Where is The Princess Switch 3 filmed? UK filming locations for Vanessa Hudgens film - and UK release date

Hudgens posted snaps of herself in a number of locations around the Scottish capital earlier in 2021
Vanessa Hudgens in The Princess Switch 3Vanessa Hudgens in The Princess Switch 3
Vanessa Hudgens in The Princess Switch 3

A Christmas romcom makes for the perfect night in this time of year, and one to add to the list of new festive releases is The Princess Switch: Romancing the Star.

The third movie in the Princess Switch saga follows Vanessa Hudgens (High School Musical, Beastly) as she teams up with a handsome man from her past, in order to locate a stolen relic, the Star of Peace.

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The movie was shot over several locations in Scotland, at the beginning of the year.

So, where is the film shot and where is the fictional movie set? This is what you need to know.

Princess Switch 3 filming locations

While the original Princess Switch was largely filmed in Romania, the latest installment was largely shot in and around Scottish cities.

The movie is set in the fictional countries of Belgravia and Montenaro.

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Margaret, the Duchess of Montenaro; Princess Stacy of Belgravia; and Margaret’s cousin and doppelganger Lady Fiona are all played by Disney star Vanessa Hudgens.

Hudgens plays all three roles, with very different personalitiesHudgens plays all three roles, with very different personalities
Hudgens plays all three roles, with very different personalities

Fans of the movies may be wondering whether the stunning castle and fairytale settings actually exist, so here is where you can visit the real locations

Newbattle Abbey College, Midlothian

Newbattle Abbey College is set in stunning grounds in Midlothian (Picture: NewbattleAbbey)Newbattle Abbey College is set in stunning grounds in Midlothian (Picture: NewbattleAbbey)
Newbattle Abbey College is set in stunning grounds in Midlothian (Picture: NewbattleAbbey)

In January 2021, residents living near to Newbattle Abbey college reported that filming was in progress and security guards confirmed the reports.

While the buildings and gardens were closed off to the public, mainly due to the Christmas lockdown, people who live in the area were able to spot the signs of a production team.

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To the rear of the former Cistercian monastery, the gardens had been transformed into a frozen wonderland, fake snow and fir trees setting the scene.

Security guards at the site gave little away, except to confirm Hudgens would be reprising her role.

The site is expected to feature as one of two castles in the Christmas film.

A cherry picker, ‘filming in progress’ signs, scaffolding and production vans were also spotted in the grounds.

Hopetoun House, South Queensferry

Hopeton House was also the home of Hudgens’ characters in the second ‘The Princess Switch’ (Picture: Visit Heritage)Hopeton House was also the home of Hudgens’ characters in the second ‘The Princess Switch’ (Picture: Visit Heritage)
Hopeton House was also the home of Hudgens’ characters in the second ‘The Princess Switch’ (Picture: Visit Heritage)
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As in the second instalment of the Princess Switch, The Hopetoun House was used to recreate the castle from the first movie.

Located near South Queensferry, the stunning castle exterior was designed by Scottish architects Sir William Bruce and William Adam.

The 18th century house is set among 100 acres of woodland and paved walks, inside it is decorated with opulent gilding and traditional motifs.

It served as the life and soul of the aristocratic upper class in the 18th century, and even has a driveway fit only for royalty and used by King George IV in 1822 and Queen Elizabeth II in 1988.

Hudgens posted shots of herself near the capital, back in January (Picture: Vanessa Hudgens/Instagram)Hudgens posted shots of herself near the capital, back in January (Picture: Vanessa Hudgens/Instagram)
Hudgens posted shots of herself near the capital, back in January (Picture: Vanessa Hudgens/Instagram)
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In The Princess Switch, the stunning manor plays the role of the Duchess of Montenaro.

Edinburgh Gateway train station

The train station was transformed into an airport for the second instalment of the Vanessa Hudgens flick, and rumour has it that the train station is set to feature again.

In early 2020, Hudgens was spotted in the train station and props were hung all over one of the platforms to transform it into the gate of an airport.

Where did she stay during her time in Scotland?

During her stay in Edinburgh, Hudgens apparently stayed with her mum and sister at The Balmoral Hotel in their Glamis Suite.

The Balmoral Glamis Suite The Balmoral Glamis Suite
The Balmoral Glamis Suite
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The £3,700 per night suite comes with a full bar service, butler and boasts a marble floored bathroom with freestanding bath, a full view of Princes Street and a retro vinyl record player.

The suite is decked out with a stunning, spacious bathroom with marble tiling The suite is decked out with a stunning, spacious bathroom with marble tiling
The suite is decked out with a stunning, spacious bathroom with marble tiling

Hudgens posting a few snaps from their cosy nights in the hotel suite, though we can’t be sure the hotel itself will feature in the movie.

When is The Princess Switch: Romancing the Star released in the UK?

The third Princess Switch is available on Netflix UK now, it dropped on 18 November.

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