01463 223243
Find
Book
A brief audio overview of this article. Read on for the full details below.
Explore all the places the Traitors visit — Inverness is the perfect base
If you’re a Traitors fan, there’s never been a better time to pack a suitcase and head north: The Celebrity Traitors series 2 begins on Thursday 1 October 2026 at 8pm, and Inverness makes a brilliantly central base to Explore all the places the Traitors visit, Inverness is the perfect base for a short, dramatic Highland break. Picture this: mornings wandering ancient stones, afternoons climbing to a windswept viewpoint, evenings back at a riverside four-star hotel with a 50-foot indoor pool heated to a sun-warmed 86°F. Book your room at the riverside Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa at 8 Ness Walk and lock in a river-view suite, then plan drives to Ardross Castle (the Traitors castle), Clava Cairns, a heritage rail trip on the Strathspey Railway and a scenic stop at the Fyrish Monument. This guide gives you precise distances, must-see moments, and the practical tips you need to turn the TV drama into a weekend of stones, steam and spa time.
Why Inverness is the perfect base
Inverness puts you at the heart of the Traitors route without sacrificing comfort: the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa is a four-star riverside property at 8 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NG, sitting directly opposite Inverness Castle and roughly a five-minute walk from the city centre. The hotel’s location means you can leave your car in a safe city car park and make short day-trips to filming sites, then return for spa downtime. Facilities include a 50-foot indoor pool maintained at a balmy 86°F year-round, a sauna, steam room, fitness centre, restaurant and bar — everything you need after a day on rugged ground. Practical perks for drivers: the hotel provides six new 22kW car charging points, so electric vehicles are well catered for during your Traitors-themed stay. For direct bookings and room types, visit the hotel website to reserve river-view or castle-view rooms.
- Address: 8 Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NG — riverside and opposite Inverness Castle.
- Star Rating & Facilities: 4-star hotel with a 50-foot pool at 86°F, full luxury leisure club, sauna, steam room, fitness centre, restaurant and bar.
- Practical Perks: Six 22kW EV charging points, short walking distance to city centre sights and taxi ranks for longer day trips.
Why location beats rustic seclusion for Traitors fans
Staying in Inverness gives you what no remote Highland lodge can: city convenience for meals, late check-ins and secure luggage storage, plus direct access to three signature Traitors stops within manageable driving time. You get to experience Ardross Castle and the wider east-coast Highland scenery during daylight and still return to spa treatments and river views at dusk — a perfectly balanced itinerary for fans who want both spectacle and comfort.
- Evening downtime: Return to spa facilities after a full day and keep evenings relaxed; the hotel’s restaurants and riverside walks are a peaceful alternative to remote Highland travel.
The multi-award-winning hit psychological game returns as the highly anticipated new series of The Celebrity Traitors begins on Thursday 1 October at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
— BBC Media Centre
Ardross Castle — the Traitors’ main lair
Ardross Castle is the iconic 19th-century estate used as the main filming location for The Traitors; it sits about 30 miles north of Inverness near Alness and occupies roughly 100 acres of gardens and parkland. When you drive north from Inverness to Ardross you’ll notice how the farmland opens into rolling parkland and tree-lined drives that make the estate feel comfortably grand and private — precisely the cinematic setting the show uses. While the castle’s dramatic exterior makes for great photos, remember that access to private estates varies; check ahead if you’re planning close-up visits or guided tours. For context on filming and its location, the castle’s role is well documented in coverage of the 2026 Celebrity Traitors series and related announcements.
- Distance: Approximately 30 miles north of Inverness near Alness — an easy day-trip by car.
- Estate size: Around 100 acres of gardens and parkland — expect sweeping drives and photo opportunities.
Visiting tips for Ardross
Practical visiting advice: if you’re driving, use a mid-sized car for minor roads and allow extra time for single-track sections; bring waterproof layers and sturdy footwear for estate walks. Film crews often close or restrict areas during filming and reshoots, so confirm public access before you go. If you want the full Traitors experience, time your visit during daylight so you can absorb the estate’s scale and return to Inverness for an evening at the spa.
- Check access: Contact local visitor information or estate management before visiting to avoid restricted areas.
Base yourself in Inverness to hit Ardross Castle, Clava Cairns, Fyrish Monument and the Strathspey Railway without long daily transfers, then return to riverside comfort and spa facilities each evening.
Clava Cairns — walk in the Traitors’ footsteps
A short drive from Inverness, Clava Cairns is a compact ring of Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones that anchors the ancient spirit of the local landscape and makes a thoughtful stop on any Traitors trail. The stones are immediately recognisable to viewers and walking the site lets you imagine the show’s dramatic close-ups in real life. The site is easy to pair with a morning in Inverness or an afternoon that includes Ardross and Fyrish — a single day can comfortably include all three if you plan driving times and begin early. Bring sturdy shoes: the site is exposed and the ground is uneven in places, though paths are clear enough for most visitors to enjoy a focused 30–60 minute visit.
- What to expect: Bronze Age cairns, standing stones and short walking paths; 30–60 minutes is enough for most visitors.
