Deep in the Scottish Highlands, there’s a castle where the faithful and the traitors reside… but, like the hit reality show The Traitors, not all is as it seems.
Does the cast actually stay in the castle?
Can anyone, faithful or traitor, visit it?
Is the show even filmed at a real castle, or have we been fed a lie?
Here’s what to know about the castle from The Traitors, including whether you can tour it.
Image Credit: Getty Images, NBC Universal, Euan Cherry/Peacock. Image Location: Scotland
The Traitors: what to know about the hit reality TV series
The deceptive game show where everyone’s a suspect.
What is The Traitors about?
The Traitors is a reality TV show featuring a group of contestants working together to complete challenges and increase their grand prize. Some contestants are actually “traitors”, known to the audience but unknown to the “faithful” contestants. The goal for the traitors is to “kill” the faithful before the innocent can oust the deceitful.
How many seasons of The Traitors are there?
There are currently two seasons of The Traitors streaming in full on Peacock. The Traitors has been renewed for a third season, which should debut in early 2025.
Is The Traitors a remake?
Yes, The Traitors was originally a Dutch TV series called De Verraders. A British version of the show, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, was produced a year before the American version aired.
Image Credit: NBC Universal, Euan Cherry/Peacock
Who is the host of The Traitors?
The host of The Traitors is none other than the amazingly talented Scottish actor Alan Cumming. If you're a millennial, then you’ve surely got a soft spot in your heart for the accomplished thespian who was in everything from Spy Kids to X2 to Josie and the Pussycats.
Where can I watch The Traitors?
The Traitors is a Peacock original series streaming only on the platform. But let’s not lie to ourselves: many streamers eventually share OG content on their broadcast cable networks, so you might catch The Traitors on NBC, Bravo, or USA Network one of these days.
Image Credit: Getty Images, cdbrphotography. Image Location: Highlands near Inverness, Scotland
Where in Scotland was The Traitors filmed?
The Traitors, not to be confused with the Netflix series Traitors, was filmed in Scotland in Ardross, a small area in the Highlands north of Inverness. Both the US and the UK versions of the show were filmed at Ardross Castle.
Can I visit the castle from The Traitors?
Technically, yes, you can visit Ardross Castle from The Traitors, but don’t expect a flashy welcome. It’s a private estate and does not offer tours for groups or individuals.
Image Credit: NBC Universal, PEACOCK. Image Location: Scotland
Where is The Traitors castle in Scotland?
The castle featured in The Traitors is a real castle in Scotland. It’s called Ardross Castle and is located in Ardross, just outside the town of Alness.
The history of The Traitors castle in Scotland
Ardross Castle is quite young compared to other castles across Scotland. It was originally built as a hunting lodge in the 1700s by the 1st Duke of Sutherland, then redesigned in the Scots Baronial style in the mid-1800s when Sir Alexander Matheson bought the property.
While Ardross Castle is still under private ownership, its doors are now open for reservations. The estate hosts weddings, as well as production crews for TV and film. Just don't expect to stay overnight; even the cast of The Traitors can’t sleep in Ardross Castle.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Stock87. Image Location: Scotland
How to get to The Traitors castle in Scotland
Although you can’t spend the night at Ardross Castle, it’s still worth a drive-by for the photo-op. Actually, the train ride from Edinburgh up to Ardross is a wonderful Scottish Highland journey in itself.
It lets you purchase the cheapest tickets in advance, way before you even board your plane from the US. You can also scoop up last-minute tickets on a whim without having to go to a ticket desk.
2. Board a train from the lovely Edinburgh (Waverley) station
There are two journey options available: one with 1 connection and another with 2 connections. Perth and Inverness, two fantastic riverside cities, are worth the stopover. Think of it as a mini-Scottish Highlands tour.
3. When you arrive at Alness, hop off the train.
Ardross Castle is a 10-minute cab ride or a 5-mile hike. Stay the night in the city at a place like The Station Hotel Alness (conveniently next to Alness railway station), sample whisky from Dalmore and Teaninich distilleries, see Teaninich Castle, and watch the heron catch fish at the River Averon Sluice.
Looking for more Scotland destination inspiration? Trust us, we’re one of the faithful:
- A Castle for Christmas filming locations
- How to visit Balmoral Castle by train
- What to do in Edinburgh, rain or shine
- See your favorite Downton Abbey filming locations by train
Header Image Credit: NBC Universal, Euan Cherry/Peacock
