Scotland has long captured the imagination of filmmakers from around the world. With its dramatic landscapes, ancient castles, and misty glens, it’s no surprise that some of the world’s most beloved films and series have chosen Scotland as their backdrop.
From wizarding trains and medieval battles to spy thrillers and fantasy epics, many iconic scenes were filmed in places you can visit today on our tours. Here’s a roundup of the most popular films shot in Scotland, and where you can follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters.
Harry Potter
Locations: Glenfinnan, Glencoe
Tours: Highland tours including Glenfinnan & Glencoe
One of the most magical connections to Scotland is through the world of Harry Potter. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is instantly recognisable as the route of the Hogwarts Express. During summer, you can even see the Jacobite Steam Train puffing its way across the viaduct, a real-life version of Harry’s journey to Hogwarts.
Glencoe, with its brooding beauty, was used for numerous exterior shots, including the location of Hagrid’s Hut in The Prisoner of Azkaban. Meanwhile, Loch Shiel doubled as the Black Lake behind Hogwarts, and was featured in The Goblet of Fire and The Half-Blood Prince.
Skyfall (James Bond)
Location: Glencoe
Tours: Multiple Highland tours
In one of the most atmospheric moments in Skyfall, James Bond returns to his childhood home, set in the stark and haunting landscape of Glencoe. This dramatic Highland glen captures the quiet strength and mystery that Bond himself embodies, and it looks even more stunning in person.
Outlander (TV Series)
Location: Glencoe (opening sequence)
Tours: Highland tours with Glencoe stop
Even before the first line is spoken, Outlander opens with sweeping shots of Glencoe, a valley so beautiful and steeped in history that it feels timeless. For fans of Claire and Jamie’s time-travelling saga, a visit here is like stepping into the story itself.
Braveheart
Location: Highlands
Tours: Highlands
Though not historically accurate, Braveheart introduced millions to Scotland’s fight for freedom, and the powerful landscapes that inspired it. Many of the film’s scenes were filmed in Glen Nevis and other Highland locations, bringing the raw beauty of Scotland to the screen in unforgettable fashion.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Locations: Stirling
Tours:
Doune Castle: Highland Lochs, Glens & Castles Tour from Edinburgh
Castle Stalker: Oban, Western Highlands, Lochs & Castles Tour from Glasgow
This cult classic may be a comedy, but the scenery is seriously good. Doune Castle starred as nearly every castle in the film (and later as Winterfell in Game of Thrones). Castle Stalker, perched on a tiny island, also makes an appearance, and you can stop for a photo opportunity on our Oban tour.
Outlaw King
Locations: Highlands
Tours: 5-day Isle of Skye & Highlands Tour
Telling the story of Robert the Bruce, Outlaw King brought Scottish history back to the big screen with sweeping Highland backdrops and gritty castle scenes. While it filmed in multiple locations, the wild and rugged terrain of the Highlands sets the tone—and is best experienced on our multi-day adventures.
Snow White and the Huntsman
Location: Isle of Skye
Tours: Isle of Skye tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow
Kristen Stewart’s dark fairy-tale adventure made great use of the Isle of Skye’s otherworldly beauty. The island’s eerie rock formations, foggy coastlines, and windswept moors were the perfect setting for a magical kingdom at the edge of the world.
The BFG & Stardust
Location: Isle of Skye
Tours: Isle of Skye tours
The wild, fantastical feel of the Isle of Skye has attracted many fantasy filmmakers. Steven Spielberg’s The BFG used the island’s landscapes to create giant country, while Stardust (2007), a whimsical adventure starring Claire Danes and Robert De Niro, also featured Skye’s mystical terrain.
Ready to Walk in the Footsteps of Film Legends?
Scotland isn’t just a film set… On our small-group tours in Scotland, you’ll explore the very same landscapes that lit up the big screen, guided by our team of passionate local guides who bring these places to life.
Whether you’re a Potterhead, Bond fan, or fantasy lover, there’s a cinematic journey waiting for you. Browse our tours to Glenfinnan, Glencoe, Skye, and beyond, and let Scotland’s movie magic unfold right before your eyes.