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7 Game of Thrones-Like Locations to Visit in Scotland
Okay, so GoT wasn’t really filmed in Scotland… er, except for that one castle in the pilot. But honestly? You could have fooled me! Scotland has always been beautifully mysterious with a magical vibe, so it’s no surprise that there are loads of spots that feel like they belong in GoT.
While Scotland may not have the Iron Throne, it’s got the castles, misty landscape, and atmosphere that’ll make you believe in the story all the more.
Sure, there are more sheep than dragons. But honestly? Scotland’s got plenty of dramatic Highlands and charming castles that’ll have you second-guessing if it was really part of GoT. So if you’re up for a GoT-themed adventure, you’re in for a treat!
Doune Castle
Media credit: adamjason1
Scene: Doune Castle stood in for Winterfell in the pilot episode.
Location: Doune
How To Get There:
- From Edinburgh
- By Car: It’s about 1hr 15 minutes via the M9 and A84.
- By Train and Bus: Take the ScotRail train to Stirling, then hop on a bus to Doune’s city centre. From there, it’s a quick walk to the castle.
- From Glasgow
- By Car: It’s about 1hr 10 mins via the M80 and M9.
- By Train and Bus: Take the ScotRail train to Stirling, then hop on a bus to Doune’s city centre. From there, it’s a quick walk to the castle.
If you’re a true Stark loyalist, you don’t want to miss a stop at their original family home. Yep, original. Doune Castle, a 14th-century courtyard stronghold in Central Scotland, is where the GoT pilot episode was filmed back in 2009.
After HBO reworked the show’s direction and budget, Winterfell was rebuilt at Castle Ward in Northern Ireland, which became the main location for Winterfell from Season 1 onwards.
Media credit: julianna_karaman
Still, Doune Castle still holds a special place in the hearts of the GoT fandom as the first Winterfell ever filmed. And for that reason alone, many fans still visit. In fact, loads of GoT-themed tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow even include a stop here.
Visitor’s Tip:
- Avoid the crowds and peak hours by visiting early in the morning, late afternoon, or on weekdays if you can.
- Don’t skip the audio guide. It’s voiced by Monty Python’s Terry Jones, who gives a quirky twist to the castle’s history and lore.
- Check the Historic Environment Scotland for any medieval-themed events.
Loch Etive
Media credit: poetic_mouse
Scene: Featured as part of the vast Northern landscapes beyond the Wall
Location: Argyll and Bute
How To Get There:
- From Edinburgh
- By Car: It’s about 3 hours along the A82 through Glencoe, down Glen Etive Road to Loch Etive
Untouched and eerily quiet, Loch Etive is the kind of place that has your hair standing up. Maybe it’s just your senses detecting a White Walker over the ridge? Or maybe it’s just a red deer grazing the hills. Who knows?
What I do know is that this is exactly the place Jon Snow would be trudging through, especially in winter when the peaks are dusted with snow and the atmosphere is hauntingly still.
Media credit: _jfoy_
If Jon Snow ever did wander through the Scottish Highlands, my money’s on Loch Etive. I just don’t know how he’d feel about all the fluffy sheep around, but hey, that’s part of the Highland charm.
Visitor’s Tip:
- Bring binoculars as there is plenty of wildlife to spot, such as red deer, golden eagles, pine martens, and more.
- Pack water and snacks, download maps, and do your business before visiting, as there are no toilets, eateries, or phone signals here.
Quairing
Media credit: with.bryan
Scene: Dramatic backdrop in Westeros where dragons would be flying over the rock formations
Location: Portree
How To Get There:
- From Portree
- By Car: Take the A87 or A855 north until you cross the Skye Bridge. From there, follow the signs to Staffin or Trotternish Loop until you reach the small car park at the trailhead.
Looking like it’s where Daenerys would be flying her dragons over the Trotternish Ridge, Quairing looks like it came from Game of Thrones and was transported to Scotland! It’s unsettlingly bizarre and otherworldly with looming cliffs, dramatic pillars, and twisted rock spires.
Now that I think about it, maybe it really was shaped by magic and dragons. Nevertheless, if they want to refilm Game of Thrones, they’re more than welcome to it in Quairing. I’m sure it would have made the cut.
Visitor’s Tip:
- Dress warmly and pack waterproof layers as the weather changes drastically in the Highlands.
- Pack water and snacks, download maps, and do your business before visiting, as there are no toilets, eateries, or phone signals here.
The Old Man of Storr
Media credit: letsgoto_pl
Scene: Resembles landscapes seen in Dragonstone scenes.
