Admire Britain’s dramatic filming locations

Welcome to the earlier home of Mary, Queen of Scots, offering guided tours, royal exhibitions and opulent afternoon teas. Its state rooms have been used by Britain’s kings and queens for hundreds of years, and it sits right on the Scottish capital’s Royal Mile – surrounded by pristine gardens. In the Outlander novels, Claire and Jamie stay here with Bonnie Prince Charlie. As you wander up the Royal Mile, you’ll spot three Outlander filming locations: Bakehouse Close, Tweeddale Court and the Signet Library. 

This mighty stronghold dates back to the 14th century and has a fascinating royal history. It was here that Mary Queen of Scots fled in 1566, and where the plot to murder her husband Lord Darnley was hatched. Now open to the elements, the chambers are yours to stroll through, and the views from its ramparts are spectacular. If you enjoyed Edinburgh Castle, don’t miss the chance to explore this impressive fortress too, which doubled as Ardsmuir Prison in Outlander. 

This 15th-century stronghold is dubbed ‘the ship that never sailed’ thanks to its imposing appearance on the Firth of Forth. Once a garrison fortress and state prison, it stood in for Fort William in Outlander series one, and its other screen outings include 2019’s Mary Queen of Scots, with Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, plus Netflix's Outlaw King and Hamlet starring Mel Gibson. 

When the V&A Dundee opened in 2018, it broke new ground as Scotland’s first dedicated design museum. An ever-changing calendar of exhibitions and workshops includes the Dundee Tapestry, celebrating the city’s industrial heritage and creativity. In the “Dundee” episode of Succession series two, businessman and patriarch Logan Roy celebrates 50 years as CEO of his company, Waystar RoyCo, in this spectacular setting. 

During the Roys trip to Scotland in Succession, they stay in the suitably luxurious surroundings of Gleneagles. This five-star resort hotel has been creating millionaire moments for almost a century and is a particular favourite of golfers thanks to its three championship courses. From horse riding to off-roading, award-winning spa escapes and Michelin-starred dining, there’s plenty to enchant away from the greens too. 

Whether winter skiing or summertime strolls, this wildlife reserve has an adventure for every season. It is Britain’s largest national park, a feast of herculean mountains, roiling rivers, peaceful lochs and centuries-old forests. Fill your days with outdoor pursuits – choose climbing, cycling, hiking or snowshoeing – and your nights cosying up in the friendly local villages. From quaint bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels, you’ll find it all here, in the countryside that both inspired the Outlander books and starred in the TV series. 

Discover what Highland life was like in the past with this popular living history museum in the Cairngorms. This 80-acre living history site brings to life the past, from the 1700s to the 1950s, and visitors can see how Highlanders lived and worked through the ages. With around 35 buildings to explore, from homes to a school, it’s like travelling back in time. The museum is open from March to October and entrance is free. The museum was a filming location for Outlander, and ever since it has hosted ‘Outlander Day’, where you can experience Jacobite life for yourself.  

A highlight of the Lochaber Geopark, discover the fascinating geological heritage of Glencoe – ripe for outdoor adventures. It provides a suitably imposing backdrop for James Bond’s ancestral home, Skyfall Lodge, and you can also spot it in productions such as Outlander and Prometheus.  

If you’ve dreamed of travelling back in time, then make it a reality with a bespoke Outlander  Tour by insiders from the show. 

On a private tour, you'll be picked up from your accommodation by one of their expert guides — some of whom work on the TV series — who will take you to sites including Midhope Castle (Lallybroch), Blackness Castle (Fort William), Linlithgow Palace (Wentworth Prison) and Clava Cairns standing stones. The locations are brought to life by actors in Jacobite kilts and pistols. You can join in the fun with kilts, swords and shields, too.

Whether you’re a fan of the original 1970s series or love watching the latest adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small, this minibus tour covers both shows. The market town of Darrowby — the show’s setting — may be fictional, but you’ll get to explore its real-life home, Grassington, and see the exteriors of G F Endleby, the Grocers, Handleys Booksellers, Darrowby Cycle Shop and more. There’s even time for a pint in the real Drovers Arms. 

Travel back in time on this steam-powered train, which runs between Pickering and Whitby. This 23-mile (37km) journey is renowned for its beautiful countryside and lush moorland, while on-board events include photography workshops and gourmet lunches. It’s a great way to see the countryside that the real-life James Herriot would have been familiar with.  

