TV Shows to watch if you love Edinburgh

Hello, folks! I hope you're all doing okay. Like many of you, I've been holed up in my house for the past while with quite a bit of time on my hands. Normally, when I have a quieter spell work-wise I like to work on new blog posts, but as I tend to write about my Edinburgh and Scottish adventures, which isn't possible at the moment, I've been a bit stuck on what to write. Since I've been missing my wanders around Edinburgh coupled with the fact I'm watching a fair bit of TV, it struck me yesterday that it might be fun to share a few TV shows which are filmed in Edinburgh for those of you who love and miss the city!

TV Shows to watch if you love Edinburgh

• North and South (2004)

Let's start with one of my favourite period dramas, North and South (not to be confused with Patrick Swayze's Civil War series!). Elizabeth Gaskell’s classic story follows Margaret Hale and her family as their life is turned upside down as they move from the idyllic countryside to an industrial town in the North of England. I remember watching it for the first time and getting quite excited when I spotted that the Hales' family home was filmed on St Stephen Street, Margaret’s morning walk up Calton Hill (which was transformed into a graveyard for the series), and charming William Street in Edinburgh’s West End which served as Milton High Street. Keep your eyes peeled because there are plenty more Edinburgh locations to spot!

Watch it on: Netflix & Britbox

Stockbridge Market sign just off St Stephen Street is the location of the Hale's house

• Outlander (2014-)

Any Outlander fans out there? I'm all caught up with the latest series, however, I have to admit I really miss seeing sweeping shots of the Scottish Highlands, Culross' cobbled lanes, scenes from Edinburgh's Old Town, etc. For the odd few of you who haven't heard of Outlander, the popular TV series is based on Diana Gabaldon’s thrilling story which follows Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945, who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743 Scotland. Although a large portion early on was filmed in Scotland, it wasn’t until season 3 that Edinburgh was given a starring role in the show. Keep an eye out for the ruined medieval Craigmillar Castle, the cobbled Bakehouse Close within the Old Town (which was turned into Jamie's print shop), and the grand Signet Library.

Watch it on: Amazon Prime

Bakehouse Close was the filming location for Jamie's print shop

• Case Histories (2011)

When doing a bit of research for this post, I came across Case Histories. In the past, several Instagram friends have suggested I watch the show, and what better time than now. I'm only two episodes in but I'm already engrossed into the story and delighted at how often recognisable scenes of Edinburgh appear. If you're unfamiliar with the show, it's based on Kate Atkinson’s well-loved novels, which follows private investigator Jackson Brodie as he attempts to unravel mysteries in modern-day Edinburgh. So far, I've spotted the Vennel, Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill, Carlton Terrace Mews (where Brodie stays), the India Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Victoria Street, Princes Street Gardens and many more!

Watch it on: YouTube (free but poor quality) or iTunes & Amazon (both £7.99)

Jackson Brodie lives in one of the ever-so-charming Carlton Terrace Mews houses

• The Secret Agent (2016)

Okay, I have to admit, I have yet to watch the Secret Agent, but I remember when they arrived in Edinburgh to film. From what I gather, it's an adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s novel which is set in Victorian London and follows the life of Adolf Verloc, a businessman and secret agent. Despite being set in London, various scenes were filmed in Edinburgh (and Glasgow) such as Thistle Street, Hopetoun House (which served as both Lady Blackwood’s residence and Greenwich Park), plus Bakehouse Close in Old Town.

Watch it on: iTunes or Amazon (both £4.99 SD)

Barrie's Close apparently makes an appearance

• Rebus (2000-2007)

While other shows I've mentioned on this list have done a brilliant job at showing off Edinburgh's "typical" beauty, Rebus lets its viewers have a peek into another, grittier side to the city. Picturesque views of Victoria Street or Calton Hill are replaced by dim alleyways, sleaze, and crime. If you're unfamiliar with Rebus, the TV show is based on a best-selling series of crime novels by, Scottish literary legend, Ian Rankin. The TV show was filmed in Edinburgh and throughout the seasons, Rebus’ cases take him to different parts of the city. A few locations to look out for include Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh Zoo, and Central Library. So far, I'm halfway through the first episode and I understand why Ian Rankin has earned the title of "King of Tartan Noir".

Watch it on: UKTV play (free) 

In series 3 locations featured include Calton Hill, New College

• Belgravia (2020)

Belgravia is one of the latest period dramas to be filmed in Edinburgh and after hearing a lot about it, I've recently decided to start watching it. I found it interesting that unlike most period dramas, Belgravia is based on a fairly recent book written in 2016 by Julian Fellowes. Apparently, the story follows a secret that unravels behind the doors of London's grandest postcode. I'm only 10-minutes into the show and I've already spotted Hopetoun House's grand interior. After a little research, I'm also on the look out for Moray Gardens (which was digitally whitened to resemble Belgravia), the City Chambers, and Parliament Square.

Watch it on: ITV hub (Free)

Hopetoun House served as the family’s Brussels home and this very stairwell features in the first episode!

Moray Place stood in for London's Belgravia

Till next time x