On Location peels back the curtain on some of your favorite films, television shows, and more. This time, we look at everyone’s favourite game of social deception, The Traitors, where it’s filmed.
The Traitors, and its stunning home in Scotland‘s Ardross Castle, returned to our screens on New Year’s Day 2026 for a highly anticipated fourth run. The latest series follows the runaway success of The Celebrity Traitors in autumn 2025, where the UK was gripped by a host of household names entering the now-instantly-recognisable property to scheme, plot and accuse each other of being a traitor.
It was soon clear that the fourth series of The Traitors UK was set to be the most mischievous yet, as host Claudia Winkleman told millions of viewers across the country that there’d be a spanner in the works for the traitors. As the three traitors *potential spoiler alert* Hugo, Rachel and Stephen gathered in the turret to begin their murderous assignments, it was revealed that a fourth, ‘secret traitor’ would in fact be pulling the strings behind the scenes for a while.
While the game has us hooked week after week, there’s another star that steals the spotlight – the picturesque location. Aerial shots showcase rolling hills and ragged peaks consumed by sprawling forests and streams that trickle into valleys.
When do The Traitors episodes air on the BBC?
The Traitors episodes air on BBC One from Wednesday to Friday, with a usual air time of 8pm GMT. The Traitors‘ final is due to air on Friday 23 January.
Where is The Traitors filmed?
The majority of filming for both the UK and US series takes place in and around Ardross Castle in Scotland, about a 30-minute drive north of Inverness. The 19th-century castle sits on over 100 acres of parkland on the banks of the River Alness.
A brief history of the castle: the first duke of Sutherland owned the estate in the 18th century, adding a hunting lodge for summer sporting. It was passed on to the second duke, who, in 1845, sold it to Sir Alexander Matheson. Matheson enlisted architect Alexander Ross to update the castle, adding rooms and pleasure grounds. The castle continued to change hands over the centuries until, finally, in 1983, the McTaggart family bought the estate and restored it to what we see on screen today.
Can you stay where The Traitors is filmed?
The Traitors cast don’t stay at Andross Castle – as the Land Rovers driving up to the entrance each morning before breakfast suggest. However, while the TV show implies that the cast are staying on the estate, they’re in fact staying in a hotel off-site. However, people can book to hire the whole venue for weddings or group trips, during which they can stay in the castle itself.
Can you stay near Ardross Castle?
While you’ll need to throw quite the party or wed to check into the filming location of The Traitors and The Celebrity Traitors, there are some pretty regal places to stay nearby if the landscapes showcased in the opening scenes have dazzled you. Tulloch Castle Hotel is just a short drive from Ardross, a 12th-century castle that has been transformed into a cosy Highlands hideout. Meanwhile, Inverlochy Castle is a 19th-century castle near Fort William that offers all the drama of the OG Traitors’ lair.
Does Ardross Castle do weddings?
Yes! The Traitors’ filming location makes for a fairytale wedding destination. Bedrooms are made available for the bridal party to prepare in as guests arrive for receptions in the stunning grounds, and ceremonies can be held indoors or outdoors depending on the weather. However, the website notes that, “The Castle is available ‘as is’ and you will need to bring your own caterer and bar with their cooking facilities, flatware, tableware and glassware.”
