Where was One Day filmed? Every Edinburgh filming location seen in 2024 Netflix drama series

Here are all the Edinburgh filming locations for One Day, Netflix's new romance series.

Netflix's new 14-part romance series One Day, based on the novel by David Nicholls, has been delighting audiences since its release.

It is the second time the best-selling book has been adapted for the screen, following the 2011 feature film starring Anne Hathaway, with the television series set to follow our protagonists journey across the decades. And just like the film, Netflix's One Day spent plenty of time filming in Edinburgh.

Here's what you need to know about One Day, including every Edinburgh filming location.

What is One Day about?

The show follows protagonists Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew as they reunite on the same day every year. Meeting as they both graduate from the University of Edinburgh, each episode finds the characters one year older, tracing their lives as they grow and change, both together and separately.

Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall as Emma and Dexter in One Day, the Netflix TV series version of the popular book and film. Image: Ludovic Robert/Netflix

Best known for her role as Shruti Acharya in BBC drama This is Going to Hurt, Ambika Mod stars as Emma with The White Lotus star Leo Woodall portraying Dex.

The cast also features Essie Davis, Tim McInnerny, Amber Grappy and Jonny Weldon as well as Eleanor Tomlinson, Joely Richardson and Toby Stephens.

Where was One Day filmed?

Netflix’s One Day began filming in 2022 across several locations in Edinburgh. The show was also spotted filming in London.

As the couple both meet while studying at Edinburgh University, you can expect to see the city quite a bit. Here are all the One Day filming locations in Edinburgh.

Old College, University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh University's Old College is a magnificent structure designed by the esteemed Robert Adam in the 1780s. Venturing into the gorgeous quad really is like stepping back into the Georgian era.

Reflecting the setting of the show, filming took place at Edinburgh University’s Old College – seemingly for a scene involving a graduation ball.

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh.

A significant location in One Day, filming for the Netflix TV series also took place on Arthur’s Seat.

Grassmarket

The Grassmarket in Edinburgh was used as a filming location for One Day (2024).

Another popular spot for TV shows and films being shot in Edinburgh, the Grassmarket was another filming location for One Day.

The Vennel

The view of Edinburgh Castle.

In a recent still from One Day, Dex and Emma can be seen standing on the Vennel Steps. Tucked just off the Grassmarket the Vennel connects Lauriston Place with West Port via a series of steps which allow for an incredible view of Edinburgh Castle.

Viewforth, Circus Place and St Vincent Street

In addition to more recognisable parts of the city, filming locations given include more residential areas such as Viewforth, Circus Place and St Vincent Street.

Production hiked up Arthur's Seat to film One Day

Edinburgh, and Arthur's Seat in particular, play a large role in the Netflix television series and the production team made sure to avoid the city during August, when the Fringe Festival was on.

Speaking on filming on the dormant volcano in Holyrood Park with Tudum, the series lead director and associate producer Molly Manners said: "Arthur’s Seat is just so cinematic. Even though it’s specific, it feels quite universal."

Though filming on location wasn't always straightforward, with Manners admitting that luck and weather played a large role in how smoothly the day would go.

During Emma's speech in episode fourteen she admitted the team "were so lucky" while on other days - specifically filming with Woodall as Dex needing effects makeup to age him.