The Traitors UK: Visiting Ardross Castle in Scotland
Welcome to the Scottish Highlands, Traitor!
If there’s one location that defines the deliciously dramatic tension of the BBC’s hit reality show, The Traitors, it’s the castle. A brooding, magnificent, and suitably mysterious backdrop, this grand Scottish baronial estate feels like a character in itself – a silent, stony witness to every clandestine meeting, every panicked accusation, and every ruthless ‘murder.’
Whether you just binged the recent Celebrity series or have been tuning in since day one, you’ve surely wondered if you can actually visit the place where Claudia Winkleman dispenses her iconic glares and where faithful players desperately try to smoke out the deceivers.
The good news is that the castle is very much real and even more spectacular in person. The bad news? It’s not a pretty walk-in attraction.
Welcome to Ardross Castle in Scotland, the real-life setting for the psychological phenomenon gripping the nation!
This guide will take you through the history of this Highland gem, explain the rules for visiting, and provide the essential travel details, dining recommendations, and nearby attractions to turn your “Faithful” fandom into a memorable Scottish adventure!
Let’s go!
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
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A Brief History of Ardross Castle
Ardross Castle, located in the Scottish Highlands, is roughly 25 miles north of Inverness. While it appears steeped in medieval lore, the current iteration is actually a Victorian masterpiece, heavily influenced by 19th-century fascination with Scottish Baronial architecture.
The site has a history dating back to the 16th century, but the spectacular castle we see today was primarily the work of the first Duke of Sutherland in the mid-1800s. It later passed into the hands of Sir Alexander Matheson, a wealthy businessman who brought in architect Alexander Ross to transform it into the high-Victorian fantasy we know today – complete with turrets, imposing gables, and perfectly manicured formal gardens.
After years of changing hands and a period of decline, the current owners, the McTaggart family, bought it in 1983 and lovingly restored it. This restoration is why the interiors appear so immaculate on screen, seamlessly blending historical grandeur with modern luxury!
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Can You Visit Ardross Castle?
Here’s the essential information that often disappoints eager fans: Ardross Castle is a private residence and a bespoke events and wedding venue.
You cannot simply visit, buy a ticket, or book a night’s stay.
The only way to step inside and walk the same halls as the Faithful and the Traitors is invitation only – the castle does not operate as a hotel or public attraction!
However, the estate is occasionally used for large-scale corporate events or filming (like The Traitors), and sometimes, the castle offers very limited, pre-booked garden tours during the summer months.
These tours are rare and must be booked well in advance through the official Ardross Castle website!
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Planning Your Pilgrimage: Getting to Ardross
While you might not get to attend a Round Table, you can undoubtedly appreciate the castle’s majestic exterior and the surrounding Highland landscape!
Ardross is located just north of the village of Alness in Ross-shire.
- Visit by Car: Follow the A9 north from Inverness, turning off onto the B9176 toward Ardross. This route is stunning, offers the most flexibility, and takes approximately 40 minutes.
- Visit by Train: Take the train from Inverness to Alness station. Ardross Castle is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride (or a long, scenic walk) from the station.
- Visit by Bus: Local bus services run along the A9 corridor, but connections to the castle itself are infrequent and unreliable.
Important Note: The castle grounds are strictly private. Please respect all signage and boundaries. The best view of the castle from a public road is on the drive in, but please do not trespass!
Ardross Castle: Attractions Beyond the Walls
Your trip to Ardross can be the cornerstone of a much wider exploration of the Highlands. This region is rich in history, beauty, and sites that capture the same mystical, ancient atmosphere we love the show for!
Culloden Battlefield
For a truly profound historical experience, visit Culloden Battlefield, located just east of Inverness. This site marks the final devastating confrontation of the Jacobite Rising in 1746. The Visitor Centre is excellent, and walking the field itself offers a chilling, authentic connection to the 18th-century Highlands. Outlander fans will immediately recognise the historical significance, linking the Traitors’ drama to real Scottish tragedy.
Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
No trip to the Highlands is complete without a visit to Loch Ness. Drive along the shores, take a cruise to spot ‘Nessie,’ and be sure to visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle. These dramatic, ruined walls sit right on the water’s edge and feel far more ancient and rugged than the manicured Ardross. It’s a perfect spot for photography and soaking up the loch’s profound mystery.
Glen Ord Distillery
Located near Muir of Ord, the Glen Ord Distillery is a must for whisky lovers. Scotland’s oldest working distillery on the Black Isle, it offers tours and tastings, giving you a proper taste of Highland life (and maybe a dram to ward off the chill of betrayal!)
Refuelling the Faithful: Nearby Eats and Drinks
After your journey, you’ll need to recharge. While the immediate area around Ardross is sparse, the nearby towns offer classic Highland hospitality.
Alness (Closest Village)
The Station Hotel: A popular local pub and restaurant offering hearty, classic Scottish fare – perfect for warming up after a day in the Highlands.
Dalmore Farm Shop & Restaurant: A fantastic local eatery – great for grabbing a proper Highland lunch, souvenir, or a quality coffee before hitting the road.
Dingwall (Southwest of Ardross)
The Mallard: Located in the Royal Burgh of Dingwall, this spot offers traditional dining in a relaxed atmosphere – an excellent choice for a satisfying meal!
Inverness (The Highland Hub)
If you’re basing yourself in Inverness, the options multiply. For a high-end experience worthy of a Traitors’ victory celebration, try Rocpool Restaurant for modern Scottish dining overlooking the River Ness.
For a more casual, authentic pub experience, Hootananny offers excellent food and live traditional music.
Similar Scottish Castles To Ardross
Since Ardross is off-limits mainly, you might be looking for a castle that offers a similar imposing, Scottish Baronial style but welcomes visitors.
Luckily, Scotland is full of them!
- Braemar Castle (Cairngorms, Aberdeenshire): This castle bears a classic Scottish Baronial style with striking turrets and star-shaped ramparts. It offers a similar remote, wild Highland setting and is open to the public. Check for opening times in the off-season!
- Blair Castle (Perthshire): Home of the Dukes of Atholl, its whitewashed walls and expansive estate evoke a similar sense of historical power and isolation!
- Inveraray Castle (Argyll): Though this structure bears a different style (Gothic Revival), its sheer drama, imposing presence, and location near a loch give it a similar, cinematic grandeur to Ardross’ Highland scenery.
- Dunrobin Castle (Sutherland): A magnificent, turreted fairy-tale castle with French architectural influences. Check out the museum and falconry displays!
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Ardross Castle: Go Beyond The Traitors!
Ardross Castle, with its imposing facade and dramatic location, perfectly encapsulates the high-stakes, theatrical nature of The Traitors. While you might not get to hunt for a Traitor in its corridors, a pilgrimage to the area offers something far richer: an authentic experience of the Scottish Highlands.
It’s a place of spectacular natural beauty, deep, often tragic history, and a resilient, welcoming culture. Use your trip to Ardross as the starting point for a more exhaustive exploration – feel the weight of history at Culloden, listen for the echoes in Loch Ness, and raise a dram of single malt in a cosy local pub.
The drama and suspense of the show may be manufactured, but the magic of the Scottish Highlands is absolutely real.
Just remember: when you see those towering stone walls, keep your guard up – you never know who is watching!
Happy travels!
Useful Links
- VisitScotland – for local info!
- CalMac Ferries – book well in advance!
- Met Office – check the weather!
- Traffic Scotland – for route changes and updates.
- WalkHighlands – the best hiking trails and tips.
- Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) – be informed!
- Highlands2Hammocks (That’s us!) – for our online shop, other blogs, and brand-new campervan rental service.
