A Single Road, a Seaside Pub, & Movie History—Meet Pennan, Scotland’s Tiny Coastal Gem

Tucked beneath a soaring emerald cliff in the Scottish Highlands, the seaside village of Pennan stole the show in a classic British cult film.

Tucked beneath the cliffs of the Aberdeenshire coast, the petite fishing village of Pennan is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, breathe in the salty air, and maybe consider quitting your job to open a tea shop.

With just a single street, a small harbor, and a population you could count on your fingers, this tiny town feels like it slipped through a crack in time—and we’re all better for it.

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, be sure to add this scenic gem to your road trip itinerary.

Why Visit Pennan?

Well, first, it’s ridiculously charming.

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Picture a row of whitewashed cottages with bright red roofs, perched between dramatic sea cliffs and the North Sea.

You’ll find a tiny harbor, a pebble beach, and one narrow road that serves as the village’s main—and only—thoroughfare.

It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and feels totally off the beaten path.

But the real surprise? Pennan became an unlikely hot spot after it starred in the 1983 British cult classic film “Local Hero“—and that’s where its fame begins.

The “Local Hero” Connection

If you’ve seen Local Hero, you’ve already seen Pennan—even if you didn’t know it. This sleepy little village became the heart of the film, doubling as the fictional town of Ferness.

The movie’s iconic red telephone box, placed right by the sea wall, is still here—east of the village—and it’s a pilgrimage site for film lovers.

Visitors come from around the world to snap a photo, reenact a scene, or just soak up the film nostalgia.

Pennan didn’t ask for fame, but it wears it well.

How to Get to Pennan

Pennan isn’t the easiest place to reach—but that’s part of its appeal.

By car: It’s about a 1-hour drive from Aberdeen or a 2.5-hour drive from Inverness. You’ll follow scenic roads across the Aberdeenshire coast, then descend a steep, winding lane down the cliffs to the village itself. Fair warning, the last portion of the road descending into the village is extremely narrow and very curvy.

There is one small public parking lot at the end of Pennan’s only street.

What to see in Pennan

There’s not much to see in adorable Pennan but that’s all part of its charm.

Despite the lack of actual “sights,” it was still one of my favorite stops when my husband, Dave, and I took a summer road trip around the Scottish Highlands.

Read More: The Bucket List Scotland Road Trip Itinerary in 7 Amazing Days

1. Walk the Single Street

It won’t take long—but that’s kind of the point. Admire the traditional fishermen’s cottages and listen for the waves slapping against the sea wall.

2. Visit the Famous Phone Box

Yes, it’s real. And yes, it still works. You’ll find it toward the east of the village, right where it was in the movie.

3. Grab a Pint at the Pennan Inn

A must-stop for anyone passing through. The pub is cozy, welcoming, and full of Local Hero memorabilia. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch stories from the locals who were around during filming.

4. Relax by the Small Harbour

There’s something therapeutic about watching the tide come in over the pebbles, surrounded by cliffs and seabirds.

The uber-charming village is stunning on a sunny day (like the day we visited) but I’m told it’s also mesmerizing on a stormy day.

5. Stop for a cuppa at Coastal Cuppie

In the harbor, a stop by the tiny wooden shack called Coastal Cuppie is a must. The delightful owner sells tea and homemade sweets with all proceeds going entirely to support essential repairs for the harbor via the Pennan Harbour Trust.

She doesn’t keep regular hours so check the Coastal Cuppie Facebook page to time your visit when she’s open.

Tip: Bring cash, she’s unable to accept cards due to a lack of wifi signal. (We didn’t know that and arrived without cash but she still offered us tea and cake and only asked that we go to the website and make a donation when we had a cell signal – which we were luckily able to do while we ate her delicious cake).

Spend a night (or longer!) in Pennan

If you’re looking for a seaside vacation where you can truly unplug, Pennan is a terrific choice.

And luckily, there is one hotel option, the charming Pennan Inn. With just a few cozy rooms and an excellent pub, this is the only game in town. 

So, if you fall in love with Pennan and want to stay awhile, book a room at the Pennan Inn.

Tip: Spend a few extra euros for a Superior Room, it comes complete with a picture-perfect sea view.

So add Pennan to your Scotland Bucket list!

You probably won’t stumble on Pennan unless you’re looking for it. But that’s what makes discovering it so special. It’s a place where time slows down, the scenery does all the talking, and even the pub feels like a little slice of cinematic history.

So if your travels through Scotland take you anywhere near the east coast, carve out a little time for Pennan. It may just be the quietest hot spot you’ve ever visited.

Looking for more great Scotland destinations? Start here:

Epic Edinburgh: 16 Things You Don’t Want to Miss in Scotland’s Capital City

Dunnottar Castle is Scotland’s Most Dramatic Seaside Gem (Here’s How to Visit!)

Isle of Skye: 10 Irresistible Things to Do on Scotland’s BEST Island

7 Day Trips from Edinburgh that Prove Scotland is Awesome