It’s no secret that the Royal Family have had a long lasting love affair with Scotland. Follow in the footsteps of royalty as you explore the Scottish film locations featured in Season 4 of the Netflix smash hit series, The Crown. Discover the landscapes that provided the backdrop for the popular series, as well as the real locations and magnificent settings in Scotland which burst with royal connections.
A baronial estate and beaches across the Highlands set the scene in The Crown, bringing the royal story of the 1980s to life. Read on to find out how you can discover these locations and plenty more real-life royal experiences across Scotland.
Filming for Season 4 of The Crown at Ardverikie House ©Netflix
ARDVERIKIE ESTATE (AKA: BALMORAL CASTLE)
No stranger to the big screen, the beautiful Ardverikie House in Kinloch Laggan plays the part of Balmoral Castle in The Crown. The impressive, turreted 19th century house and estate has doubled up as Balmoral since season one, and several other buildings across the estate were also used in the filming. Enjoy beautiful Highland scenery in a range of self-catering accommodation and indulge in a fantastic choice of activities, from walking and rock climbing to fishing, bird and wildlife watching and photography.
Ardverikie House © Netflix
BRAEMAR GAMES (OR BRAEMAR GATHERING – ROTHIEMURCHUS ESTATE)
The calendar of Highland Games across Scotland is one of the highlights of the summer, and the Braemar Gathering is a particular favourite of the Royal Family. Filmed on the sprawling Rothiemurchus Estate in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the traditional games include everything from heavy events, to Highland dancing, tug o’war and more. Discover a fantastic range activities across the Rothiemurchus Highland
SOUTH GEORGIA (LYBSTER HARBOUR)
Caithness was a focal point of filming when Lybster Harbour was transformed into Port Leith, part of Britain’s overseas territory of South Georgia. Lybster was a busy fishing port in the 19th century and is still used to fish for local lobster, prawn and crab. If you’re visiting Caithness, make sure you also check out The Castle & Gardens of Mey – the Queen Mother’s favourite summer residence.
RIVER HOFSA IN ICELAND (DUNBEATH ESTATE)
In The Crown, this remote area along the route of the North Coast 500 saw Dunbeath Estate transformed into the River Hofsa in Iceland. It’s also worth a visit to the walled gardens at Dunbeath Castle, open by appointment all year round and full of botanical blooms.
CLASSIEBAWN CASTLE AND MULLAGHMORE IN IRELAND (KEISS HARBOUR AND REISS BEACH)
Nestled in the far north of Scotland, Keiss Harbour was used to depict Classiebawn Castle in Ireland in season 4 of The Crown. As well as sandy beaches, you can also visit the ruins of old Keiss castle on the coast. Nearby, you might also recognise a variety of beach and road settings that were filmed in the area around Sinclair Bay, known locally as Reiss Beach.
This is just a small snapshot of royal experiences across Scotland, but read on to find out more about places to visit with a royal connection.
Why not delve deeper and follow the Victorian Heritage Trail itinerary across Aberdeenshire, download the In the Footsteps of Kings AI app in Fife, live like a king or queen for the day, and share your experiences across our social media channels, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Credits: Sheena Smith – Visit Scotland – Netflix
