Where Is The Traitors Filmed – Ardross Castle Location Guide 2025

Every season of The Traitors, both the UK and US versions, is filmed at Ardross Castle, a privately owned 19th-century estate in the Scottish Highlands. The castle sits near the village of Alness, roughly 30 miles north of Inverness, and has served as the show’s primary set since 2022.

Unlike the fictional settings portrayed on screen, Ardross Castle is a real working venue used for weddings, corporate events, and exclusive private hires. It operates as neither a hotel nor a public tourist attraction, though visitors can sometimes view the exterior from the grounds during specific occasions.

Both the BBC One and Peacock productions share the same filming location, with additional outdoor scenes captured in the surrounding Highland landscape. The cast does not sleep inside the castle during filming and is transported to off-site accommodation near Inverness.

Where Is The Traitors Filmed?

• Ardross Castle is a 19th-century estate used for both the UK and US versions of The Traitors.
• Filming takes place on the estate grounds and in nearby Highland locations such as Loch Glass and surrounding forests.
• The castle is privately owned and operates as a venue for weddings, corporate events, and exclusive-use hires.
• Future seasons are expected to continue filming at Ardross Castle due to its suitability and confidentiality.
• During production, cast members stay in off-site accommodation near Inverness rather than inside the castle.
• The arrivals sequence shown in the series is filmed separately at Boat of Garten Railway Station in the Cairngorms.

Who Owns Ardross Castle and How Much Is It Worth?

Who Currently Owns Ardross Castle?

The castle is in private hands, and multiple sources indicate it is currently associated with the McTaggart family, who have allowed filming and carried out restoration work. Earlier records show that Mr and Mrs Austin Mardon purchased Ardross Castle and 80 acres of land in 1983, after which it was sold to the McTaggart family. The broader Ardross Estate was once part of a much larger Highland property.

According to historical records, the Duke of Sutherland bought the 60,000-acre Ardross Estate in the late 18th century. It was sold to Sir Alexander Matheson in 1845 for £90,000, and the estate was later broken up and sold in 1937. The castle’s ownership history is documented on Wikipedia: Ardross, Highland.

How Much Is The Traitors Castle Worth?

A current market valuation for Ardross Castle has not been officially published. The only concrete figures available are historical: the broader Ardross Estate sold for £90,000 in 1845, and the castle with 80 acres was acquired by the Mardon family in 1983. No verified modern appraisal or recent sale price exists in public records. Reports that estimate its worth at several million pounds remain speculative and are not backed by a formal valuation.

When Was The Traitors Filmed?

When Was Season 1 Filmed?

The first seasons of both the UK and US versions of The Traitors were filmed at Ardross Castle in 2022. Exact filming dates have not been publicly disclosed by the production teams, but the release schedules point to a 2022 production window for Season 1 of each version.

When Will Future Seasons Be Filmed?

Season 2 of both versions was filmed in 2023, and Season 3 followed in 2024. The Ardross Castle official site confirms the location has been used since 2022 and continues to host production. Future seasons, including UK Season 4 and the corresponding US edition, are expected to film in 2025 and 2026, though official announcements from BBC and Peacock are still pending.

What Other Locations Are Used in The Traitors?

While Ardross Castle serves as the primary filming location, the production uses several other sites in the Scottish Highlands for outdoor scenes. The arrivals sequence that opens each season is filmed at Boat of Garten Railway Station in the Cairngorms National Park. Surrounding forests, lochs including Loch Glass, and estate parkland provide the backdrop for challenges and mission sequences.

According to Evan Evans Tours, the castle is not open for normal public tours, but the surrounding Highlands offer many points of interest for those wanting to experience the region featured in the show.

What Is the Timeline of Filming at Ardross Castle?

1. Late 18th century: The Duke of Sutherland acquires the Ardross Estate, covering 60,000 acres.
2. 1845: The estate is sold to Sir Alexander Matheson for £90,000.
3. 1937: The estate is broken up and sold in parts.
4. 1983: Mr and Mrs Austin Mardon purchase Ardross Castle and 80 acres; later sold to the McTaggart family, who begin restoration.
5. 2022: Season 1 of both the UK and US versions of The Traitors is filmed at the castle.
6. 2023: Season 2 of both versions is filmed.
7. 2024: Season 3 of both versions is filmed.
8. 2025–2026: Future seasons are expected to be filmed, pending official confirmation from BBC and Peacock.

What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Ardross Castle?

Why Was Ardross Castle Chosen for The Traitors?

Ardross Castle was selected for its dramatic setting, isolation, and Gothic Revival architecture, all of which align with the show’s mysterious and theatrical atmosphere. The estate provides multiple indoor and outdoor filming spaces, including a grand dining hall, turrets, gardens, and surrounding woodlands that are used for challenges and banquets.

The BBC The Traitors official page notes the location contributes significantly to the show’s aesthetic. Production also benefits from the castle’s existing event infrastructure and the privacy afforded by its remote position in the Highlands, which helps maintain confidentiality during filming.

The estate’s layout allows the crew to shoot both interior and exterior scenes without relocating, and the surrounding region offers additional Highland backdrops for outdoor segments. For those interested in other productions shot in Scotland, explore Other TV shows filmed in Scotland.

What Do Official Sources Say About The Traitors Filming Location?

“The Traitors is filmed in Ardross Castle, a 19th Century pile about 30 miles north of Inverness.”

— BBC News (Jan 2024) — BBC article: Where is The Traitors castle?

“The Castle has recently been the location for The Traitors TV series, both UK & US versions.”

— Ardross Castle official site — Ardross Castle official site

“Since 2022, the castle has been used as the filming location for the BBC One reality game show The Traitors.”

— Wikipedia — Wikipedia: Ardross, Highland

Where Can You Watch The Traitors Filmed at Ardross Castle?

The UK version of The Traitors airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer, while the US version streams on Peacock. Both productions continue to film at Ardross Castle, with new seasons expected in 2025 and 2026. For more about the castle’s background and its transformation into a television landmark, read the History of Ardross Castle.

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