Central Scotland film and TV itinerary

Stretching between the Castle and Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh’s famous thoroughfare is best-known for its historic sights – but it’s also the place to buy top-quality souvenirs. Look out for authentic Scotch tweed, kilts, whiskies and local delicacies.

Just off the Royal Mile, Bakehouse Close (or Carfax Close, as it’s known in Outlander) appears in several key scenes in the show – most notably a romantic reunion between Claire and Jamie in series three. A short walk away is Tweeddale Court, which was given a period makeover for Outlander series three (2017). These well-preserved spots are great places to see what Edinburgh might have looked like in the 18th century.

A nod to Edinburgh’s criminal past awaits on the Royal Mile, just outside the striking St Giles’ Cathedral. Look out for a cobblestone heart, a cute symbol that belies a grim history. This was the site of the Old Tolbooth prison, where torture and executions were commonplace, and the Heart of Midlothian marked its entrance. Did you know that a fight between Corvus Glaives and Vision takes place on the cathedral’s roof in Avengers: Infinity War (2018)? 

Perched on top of a dormant volcano at the top of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle is where you’ll find the Scottish Crown Jewels, the One O’Clock Gun and the National War Museum.

Part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Calton Hill is where you’ll find some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, including the National Monument, Scotland’s memorial to its fallen soldiers and sailors in the Napoleonic Wars. In 2020's Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams enjoy the views from Calton Hill – they're especially beautiful at sunrise.  

The Royal Yacht Britannia travelled around the world, sailing over one million miles on almost 1,000 international state visits. You can discover all five decks for yourself and learn about life on board for both the Royal Family and the crew of Royal Yachtsmen who called Britannia home for over 40 years, with a complimentary audio guide, available in over 30 languages. Enjoy tea and scones on the Royal Deck as you look out to beautiful waterfront views. Spot the ship making a cameo in 2022's Downton Abbey: A New Era.

Take a short walk from the Royal Mile and discover a 640-acre Royal Park, adjacent to Holyrood Palace. Arthur’s Seat, the park’s highest point, was formed by a volcano: climb to the top to be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of Edinburgh and the Lothians. It’s the spot where Em and Dex take a stroll in One Day (2024) and where Mark and Spud go for a run in T2 Trainspotting (2017). 

Welcome to the previous 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. Fans of historic fantasy Outlander (2014 – present) may know Holyroodhouse best as the home of Bonnie Prince Charlie, the real-life royal with a starring role in the show.  

For breathtaking views of Edinburgh Castle, climb to the top of these stairs, hidden in plain sight in the city centre. ‘Alley’, ‘ginnel’, ‘wynd’ – you’ll hear different words for these narrow passageways depending on where you are in Britain, but here in Scotland’s they’re known as vennels. One of the most memorable scenes from the 2024 Netflix series One Day was filmed on these very steps, and the streamer even tried to install a plaque commemorating Emma and Dexter’s love story – which was later turned down by city planners. Nonetheless, you can still make a pilgrimage here and enjoy the city skyline.  

Scotland... or the USA? Stunning Newhailes House appears in Outlander series four (2018) as Governor Tryon’s house in North Carolina, visited by Claire and Jamie. Join a guided tour of the Palladian property, have a woodland wander, or enjoy family fun at the ‘Weehailes’ adventure playground.

Learn about the myths and legends surrounding this extraordinary chapel on a guided tour. With its intricate stone carvings and mysterious symbolism, it was an apt choice of setting for the film adaptation of The Da Vinci Code (2006).

Pivotal scenes from episode nine of Outlander’s first series (2015) play out at Roslin Glen Country Park. Discover the largest surviving stretch of ancient woodland in Midlothian in this green space that once housed Scotland’s largest gunpowder mill.

Free to visit, Callendar House is a treat to explore both inside and out. Don’t miss the carefully restored Georgian Kitchen, which made a cameo in series two of Outlander in 2016 as the kitchen of Bellhurst Manor, the Duke of Sandringham’s home.

Venture into Stirling Castle’s Palace Vaults, stroll the Queen Anne gardens, and experience the opulence of royal life in the 1500s. Explore The Great Hall, built on the orders of James IV to be the largest banqueting hall in Scotland, while its ‘Stirling Head’ carvings are one of the nation’s foremost art collections. Check out its live theatre performances, music, storytelling and Christmas events, and look out for its cameos in Good Omens (2019–), Outlaw King (2018) and Mary Queen of Scots (2018). 

