There’s something magical about visiting a location that’s immortalised in a popular movie. Walking around the same places that the actors did, I’m sure you’d replay the best parts of the movie in your mind.
Visiting film locations in the UK is a wonderful experience. Lots of movies and TV shows take place in the scenic towns of England.
There’s so much to see, from Lacock Abbey, where Harry Potter was filmed, to Castle Ward, the backdrop of Game of Thrones intrigue, and many more cinematic sets to explore.
Whether you’re a film aficionado, a history enthusiast, or someone who loves exploring new places, these destinations are truly exceptional.
So why not let the silver screen inspire your next journey in the British Isles? Let’s dive into my pick of the best UK film and TV locations for your next holiday destination.
Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
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1. Bath: Bridgerton
The Netflix sensation, Bridgerton, has taken the world by storm, and much of its charm comes from its Regency glamour.
The Georgian architecture of Bath is the perfect backdrop for this 19th-century drama, and it’s just as breathtakingly beautiful in real life.
As you walk around the city, I’m sure you’ll find the familiarity of its sites endearing.
The most iconic is the Royal Crescent, which is a semi-circular arrangement of terraced houses.
It’s the Featheringtons’ home in the show, and also a picturesque place you can wander around for hours.
The Assembly Rooms, where the show’s ballroom dances were filmed, have a rich history as well.
Historically, they were used as a gathering place for the town’s elite. It was a social club for the aristocrats, the wealthy, and the famous.
Dickens, Jane Austin, and many other 19th-century celebrities were regulars there!
2. Lacock Abbey: Harry Potter
The dark corridors of Hogwarts, where Harry Potter and his friends learned, played, cried, and fought trolls, were all inside Lacock Abbey.
Professor Snape’s Potions classroom, with its magnificent arched windows, can also be found here.
The 13th-century building was initially a nunnery, but it was later converted into a residence, during the reign of Henry VIII.
The Abbey is certainly interesting, but it’s not the only attraction in Lacock.
The National Trust has preserved the whole village, and many of the cottages there date back to the 18th century, some even earlier.
The village also has some amazing tea rooms and pubs. You don’t want to miss the 14th-century little pub, George’s Inn, with its massive fireplace and timber roof.
3. Highclere Castle: Downton Abbey
Downton Abbey has made both Highclere Castle and the charming village of Bampton quite popular. Understandably, they’re now marked on many tourists’ maps.
The award-winning show, which came out in 2010, tells the story of the Crawley family and their household.
Much of the filming was done between the castle and the village.
I love the historic feel of these places and you can really imagine yourself amidst the drama of Downton Abbey itself.
4. Castle Ward: Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones fans know Castle Ward as the location of Winterfell, the ancestral home of House Stark.
This historic yard was used extensively in the pilot episode to pull the viewers into the story’s mood. Having made the right impact, the Castle continued appearing in much of season one.
Northern Ireland is famous for its castles, and Castle Ward of County Down is one of the most popular.
This 18th-century mansion is quite peculiar: one side of it is built in the Palladian architectural style, while the other is clearly Gothic.
Many believe it was the result of the contradictory views of its owners; Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor, and his wife, Lady Ann Bligh.
The estate offers various Game of Thrones experiences for visitors and fans.
My favourite is the archery game in the recreation of the Winterfell Archery Range. You can dress up in characters’ costumes, and shoot an arrow, just like the Starks!
5. Edinburgh: One Day
The 2011 romantic drama, One Day, must’ve left millions of viewers with teary eyes and heavy hearts, as they followed Emma and Dexter’s heartbreaking story.
The happy and sad moments of the movie, and all the memorable places the lovers went to, were in the scenic streets of Edinburgh.
The city’s historic architecture and unique landscapes were the perfect backdrop for David Nicholls’ intensely emotional novel.
The pivotal moments of the movie, like climbing Arthur’s seat, or walking along Victoria Street, are definitely worth revisiting and recreating.
If you’re planning to visit Scotland’s capital, check out my guides before you go:
- 18 best luxury hotels in Edinburgh
- 16 magical Harry Potter things to do in Edinburgh
- 12 cosy cafés in Edinburgh
6. Birmingham: Peaky Blinders
The Peaky Blinders gang are often seen roaming the streets of Birmingham, with their cunning leader, Tommy Shelby, fronting the action.
The cinematography of the 2013 British television series focuses heavily on the location, so you can get a real glimpse into the sets used for the series.
I recommend a walk around the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, where you can get a peek into the industrial heritage of the West Midlands.
In Birmingham, you can take a ‘Peaky Blinders’ tour, and see up close the jewellery quarter.
You can also visit the real Garrison Pub – but a little heads up, it might be a bit different from the on-screen presentation.
7. St Michael’s Mount: House of the Dragon
The Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon, came out in 2022. The series is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones and covers a period of about 30 years.
Then, the events of the Game of Thrones start unfolding.
The show is filmed in some stunning locations, but the most breathtaking is St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall.
It’s a tidal island with a medieval castle at its heart, and that’s what the show visualised as the fictional Driftmark; the seat of House Velaryon.
At low tide, you can take a walk along the causeway, and when the tide is high, a boat ride would be amazing.
8. Port Isaac: Doc Martin
In 2004, The TV drama Doc Martin came out, and people everywhere followed the chronicles of the antisocial surgeon, who left London for the quaint little village of Portwenn.
In reality, Portwenn is the fishing village of Port Isaac in Cornwall.
I love walking around the narrow streets of this charming and unbelievably beautiful place. Let me tell you, it needs a lot of manoeuvring to go about the winding ways!
The village’s whitewashed cottages and rugged coastline are fascinating. But the highlight of the tour is Fern Cottage, which is known to the show’s fans as Doc Martin’s surgery.
9. York: Gentleman Jack
Gentleman Jack is a historical drama that premiered in 2019, and it chronicles Anne Lister’s intriguing life.
The story takes place in Halifax, Yorkshire, in the 1830s, and it’s easy to see why it captures that vibe.
Take a walk around the Shambles and the York Assembly Rooms, and you’ll see how extremely well-preserved these locations are.
If you go to Yorkshire, make sure to visit York Minster, which is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe.
This city’s rich history shows relics of the Romans, the Vikings and the successive rulers who came after them.
10. Dublin: Normal People
While technically not in the UK, I couldn’t resist including this one as I loved the tumultuous love story of the TV drama Normal People.
The events unravel in the fictional town of Carricklea, in County Sligo, Ireland. The series captures the youthful energy, timeless charm, and historic grandeur of Dublin.
The highlight of exploring Dublin is Trinity College, where the lovers study.
Wander around the Old Library’s Long Room, and I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s one of the most beautifully designed libraries you’ve ever seen.
To enrich that visit even more, you can explore the Temple Bar area, with its cobbled streets and friendly pubs.
And if you have a literary streak, you can check out Davy Byrne’s Pub, which appears frequently in James Joyce’s ‘Ulysses’.
Have you visited any of these UK film and TV locations? Let me know if any have inspired your next getaway!
For more UK inspiration, you may also like:
- 30 ideas for your UK travel bucket list
- 12 must-visit hidden gems in the UK
- 12 amazing foodie breaks in the UK
- 10 romantic getaways in the UK
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