- Pairing: Combine Clava Cairns with other nearby Traitors stops for a compact day of history and landscape.
Photography and respectful visiting
Clava Cairns rewards quiet observation: the best photos come in soft light, early morning or late afternoon. Respect the stones and any signage — climb nothing and stick to paths — and travel light so you can pause and take in the alignment of cairns and low horizon. If you’re a Traitors fan, linger a little and picture how producers frame the ancient stones against Highland skies.
- Best light: Early morning or late afternoon for softly lit photos and fewer visitors.
The Traitors train — Strathspey Railway steam and heritage
When the programme needs a train, the Traitors ride the Strathspey Railway: a volunteer-operated heritage line running a 10-mile (16 km) route between Aviemore and Broomhill via Boat of Garten. It’s an idyllic rail trip of vintage carriages, wood panelling and forested glimpses that works brilliantly as a day-trip from Inverness. While Inverness itself isn’t on the heritage line, Aviemore is reachable by car or regular train from the city, making a combined itinerary straightforward: catch heritage services on the Strathspey Railway and pair the ride with a visit to local distilleries or the Cairngorms. Check operating days and steam schedules when planning — heritage lines often run limited services and special trains during festival weekends.
- Route: 10 miles (16 km) between Aviemore and Broomhill via Boat of Garten.
- Planning tip: Book heritage service tickets in advance, especially for steam-hauled trains and weekend services.
Combining the train with your Traitors itinerary
Make the Strathspey Railway a highlight by treating it as a slow-paced afternoon: travel to Aviemore in the morning, explore local cafés and shops, then board the heritage train for a relaxed scenic run. After the ride, head back to Inverness for evening drinks by the river or a spa session — a perfect balance of nostalgia and luxury.
- Day-trip idea: Morning in Aviemore, afternoon on the Strathspey Railway, return to Inverness for spa time and dinner.
Reserve your river-view room, spa treatments and Strathspey Railway seats well ahead of the 1 October 2026 series launch weekend to avoid disappointment.
Fyrish Monument — a dramatic viewpoint
For an Instagram-ready panoramic stop that complements the Traitors locations, add the Fyrish Monument to a half-day scenic outing from Inverness. The monument crowns a high ridge and delivers sweeping views across the Cromarty Firth and surrounding farmland; for Traitors fans it’s a dramatic counterpoint to castle exteriors and ringed stones. As a logistics note, Fyrish works especially well as part of a combined east-coast loop that also includes Ardross Castle and nearby shoreline viewpoints, letting you build a scenic sequence of stops before returning to the Palace Hotel & Spa in time for evening relaxation.
- Why it fits: Dramatic high-ground viewpoint that pairs well with castle and ancient-stone visits on the same day.
- Timing: Plan as a half-day or early morning stop for the best light and fewer visitors.
Hiking and photo tips at Fyrish
A short climb brings you to the monument and the best vantage points; wear sturdy shoes, carry water and allow 45–90 minutes to explore at leisure. For dramatic photos, aim for sunrise or golden hour when the light throws long shadows across the ridgeline and the monument stands silhouetted against the sky.
- Duration: 45–90 minutes for a relaxed visit and photography.
Suggested Traitors-themed itinerary from Inverness
Here’s a practical two-day itinerary that puts Inverness at the centre: Day 1 — arrive and check in at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa at 8 Ness Walk; enjoy a riverside lunch, take a relaxed afternoon walk around the city and book an evening spa session to unwind. Day 2 — rise early and drive roughly 30 miles north to Ardross Castle for estate views, then return via Clava Cairns for a 30–60 minute ancient-site visit. Day 3 — make a day-trip to Aviemore to ride the Strathspey Railway’s 10-mile heritage route and cap the day with a stop at the Fyrish Monument on the way back. This package-style approach gives you cinematic locations by day and spa and river comforts by night. For rooms and spa bookings, secure your stay in advance through the hotel site.
- Two-night plan: Night 1 Inverness arrival and spa, Day 2 Ardross + Clava Cairns, Day 3 Strathspey Railway + Fyrish.
- Booking tip: Reserve spa treatments and heritage railway seats well ahead, especially around the series launch on 1 October 2026.
Packing and transport tips for the itinerary
Pack layers and waterproofs, plus sturdy walking shoes for uneven ground at Clava and Fyrish. If you’re driving, bring a paper map or download offline routes: some minor Highland roads have patchy signals. If you prefer not to drive, local tour operators and rail links can cover many of the same highlights — schedule them early, and always factor in short daylight hours if you’re visiting outside summer months.
- Essentials: Waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, charged phone, and pre-booked tickets for spa and heritage rail.
Bring sturdy shoes, waterproof layers and a charged phone; many Traitors locations are exposed and best enjoyed with the right kit.
