4 must-see Scottish locations from Mary Queen of Scots
From the Scottish Highlands being named one of Lonely Planet's top places to visit in 2019 to the launch of Country Living's captivating new Scottish rail tour and now the release of Mary Queen of Scots, all eyes are truly on Scotland this year and there's never been a better time to visit.
Starring Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan, Mary Queen of Scots hits the big screen on Friday 18th January and has put Scotland firmly in the spotlight as one of the most appealing destinations for a holiday right now, especially for travellers looking to experience the best of Britain on their next mini-break.
The film sees titular Queen (Ronan) and her second cousin and rival monarch Elizabeth I (Robbie) inspire renewed interest in a tumultuous period of British history.
It explores Mary’s difficulty in asserting her authority in Scotland, with threats from protestants (including from John Knox, played by David Tennant) and from the English Queen, struggling herself to be a Queen in a man’s country.
Movie fans can live out their royal fantasy by visiting the incredible filming locations found in Scotland. Here's how to follow the Mary Queen of Scots trail…
1.Strathdon, Aberdeenshire
During the production of Mary, Queen of Scots, filming included a scene at Poldullie Bridge in Strathdon, where Queen Mary gets ambushed in a fight scene with cows blocking the bridge. Lying in Upper Donside, around 45 miles west of Aberdeen, Strathdon is a stunning and quiet part of Scotland and a superb place for spotting wildlife. It is steeped in history and visitors won’t want to miss Corgarff Castle with its fascinating star-shaped fortifications and imposing Glenbuchat Castle. In the summer, watch the Lonach Highlanders parading through Bellabeg, the main village in the area, as they make their way to the Lonach Gathering. In winter, there’s skiing and snowboarding at The Lecht Ski Centre.
Where to stay?
The attractive Hilton Grand Vacations at Craigendarroch Suites combines Victorian charm with a breathtaking setting in the Cairngorms National Park. Prices start from £126 per night. BOOK NOW
2. East Lothian
Scenes at the start of the film were shot at East Lothian beaches Seacliff and North Berwick, as well when Mary is seen looking at at sea. Found to the east of Edinburgh and within very easy reach of the city, East Lothian is made up of craggy cliffs, golden beaches and rolling countryside. Hemmed in by the Firth of Forth to the north and the Lammermuir Hills to the south, the history of the area is typified by the stronghold of Tantallon Castle as it rests formidably on cliffs above Seacliff Bay. The area is also popular with golfers and highlights include the Scottish Seabird Centre, National Museum of Flight and Glenkinchie Distillery to name just a few.
Where to stay?
Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa offers views across the Firth of Forth and and is home to an 2 AA-Rosette restaurant, with prices starting from £83 per night. BOOK NOW
3. Seacliff Beach, East Lothian
Seacliff features in a scene where Mary and her ladies in waiting stand on the rocky shore looking out to sea while speaking to one another in French. With the ruins of Tantallon Castle perched above it, the dramatic beach is found near the East Lothian town of North Berwick. Seacliff is privately owned and there’s a small charge to access it, but it’s well worth a visit to discover what’s thought to be the UK’s smallest harbour with views of the Bass Rock.
Where to stay?
Nether Abbey Hotel is located just three miles from the beach and boasts a highly rated Scottish breakfast and fresh seafood, with prices starting from £120 per night. BOOK NOW
4. Blackness Castle, West Lothian
The exterior of Blackness Castle doubles as Holyrood Palace at the beginning of the film and is seen again later in the movie. This mighty fortification, jutting out into the Firth of Forth with its long and narrow design, has been described as ‘the ship that never sailed’. It owes much of its nautical shape to the many fortifications that were added to it during the 16th century, transforming it into one of the most secure fortresses of its time – part of its south-facing wall is 5.5 metres thick!
Where to stay?
Champany Inn is a cosy, charming restaurant with rooms that offers fine Scotch beef, great wine and good night's sleep, with prices from £86 per night. BOOK NOW
The picturesque Cairngorms and Glencoe are also featured in the film as Mary and her army ride across moorlands. Browse the parts of Scotland used in Mary Queen of Scots...
Want to see more of Scotland's film locations? Check out our steam train adventure, which visits extraordinary scenery from the Harry Potter movies.
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