After a hard day at work as a rural vet, James Herriot would settle down at his typewriter and write about his exploits. Now, you can visit his fully restored 1940s home and surgery at the World of James Herriot – and even see that very typewriter. Head into the basement to discover the World War II bomb shelter and get hands-on with vet life in the interactive gallery. 

Meet meerkats, tortoises, alpacas, otters and more! This Yorkshire animal sanctuary is full of incredible wildlife, and is divided into multiple zones featuring their own unique animals: think “Birds of the World”, “Marmosets and Tamarins” and “Down on the Farm”. You can even join the wildlife rangers on an experience day, getting hands-on with the likes of wallabies and lemurs. A treat for nature lovers of all ages. 

A real treat, this well-preserved and impressively imposing Cistercian monastery, founded around 1132, became one of the richest of its time. The surrounding Studley Royal Park features a water garden designed in the 18th century and a deer park. Studley Royal’s cricket pitch hosted a summer match in series two of All Creatures Great and Small – the wider estate can also be seen in The Witcher and The Secret Garden.  

In the Theory of Everything film, St John’s College doubled as Trinity Hall, where Professor Stephen Hawking studied. See where the May Ball scene was filmed on the lawn outside the New Court Building, in which staunch atheist Hawking falls in love with devout Christian Jane Wilde.

Grab your popcorn! This annual gathering, held in autumn, has been screening the best independent and arthouse films since 1977, celebrating local and international talents alike. From grassroots comedy to provocative documentaries, its programme is designed to inspire, engage and entertain, with director talks and pop-up events alongside screenings galore. 

Countless writers, poets and novelists have lived in Cambridge: from classic figures to modern talents such as Zadie Smith and Kate Atkinson. These tours follow in their footsteps: maybe you’ll see the sights that inspired Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath, or visit the very places where Thomas Hardy and Charles Darwin penned their works. Your guide will be full of fascinating insights and behind-the-books stories.

No trip to Cambridge is complete without a punting trip on the River Cam – so hop aboard! Join the Traditional Punting Company for a water-based exploration of the city. From shared punts, picnic punting experiences and a lavish champagne journey, there's a tour for everyone. Float past Cambridge University, Kings College Chapel and under stunning bridges. See the beautiful cityscapes used in The Theory of Everything. 

The tiniest of cities is dominated by Ely Cathedral – an incredible feat of architecture with the most epic stained glass windows. You’ll have seen it in a range of big and small screen dramas, including The Theory of Everything, The Crown and Atonement. While in the centre, check out the hands-on Ely Museum and Oliver Cromwell’s old home, to discover more about the history of the city. 

Voyage to one of Britain’s historic docklands for a snippet of Georgian life in Kent.  The Dockyard is a must visit for TV fiends and history buffs, setting the scene for Bridgerton and Call the Midwife and playing an important part in historic battles and wars.

Follow in the footsteps of Nurse Trixie with a Call The Midwife Official Location Tour of Chatham’s Historic Dockyard, where it was filmed. Led by a costumed guide, discover how the hit series was made in the heritage site. The dockyard has also been seen on screen in Bridgerton, The Crown, Sherlock Holmes and many more. 

A town with bags of charm, head to Margate for tasty seafood, charming indie shops and a world class art gallery. Delve into a hidden underground world at the Shell Grotto or take to the sandy shores for a nature fix. Accessible from London by train, Margate provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of Britain’s capital city. Empire of Light, starring Olivia Colman, was filmed here, transforming the Dreamland cinema. 

Try out a new sport on Camber Sands, a popular spot for kite surfing. Soar into the skies over two miles of golden coastline and rolling sand dunes. Or, head into the water on a kayak or jet-ski. There’s a car park next to the beach which offers accessible parking. In The Theory of Everything, Stephen Hawking and his family have a day out at the beach. 

A waterfront playground with a whole lot of tales to tell, Brighton’s Palace Pier is a must-visit in the seaside city. From its Victorian days to modern day eccentricity, there’s entertainment all along the pier. Thrill seekers will love the Turbo Coaster and the Twister VR experience. Or try your luck on the arcade games, to soak up the electric atmosphere at restaurants with unforgettable views. Harry Styles drama My Policeman was filmed here.