A Castle for Christmas

(Image Credit: Netflix)

A festive feel-good rom-com with all the elements needed for a cosy night in over Christmas.

To escape a scandal, bestselling American author Sophie (Brooke Shields) journeys to Scotland where she falls in love with Castle Dunbar, which is up for sale. Intent on buying the stately home, her plans however are put in jeopardy when the owner, a grumpy Scottish Duke named Myles (Cary Elwes), is reluctant to sell to a foreigner.  But in the true spirit of a Christmas rom-com, they soon find themselves forming a truce and falling for each other.

Filmed during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was the first major studio production to shoot in the Edinburgh area as Scotland emerged from the first national lockdown period.

A Castle for Christmas was released on Netflix on 26 November 2021 – watch the trailer now  

Scotland looks picture perfect in this festive film, with a large part of filming taking place in and around the capital:

After making the decision to come to Scotland, Sophie flies into Edinburgh Airport. Scotland’s busiest and the UK’s 6th busiest airport, Edinburgh Airport accommodates 37 airlines flying 221 routes to 158 destinations.

Situated in the charming village of South Queensferry, Dakota Hotel is a luxury contemporary hotel, just minutes from the Forth Bridges that connect Edinburgh with Fife.

With panoramic views of the Firth of Forth, Dalmeny House doubles as Castle Dunbar. Built in 1817, this stately house is the home of the Earls of Rosebery and has a magnificent art, furniture and porcelain collection. Today, the house can be visited as part of guided tour.

(Image Credit: Netflix)

(In reality, Dunbar Castle does still exist, although it is now a ruin. Dating from the 12^th century, and at one of the most important castles in Scotland, fragments of it can still be seen at by the harbour in the East Lothian town of Dunbar).

With stunning views over the North Sea to Bass Rock and its large seabird colonies, 14^th century Tantallon Castle is a mighty stronghold and one of Scotland’s last grand medieval castles.

Looking for more films with an Edinburgh backdrop – head to our guide on Edinburgh on Film >