Discover the life of Scottish national hero Sir William Wallace – whose story is told in 1995's Braveheart – at this immersive museum in his memory. The fields below the monument were where Wallace led his troops to victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Inside, your first task is conquering the 246-step spiral staircase – but what’s at the top is worth all the puffing and panting. On the first floor, the Hall of Arms, Hall of Heroes and Royal Chamber shed light on Wallace’s journey to becoming leader of the Scots. At the Crown, the Monument’s lofty viewpoint, you’ll be greeted with the Stirling skyline in all its glory. 

Hydro-powered whisky anyone? This unique distillery offers up a smooth tiple with a distinctly waxy texture. Once a Victorian cotton mill, take a tour of the distillery and opt for one of the whisky tasting experiences. The building also featured in Outlander season two (2016) as a wine warehouse. 

Medieval Doune Castle stands proudly over the River Teith. Let Outlander’s Sam Heughan be your guide on a themed audio tour of the site, which doubles as Castle Leoch, the seat of Clan Mackenzie, in the show. Outlander isn’t Doune’s only screen outing – recognise it as Winterfell in Game of Thrones (2011–2019) or even from Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1979)?

Be wowed by this medieval cathedral, among one of Scotland’s few churches to survive the Reformation of 1560 intact. Look out for its striking stained glass and ceiling carvings. Spot it in series two of Outlander (2016), where its crypt doubles as the L’Hopital des Anges, as well as in Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein (2025).

With its ornate tombs and magnificent sculptures, the Glasgow Necropolis dates back to the Victorian period, and celebrates the 50,000 souls who are remembered here. Explore its peaceful grounds independently, or venture deeper on a volunteer-run guided tour. Did you know it doubles for Gotham City in 2022's The Batman?

This trendy neighbourhood was once where you’d find the warehouses of Glasgow’s wealthy merchants in the 18th century. Nowadays, you’re more likely to bump into a film star – 2022’s The Batman used these streets for filming, and in 2025 the cast and crew of the upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day were spotted here too. To the north-west of Merchant City, you’ll find another blockbuster backdrop: George Square. It may be temporarily closed for a revamp, but in the meantime you can see it in all its glory in Succession (2018–2023), World War Z (2013) and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw (2019). 

Make like Trainspotting’s (1996) Renton and Spud, and order a delicious milkshake at this retro cafe, which marked its 100th birthday in 2024. Fusing Italian and Scottish fare, Jaconelli’s is renowned for its enormous all-day breakfast – so bring your appetite.

Welcome to Glasgow’s oldest cinema, keeping Glaswegians entertained since 1921. Expect both modern films and cult classics, as well as a curated line-up of special showings, from dog-friendly screenings to fizz ‘n’ flick brunches.  

As well as live concerts and spectacular Baroque architecture, Kelvingrove is home to 8,000 treasured exhibits too. Think ancient Egyptian mummies, world-class artworks, and original pieces by Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Nearby Kelvingrove Park can be seen in Outlander series three (2017). 

The home of the Burrell Collection art museum, this vast green space features woodlands, gardens and a network of walking trails. Want to explore deeper? Purchase an orienteering map from the Park Manager’s Office, for a real-life treasure hunt… You’ll recognise this green space from Outlander (2014–), where it’s appeared in various guises in series one, two and four.

No planes, but plenty of trains and automobiles – the Riverside Museum is the go-to place to discover Glasgow’s transport heritage. Housed in a Zaha Hadid-designed building beside the River Clyde, the museum has over 3,000 exhibits to explore and ride. You’ll love strolling down the reconstructed cobbled street, a throwback to 1930s Glasgow, and peering in the retro shops. Docked outside is the Tall Ship Glenlee, an independent museum but well worth climbing aboard to learn more about Glasgow’s shipbuilding past. Just upstream from here, at the Govan Graving Docks, Oscar-winning 1917 (2019) was filmed.   

The soaring archways and columns of this historic hallway have featured on TV shows and films such as Outlander (2014–) and Cloud Atlas (2012). The university offers small-group tours of its architectural highlights, visiting Bute Hall, the Chapel and Professors’ Square too.

From elephant teeth to Egyptian mummies – it’s all here at Scotland’s oldest public museum. Built around the collections of 18th-century anatomist William Hunter, many of the Hunterian’s exhibits focus on scientific innovation, but other highlights include the Antonine Wall displays, focusing on Scotland’s Roman heritage. Looking for artistic inspiration? The Hunterian Art Gallery showcases work from Scottish artists like James McNeill Whistler and Charles Rennie Mackintosh alongside paintings from Rembrandt and Rubens.