Here are some excellent spots in Scotland for movie lovers to add to their itineraries.
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*Jacobite Steam Train: While that name might not seem familiar, movie fans are sure to recognize this steam powered and fully restored locomotive as the Hogwarts Express that is seen in many of the Harry Potter movies. Fans of the series that choose to travel on the train itself should be on the lookout for the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was featured prominently in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The Jacobite Steam Train runs daily from May to October between the small Scottish towns of Malliag and Fort William, with the latter city being another prime spot for film makers in Scotland. Both round-trip and single journey tickets are available but they are quite pricey, with one way fares starting at £29 for adults and £17 for children.
*Doune Castle: Better known as several of the allegedly different castles in the ever-popular film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this 14th century edifice is also seen moonlighting as Castle Leoch in the Outlander television series and Winterfell, home of the ill-fated Stark clan, in the popular show Game of Thrones. Getting to the castle using public transport is fairly easy. A short bus ride on the Stirling to Callander route costs will bring travelers to the site, which is run by the Historic Scotland foundation. Admission is £5.50 for adults, with discounts available for children and various other groups. The castle is typically open between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. However, the site opens thirty minutes earlier and stays open until 5:30 pm in the summertime.
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*Rosslyn Chapel: Due to its’ prime location near Edinburgh, the ornate Medieval church seen in final scenes from The Da Vinci Code is a good spot to add to your film tour of Scotland. The site can easily be reached by public bus (£1.50 and an hour each way) . The building may or may not be the final resting place of the Holy Grail, but the catacombs have been long been rumored to contain that particular treasure as well as other priceless artifacts. As the entryway to these lower levels disappeared centuries ago, the truth of these theories has yet to be proven. The guided tours that take place every hour or so might help shed some light on the subject. Even so, guests are free to wander around as they wish. It typically takes a few hours to see everything there is to see onsite, but photographs are not allowed inside the building. The chapel is generally open from 9:30 am to 5 pm on weekdays. Regular admission is currently at £9, with discounts available for certain individuals. However, children are admitted free if they are coming along as part of a family group.
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Sources: Visit Scotland; The Jacobite Steam Train website; Historic Scotland; Rosslyn Chapel website; Wikipedia, Trip Advisor
