The Traitors (UK) and The Traitors (US) are both filmed at Ardross Castle, a 19th-century Scottish Baronial estate located in the Ross-shire region of the Scottish Highlands, approximately 25 miles north of Inverness. While the contestants on screen appear to reside within the castle’s stone walls, they actually stay at off-site accommodations, specifically the Courtyard by Marriott near Inverness Airport, following each day’s filming. International versions of the show, however, utilize diverse global settings, such as The Robertson Hotel in New South Wales for the Australian edition and De Havixhorst estate for the original Dutch series, De Verraders. This guide explores the architectural history of the primary Scottish site, the specific locations used for the show’s harrowing missions, and how fans can experience the “Traitors” atmosphere in 2026.
The Main Stage: Ardross Castle
Ardross Castle serves as the central hub for both the British and American versions of the show, providing the atmospheric backdrop for the Round Table and the Traitors’ nocturnal meetings. The estate spans over 100 acres of parkland along the banks of the River Alness, featuring the turrets and stone masonry synonymous with the show’s gothic aesthetic.
Originally built as a hunting lodge in the late 1700s, the structure was redesigned in the mid-1800s by architect Alexander Ross for Sir Alexander Matheson. Its current “Scottish Baronial” style was specifically intended to project grandeur, making it a perfect fit for host Alan Cumming’s “villainous” persona in the US version.
Inside the Castle Walls
The show utilizes several specific rooms within the castle, including the grand dining hall and the library, which is often repurposed for strategic gameplay. While the interiors look ancient, the current owners, the McTaggart family, have extensively renovated the property since 1983 to include modern flooring and lighting.
Arrival at Boat of Garten
The dramatic opening sequence of each season features contestants arriving via a vintage steam train, which is filmed at the Boat of Garten Railway Station. This heritage station is part of the Strathspey Railway, located within the scenic Cairngorms National Park.
The station provides a nostalgic, cinematic entry point that sets the tone for the series’ mystery. Fans can actually visit this location and ride the heritage trains, which operate regularly between Aviemore, Boat of Garten, and Broomhill.
Missions at Loch Glass
Many of the show’s water-based challenges and high-stakes missions take place at Loch Glass, a remote body of water situated a short drive from Ardross Castle. The loch’s dark, deep waters and surrounding mist-covered hills provide the “perilous” environment required for the show’s physical tasks.
Contestants are often seen navigating the loch in RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) or completing construction tasks on its shores. The location is prized by producers for its isolation, ensuring that no modern distractions interfere with the show’s immersive “highland” feel.
The Secret Chapel Meetings
One of the most intense new locations introduced in recent seasons is the castle’s private chapel, used for specific game-altering twists and interrogations. This small, historic structure—often referred to in Scotland as a “kirk”—adds a layer of solemnity and tension to the gameplay.
While the exact chapel used is private and part of the Ardross estate, its architecture is typical of the 19th-century religious buildings found throughout Ross-shire. It serves as one of the few places on the grounds where players are forced into direct, quiet confrontation.
International Versions: Australia and Beyond
While the UK and US versions share the Scottish Highlands, other international iterations choose locations that reflect their own national heritage. The Traitors Australia is filmed at The Robertson Hotel in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, a historic manor built in 1924.
The original Dutch series, De Verraders, is filmed at De Havixhorst, a chateau-style estate in the Netherlands. Other versions have utilized locations such as Křivoklát Castle in the Czech Republic and Slane Castle in Ireland, demonstrating the franchise’s reliance on “character-driven” architecture.
Where the Cast Actually Sleeps
Despite the show’s clever editing suggesting the contestants stay in the castle’s bedrooms, they are actually transported to local hotels at the end of each night. Reports from 2025 and 2026 indicate that the UK cast stays at the Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport.
This logistical decision is made to ensure production safety and to prevent contestants from scheming without the presence of cameras. The “murders” that occur overnight are filmed as separate sequences, with contestants receiving the “kiss of death” or a letter at their actual hotel rooms.
