classic American vehicles whilst being pursued by the assassin Bill Smoke.
Glasgow University cloisters double up as a Cambridge University in a scene with the character Rufus Sixsmith and the Premier Inn hotel on George street becomes a San Francisco apartment block.
The spectacular gothic architecture of the Scott Monument on Princes Street in Edinburgh features in a couple of key scenes in the movie. Most notable in the final sequence where Robert Frobisher desperately searches for Rufus Sixsmith. Head up the world-famous Royal Mile to the St Giles Cathedral and just opposite you will find the City Chambers which transforms into a hotel for the film.
The thriller the Da Vinci Code is based on a novel by Dan Brown. Starting with a mystery murder in the Louvre in Paris the action follows the hunt for the Holy Grail across France, Italy, Malta, England and Scotland.
Rosslyn Chapel was put firmly on the map after the release of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code.
In the final stages of the movie the audience is transported to Rosslyn Chapel, which is 30 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh. This stunning ornate chapel dates from 1450 and detail in its interior stonework is just mind blowing. There are Masonic symbols everywhere and ceiling is thought by some, to be a Stargate to another dimension! The site has long been associated with the Knights of the Templar and the possible resting place of the Holy Grail.
Very close the Chapel and built into the cliff are the ruins of Rosslyn castle. The old gate house is the best-preserved part of the structure and is accessed over a tall stone bridge. In the movie this where Neveu and Langdon go their separate ways.
Although it doesn’t feature in the Da Vinci Code, the nearby Wallace’s Cave is an interesting place to visit. Its named after William Wallace who took part in the Battle of Rosslyn, there is a belief that he hid here along with up to 70 of his men. There also unusual Bronze Age carvings on the cliff face 50 metres from the cave entrance.
In addition to the two castles listed below, an old copper mine near Loch Tay (Cave of Caerbannog scene) and the Dukes Pass (Tim the Enchanter scene) were also used for filming.
This imposing medieval castle dates from, 1400 when it was a stronghold for the duke of Albany. Its located close to Stirling and consists of a large high walled courtyard and a tower house. When the original filming took place, the castle was privately owned, but it’s now managed by Historic Environment Scotland, and so can be visited by the public.
In the Holy Grail it’s used as Camelot, Castle Anthrax, the Castle of Guy de Lombard and of course Swamp Castle. The entrance of the castle was used for the scene featuring the Trojan Rabbit and the back of the castle was used at the start of the movie for the French scene. Move filming was done inside including the scene with Zoot and Dingo and the wedding at Swamp castle.
Built around 1320, the castle stands in the most beautiful setting, on a tiny island within loch Laich in Argyll. It was once the property of a relation of king James IV of Scotland but following a mis guided bet, which most likely involved the consumption of too much whisky, it ended up in the hands of Clan Campbell. It was abandoned sometime around 1840 and the roof fell into disrepair, it wasn’t until 1965 when a lengthy restoration began.
The movie uses the castle to great effect in the closing scenes. Known as Castle Aargh, this was where John Cleese with his fabulous French accent makes fun of King Arthur before his army arrives.
Originally constructed in 1617 there is not a great deal left remaining of this 3 storey Tower House, but with a little imagination you can appreciate the once grandeur of the place. The castle is located within parkland near Keir House and managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
At the time of filming for the Holy Grail there were a lot more trees around the ruins. But this is where a famous historian is attacked by a knight, while explaining how King Arthur searched for the Grail.
This famous cult 1970s movie tells the story of a policeman’s visit to a Scottish island, as part of an investigation into a missing child. He soon realises that this is no ordinary island community after witnessing some very bizarre Pagan rituals involving Britt Ekland. Things really don’t go to plan and he ends up in a giant wicker cage.
Splendid Culzean Castle in Ayrshire dating back to the 15th century.
This elaborate castle in Ayrshire is perched high on a cliff top with a fabulous view of a sandy beach below. The castle is now run by the National Trust and can be visited all year round.
In the movie Culzean and its gardens were used for the outside shots of Lord Summerisle’s home. The dinning room scene is also filmed here and if you visit the castle you will recognise the room and its decoration.
This 14-century castle is privately owned, but it is possible visit the nearby gardens or stay in one the estates holiday homes. If you wish to find out more then visit this website www.lochinchcastle.com. The castle is in the Dumfries and Galloway area in southern Scotland.
In the movie much of the interior of Lord Summerisle’s home is filmed here, included the courtyard, entrance hall and Livingroom scenes.
This lovely pebble beach and cave is located close to the town of Whithorn in Dumfries and Galloway in southern Scotland. There is no carpark or access road next to the beach, so it’s a fun 3km walk through a wood to get there. The cave is named after St Ninian who brought Christianity to Scotland.
In the Movie this is where Lord Summerisle sends off a barrel of beer to the sea god in a ceremony and the cave is where we meet Rowan Morrison. Access to the cave is by a stone path from the beach.
Old Man of Storr
This incredible Scottish Island is found on the North West coast and is a 5-hour drive from Edinburgh, since 1995 access is by bridge. The island has a diverse landscape with rugged hills and attractive fishing villages making it very popular with tourists. The island is used in the opening sequence of the movie for the shots taken from the air as Howie’s sea plane comes into land. The song the Highland Widow’s Lament plays in the background. Both the Quiraing and the Old Man of Storr dominate this scene.
