With its dramatic challenges, tense roundtables, and haunting landscapes, The Traitors UK has become one of the most intriguing and visually striking shows on British television. While the gameplay keeps viewers guessing, the real star of the series may well be its atmospheric filming locations, all set against the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
For fans wondering where The Traitors UK is filmed, the answer lies in a collection of real castles, lochs, forests, and historic sites that bring the show’s suspenseful world to life. From the iconic Ardross Castle to remote Highland landscapes used for unforgettable challenges, these locations are very real and many can be explored as part of your Scottish adventure.
Be warned: this blog includes spoilers for Season 4 of The Traitors UK!
Ardross Castle: The Heart of The Traitors UK
Ardross Castle serves as the main hub of The Traitors UK, acting as the setting for Round Tables, Traitors’ ‘In-Plain-Sight’ challenges, strategic moments, and dramatic reveals. With its imposing stone exterior and grand interiors, it perfectly captures the mood of mystery and intrigue that defines the show.
Located near Alness in the Scottish Highlands, Ardross Castle is a historic estate dating back to the 19th century. While it is a private property and not generally open to the public, its exterior and surrounding landscapes are very much part of the Highland experience.
With dramatic architecture reminiscent of a fortress, remote setting, and expansive grounds perfect for challenges, Ardross Castle is a staple of The Traitors UK for a very good reason. Many of Scotland’s historic estates and landscapes are used as filming locations – from the historical romance drama series Outlander to an iconic scene between M and James Bond in the film Skyfall.
Whilst you aren’t able to visit Ardross Castle itself, the surrounding region has plenty to explore.
Loch Glass: The Coffin Challenge Location
One of the most memorable moments of the fourth series takes place at Loch Glass, a sweeping body of water surrounded by broad Highland hills and forests. Used for the infamous coffin challenge, the loch’s still waters and isolated setting added an extra layer of tension as our Faithfuls and Traitors paddled through the coffins.
Lochs are a beloved and iconic feature of the Scottish landscape, with calm waters, expansive open space, and dramatic skies, these scenic stops are a must for travellers. With over 30,000 freshwater lochs (from tiny lochans to vast bodies such as Loch Lomond & Loch Ness), no matter where you explore in Scotland you’re bound to come across stunning views and and a real sense of remoteness that defines the rural Scottish landscape.
Boat of Garten Railway Station: The Journey to the Castle
Each series of The Traitors UK begins at a charming rural station – Boat of Garten Railway Station – located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park in the Highlands of Scotland.
Known informally as ‘Osprey Village’ due to the significant population of the birds of prey, Boat of Garten is also known for its forested surroundings, classic Victorian railway station from 1863, and its strong ties to Scotland’s railway heritage having once been a junction for the Great North of Scotland Railway.
Travel through Scotland is as much about the journey as the destination, with scenic rail routes remain one of the most popular ways to experience the Highlands.
Highland Forests & Grounds: The Walled Garden Challenge
Several outdoor challenges in The Traitors UK take place within wooded areas and estate grounds surrounding Ardross Castle. These forested landscapes used in all sorts of challenges, most recently before The Walled Garden challenge, showcase a different side of the Highlands– dense ancient woodland with winding paths.
Typical of the Highlands, these woodlands live side by side with open moorland, with nature playing a central role in daily life. Visitors to the Highlands will encounter similar landscapes throughout national parks and private estates, many of which are open to walkers and nature lovers.
The Chapel: Where the Faithful Ask Their Questions
One of the most intense moments in the series so far is when challenge-winning Faithfuls were finally allowed to ask the Traitors questions in the Ardross Castle’s own chapel.
Newer than the rest of the estate, this quiet, dimly lit chapel is perfect for a quiet moment filled with tension – contrasting sharply with the wide-open landscapes elsewhere in the show.
While the exact chapel used for filming is not publicly accessible, it reflects the many historic chapels and religious buildings scattered across Scotland – also known as ‘kirks’ – small, historic structures that add depth and character to the landscape.
For some travellers, visiting historic chapels and churches is often a peaceful way to connect with local history and architecture.
Can You Visit The Traitors UK Filming Locations?
While Ardross Castle itself is private, many of the surrounding filming locations are part of the wider Scottish Highlands and can be explored responsibly.
For those looking to travel in the area, top tips include:
- Base yourself in or near Inverness – the northernmost city in Scotland and the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands
- Explore everything the Highlands has to offer – from far reaching lochs, forests, and historic towns
- Combine scenic drives with rail journeys
- Respect private estates and filming sites – remember, not all are open to the public.
The Highlands offer endless opportunities to experience the landscapes that make The Traitors UK so visually compelling.
If you’ve been captivated by the locations featured in The Traitors UK, you’re definitely not alone. From the commanding presence of Ardross Castle to the haunting beauty of Loch Glass and the quiet drama of Highland forests, the show’s filming locations showcase some of Scotland’s most striking landscapes.
While not every site is open to the public, exploring the Highlands allows fans to step into the world of the show – and discover why this region continues to inspire filmmakers and travellers alike.
