Where was Summerwater on Channel 4 filmed?

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Channel 4 is adapting Sarah Moss’s award-winning novel, Summerwater, into a six-part thriller. The series will star Shirley Henderson and Dougary Scott, and explores themes of relationships, identity, and the challenges of escaping your past.

The story unfolds over 24 hours at a Scottish holiday park, and each episode shows things from the point of view of the people staying in different cabins.

Summerwater isn’t the peaceful getaway it seems to be. Instead, it’s an unsettling place that seems to understand everyone’s hidden wishes and painful secrets, forcing residents to face them.

Summerwater follows several families on vacation, closely examining their lives from their individual cabins. The story reveals how growing tensions among the holidaymakers ultimately lead to a tragic event.

Director Robbie McKillop reported a fire with a fatality, but the victim’s identity and the details surrounding their death are currently unknown.

Throughout the series, we gradually reveal the central mystery by exploring each cabin and the personal histories of the residents. This helps us understand what events might have motivated their current actions, and whether they were capable of committing murder or becoming a victim.

Beyond the intriguing mystery, the story’s setting – both beautiful and desolate – is sure to grab viewers’ attention. But where was it filmed?

Read on for a rundown of the locations featured in Summerwater.

Summerwater filming location

The show took place in south Scotland, specifically around Loch Lomond and The Trossachs – the same location featured in the original novel.

Moss explained that the novel was based on his own life experiences. He’s often found himself drawn back to Loch Lomond, even while living a fairly nomadic existence.

She explained that she recently realized her children had never experienced this, and she’d always been interested in the nearby lodges because they offer immediate access to all the hiking trails.

Once Moss rented a cabin, he found himself surprisingly interested not in how the cabin residents interacted with each other, but in the fact that they didn’t interact at all. He was struck by the lack of connection between people staying in different cabins.

She explained that large French windows overlooked the lake in every room, creating a sense of openness and allowing people to see inside as they moved around – almost like being on a stage.

Since the book takes place in Loch Lomond – a location based on the author’s personal experiences – the series’ executive producer, Mike Ellen, decided it was natural to film there as well.

He explained that it was crucial to film the project on location, where the story took place and was written. They also wanted to work with the most talented people from across the UK, while prioritizing a Scottish crew and creative team.

Great British TV dramas often draw their creative energy from the locations where they’re filmed. The setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a significant element of the story itself.

Ellen explained that the setting and natural surroundings are central to the story of Summerwater, and a major element throughout.

He emphasized the importance of both the relationships between characters and their connection to the natural world. The forest and loch aren’t just beautiful settings; they represent something mysterious and play a key role in the story. Beyond that, they serve as a reminder of our place in the environment and the need to be mindful of nature in our daily lives.

The cast of Summerwater also had a great experience, with Valene Kane calling it “amazing.”

Being part of a Celtic production felt great, especially being surrounded by people from my own heritage,” she explained. “The weather was freezing, but we filmed in absolutely stunning places – I’d never visited Glasgow before. I always enjoy filming in new cities and having the chance to explore them.

“And the terrain and landscapes of Loch Lomond were simply beautiful.”

For Scott, it was just a joy to return to his roots for a short while.

He enjoys working from home because it allows him to spend time with loved ones and film on location in Glasgow, a city he feels deeply connected to. He grew up spending a lot of time there, despite attending school on the east coast, and feels a strong emotional pull to Glasgow whenever he visits, thanks to his parents’ roots and his childhood memories.

Summerwater airs on Channel 4 from Sunday 16th November.

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2025-11-16 12:07