The impressive Quiraing landform is part of the Trotternish Ridge, its highest point sits 543 metres above sea level. The name Quiraing comes from the Old Norse for “Round Fold” and it’s thought that this is where locals hid their cattle during brutal Viking raids.
The Old Man of Storr is also one of the features of the Trotternish Ridge and must be the most photographed views of Skye. There is a well-trodden path from the A855 near Loch Leathan that takes you up to the base of the cliffs. For the more experienced walker its possible reach the summit, although be careful on the sections with loose rock.
The gorgeous little fishing village of Plockton, with its white washed houses and palm trees is located on the West Coast of Scotland, about 4 hours’ drive north of Glasgow. Its proximity to the North Atlantic Drift means that there is a fairly mild climate, that gives the place a slightly tropical feel. It was once a busy fishing port, but now most of the economic activity is focused around tourism. The TV series Hamish Macbeth with Robert Carlyle was filmed here in the 1990s, which initially fuelled visitor numbers.
In the Wicker Man Plockton is used for the scenes of the Summerisle seafront and the harbour. If you walk around now, you may recognise some of the buildings that feature in the movie. Top spots for me are the flagpole, the pier (where Howie arrives), the causeway and harbour masters house.
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St Andrews is an ideal day trip destination, but to explore everything that it has to offer, a day is not really enough. So, you may wish to consider an overnight stay and here are a few top suggestions for various budgets….
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What I think makes the Orkney Islands such a special place are the many traditions that are celebrated throughout the year. These festivals and events often have roots that go back hundreds of years and are very much embraced by locals. So here’s a roundup of some of the best Orkney festivals for the coming year.
We start the calendar of festival with St Magnus day on the 16th of April. This day commemorates the Viking rule of Orkney in the 12th century, which resulted in the building of the St Magnus cathedral. Expect to see Orkney flags flying from public buildings.
If you are a fan of traditional music, you won’t want to miss the Orkney Folk festival at the end of May from 21st May til 24 May 2019. The town of Stromness is the focus for all things Trad, as the sound of fiddles resonates around the busy streets. It feels like music is coming from every bar and public venue, a great atmosphere.
Click here for the full programme and details on when tickets go on sale.
Around mid-summer in June, the St Magnus International Festival arrives in Kirkwall. It’s not uncommon for a member of the Norwegian royal family to make an appearance. This is a large cultural festival that features orchestras, soloists, opera, dance and theatre. Last year, the Hollywood actor Bill Murray even performed an array of music and readings!
The festival will take place 19-25 June 2020 and full details of this 5 day long festival can be found here.
In the middle of July, the town of Stromness has a festival atmosphere, with floats parading through the streets and bands playing. This is because it’s Stromness Shopping Week, one of the longest running festivals in Orkney. There is street entertainment for both children and adults, a beer race, a swimming race and a 10k running race. And of course, the Shopping Week Queen is crowned, the highlight for some. It’s all rounded by a massive dance in the evening with live music provided by a top band.
Dates for Stromness Shopping Week 2019 are 19-25 July 2020 and full details of what’s on can be found here.
Image source: pixabay
August is the season of the agricultural shows in Orkney, with the largest taking place in Kirkwall on the second Saturday in August (10th August 2019 this year). It’s called the County Show and lasts a day and a night. During the day farm animals are judged and awards given, agricultural suppliers and local producers have trade stands and there are many places to buy refreshments. Once again, the main event is an evening dance, with live music that goes into the early hours of the next morning.
A much more low-key event is the Orkney boys ploughing match that takes place towards the middle of August. The venue is a beach on the island of South Ronaldsay and the aim is for a boy to pull a miniature plough along the sand. The boy that pulls the straightest plough is the winner. This event is unique to Orkney.
Image source: pixabay
This festival is a more recent addition to the Orkney calendar as it was only established in 1991. But the Orkney Science Festival in September is a firm favourite with both locals and tourists. In the past it has been attended by the chief scientist of the Discovery Channel, Nobel prize winner Peter Higgs and filmmaker Alan Ereira. The festival theme covers all forms of science including astronomy, space travel, medicine, archaeology, genetics and black holes. There is also the chance to enjoy some excellent local food at the festivals food events. It’s a brilliant festival for both old and young.
Founded in 1137 by the Viking Earl Rognvald, St Magnus Cathedral is the most northerly cathedral in Britain.
The enduring ties between Orkney and Norway are demonstrated yet again during the festive period when Norway gifts a Christmas tree to the people of Orkney. A special tree lighting ceremony takes place at St Magnus Cathedral in early December and includes the annual St Lucy Procession, as well as a performance by Kirkwall City Pipe Band.
Finishing with Christmas and New Year, we have the Ba’ which takes place in the streets of Kirkwall. It’s a game which is a kind of mix between football & rugby. The Uppies teams aim is to land the ball on a street next to a catholic church while the Doonies target is to get the ball into the icy water of the harbour. The games take place on Christmas Day (25th December) and New Year’s Day (1st January) unless these fall on a Sunday, in which case, they get moved to Boxing Day (26th December) and 2nd January.
Are you a fan of the gram? I definitely spend way too much time on 