Halloween might be over but it's undeniably still spooky season thanks to Netflix dropping Guillermo Del Toro's Frankenstein. The film is as moving as it is moody, with standout performances from Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein himself, internet boyfriend Jacob Elordi as The Creature, and Mia Goth as Lady Elizabeth. But the real scene-stealer? The film's locations, which are so evocative and melancholy that they qualify as a character in their own right.
We went ahead and rounded up some of the haunting locations from the film—along with a few tips on where to stay and what to do if you're in the area for some set-jetting (the best way to travel, imho).
Hospitalfield in Arbroath
You know the scene where Lady Elizabeth plays the piano in Henrich Harlander's house, absolutely dripping in Tiffany diamonds?
It was filmed in Hospitalfield, a gorgeous estate built in 1260 which has been—throughout the centuries—a hospital, an art school, and an artists' residency. I can confirm from first hand experience (it's so fun to tour!) that this place gives off extreme haunted energy, so, not shocking that it was used as a filming location. Also, fun fact: that interior set is what the room actually looks like—complete with alllll the gorgeous art covering the walls.
Psst: If you're looking for a place to stay in the area that has a similar stately feel, I'm begging you to check out Mar Hall, an absolutely stunning hotel nestled next to a winding river with exceptional vibes.
Glasgow Cathedral
Frankenstein used the famous medieval cathedral's crypt for the scene where Victor pretends to be a priest taking Lady Elizabeth's confession. The space has low, some might say claustrophobic, ceilings and would send a shiver up anyone's spine.
Pro tip if you visit this location: book a table at Gloriosa. It's better than most meals I've had...maybe ever?
Gosford House in East Lothian
You might recognize Gosford House from Outlander and The Buccaneers, and now the neoclassical estate is making its debut as the Frankenstein family home—where Victor and his little brother were raised. Here's a stunning shot of the exterior:
FYI, the film also shot scenes at nearby Seacliff Beach, which is about a half hour away.
West Parliament Square in Edinburgh
For scenes shot in Edinburgh, Guillermo del Toro worked with brilliant Location Manager Lloret MacKenna Dunn, who tells Cosmopolitan that "location helps convey the mood of the scene, be it either to enhance, or to work as a contrast to it. A feeling of heaviness, dark stone, sombre tones were key to most of the Edinburgh exteriors."
This feeling is absolutely omnipresent in Parliament Square on Edinburgh's Royal Mile, which was transformed into a marketplace for production—complete with rain machine for full effect.
Parliament Square is also just a hop, skip, and jump away from Virgin Hotels Edinburgh (a convenient spot to stay in right in the heart of Old Town) and just ten minutes away from luxury hotel The Balmoral (stop in for afternoon tea at the famous Palm Court).
Makars' Court
This small, historic courtyard was used to film the gallows scene in Frankenstein, and MacKenna Dunn says it was the most challenging location in Edinburgh to work in by far due to tourist traffic and lack of adjacent parking. On top of that, the ground had to be assessed to see if it could bear the weight of the gallows set (which were built on-site).
"We worked within very strict parameters—no material was allowed to be placed within three meters of the surrounding walls," MacKenna Dunn tells Cosmo. "The road and pavement outside the square had to be closed to allow the machine access at the start and end of construction, and again when the set was being struck. It's fair to say that our hearts were in our mouths when this was going on! A huge amount of liaison was carried out with the residents and businesses in Makars' Court and in the surrounding area."
All that said, "Guillermo understandably fell in love with it, as the buildings on each side tower over all four sides of this dark historic square, and at night, a single street light gives it an other-wordly feel."
Fun fact: the ground in Makars' Court is covered in quotes from Scottish writers. The square also houses the Writers Museum, a tiny museum that's well worth a visit!
The Canongate
This historical stretch at the bottom of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh was transformed into one of the bustling street scenes featured in the film.
MacKenna Dunn says it was her favorite filming location, explaining "This is where we see Victor stride across the muddy street filled with urchins and the vibrant life of a less-than-salubrious part of the city, through into the meat market on his way to his lodgings. We had to close the road for a few days, divert the buses, liaise with many business and transform the road—and it was such good fun to meet so many welcoming people willing to accommodate this exciting production."
The Signet Library
This impressive 19th century space was used for Victor and Lady Elizabeth's dance sequence (watch in the trailer above)—and you can visit for a delightful afternoon tea. Fun fact: it was also used as the Governor’s mansion in Outlander season 3.
MacKenna Dunn says they wanted to find a "joyful bright contrast to many of the other locations in Edinburgh and in the film" and mission accomplished—it's gorgeous.
Frankenstein is streaming now on Netflix—go watch! (And book a trip to Scotland to visit these iconic locations while you're at it.)