Planning, tickets and practical FAQs
Practicalities matter when you’re trying to Explore all the places the Traitors visit, Inverness is the perfect base because it minimises long transfers and lets you fit several signature locations into a short break. The Celebrity Traitors series 2 launches on Thursday 1 October 2026 at 8pm, so consider timing your visit around broadcast weekends for extra buzz in town. When booking: confirm access to Ardross before travel, reserve spa treatments at the Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa early, and buy Strathspey Railway tickets in advance for steam services. If you drive, remember the hotel’s six new 22kW EV chargers; if you’d rather not, Inverness provides strong local transport links and taxi services to reach filming locations.
- Series launch: Celebrity Traitors series 2 begins 1 October 2026 at 8pm — an ideal moment for a themed trip.
- Transport checklist: Pre-book heritage railway seats, check estate access and consider EV charging needs at your hotel.
Last-minute booking tips
If you’re booking close to the series start date, prioritise accommodation and spa slots first, then heritage rail and any guided tours. Weekends around the show’s premiere can sell out quickly, so flexible midweek stays often offer better availability and quieter sites.
- Priority bookings: Hotel room, spa treatment and heritage railway seats.
Quick comparison of Traitors sites from Inverness
| Site | Distance / Access | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Ardross Castle | ≈ 30 miles north of Inverness; drive via A9/A835 (check estate access) | 19th-century estate, roughly 100 acres of gardens and parkland — dramatic castle exteriors and sweeping drives |
| Clava Cairns | Short drive from Inverness (nearby ancient site) | Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones; 30–60 minute visit, uneven ground |
| Strathspey Railway | Day-trip to Aviemore then heritage ride (10-mile/16 km route) | Volunteer-operated vintage trains between Aviemore and Broomhill via Boat of Garten |
| Fyrish Monument | Scenic half-day from Inverness; short climb to viewpoints | High ridge monument with panoramic views across the firth and farmland — great photography |
| Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa | Inverness city centre, 8 Ness Walk, opposite Inverness Castle | 4-star riverside hotel with 50-foot pool (86°F), leisure club, restaurants and new EV chargers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit Ardross Castle and explore the grounds like on the show?
Ardross Castle is a private 19th-century estate about 30 miles north of Inverness, and its use as the Traitors’ castle makes it a high-interest stop. Access policies can change depending on filming schedules and estate management, so always check for visitor information or contact local tourist offices before you travel. If public access is limited, you can still enjoy exterior views from public roads and combine the trip with nearby viewpoints or coastal stops to make a full day of exploration.
How do I combine the Strathspey Railway with a stay in Inverness?
The Strathspey Railway operates a 10-mile (16 km) heritage route between Aviemore and Broomhill via Boat of Garten. From Inverness, travel to Aviemore by car or regular rail for a day of vintage trains and Highland scenery. Book heritage train tickets in advance — especially for steam services — and plan to spend a morning in Aviemore before boarding. Return to Inverness in the evening for a spa session and riverside dinner to round off the day.
Is Clava Cairns suitable for families and less-mobile visitors?
Clava Cairns is compact and very atmospheric, but its paths and ground are uneven and exposed; most visitors spend 30–60 minutes at the site. Families with young children can enjoy the stones, though caregivers should supervise closely. For less-mobile visitors, there are short paths but surfaces can be rough; check local accessibility guidance and consider a shorter stay or a seat in the vehicle while companions explore the stones at ground level.
Why should I stay at Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa for a Traitors-themed visit?
The hotel’s riverfront position at 8 Ness Walk, opposite Inverness Castle and about a five-minute walk from the city centre, gives you quick access to transport links and short drives to all main Traitors sites. As a four-star hotel with a 50-foot indoor pool (kept at 86°F), sauna, steam room, fitness centre, restaurants and six 22kW EV charging points, it offers comfort and practical amenities that let you make the most of busy sightseeing days without needing to drive out to remote lodges.
Ready to step into the Traitors’ world?
Secure your Inverness riverside room, book spa treatments and reserve heritage rail seats to make the most of the series launch weekend.
Your Traitors EscapeSources
- BBC Media Centre — The Celebrity Traitors series 2 announcement — Official launch information and broadcast timing for the Celebrity Traitors series 2.
- BBC News — Ardross Castle filming location details — Coverage identifying Ardross Castle as the main filming location and noting estate details.
- Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa — hotel and spa information — Official hotel details including address, spa, pool size and guest facilities.
- Hotels.com — Inverness Palace Hotel listing — Hotel listing with practical guest information and reviews.
- Strathspey Railway details — Information linking the Traitors’ train scenes to the Strathspey Railway heritage route.
Final Thoughts
From the grave-silent stones of Clava Cairns to the cinematic sweep of Ardross Castle, and a nostalgic ride on the Strathspey Railway, Inverness stitches the Traitors’ locations into a perfectly do-able short break. Base yourself riverside, plan a couple of early starts, book the spa and a heritage train seat, and you’ll turn screen-time into an unforgettable Highland weekend. With the Celebrity Traitors series 2 kicking off on 1 October 2026, now’s the moment to pick dates, pack layers and set your out-of-office on.
Image Credits; Thank you David Kratz for sharing your image of Ardross Castle northernsights.net, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9099341 and Gordon Bain Photography
