Choose park
Check in
Check out
Guests
Check in/out
Guests
Search
The top 20 famous film locations in the UK
Since the early years of the entertainment industry, the UK has served as one of the best places to shoot movies. With its rolling countryside, dramatic coastlines, and bustling city streets, you’ll find so many famous film locations in the UK. And what’s more, you can visit some of them on your next UK holiday.
It wouldn’t take long to look through some of your favourite films and TV shows to find some great film locations in the UK. Whether it’s an action blockbuster or a classic rom-com, the UK provides some of the best scenery to really bring a film to life. And these locations across Britain are just waiting for you to visit, so you can walk in the footsteps of your favourite heroes, villains, detectives, wizards, heartthrobs, and much more.
Why not take a visit to Highclere Castle, featured in Downton Abbey, or explore the valley of Glen Nevis from Braveheart? Plus, there are plenty of great shows and films set in Cornwall to explore all at once on a holiday trip. These top 20 famous film locations in the UK promise you a chance to turn your life into a movie, and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
The best UK filming locations to visit
There are plenty of UK filming locations where you can experience the magic, heartbreak, action, and mystery of your favourite movies and TV shows in real life. Here are some of our favourite choices for famous film locations in the UK to visit:
1. Highclere Castle, Hampshire – Down
Where better to start than with a location for one of the most beloved and iconic TV shows in the UK? Of course, we’re referring to Downton Abbey, and the beautiful Highclere Castle where it was filmed.
Upon visiting the magnificent Highclere Castle, you’ll notice that it’s easily recognisable from the TV series – from the exterior of the castle itself to the state dining room and scenic gardens. This Victorian castle has stunning architecture and impeccably maintained grounds that make it one of the most visited famous film locations in the UK.
Also, if you’re staying at Sandy Balls Holiday Park, you can drive to Highclere Castle in only around 55 minutes.
2. Dartmoor National Park – Sherlock
If you want to explore the mysterious and the atmospheric, then you should definitely take a trip down to Dartmoor National Park in Devon, which provided the perfect setting for the BBC series, Sherlock in its episode titled, The Hounds of Baskerville.
This is arguably Sherlock Holmes' most famous case, featured in the novel series, the TV series, and the 1983 movie (which also had scenes shot in Dartmoor). Visitors can explore the same misty moors and rocky tors that created such a memorable backdrop for Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of the famous detective.
3. Winchester Cathedral – The Crown
When it comes to TV show sets and famous film locations in the UK, The Crown has some of the best. One particularly scenic location which you can visit is Winchester Cathedral. A visit here can have you and your loved ones feeling like royalty, as you explore the stunning cathedral.
This location has featured prominently in Netflix's royal drama, being the perfect stand-in for historical events that took place in St Paul’s Cathedral, being portrayed on screen. This includes various notable ceremonies such as Winston Churchill’s funeral and the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
4. St Andrews, Fife – The Crown
Another famous filming location in the UK for The Crown is in the Scottish coastal town of St Andrews – St Andrews University. This location is actually portraying itself in the series, since it’s famous for being the university where Prince William met Kate Middleton in 2001.
Find out moreThe historic university buildings and windswept beaches create a timeless atmosphere, and you can take a loved one here to explore the very location where a royal romance began – and even bring a sense of romance to your own trip.
5. Goathland Station - Harry Potter
If you want to enter the wizarding world of Harry Potter, then why not take a trip down to North Yorkshire and visit Goathland Station? Fans of the movie franchise will instantly recognise this spot as Hogsmeade Station, where witches and wizards arrive to start their school year at Hogwarts.
This charming railway station in the North Yorkshire Moors remains largely unchanged since its magical appearance in the films, so it’s still just as magical as the first time you saw it. Steam trains still run regularly, offering visitors a chance to experience their own wizarding journey, and make memorable moments on their staycation.
6. Castle Howard – Bridgerton & Garfield
Take a trip to Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, a stunning 18th-century residence that has served as a backdrop for multiple TV shows and famous film locations in the UK. The castle’s ornate architecture and extensive grounds make it one of the most versatile famous film locations in the UK.
Most recently, the castle was used as the Duke of Hastings' home in Bridgerton, a popular period drama that’s taken over screens across the nation. The young kids and animation lovers among you may also recognise this spot as the castle that was ruled by the mischievous Garfield in Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties.
Also, if you’re staying at Woodland Lakes Holiday Park, you can reach this great castle in around a 45-minute drive.
7. Lyme Park – Pride and Prejudice
If you have a soft spot for British romance dramas, then you’ve most likely seen – or at least heard of – the iconic Pride and Prejudice. If you have, then you’ll be pleased to know that the particularly iconic scene of Mr Darcy emerging from the lake was filmed at the elegant Lyme Park estate in Stockport.
Find out moreThe house and gardens remain virtually unchanged since Colin Firth's memorable performance, so it should definitely be on the itinerary for anyone who wants to see scenes from the BBC’S Jane Austen adaptation come to life.
8. West Bay, Dorset – Broadchurch
The dramatic cliffs of West Bay in Dorset became a fitting scene for an equally dramatic TV show, Broadchurch. The scenic cliffs played a crucial role in creating the tense atmosphere that lasted throughout the show, and many memorable scenes were shot right on the clifftops.
Visitors can walk along the same Dorset beach where David Tennant and Olivia Colman's characters solved their compelling mysteries.
The New Forest, Hampshire – Robin Hood
This ancient woodland of the New Forest provided the perfect setting for the adventures in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, which was one of the forest’s first major film productions.
