The North Coast 500 is one of the most popular summer holidays for Scots and tourists alike. A long, winding drive around the tip of the country exposes vacationers to sweeping forests, dramatic coastlines and plenty of outdoorsy activities. From castles to cliff edges, Scotland has a bounty of beauty scattered all over the country.
Although, sightseeing in Scotland isn’t only suited to nature and history lovers. Whilst battlefields and bridges from the 1600s may not mean much to the average person, the chance of them recognising that spot from a 21st-century movie is significantly higher.
So, to kill two birds with one stone, why not ditch the overcrowded NC500 and undertake your own picturesque, jack-of-all-trades road trip that the casual media consumer can enjoy?
This list offers a range of locations across the country, each providing its own unique beauty and its own piece of media trivia.
Glencoe
A dramatic plot often comes with a dramatic landscape, and that is something Glencoe never fails to provide.
The backdrop for several scenes in Skyfall, the Outlander opening credits, Harry Potter, and more, Glencoe is a jaw-dropping iconic Scottish landscape that anyone can recognise the beauty of.
Vast, sprawling, and untouched by engineering, historical films like Outlaw King and Mary Queen of Scots were safe to film here without any intrusion from modern architecture.
Glencoe’s beauty comes from green hills and free-roaming wildlife; it’s perfect for the adventurous film lover to visit.
Glenfinnan
A similarly beautiful landscape but with a welcome addition of an engineering marvel. Glenfinnan and the Glenfinnan viaduct are most recognisable from the Harry Potter franchise.
The Hogwarts Express famously coasts over the viaduct (once with a blue Ford Anglia swooping around it). Visitors too can take an equally magical train journey over it, although they won’t end up in Hogwarts.
Nearby is the location of the Back Lake and other spots recognisable from the franchise. If you’re a Potter fan, this is a must-visit spot.
Doune Castle
If you’re a lover of the classics, then Doune Castle should shoot to the top spot on the list of places to visit. Doune Castle is most famous for featuring in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, as the home to French soldiers and many more comedy gold moments.
For cult fans of another franchise with a keen eye, Doune Castle was also the first castle used for Winterfell in Game of Thrones. Whilst the rest of the series was filmed in Ireland, the first shot was Doune Castle. For die-hard fans, it’s a filming location to tick of the list before George. R. Martin eventually released the Winds of Winter.
Culross
Outlander is perhaps one of the most famous pieces of Scottish media. Luckily for Scottish tourism, it was largely filmed in Scotland itself. Luckily for fans, one of its most picturesque filming locations is easily accessible with plenty of things to do.
Culross is one of Scotland’s prettiest, daintiest and historic villages. With plenty of cafes, tours, and historical sites to visit, it’s a casual yet fun-filled day out that even those who do not recognise the filming locations can enjoy.
Culloden/Cumbernauld Glenn
A historical fiction based on true events, Outlander filmed the Battle of Culloden, one of Scotland’s most bloody battles, so why not visit the real site? Lovers of the show may be interested in visiting the real Culloden, near Inverness, but if not a trip to Cumbernauld Glenn will provide the silver-screen experience.
Culloden itself is hauntingly mesmerising so, despite not being the filming location, fans may still appreciate a visit.
St. Andrews
Along West Sands Beach, the iconic Chariots of Fire opening scene was filmed. Run along the beach with a set of headphones and envelop yourself in one of the most monumental moments in cinema history.
Or pop into the town, where a recent season of The Crown following the world-famous Will and Kate love story was filmed. Follow the cast or the couple as they study in the library, wander around the university grounds and flirt in the cafes.
Whether it’s a walk along the beach, or a pop into the shops, St. Andrews offers an engaging day out that, again, will satisfy anyone looking for a relaxing meander along the coast and around the shops.
Glasgow
If you’re bored of trees, beaches, and romance, head into Glasgow to see some grittier filming locations.
Home of The Batman (Robert Pattinson), World War Z, and many films pretending to be set in New York City, Glasgow has a notable filming location on near enough every corner.
Edinburgh
Similarly, fans of Ewan McGregor and the film Trainspotting need to visit Edinburgh. A city known for romance and history; Trainspotting showed the beautiful city’s underbelly. The reality is there for tourists to see if only they take the time to visit and properly look around. You can even try sprinting down Princes Street like McGregor if the summer or winter crowds don’t block the way too much.
The scenes from Avengers: Infinity War will similarly be difficult to recreate, but the streets will be pleasant enough and far less dangerous to walk around.
Away from violence and death, Edinburgh offers many romantic walks which, for TV fans, often involve walking around the One Day filming locations.
The Vennel Steps may be steep, but it’s worth climbing to get a wonderful view of the castle and of the city. Plus, when you get to the bottom of the steps, you can treat yourself to a delicious ice cream from the best spot in Edinburgh: Mary’s Milk Bar.
Featured image credit: Amelia Fryer
Editor-in-Chief.
Twitter/X and BlueSky: @AlexPaterson01
