From dramatic coastlines to imposing architecture, it’s often the scenery of our favourite flicks that make them so special. Take a look at some of our favourite UK TV and film locations to visit where you can follow in the characters’ footsteps.
Bath – Bridgerton
Transport yourself to an era of regency with a promenade around the city of Bath, one of the primary filming locations of Netflix’s Bridgerton. Being a small city, it’s perfect for a self-guided walking tour: visit the Featherington house at No. 1 The Royal Crescent before heading to the Modiste (Abbey Deli to the locals). Cross Pulteney Bridge and follow Great Pulteney Street to be greeted by Lady Danbury’s grand mansion.
Soak up the sophistication in Abbey Green square or the famous Bath Street, both frequent backdrops to some of the most iconic scenes, including the Duke of Hastings’ dramatic horse-back entrance.
More info: www.visitbath.co.uk
Stay nearby: Fairleigh Road Camping, BA2 7NG
Scotland – Harry Potter
Potterheads will recognise this dramatic scenery from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, when Ron and Harry are in Weasley’s flying car. The pair soar over Glenfinnan Viaduct, which spans 1000 feet and sits 100 feet above the ground. In the third instalment of the iconic series, the train is stopped over the viaduct by Dementors.
Head to the visitor centre where there is a short walk to panoramic views of the site. For an extra magical day out, catch the Hogwarts Express (The Jacobite to locals) from nearby Fort William that takes you all the way across the viaduct.
More information: https://www.nts.org.uk
Stay at: Linnhe Lochside, PH33 7NL
Cornwall – Poldark
In 2015, the brooding Ross Poldark rode across the Cornish coast and onto our screens. The series of Poldark follows a host of characters living through love, loss and war in 1783, all unfolding amongst captivating Cornish scenery.
The Penwith Heritage Coast and surrounding areas are to thank for the stirring setting. Although Poldark’s Nampara is fictional, head to Botallack Mine to see ‘Wheal Leisure’, the Poldark family business, and the famous Crowns engine houses perched on the cliffs. Nearby is Porthgwarra Beach, the backdrop for many scenes including a fan-favourite in which Demelza watches Ross swim from the cliffs above.
Get more Cornish campsite ideas in our guide to the best motorhome sites in Cornwall.
More information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/botallack
Stay at: Tower Park, TR19 6BZ
Country Antrim – Game of Thrones
The captivating mediaeval drama, Game of Thrones, takes place in mythical Westeros which is actually a jigsaw puzzle of stunning locations across Europe. It’s not hard to see why Northern Ireland is among them, with its spectacular coastline, mountains and glens. In County Antrim, the harbour town of Ballintoy became the Iron Islands, home of Theon Greyjoy, while the atmospheric Dark Hedges in nearby Ballymoney featured in season two.
A half an hour drive west you’ll find the striking Cushendun Caves, used as the backdrop for the Stormlands and the setting for several iconic scenes.
If you want to take a tour to the area, our guide to the best motorhome sites in Northern Ireland is well worth a look.
More information: www.visitbelfast.com
Stay nearby: Bush Caravan Park, BT57 8UJ
Yorkshire – The Secret Garden
Staying true to its roots – if you’ll pardon the pun – both the 2020 and 1993 versions of The Secret Garden feature Fountains Abbey near Ripon. Sitting next to the picturesque Studley Park, the ruins of the mediaeval abbey provided the exterior of Misselthwaite Manor in the original adaptation.
In the modern remake, the abbey’s ruins take centre stage, having been transformed into a vine-covered paradise complete with sunken pools. The UNESCO World Heritage site dates back to 1132 and has acres of gardens, riverside walks and follies to explore, as well as the stunning ruins themselves.
More information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Stay nearby: Woodhouse Farm, HG4 3PG
Hampshire – Downton Abbey
If you’ve ever watched enviously as the Crawley family of Downton Abbey enjoy their lavish home, don’t worry – now you can get a slice of the aristocracy first-hand. Wander through the hallways, dining room, drawing room and library of the show’s most iconic backdrop, Highclere Castle. Set within 1000 acres of parkland and gardens, the beautiful castle-cum-stately home was built as Highclere Palace in 1679.
Today, it has been restored to the elegance and grandeur of its heyday, hosting the Downton Abbey series and films. You can follow the footsteps of Dame Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville with a guided tour, special event or general admission.
More information: https://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/
Where to stay: Oakley Farm Caravan Park, RG20 0LR
Dorset – Broadchurch
Before The Favourite there was Broadchurch, one of Olivia Coleman’s defining roles played alongside David Tennant and Jodie Whittaker. Fans of the crime drama will know that the landscape of the series is part of what makes it so special.
Take yourself around the Broadchurch Trail, which stops off at 10 locations within walking distance of each other. You’ll stop off at stunning sites like West Cliff, Jurassic Pier and the Harbour Cliff Beach, recognisable from the dramatic first episode. See if you can spot DI Hardy’s blue beach shack on the banks of the River Brit when you’re walking around West Bay.
If you’re thinking of visiting the area, you can also take a look at our best motorhome sites in Dorset guide for more inspiration.
More information: www.visit-dorset.com
Stay nearby: Highlands End Holiday Park, DT6 6AR
Shere – The Holiday
Christmas may be a way off but if you want an early festive fix, visit the village of Shere in Guildford. After a house-swap holiday, Cameron Diaz finds herself in the tiny village for the holidays. Catch a train from London Waterloo and be in the idyllic Surrey gem in just over an hour to explore the quaint shops and charming pubs, set near the River Tillingbourne.
Make sure to drop by The White Horse, where Jude Law and Cameron Diaz have a romantic lunch. The village church of St James also features in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason when Renee Zelweger’s parents renew their vows.
More information: www.visitsurrey.com
Stay nearby: Horsley CCC Site, KT24 6PE
Liverpool – The Batman
Not only is Liverpool bursting at the seams with history and culture, it’s now the backdrop for the newest Batman film. Opposite Liverpool Lime Street Station is St George’s Hall, a neoclassical Grade I listed building that doubled as Gotham City Hall for the stylish funeral scene.
Gotham General Hospital was hosted by the Walker Art Gallery and the Waterloo Memorial statue can be spotted in the Halloween market scene. The city’s iconic Royal Liver Building was transformed into Gotham City Police Department, while the grand neo-Grecian County Sessions House became Gotham Courthouse.
More information: www.visitliverpool.com
Stay nearby: Flukers Brook Farm, L34 7HB
Guildford – Gladiator and more
Spanning 400 acres of Surrey countryside, Bourne Woods have been a popular filming location for some epic films of recent years. In this ancient woodland, Daniel Radcliffe was chased by snatchers in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow: Part 1 while Scarlett Johannson and co fight their way through the woods in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
The area is also favoured by Oscar-winning director Ridley Scott who chose the location for two of his films. The imposing landscape is the perfect stage for Russel Crowe’s bloody victory in Gladiator and the muddy WW1 trenches of War Horse.
More information: https://www.forestryengland.uk
Stay nearby: Old Barn Farm, GU30 7SY
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