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From Harry Potter to Outlander, including Rebel, Indiana Jones, The Da Vinci Code or Avengers, Scotland has certainly won over Hollywood. It must be said that, with its breathtaking landscapes, architecture, and legendary castles, the country is a true open-air film set. Want to discover the places where your favorite movies and TV shows were filmed or inspired? You're in luck—all these iconic locations are within reach of the tracks ! If you've decided to Explore Scotland by train Here’s something to add a touch of magic to your trip. We’re taking you on a journey beyond the screen.
Calling all Hogwarts fans: to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Harry Potter, go to Victoria Street with its colorful facades, its semicircular cobblestone streets, and its shop windows full of curiosities. Rumor has it that it inspired J. K. Rowling the famous Diagon Alley from Harry Potter !
Just a stone's throw away, Greyfriars Cemetery is full of strange coincidences: on the gravestones, one comes across the names of certain characters, notably “Thomas Riddell” and “McGonagall”...
© VisitScotland - The distinctive atmosphere of Victoria Street
But Edinburgh’s magic isn’t limited to a few tourist-filled alleys. To truly experience the city’s inspirational power, you have to venture beyond the Royal Mile, explore the narrow streets of the Dean Village neighborhood, the heights of Calton Hill or the bohemian vibe of Leith. It’s no wonder, then, that so many writers—from J.K. Rowling to Robert Louis Stevenson—have been captivated by this multifaceted city.
In fact, for literature lovers, a detour to the Writers’ Museum stands out. Tucked away in a charming medieval courtyard just a stone’s throw from the Royal Mile, it pays tribute to three major figures: Robert Burns (Poems, Mainly in the Scottish Dialect), Sir Walter Scott (Waverley) and Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde). In fact, the city is also home to the Scott Monument, a 60-meter-tall Neo-Gothic structure erected in honor of Sir Walter Scott.
The imposing Scott Monument
And when you consider just how much Edinburgh has captured the imagination of generations of authors, it’s easy to see why it has been ranked First UNESCO City of Literature !
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Discover Scotland by train: the ultimate guide (7, 10 and 15-day tours)
How do I get there? To see all our train routes to Edinburgh, click here here. From Paris, you can travel to London by Eurostar (about 2.5 hours) before continuing on a train to Edinburgh (4 to 5 hours). Once in Edinburgh, you can easily explore the city on foot (Victoria Street is about a 15-minute walk from Waverley Station). And if you prefer night trains, you can take the Caledonian Sleeper, that connects London to Edinburgh!
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The Caledonian Sleeper: travel to Scotland by night train from London
You may have heard of the series One Day, based on the novel by David Nicholls, which follows the intertwined lives of Dexter and Emma and their reunions every July 15th over the course of 20 years? Well, you should know that, once again, the series was filmed at several iconic locations in Edinburgh. For example, it was in the courtyard of the Old College Quadrangle that the two characters meet and dance all night on the night of their graduation.
Arthur's Seat, an extinct volcano located in Holyrood Park, also appears in the very first episode, when Emma and Dexter head up there for a morning hike after meeting at their prom. It’s a particularly picturesque spot with its spectacular panoramic views of Edinburgh, which has inspired not only filmmakers but also writers (such as Sir Walter Scott, who mentions it in his novels)! To explore the area, you’ll find several trails suitable for different fitness levels.
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam - The breathtaking view from Arthur’s Seat
It also features Georgian architecture from New Town, and more specifically the residential streets of St. Vincent Street and Circus Lane, which served as the backdrop for several scenes (notably when Emma crosses St. Vincent Street after meeting Dexter's parents). Or the residential neighborhood of Bruntsfield, which welcomed the young Sean Connery (James Bond) as a student and has seen writers such as Muriel Spark, J.K. Rowling, Sir Alexander McCall Smith, and Sir Ian Rankin (who lived nearby) pass through its doors.
The peaceful atmosphere of Circus Lane in Edinburgh
For fans of the Marvel Universe, the journey begins right from the Waverley Station, which served as the filming location for a scene from Avengers: Infinity War, where Vision (Paul Bettany) and Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) talk on the pier about their relationship and the imminent threat posed by Thanos.
© VisitScotland - Waverley Station
Filming locations can also be found in Edinburgh's Old Town, particularly in the streets of Royal Mile (used for action scenes) and Cockburn Street (which served as the backdrop for chase scenes). Its mysterious, historic ambiance perfectly matched the desired atmosphere. Actor Paul Bettany even remarked that Edinburgh was “incredibly beautiful”!
About 12 km south of Edinburgh, in the village of Roslin near Penicuik, lies one of the iconic locations from Dan Brown’s novel and film *The Da Vinci Code*: the Rosslyn Chapel. It plays a key role in the plot, as it is the location where the characters are searching for the Holy Grail.
©VisitScotland - Rosslyn Chapel, a place steeped in history
Founded in 1446, the chapel is famous for its mysterious sculptures, which depict religious, pagan, and esoteric themes. Even today, it is full of mysteries : Some believe it holds secrets related to the Knights Templar or the Holy Grail, and its basement is often linked to legends of hidden treasures or sacred relics!
How do I get there? From Edinburgh, you can get there:
How can you talk about Edinburgh without mentioning *Outlander*? But for the series’ iconic locations, check out the section at the end of the article dedicated to *Outlander* (which deserved its own section)!
Fun fact : With its “grid-like” architecture and urban layout reminiscent of Manhattan, Glasgow has often been used to represent New York ! This is particularly true in Indiana Jones, World War Z or The Batman.
