With its historical cities and charming towns, the United Kingdom has provided spectacular backgrounds for numerous films and television shows. Whether you’re watching a classic rom-com film or an action-packed series, you’ve probably pointed at your screen once you realize the setting. Luckily, for locals and tourists alike, these filming spots are easy to locate once you’re in the UK. From busy hubs in London to the beautiful wilderness in Scotland, you can spend your next holiday hopping from one spot to the next. Reward your inner film buff with the best filming destinations in the country!
Cross Out These UK Filming Locations Off Your Bucket List
Want to visit famous filming locations in the United Kingdom, but don’t know where to start? You’re in luck because this complete guide will take you from one amazing destination to another! Starting at the heart of London, allow yourself to be whisked away into a magical world of wizards and spells with trips to local market squares and iconic bridges. As you venture out to the countryside, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the past thanks to these cities and towns’ wonderfully preserved architecture. And if you truly want to feel like you’ve stepped into the screen, all you need to do is head out to these dramatic landscapes where you’ll completely lose yourself in the scenery!
Make your next holiday in the UK even better with a quick trip to the most popular movie spots in the country:
1. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
When talking about famous filming locations, nothing is more famous than the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct. The railway has been featured in multiple Harry Potter films and shot to fame when Harry and Ron attempted to cross it in the Weasley’s flying car in the Chamber of Secrets. While Hogwarts doesn’t exist in real life, the railway does and is easily identifiable by its beautiful arches. Since its debut in the film, plenty of people have attempted to visit it on foot, although this is strongly discouraged by locals.
A safer alternative would be to climb aboard the Jacobite Steam Train from Glenfinnan to Fort William. Stretching up to 84 miles of railway lines, the route will take you across the region with sweeping views of Inverness in Scotland. There are also special compartments that you can book where you’ll feel as if you’re right on the Hogwarts Express. Plus, the majestic views over Loch Shiel are a real treat for holidaymakers!
2. Christ Church College, Oxford
If you’re looking for another Harry Potter filming spot, then you should add Christ Church College to your list. Located at the heart of Oxford, the college’s Great Hall was the backdrop for Hogwarts’ famous dining hall. The famous Bodley staircase can also be found in Oxford and is best known for its appearances in the earlier films of the franchise. A short walk will take you to Bodleian Library where several scenes were also filmed.
For a small fee, you’ll be able to visit all these filming locations across Oxford and cross them off your history buff list. The city itself is worth a visit thanks to its breathtaking architecture and incredible history. Aside from movie hotspots, you can check out local libraries, art galleries, and heritage sites. You can also visit the University of Oxford which is one of the oldest universities in the world!
3. Leadenhall Market, London
Leadenhall Market in London is also famous for being featured in the Harry Potter films. As soon as you step into the market, it’s like you’re instantly transported to Diagon Alley. Explore the area on foot and make stops at all the famous movie hotspots including the Leaky Cauldron. A few minutes away you’ll find yourself at King’s Cross Station where you can pose in front of Platform 9 and ¾.
Although it’s well-known for its franchise appearances, Leadenhall Market is worth visiting for the architecture alone. Everywhere you turn, you’ll be able to appreciate the Victorian exteriors and their fascinating shops. It’s also a short walk to the Millennium Bridge and all of Central London’s busy hotspots. If you’re holidaying in the heart of London, then these locations should be a must-visit!
4. Ballymoney, Northern Ireland
Game of Thrones is known for its stunning background settings, but there is one location that stands out the most. Located in Northern Ireland, Ballymoney became instantly famous after its hauntingly mystical trees were featured in the highly acclaimed television show. Even though the forest was only used for several scenes, the twisting beech trees left quite an impression on its audience, prompting visits from tourists around the world. Curious guests can trace the path where Arya and her friends trekked after escaping King’s Landing, but unlike the hotheaded protagonist, you won’t have a group of soldiers after your trail.
The best part about visiting Ballymoney is that it’s close to many Irish attractions. Another equally famous destination is the Giant’s Causeway which is only half an hour’s drive away. The area is frequently visited due to its beautiful basalt columns and rugged coastline where you can explore everything on foot. While the television show didn’t film at this spot, it’s worthy of a peek thanks to its breathtaking scenery and amazing local folklore!
5. Hatfield House, Hertfordshire
If there’s an award for the most featured UK home, then it should be given to Hatfield House in Hertfordshire. Once privately owned, the country estate is now open to the public and has set the background for many iconic films. From the home of extreme adventurer, Lara Croft, to being the headquarters of the world’s greatest detective, Batman and Sherlock Holmes, Hatfield House is an all-too-familiar facade. More recently, the manor served as a set for the drama television series, The Crown and Bridgerton.
This comes as no surprise at all considering Hatfield House’s incredibly lush exteriors and interiors. However, if you’re not a film buff, there are still lots of attractions for you to explore. Hatfield has landscaped gardens and decorated galleries where you can roam about and enjoy a slice of history. Its past is surely of interest, especially when you consider that this is the place where Queen Elizabeth I grew up!