Location: Isle of Skye
How To Get There:
- By Car: From Portree, take the A855 north until you find the trailhead parking.
The Old Man of Storr is as eerie and haunting as it gets. And while you won’t spot any dragons circling overhead, local folklore does mention that a giant once lived here, and this exact spot is where he died.
However, his thumb stayed above ground, forming the towering rock formations pulled right out of Game of Thrones. Specifically, it reminded me of when Daenerys first lands on Dragonstone in Season 7.
Media credit: anth0nypics
I highly recommend hiking to the viewpoint uphill for the breathtaking views. I’ll admit, it’s a bit of a climb, but it’ll only take 45 minutes and is very much worth the effort.
Visitor’s Tip:
- If you plan to hike, arrive early to secure a parking spot as it fills up quickly, especially in the summer.
- For moody photos, go at sunrise or just before sunset for an epic glow.
Cairngorms National Park
Media credit: circa35mm
Scene: Where Jon Snow, Ygritte, and the Night’s Watch trekked
Location: Glenmore, Aviemore
How To Get There:
- By Car: A 3-hour drive via the A9.
- By Train: Take a train to Aviemore, then continue via local bus, bike, or even on foot.
The first place that I thought of that would do justice to the stunningly wild expanse of the North Westeros is the Cairngorms National Park.
It’s home to a haunting, ancient Caledonian pine forest with winding, untouched trails where White Walkers could be moving through the trees. Its snow-covered peaks also resemble the Frostfang Mountains where Jon Snow trekked through blizzards.
Media credit: mysaturdaydrive
And while the Cairngorms National Park looks postcard-perfect, it’s the north. Harsh, raw, and real. Now tell me that isn’t North Westeros.
Visitor’s Tip:
- The Highlands are moody, so bring boots and layers as the chilly weather can turn wet quickly.
- Enjoy wild camping while you’re there, just ensure not to leave a trace.
Dunnottar Castle
Media credit: bgs_photography_scotland
Scene: Inspired the look of Pyke
Location: Stonehaven
How To Get There:
- By Car: It’s roughly 25 minutes via the A90 or M90. Turn at Stonehaven and follow the signs to Dunnottar.
- By Train: Take the ScotRail from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Stonehaven, which will take about 2 hours. Then, you can stretch your legs and enjoy a 30–40 minute coastal stroll to the castle’s footpath.
Perched hauntingly overlooking the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle is more than just another ruin. If you look closely at how isolated it is, brooding over the rough seas, you’ll notice its close resemblance to Pyke, the seat of House Greyjoy.
If you can’t put the pieces together, I recommend visiting on a stormy day when the wind howls, the skies are eerily dark, and the rain is beating on the castle walls. That’ll make it feel like you’re actually in Game of Thrones.
Media credit: gemmakeithphoto
But seriously, Dunnottar has played an epic role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. It was a stronghold for Scottish kings and nobles and the hiding place of the Scottish crown jewels, perfectly fitting Game of Thrones’ storylines.
Visitor’s Tip:
- Wear sturdy shoes as the path is steep, uneven, and especially tricky to climb in wet weather.
- Check the official website before you go, as some parts of the castle close in bad weather.
Glencoe
Media credit: shootingstills.co.uk
Scene: Establishing background shots of the North and Beyond the Wall
Location: Glencoe
How To Get There:
- By Car
- From Glasgow: About 2 hours via A82
- From Edinburgh: Around 3 hours via M9, then A84, to A82.
- From Fort William: Just 30 minutes south via the A82.
- By Train and Bus: Take the ScotRail service to Fort William. From there, hop on a local bus toward Oban or Glasgow and ask to be dropped off at Glencoe Village or the visitor centre.
While Glencoe only appears in a couple of establishing background shots, it embodies Beyond the Wall and the untamed North incredibly well.
The sweeping Highland views and brooding valleys are eerily familiar; it won’t be a surprise to find a White Walker just out of sight. In fact, if you rewatch Season 3 onward, you’ll find the same jagged ridgelines and icy glens.
Media credit: brendanwatersphoto
Much like Westeros itself, Glencoe also carries a deep emotional weight. Underneath its striking beauty is tragedy, most famously the Glencoe Massacre of 1692, when members of the MacDonald clan were betrayed and killed in their homes.
Visitor’s Tip:
- Visit the Buachaille Etive Mòr viewpoint for an expansive view of the valleys and peaks.
- Wild camping is perfect for a more immersive experience and catching the sunrise.