Castle History and Ownership
Ardross Castle traces back to the 18th century as a hunting lodge, expanding massively in the Victorian era. Sold multiple times, it fell into disrepair post-World War II until the Taggart family purchased it in the 1980s, restoring its grandeur. Today, it’s privately owned but occasionally opens for events, blending heritage with modern use.
The castle’s dark past includes ghost stories of lost souls wandering halls, fueling Traitors’ eerie atmosphere. Matheson, a wealthy trader, hosted lavish parties here, setting a precedent for high-stakes gatherings. Filming rights were secured after host Alan Cumming pushed for authentic Scottish drama over studios.
Ownership remains with the Taggarts, who limit public access to preserve privacy during shoots. Restoration efforts added luxury interiors seen in episodes, like opulent dining rooms and candlelit libraries. This evolution from ruin to reality TV star highlights Scotland’s castle revival trend.
Filming Locations Breakdown
Main Castle Interiors
Key interiors include the grand dining hall for morning briefings and the roundtable chamber for eliminations. High-ceilinged libraries and armories double as strategy rooms, with chandeliers and tapestries adding menace. Crew transforms spaces nightly, resetting for authenticity.
Staircases and corridors host stealthy traitor meetings, their stone walls echoing footsteps. Bedrooms, though luxurious, spark paranoia with four-poster beds and hidden cameras. Production uses minimal alterations to keep the 170-year-old structure intact.
Outdoor Challenges Areas
Over 100 acres host missions like shield hunts or turret climbs along the River Alness. Wooded hills and parklands provide rugged terrain for team tasks, with bridges and ruins as scenic props. A private church on-site features dramatic scenes, blending history with fiction.
Riverbanks see water-based challenges, leveraging the Alness’s flow for tension. Parkland mazes and formal gardens offer hiding spots, while distant hills frame helicopter arrivals. Weather plays a role, with Highland mists heightening suspense.
Hidden Production Spots
Crew bases operate from outbuildings, keeping cast isolated. Generators power lights for night shoots, hidden in woods. Drones capture aerials of the full estate, showcasing its scale from Inverness Bay.
Temporary sets like fake bunkers use shipping containers, dismantled post-season. Security fences ensure no leaks, with NDAs for all involved. This setup allows 24/7 filming over weeks.
UK vs US Versions
Both versions film at Ardross Castle, but UK shoots emphasize local lore with Celtic twists. US production, hosted by Alan Cumming, adds celebrity flair and bigger budgets for effects. Seasons align: UK series 3 wrapped in late 2025, US season 4 aired early 2026.
UK crews stay in Inverness hotels, commuting daily; US flies in talent for longer blocks. Shared locations mean identical backdrops, letting fans compare edits. Crossovers like guest stars nod to this unity.
Differences shine in pacing: UK favors subtlety, US amps drama with music swells. Yet, the castle unites them, its timeless appeal transcending accents.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Alan Cumming selected Ardross for its “Disney World” potential, per interviews. Filming spans 3-4 weeks, with 14-hour days blending challenges and confessional. Cast sleeps on-site in wings, eating production meals to mimic isolation.
Weather challenges include Highland rains, turning grounds muddy for authentic grit. Drones and Steadicams capture dynamic angles, with 50+ cameras hidden everywhere. Post-production enhances shadows for spookiness.
A crew of 200 handles logistics, from pyrotechnics to catering. Contestants sign strict rules, forfeiting phones upon arrival. Leaks are rare, preserving surprises.
Scottish Highlands Context
Ardross sits in Easter Ross, part of the rugged Highlands known for lochs and clans. Nearby Black Isle offers whale-watching, complementing castle visits. Inverness, the capital, buzzes with Jacobite history tied to castles.
Highlands’ remoteness mirrors Traitors’ paranoia, with ancient clans inspiring betrayals. Tourism booms post-show, boosting the local economy. Conservation efforts protect grounds from overvisiting.