How do I get there? Glasgow has two major train stations (Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street) From Edinburgh Central Station, simply take a ScotRail train (departing approximately every 15 to 30 minutes) and you’ll arrive in about an hour. The city center is then very easy to explore on foot or by public transportation.
That's right, in the new superhero blockbuster The Batman (2022), Gotham is actually none other than… Glasgow. Filming took place in February 2020 near the Glasgow Necropolis, from the Glasgow Cathedral, and the Bridge of Sighs that connects the two.
The magnificent Glasgow Cathedral overlooking the city
“I wanted it to look like a American Gothic town, but a city you’ve never been to”, the director said in an interview with BBC Scotland.
© VisitScotland - Glasgow Necropolis, the Gothic cemetery
How do I get there? From downtown, you can easily reach Glasgow Cathedral and the Glasgow Necropolis by bus or on foot.
We should also mention World War Z, a post-apocalyptic zombie film starring Brad Pitt, which transformed Glasgow into an American wasteland (notably in George Square and downtown).The latest Indiana Jones, starring Harrison Ford, was also filmed in downtown Glasgow to capture the look of 1960s New York!
Scotland’s landscapes inspire some of the biggest productions, and Disney is no exception! For the animated film Rebel (Brave) from Disney-Pixar, it's the Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven, takes center stage. Perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, with its six-century-old fortifications, mystical atmosphere, and rugged landscapes, it is said to have inspired Princess Merida’s castle.
© VisitScotland - The incredible Dunnottar Castle, perched on its cliff
Steeped in history, this castle, founded in the 14th century, played a key role in the Scottish Wars of Independence and still houses the remains of medieval halls. Today, it is a major stop on the Castle Trail, the Scottish Castles Trail, and is one of the 263 castles open to the public in Aberdeenshire!
How do I access it? Stonehaven is accessible by train: you can get there in about 20 minutes from Aberdeen or 2.5 hours from Edinburgh. Then, from the station, a a scenic hike lasting about 45 minutes will take you to the castle. And if you’re not in the mood for exercise, no problem: you can also choose to a local bus or a taxi for faster access.
If you're familiar with the show's success, you'll understand why it deserves its own section in this article! It's fair to say that it has played a major role in showcase Scotland's historical heritage and landscapes as a whole (not to mention the celebration of Scottish culture, from the Gaelic language to period costumes, as well as the legends and superstitions of the Highlands). Focus on our must-sees for diving back into the world of Outlander. Spoiler: Edinburgh isn't the only place where you can follow in Claire Randall's footsteps.
Fans of Outlander As you know, many scenes in the books take place in the Scottish capital. To follow in the footsteps of the series’ heroes, you can stroll through the medieval streets of the Old Town, especially in the narrow streets of Royal Mile (the main street of the Old Town), where Claire reunites with Jamie after twenty years apart—a key scene from Season 3. Just a short walk from the Edinburgh Museum on the Royal Mile, you can also stroll along Bakehouse Close, an alley where you can spot Jamie’s print shop from the series (the stairs leading to the print shop are visible, but the interior is not accessible).
The famous Royal Mile, in the heart of the Old Town
By the way, the Royal Mile was used to recreate the18th-century Edinburgh in the series. But since it was impossible to film directly on this busy street, the production team had to digitally recreate the Royal Mile, adapting it to the historical setting. A few scenes were still shot on the actual Royal Mile, particularly during night shoots!
In the old town, you'll find, among other things, the Signet Library, a Georgian building that houses the prestigious Society of Writers to Her Majesty’s Signet, which has been converted into The Governor's Mansion in Jamaica in Season 3. Although the library is not open to the public, the "Colonnades" restaurant is open for tea or lunch.
And beyond the capital, for a 100% Outlander-themed train tour, we recommend the following locations:
If Linlithgow Palace is one of the main residences of the Scottish monarchy (begun in the 15th century and damaged by a fire in the late 18th century), it’s also the set used for the entrance to Wentworth Prison, where Jamie is held in the series!
©VisitScotland - Linlithgow Palace, with its blend of Renaissance and Scottish architecture
How do I access it? From Edinburgh (Waverley Station), you can take a direct train to Linlithgow (approx. 20 minutes). From the train station, the palace is just a ten-minute walk away.
This battlefield, which plays a crucial role in the series, is the actual site of the the final battle of the Jacobite uprising of 1746. As a side note, the team worked closely with historians to ensure the scenes were historically accurate.
© VisitScotland - The battlefield where Jacobite forces clashed with Hanoverian government troops on April 16, 1746
How do I access it? From Edinburgh (Waverley Station), you can take a ScotRail train to Inverness (about a 3- to 3.5-hour drive). From Inverness, you’ll then need to take a local bus to the battlefield (about 15 minutes). And For more information about trains in Scotland, see the end of this article where we've got everything summarized for you!
Although it isn't directly featured in the series, it is mentioned and served as inspiration for some of the sets, as it symbolizes the historical significance of Scottish castles.
The majestic Stirling Castle from the outside
… and from the inside (© VisitScotland)
How do I get there? Stirling has a main train station, which is easily accessible from Edinburgh (50 minutes to 1 hour) or Glasgow (about 30 minutes). Stirling Castle and the city center are just a few minutes’ walk from the station.
To view the complete map of filming locations for Outlander in Scotland, it's here. And for more filming locations, check out there.Ultimately, whether you’re a fan of magic, historical romance, or superheroes, one thing is certain: your trip to Scotland will also transport you to the other side of the screen—without ever having to get on a plane or in a car!
For further reading
This article was written in partnership with Visit Scotland and Scotrail. For more information, visit their website: visitscotland.com and scotrail.co.uk !
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
