The Jacobite Steam Train

© VisitScotland / Ian Rutherford

Scottish Film & TV locations itinerary

More than just a backdrop, Scotland has added its own particular ambience to a wide variety of films, from the Da Vinci Code's mysterious Rosslyn Chapel to the breathtaking Highland scenery found in BraveheartHarry Potter and Skyfall.

Follow this itinerary to see these very locations for yourself, and find out why the sheer dramatic impact of these landscapes lures filmmakers back to Scotland again and again.

Start / Finish
Whithorn / Doune
  • Days
    7
  • Distance
    540Miles

    864km
  • Transport
    Car
  • Main theme
    TV & Film
Highlights
Film locations
Landscapes
Areas covered
All

Day 1Machars Penninsula, Port Logan & Stranraer

Transport:
Car

Your first day begins in Dumfries & Galloway for a whole range of settings associated with the cult film The Wicker Man.

  • St Ninian's Cave Whithorn

    St Ninian's Cave. A sea-side cave said to be the hideaway of an early Christian saint.

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam, all rights reserved

    The fearsome wicker figure burned in the sacrifice scene at the end of The Wicker Man which was set up at Burrows Head in the Machars. Explore the otherworldly St Ninian's Cave nearby, where Sergeant Howie (Edward Woodward) tracks Rowan.

    Find out more about St Ninian's Cave
    St Ninian's Cave,Whithorn
  • Logan Botanic Garden Portpatrick

    Logan Botanic Garden

    Look familiar?

    The beautiful garden filled in as Lord Summerisle's lush garden in The Wicker Man movie.

    Head to the gorgeous Logan Botanic Garden and admire the impressive tropical plants which thrive in the warm atmosphere created by the Gulf Stream. 

    Find out more about Logan Botanic Garden
    Logan Botanic Garden,Portpatrick,DG9 9ND
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Castle Kennedy Stranraer

    Castle Kennedy & Gardens

    Did you know?

    Castle Kennedy featured in the stone circle and May Day procession scenes in The Wicker Man.

    The beautiful gardens which surround this impressive ruined Castle Kennedy are the perfect place for a walk in the countryside or you could stop for a tasty snack in the tearoom.

     

    Find out more about Castle Kennedy
    Castle Kennedy Gardens,Castle Kennedy,Stranraer,DG9 8SJ
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • On Public Transport Route
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Accessible toilets
    • WiFi
    • Cafe or Restaurant

Day 2Maybole and Glasgow

Transport:
Car

The second day of your itinerary begins at your final film location from The Wicker Man, Culzean Castle, before you travel north to explore the bustling city of Glasgow, where you can see settings from World War ZThe Angel's Share and Cloud Atlas.

  • Culzean Castle Maybole

    Culzean Castle and Country Park

    © Barry Dawson / Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Group

    Did you know?

    You'll recognise the exterior of Culzean Castle as the grand mansion of Lord Summerisle (Christopher Lee) from The Wicker Man.

    Travel to Maybole to Culzean Castle which was designed by Robert Adam, one of Scotland's most renowned architects. Perched on the side of a dramatic cliff, it's packed with treasures for you to discover as well as peaceful walks in the stunning grounds.

    Find out more about Culzean Castle
    Maybole,Maybole,KA19 8LE
    Key facilities
    • Parking
    • Pets Welcome
    • Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
    • Hearing Loop
    • Cafe or Restaurant
  • Glasgow Glasgow

    The Cloisters at the University of Glasgow

    © VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

    Spend the rest of your day exploring Glasgow, where in 2011 the city centre was transformed into the streets of Philadelphia for the zombie apocalypse movie World War Z, starring Brad Pitt. The city's renowned architecture has also been the backdrop for the critically acclaimed The Angel's ShareCloud Atlas and The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson and Zoe Kravitz. 

    Find out more about Glasgow

Day 3Roslin and Edinburgh

Day 4St Andrews and Ballater

Day 5Stonehaven, Pennan and Inverness

Day 6Fort William and Glenfinnan

Day 7Glencoe, Killin & Doune

Other things you might like

Join our Newsletter Clan

Get Scotland inspiration direct to your inbox. Don't miss the inside track from our Scotland experts on exciting trip ideas, unique attractions and hidden gems loved by locals.

Get the Scotland newsletter