6. Bath, Somerset
The city of Bath in Somerset is another frequently featured location and it’s no wonder to see why. Considered one of the most beautifully preserved Regency-era cities in the country, Bath is a popular filming destination for period dramas in films and shows. Some well-known film adaptations have filmed on its streets such as Vanity Fair, Persuasion, and several of the Sherlock Holmes movies. One of its more recent features includes everybody’s favourite Regency period drama show, Bridgerton.
Even if you’re not a film buff, you should visit the city of Bath at least once in your lifetime. There are plenty of heritage sites that you shouldn’t miss out on such as the ancient Roman bathhouse, the century-old bridges and chapels, and plenty of art galleries and museums. After a day of exploring the city, you can relax your feet at the Royal Victoria Park or enjoy the panoramic sights from the nearby hillsides. From country parks to historical hotspots, you’ll have the perfect weekend break at Bath!
7. Notting Hill, London
Notting Hill is arguably the most famous area in West London thanks to Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts’ iconic rom-com film of the same name. The district is located within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and is known for its upscale, vibrant, and diverse culture. Although already popular in its own right, Notting Hill shot to worldwide fame after it was featured as the location for Grant’s charming bookstore in the movie. People immediately fell in love with the brightly coloured neighbourhood and the bustling community that came along with it.
If you’re visiting Notting Hill for the first time, then you shouldn’t miss out on the annual Notting Hill Carnival. The festivities started in 1965 by the Caribbean population that lived in the area and consisted of drag performances, street dancing, and delicious cuisine. For holidaymakers who want a more laid-back outing, you can check out the Portabello Road Market. Unlike the carnival, the local market is open every Saturday and offers guests a wide array of secondhand souvenirs, antiques, and local delicacies!
8. Gabriel’s Wharf, London
While you’re in London, why not pay a quick visit to Gabriel’s Wharf on London’s South Bank? This riverside shopping district has been featured in many television shows, but most notably in the classic romantic film, Love Actually. Aside from being an iconic filming spot, the district is worth visiting for plenty of other attractions. With front-row views of the River Thames, you can spend many afternoons just walking alongside the river and enjoying the urban scenery.
There’s more to explore at Gabriel’s Wharf other than its views. Holidaymakers are surrounded by rows of cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Located right at the heart of London, you can expect tons of visitors, especially during its peak season. From window shopping to catching up with friends, you’ll never have a boring time in this part of town!
9. Highclere Castle, Hampshire
Highclere Castle is another filming location best known for being the home of the Crawleys of the hit period drama show, Downton Abbey. In addition to being a popular facade for television, the country home has been featured in multiple movies including the 1987 adaptation of “The Secret Garden” and Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut.” But even though you’re not a film buff, you’ll be able to appreciate the beauty of Highclere Castle. Surrounded by the natural surroundings of Hampshire in England, the estate boasts thousands of acres of landscaped gardens and pockets of woodlands.
The castle is also open to curious guests who want to immerse themselves in the past. The interiors boast impressive architecture, an Egyptian exhibition, and classical artworks. There are also self-guided tours and special events held at Highclere throughout the year. One of its most popular events is the Battle Proms picnic concert which is open to families and friends!
10. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
If you’re talking about visiting dramatic backdrops, then Cairngorms National Park should be at the top of your list. The parkland boasts a star-studded filming list including May Queen of Scots, Outlander, and The Crown. Cairngorms is extremely popular thanks to its beautiful mountain range, neighbouring hillsides, and collection of diverse habitats for its local wildlife. Considered the biggest national park in the United Kingdom, it’s easy to get lost in the fascinating wilderness and remote atmosphere of the area. Even if you’re not a visiting movie enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in the national park.
Cairngorms is a real treat for holidaymakers and glampers alike. Families love to spend their time on dedicated footpaths, cycling trails, and climbing spots. Some of the rivers and lakes are also open to adventurers who want to go boating or canoeing during the summer. The good news is that Cairngorms is open all year long and eagerly accepts visitors even during the winter season. In fact, most of Scotland’s ski resorts are located within the national park, providing access for holidaymakers who want to go skiing or dig deeper into winter sports!
Final Thoughts
The United Kingdom is a haven for film enthusiasts and it’s easy to see why. From the famed Scottish Highlands to the very heart of London, you’ll find the place filled with Hollywood hotspots. History buffs are in for a treat as they wander through the halls of Highclere Castle or Hatfield House. Meanwhile, city dwellers can find hidden gems among the streets of Notting Hill or Gabriel’s Wharf in London. If you want to take your adventure further, you can visit the sweeping hillsides of Cairngorms in Scotland or the mystical woodlands of Ballymoney in Northern Ireland. No matter your taste in movies, you’ll discover plenty of exciting locations to visit in the UK!
Featured Image: “Leadenhall Market”, by Diliff, licensed under CC BY 2.5