5 Famous Film Locations in Scotland
With the film award season now behind us, we’re reminded of all the famous movies that have been filmed in Scotland over the years.
To bring out your inner movie star, here are 5 film famous locations you can visit on your next motorhome adventure across Scotland!
The Old Man of Storr
Nearby campsites: Skye Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Portree Campsite
One of Skye’s most famous landmarks, the Old Man of Storr has starred in several Hollywood films and it’s no surprise as to why given the location’s dramatic scenery.
Some of the most famous films in which the Old Man of Storr has appeared include The Wicker Man, where it is seen briefly during the opening credits, and Prometheus, where it acts as the setting for a mysterious archaeological dig.
Located on the north of Skye, the Old Man of Storr is just a 15-minute drive away from Portree. The carpark can be found along the A855. Once you there, the walk up to the ‘Old Man’ should take no longer than 2 hours.
Calanais Standing Stones
Nearby campsites: Eilean Fraoich Campsite
Trading the Isle of Skye with the Isle of Lewis, we have the Calanais Standing Stones, one of the best preserved neolithic monuments in Scotland.
A stunning stone circle which predates even Stonehenge, it acted as the inspiration for the standing stones which appear in the Pixar film Brave. Shrouded in mystery and legend, this remarkable location is sure to put you in a cinematic mood! The Calanais Standing Stones are located off the A859, over 10 miles west of Stornoway, and they are free to visit all year round. Parking is also available on-site.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Nearby campsites: Bunree Caravan Club Site
This list would not be complete without a Harry Potter reference! Glenfinnan Viaduct, known today for its association with the Harry Potter films, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Scotland.
Attracting visitors from all over the world, the viaduct is perfectly located overlooking the Glenfinnan Monument and Loch Shiel, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the Highlands. If you are a film buff or an avid Harry Potter fan, seeing the Jacobite steam train gliding across the viaduct is something that is not to be missed!
One of the best places to see the viaduct is at the Glenfinnan Visitor Centre, situated south of Fort William off the A830, where there is a car park and a café. The viewpoint is only a 5-minute walk up a hill near the visitor centre and it grants a stunning panoramic view with the shores of Loch Shiel to the south and Glen Finnan to the north.
Glen Nevis
Nearby campsites: Glen Nevis Caravan and Camping Park
Next on the list is Glen Nevis, one of the most stunning valleys in the whole of Scotland as well as the backdrop for countless scenes in various blockbuster movies.
Perhaps most famously, numerous scenes from Mel Gibson’s Braveheart were filmed here. For instance, the funeral scene was filmed at the old Cameron graveyard, located on the Ben Nevis side of the river. Additionally, Glen Nevis features prominently in the Harry Potter, where its scenery is used as a backdrop during the Quddich scenes.
We recommend that you park at the Braveheart car park, located just north of the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre. There are numerous walking trails nearby, including a particularly stunning hike to Dùn Deardail fort.
Pennan
Nearby campsites: East Balthangie Caravan Park
Nestled in the Aberdeenshire coast, the quaint village of Pennan was made famous by the 1983 Scottish comedy film Local Hero.
These days, movie fans pay homage to Bill Forsyth’s film by making a call from the now iconic phone booth in the village. While you’re there, you can grab a bite to eat at the Pennan Inn, which is also featured in the film. 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of this iconic film and to celebrate this, special screenings are taking place at Pennan Village Hall between May-August 2023. You can find out more information about these screenings and book tickets at Cinetopia.
Pennan is about an hour’s drive away from Aberdeen and can be found off the B9031 along the Aberdeenshire coast.
A idyllic place to visit on a sunny day, Pennan harbour is also a great place to see dolphins and grey seals.
Plan your motorhome adventure with Highland Campervans!
Travelling in a motorhome is the perfect way to discover Scotland’s famous film locations as it gives you the ultimate freedom to explore the open road and go on exciting adventures. If the locations we've mentioned above have inspired you to plan a visit then check out Visit Scotland's 7-Day Film & TV Road Trip taking in 17 top locations!
Whether you’re looking to buy your own motorhome for the first time or rather get a taste of vanlife on an adventurous motorhome holiday, Highland Campervans’ experienced sales and hires teams are always ready to welcome new enthusiasts to the motorhoming world!
We take bookings all year round so please check the availability of our hire fleet, as well as our current sales stocklist!
