Explore the Real-Life Filming Locations of Netflix’s Frankenstein

The horror genre always has a unique way of evoking fear and getting the audience's adrenaline pumping. Welcoming November 2025, Netflix is back with a new slate of horror films ready to make you scream in fear and be intrigued by the story.

One of the most anticipated films this month is Frankenstein, a new adaptation of Mary Shelley's legendary classic novel, directed by visual horror maestro Guillermo del Toro. Starring Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein, the film depicts a scientist's ambition to create life from death. His obsession leads to uncontrollable terror.

Del Toro's distinctive visuals, strong body horror elements, and philosophical narrative make this film predicted to be one of the best horror works of the year. Besides the acclaimed story, the filming locations for Frankenstein are also fascinating to review. Although production largely took place in Toronto, numerous beautiful destinations served as inspiration for the film's eerie setting. Here are some of the places that served as inspiration and key filming locations for Guillermo del Toro while working on Frankenstein, now with some tips for Muslim travellers who may want to explore them responsibly.

1. Netflix Studios in Toronto & the Cold North

Image credit: Netflix | Official Website

The film's opening features a dramatic scene of an expedition ship, the Horisont, running aground on the Arctic ice. After discovering the injured Victor, the captain takes him on board to hear his tale of woe.

Amazingly, the production team wasn't messing around! To create a truly immersive visual, they not only built the entire ship on a vacant lot in Toronto, but also created ice around it. The ship was even built to its exact real-life scale.

Additionally, several scenes were also filmed on real locations, including the dog sledging scene, which was filmed on a frozen lake north of Toronto, specifically in North Bay.

HalalZilla Tips: While the ship and sets themselves aren’t accessible to the public, the surrounding areas in Toronto and North Bay are worth visiting for winter scenery. Muslim travellers can find nearby mosques in Toronto or North Bay if planning multi-day trips, and local halal restaurants in Toronto make for convenient meal stops before exploring snowy landscapes. Dressing warmly and modestly is also important for winter sightseeing in Canada.

2. Historic Houses in Scotland and England

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To create the visuals of Victor Frankenstein's majestic and old-fashioned ancestral home, the film used inspiration from four historic houses in Scotland and England, namely:

• Gosford House in Longniddry

• Burghley House in Peterborough

• Dunecht House in Aberdeenshire

• Wilton House in Wiltshire

The Dunecht House, a private residence, was chosen for its long and captivating library. Meanwhile, Wilton House, a popular filming location for shows like Bridgerton and The Crown, is renowned for its elaborate staircase, which is a key visual focus in Frankenstein. Victor's family home as a whole has a very specific and luxurious colour palette.

For the Harlander house setting, filming took place at Hospitalfield House, a historic house transformed into an arts centre in Arbroath, Scotland.

HalalZilla Tips: Many of these estates are open to visitors and have scenic gardens or walking paths, ideal for quiet contemplation or photography. While they may not have dedicated prayer rooms, Muslim travellers can carry a small travel prayer mat and check nearby towns for mosques. Visiting during weekdays can also reduce crowding, making it easier to explore comfortably while observing religious practices.

3. Edinburgh Old Town, Scotland

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Mary Shelley's original novel is largely set in Edinburgh, so several key scenes were also shot in the Scottish capital. The production team used:

• Parliament Square itself (where the market was located in the 1800s)

• Writer's Close and Bakehouse Close, two narrow, historical alleys that add a gothic feel to the film

While in Scotland, the production also visited Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Arbroath. For the scene where Victor presents his gruesome discovery, the directors used London's Old Operating Theatre and the Anatomical Theatre at the Berlin Veterinary School as references, but their set was based on the actual structure of Glasgow City Hall.

HalalZilla Tips: Edinburgh’s Old Town is very walkable, with many historic alleys to explore at a leisurely pace. Muslim travellers can locate mosques near the city centre or in surrounding neighbourhoods. The city is also home to halal restaurants, especially around the Grassmarket and Cowgate areas, so you can combine historical sightseeing with halal dining options.

4. Wallace Tower, Ayr: Inspiration for Victor's Laboratory

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The Wallace Tower in Ayr, Scotland, served as a primary reference for Victor's laboratory, which was largely constructed at Pinewood in Toronto. The tower's distinctive design creates a sense of gloom and isolation. The tower's base was built at the Markham Agricultural Fairgrounds outside Toronto, a location also used for Del Toro's Nightmare Alley.

HalalZilla Tips: While Wallace Tower may not have public access to all areas, the surrounding scenery can still be enjoyed. Travellers should plan prayer breaks using nearby mosques or quiet spaces, as some rural locations may not have facilities on site.

5. Glasgow Cathedral

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Glasgow Cathedral is one of Scotland's historic churches, built in the 12th century, and the burial place of Saint Mungo. The cathedral serves as the setting for a lighter scene, in which the flirtatious Victor chases Elizabeth (Mia Goth) into the church's confessional. The cathedral's majestic and ancient architecture adds visual depth to the film.

HalalZilla Tips: Visitors can admire Glasgow Cathedral’s architecture while maintaining respectful conduct, and the nearby Glasgow city centre has several mosques where travellers can fulfil prayer requirements. Combining sightseeing with prayer-friendly stops can make the experience seamless.

6. Seacliff Beach, North Berwick

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After escaping the burning temple, the emotional scene where Frankenstein washes up on a white sandy beach was filmed at Seacliff Beach in North Berwick. Although it's a private beach, anyone can visit, but they must abide by a few rules. The contrast between the beach and the terror the Monster has just experienced provides a powerful visual.

HalalZilla Tips: Beaches in Scotland may have cooler temperatures year-round, so modest yet warm clothing is advisable for Muslim travellers. Even on private beaches, following local rules and respecting privacy is important. Seacliff Beach is ideal for reflection, photography, or a peaceful walk while appreciating cinematic history.

Image credit: Netflix | Official Website

If you're a horror movie fan and curious to experience the thrilling locations that inspired and filmed Frankenstein, these historic destinations in Scotland and England are definitely worth adding to your travel wishlist. Exploring castles, cathedrals, historic towns, and scenic estates will provide a unique holiday experience while also reminding you of the cinematographic beauty of Guillermo del Toro's masterpiece.