You and the family can take time to explore the same paths and glades where Kevin Costner's character roamed, and feel like heroic thieves on a mission of your own – though, thankfully, without the threat of the Sheriff of Nottingham.
10. Notting Hill, London – Notting Hill
When it comes to the best famous film locations in the UK, you can’t ignore the great city of London. There have been so many great productions filmed in this city, and to this day, it remains an ideal location for movies and TV shows.
One location in particular, Notting Hill, is a famous filming spot for – you guessed it – Notting Hill. Fans can still seek out the famous blue door of William Thacker’s flat, as well as the ‘Travel Book Shop’ (which is actually a gift shop in real life) that gave the area its romantic charm.
The colourful houses and charming streets of this London neighbourhood have also been a part of Paddington, setting the scene for the iconic British bear’s mishaps and adventures.
11. King’s Cross, London – Harry Potter
All aboard ‘Platform 9¾’! Another fantastic filming location in the UK for the Harry Potter series was King’s Cross station in London. This is where the kids boarded the train to Hogwarts through a magical brick wall, and there’s still a sign for Platform 9¾ at the station today.
As well as this, you can visit this station and feel like you’re stepping into some action, since this location was also present in one very tense scene from Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation. The fantastic station a must-visit famous film location in the UK for all ages.
12. Nant Gwynant – King Arthur
Visit the stunning North Wales valley of Nant Gwyant, which provided the backdrop for Guy Ritchie's King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. You and the family can explore this location that brought the Arthurian legend to life, and admire the dramatic landscapes and misty mountains.
Also, if you’re staying at Barmouth Bay Holiday Park, you can drive to this location in around only 50 minutes.acking your walking boots? If so, the Purbeck Way West Route will be linked here, so you can begin to plan your journey!
13. Doune Castle – Game of Thrones
The medieval stronghold of Doune Castle is a must-visit location in Scotland, if you want to see some memorable TV show and famous film locations in the UK.
This spot has played multiple roles across different productions, including Winterfell in Game of Thrones, to Castle Leoch in Outlander. You’ll also catch this castle in the hilarious Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Its well-preserved architecture makes it one of Scotland's most versatile filming locations.
14. Rosslyn Chapel – The Da Vinci Code
The ornate Rosslyn Chapel gained worldwide fame in 2006, after its appearance in The Da Vinci Code. Its intricate carvings and mysterious symbolism were fitting for the thriller movie, and to this day, it continues to draw visitors interested in both its architectural beauty and alleged secrets.
When visiting, you can also view the Da Vinci Code display, which honours the famous film that was shot in the chapel.
H3 15. Glen Nevis – Braveheart
The dramatic Scottish valley of Glen Nevis served as the backdrop for many battle scenes in the iconic movie Braveheart.
The stunning scenery remains virtually unchanged since Mel Gibson's epic was filmed here, and you can still wander across the rolling hills and imagine what it was like to film those tense battle scenes back in the 90s.
TV programmes and films set in Cornwall
There are many great famous film locations in the UK, but if you’re looking to see as many as you can on one break away, then you should consider a trip to Cornwall. There are plenty of TV shows and films set in Cornwall that you could visit on a weekend break, for example:
16. Botallack Mine, Cornwall – Poldark
The rugged Cornish coastline and historic engine houses of Botallack Mine created the perfect setting for the dramatic world of Poldark.
You can take a trip down to see these preserved industrial sites that offer visitors a glimpse into Cornwall's mining heritage. And if you’re staying at St Ives Bay Holiday Park, you’ll be only around a 35-minute drive away.
17. Jamaica Inn, Cornwall – Jamaica Inn
The historic Jamaica inn is a location that’s riddled with ghost tales and scary stories – mostly due to it being the famous setting for Daphne du Maurier's novel.
The inn still welcomes guests today, and the atmospheric moorland location continues to capture the imagination of visitors and filmmakers alike.
18. Newquay, Cornwall – The Witches
Another great famous film location in the UK, and specifically Cornwall, is Newquay. This town served as the primary location for the 1990 adaptation of Roald Dahl's The Witches, particularly the Headland Hotel.
The town’s grand Victorian architecture and coastal setting make it one of Cornwall's most distinctive famous film locations in the UK.
19. Porthpean House – About Time
The beautiful coastal property of Porthpean House served as the family home in Richard Curtis's time-traveling romantic comedy, About Time, and you can visit this spot on your next break away.
You can explore the stunning sea views and period features that continue to charm visitors and remind them of this heartwarming movie.
20. Port Isaac, Cornwall – Doc Martin
Better known to viewers as Portwenn, Port Isaac is a lovely fishing village that has become synonymous with the popular TV series, Doc Martin. Its narrow streets and harbour views represent the quintessential Cornish coastal village culture.
You can walk in the footsteps of the iconic British doctor, and if you’re staying at Retallack Resort, you can reach Port Isaac in only 30 minutes.
Make your next holiday feel like a movie with the top famous film locations in the UK
Visiting these famous film locations in the UK offers you a unique way to experience both the magic of cinema and the country's rich heritage. Your next UK holiday will be filled with adventure, mystery, and comedy, as you explore your favourite locations from the big screen.
From historic castles to dramatic landscapes, each location tells its own story while providing a tangible connection to beloved films and TV shows. You’ll also get the chance to make your own new memories and special moments with your loved ones.
Whether you're a dedicated film buff or simply looking for interesting places to visit, these locations offer something for everyone. So, get ready to bring your beloved TV shows and films to life!