Visiting Ardross Castle
Public access is limited as a private residence, but events like weddings occasionally open doors. No standard tours due to filming, but exteriors visible from roads. Drones prohibited; respect privacy signs. Weddings cost £10,000+, including full estate hire. Film fans snap photos from gates, spotting Traitors banners during off-seasons. Guided Highland tours detour here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Traitors UK and US filmed?
Both the UK and US versions are filmed on the Ardross Castle estate in the Scottish Highlands. The castle is located near Alness, approximately 25 miles north of Inverness, and is set within 100 acres of private parkland.
Can you visit Ardross Castle as a tourist?
Ardross Castle is a private estate and is not open to the general public for walk-in tours. It is primarily used as a high-end wedding and corporate event venue, meaning the only way to see the interior is by booking the entire estate for a private function.
Where do the contestants actually sleep?
Contrary to the show’s edit, contestants do not sleep in the castle. They stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport, which allows the production team to keep players separated and prevent “off-camera” plotting during the night.
Is the train station in the show real?
Yes, the station used for the dramatic arrivals is Boat of Garten Railway Station. It is a preserved heritage site on the Strathspey Railway, where visitors can book steam train rides through the Highlands for a similar experience.
What is the name of the “Mission” lake?
Most water-based challenges are filmed at Loch Glass. The loch is famous for its “Pink House” (Culzie Lodge) on the shore and its deep, dark waters, which provide the perfect moody backdrop for the show’s physical tasks.
Who owns the Traitors castle?
The castle is owned by the McTaggart family, who purchased it in 1983. They have spent decades restoring the grounds and the Baronial architecture, turning it from a dilapidated ruin into the luxury estate seen on screen today.
Where is the Australian version of The Traitors filmed?
The Australian version is filmed at The Robertson Hotel in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales. This location is a historic 1920s manor that, unlike Ardross, functions as a public hotel where fans can book a stay.
Why is Ardross Castle called a “Baronial” mansion?
“Scottish Baronial” is an architectural style from the 19th century that mimics medieval fortresses with decorative turrets and gables. While Ardross looks like a medieval castle, it was actually built in the 1840s and 1850s as a grand family home.
Can you get married at the Traitors castle?
Yes, Ardross Castle is a popular wedding venue. Couples can rent the Great Hall for ceremonies and the various drawing rooms for receptions, though the “Round Table” itself is a set piece added specifically for the television show.
How do I get to the filming locations from London?
The most efficient route is to fly from London to Inverness Airport (INV) or take the Caledonian Sleeper train to Inverness. From there, you can rent a car or take a local train to Alness or Aviemore to explore the surrounding scenery.
Is the “Murders” room a real part of the castle?
The “Traitors’ Turret” where the traitors meet to “murder” faithfuls is filmed in a small, atmospheric room within the castle’s towers. While the room is real, the dramatic lighting, candles, and red robes are all part of the production’s set design.
Final Thoughts
Ardross Castle remains the undisputed heart of The Traitors franchise, cementing its status as one of the most recognizable filming locations in modern reality television. Its dramatic Scottish Baronial architecture and the misty, unpredictable climate of the Ross-shire Highlands provide an atmospheric “character” that is just as vital to the show’s success as the contestants themselves. While the “magic of television” hides the fact that players retreat to local hotels like the Courtyard by Marriott each night, the physical presence of the castle during the day creates a psychological pressure cooker that defines the game.
The global expansion of the series has turned these remote Scottish coordinates into a bucket-list destination for fans of the “faithful” and “traitors” alike. Whether you are exploring the heritage platforms of Boat of Garten or hiking the perimeter of Loch Glass, the filming locations offer a tangible connection to the high-stakes mystery. As the show continues to evolve with new twists and international iterations, Ardross Castle stands as a timeless monument to the shadows, secrets, and North Sea chill that make The Traitors a global phenomenon.
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