- History & Heritage
Discover the North-east locations and stories linked to The Odyssey
When Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey arrives in cinemas this summer, audiences around the world will catch a glimpse of Aberdeenshire on the big screen.
The epic production brought Hollywood to the North-east coast, with filming taking place at the dramatic ruins of Findlater Castle and nearby Sunnyside Beach. While the story follows the legendary journey of Odysseus through the ancient Mediterranean, visitors can discover their own adventure in Aberdeenshire through spectacular coastal landscapes, ancient monuments, maritime heritage and locations that have inspired filmmakers and storytellers for generations.
From dramatic clifftop castles and historic harbours to Bronze Age sites and literary legends, here are some of the Aberdeenshire locations and stories linked to The Odyssey.
Findlater Castle
Perched on a narrow rocky promontory overlooking the North Sea, Findlater Castle is one of Aberdeenshire's most spectacular coastal landmarks.
Its dramatic setting made it a natural choice for Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey, bringing international attention to a site that has stood watch over the coastline for centuries. Once the seat of the powerful Ogilvy family, the castle's striking ruins continue to captivate visitors with their sense of history and atmosphere.
Visitors can explore the castle ruins and enjoy spectacular views across the North Sea, experiencing firsthand the dramatic landscape that helped bring an ancient epic to life on screen. Accessible via a coastal walk or a short walk from nearby parking, Findlater Castle remains one of Aberdeenshire's most striking historic landmarks.
Image credit: John Luckwell and Chris Thornton.
Sunnyside Beach
Just a short distance from Findlater Castle lies Sunnyside Beach, another location featured in the film.
The beach appears in scenes where Odysseus and his crew come ashore, making it an essential stop for those looking to explore Aberdeenshire's connection to the production. With its sweeping sands, rugged coastline and expansive sea views, it's easy to see why filmmakers were drawn to the location.
Visitors can also spot the wreck of the Artemis, a 20th-century vessel that ran aground off the coast. Thankfully, all crew members survived the incident. The ship's name provides a link to Greek mythology, with Artemis being the ancient Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness and wild animals. Today, the remains of the wreck add another layer of history and storytelling to this striking stretch of coastline.
Portsoy Harbour
Aberdeenshire's coastline has attracted filmmakers for decades, and few locations demonstrate that better than Portsoy Harbour.
Dating back to the 17th century, Portsoy's historic harbour remains remarkably unchanged, offering an authentic glimpse into the region's maritime past. Its timeless appearance has seen it featured in productions including Peaky Blinders and Whisky Galore!, with its historic buildings and waterfront providing the perfect backdrop for period drama.
Today, visitors can explore the harbour, enjoy the coastal scenery and discover the stories of the fishing communities that helped shape the North-east coast.
Image credit: Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival
Discover Aberdeenshire's Bronze Age heritage
While The Odyssey was written centuries later, the story is generally believed to be set during the Bronze Age, a period that left an extraordinary legacy across Aberdeenshire.
One of the region's most significant prehistoric sites is Memsie Cairn, a Bronze Age burial monument that offers a tangible connection to a world that existed more than 4,000 years ago.
Visitors interested in ancient history can also explore Tomnaverie Stone Circle near Tarland and Easter Aquhorthies Stone Circle near Inverurie. Together with the region's many standing stones, recumbent stone circles and burial cairns, they reveal a landscape shaped by some of Scotland's earliest communities.
Slains Castle
Towering above the coastline near Cruden Bay, Slains Castle is another location steeped in mystery and legend.
The castle is widely believed to have inspired elements of Bram Stoker's iconic novel Dracula following his visits to the area in the late 19th century. Its dramatic ruins, Gothic appearance and commanding coastal setting continue to spark imaginations more than a century later.
Visitors can combine a trip to Slains Castle with a walk along the surrounding coastline, taking in spectacular sea views and some of Aberdeenshire's most striking scenery.
Image: Slains Castle
Dunnottar Castle
Few locations in Scotland are as instantly recognisable as Dunnottar Castle.
Set on a dramatic cliff-top south of Stonehaven, the fortress has witnessed centuries of Scottish history, from battles and sieges to royal intrigue. Its spectacular setting has also made it a favourite with filmmakers, featuring in productions including Hamlet and Mary Queen of Scots.
Today, visitors can explore the castle's fascinating past while enjoying breathtaking views across the North Sea.
Footdee
At the edge of Aberdeen Harbour sits Footdee, known locally as Fittie, a former fishing village that offers a glimpse into the lives of the communities that have long depended on the sea.
With its distinctive cottages, narrow lanes and colourful gardens, Footdee remains one of the North-east's most charming historic locations. The village's connection to the sea reflects a maritime heritage that has shaped Aberdeenshire for centuries, creating stories of resilience, adventure and exploration that still resonate today.
Create your own Aberdeenshire adventure
From filming locations and ancient monuments to historic harbours and literary inspiration, Aberdeenshire is a place where stories come alive.
Whether you're following in the footsteps of filmmakers, exploring Bronze Age landscapes or uncovering centuries of maritime heritage, there's no shortage of adventures waiting to be discovered across the North-east of Scotland.
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Frequently asked questions
- Was The Odyssey filmed in Aberdeenshire?
Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey filmed scenes in Aberdeenshire, with production taking place at Findlater Castle and nearby Sunnyside Beach on the North-east coast of Scotland.
- Can you visit the filming locations from The Odyssey in Aberdeenshire?
Visitors can explore Findlater Castle and Sunnyside Beach, both of which were used during filming. The sites are accessible via walking routes along the coast and offer spectacular views of the North Sea.
- Why was Findlater Castle chosen as a filming location?
Findlater Castle's dramatic cliff-top setting, historic ruins and rugged coastal scenery create a striking backdrop that complements the epic scale and atmosphere of The Odyssey.
- Where is Findlater Castle?
Findlater Castle is located on the Aberdeenshire coast between Cullen and Portsoy. The castle sits on a rocky headland overlooking the North Sea and can be reached via a short walk from nearby parking or as part of a coastal walk.
- Are there other film and TV locations to visit in Aberdeenshire?
Aberdeenshire has featured in numerous film and television productions. Popular locations include Portsoy Harbour, which appeared in Peaky Blinders and Whisky Galore!, and Dunnottar Castle, which has featured in productions including Hamlet and Mary Queen of Scots.
- What ancient sites can I visit in Aberdeenshire?
Aberdeenshire is home to an exceptional collection of prehistoric sites, including Memsie Cairn, Tomnaverie Stone Circle and Easter Aquhorthies Stone Circle. These monuments date back thousands of years and provide insight into Scotland's ancient past.
- Did Aberdeenshire inspire any famous books?
Slains Castle near Cruden Bay is widely believed to have inspired elements of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Its dramatic coastal setting and Gothic appearance continue to attract visitors from around the world.