5 minute read
Set-Jetting in Scotland
From nail-biting James Bond scenes to incredible historical dramas, Scotland has all the wild and mysterious beauty that has inspired film directors for decades. Dream Escape’s exclusive experiences never disappoint, offering everything from private guided hikes to spectacular boat charters, allowing you to get up close and personal with some of cinema and TV’s most iconic locations...
Journey to the fantastical Highlands
The magical Scottish Highlands are more than cinema-worthy. There’s breathtaking Glencoe and Glen Etive – a key location for James Bond's Skyfall. Film lovers will easily remember the scene where 007 and M escape to his ancestral home, and the shot of Bond looking across the Glencoe Valley next to his classic Aston Martin DB5 is nothing short of legendary.
Venture to the magnificent Cairngorms National Park and you’ll find the Rothiemurchus Estate, where the popular historical fantasy series Outlander series was filmed. You can have the place all to yourself with Dream Escape’s bothy picnic experience, or opt for a private hike around the stunning Loch an Eilein, with its island castle ruins and surrounding forests.
Then, visit Ardverikie House in Kinloch Laggan. You might recognise the regal, château-inspired turrets as Glenbogle Estate from the celebrated BBC series Monarch of the Glen but more recently James Bond. Enjoy private access to the house and estate and live like royalty for a day or two – it was also the sheikh's house in the heartwarming film, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. Or, take on the ultimate Dream Escape trip – Road to the Isles. This is one of the most esteemed drives in Scotland, from Fort William to Mallaig, where you can catch the ferry to the dreamy Isle of Skye. Along the way, you’ll spot Glenfinnan Viaduct, where the Hogwarts Express crosses each year in the Harry Potter films.
Escape to new worlds on the Isle of Skye
A surprising number of films and series have been shot on the little Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides. The dramatic landscape of the Trotternish Ridge is a must-see.
The jagged cliffs and pinnacles feel otherworldly, and the hiking trails have lent their astonishing beauty to films such as King Arthur, Transformers and Prometheus.
A walk in the hills near Uig also leads to the strange and wonderful landscape of the Fairy Glen. With cone-shaped hills and little lakes, this location was used in the fantasy movie Stardust, when Michelle Pfeiffer’s character appeared as a witch in a chariot drawn by goats.
And the best way to see the island is from the water. So, take a Dream Escape private boat tour to get up close and personal with the craggy coastline, paired with a delicious fresh seafood lunch with freshly caught fish from a local fisher.
Follow lovers and superheroes in Edinburgh and the Lothians
Scotland’s fascinating capital city has an illustrious connection to film – hits from Churchill to Fast & The Furious 9 have used the city as its backdrop. Wander the historic Old Town or opt for shopping on the Royal Mile to get your city fix.
But Edinburgh is also a walker’s paradise. Hike with a private guide to Arthur’s Seat and you’ll recognise scenes from Trainspotting and the movie of David Nicholl’s book, One Day. Venture a little further to Eyemouth and you’ll find St Abbs. The coastal headland is all dramatic cliffs and salty air. It’s famed for its seabird colonies but is also another immense Marvel location – featuring as New Asgard, Thor’s seaside location in Avengers: Endgame.
Opt for a private RIB ride or an expert-led hike to see the location in all its glory.
Go time travelling in Perthshire and Kinross
This is a must-visit area in Scotland for Outlander fans. You’ll recognise the wild and rugged Kinloch Rannoch and Faskally Forest from some of its most iconic scenes. The unmissable Drummond Castle near Crieff also doubles as the Palace of Versailles in Outlander. Here, you can take a private garden tour and enjoy refreshments in the medieval tower house, taking in the spectacular views of the formal gardens.
Then, there’s Doune Castle. The medieval stronghold also features in the series as Castle Leoch, but you’ll also spot it in Monty Python and the Holy Grail as Camelot and the Castle of Guy de Lombard. And if that wasn’t enough reason to pay a visit, it also starred as Winterfell Castle in the Game of Thrones epic.
WORDS | AMY BONIFAS
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