Lights, Camera, Action: Unveiling the UK’s Iconic Filming Locations
Attractions | Events | Outdoor Activities | Pub | Pub Accommodation | Uk Pubs | Posted 2023.12.18
Do you ever find yourself wishing your life could be a movie? There’s something quite magical about stepping into a scene where your favourite film or TV show could come to life. While I can’t promise you Hollywood glamour, I can offer you an exciting journey through the heart of Britain, uncovering iconic filming locations.
From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the picturesque Cornish landscapes, Great Britain serves as the enchanting backdrop for some of the most unforgettable movie moments. Whether you’re a fan of classic rom-coms, heart-stopping thrillers, or epic superhero sagas, the United Kingdom has been a stage for them all.
Join me in this exploration of famous movies and television series, uncovering the stunning, iconic filming locations that played a pivotal role in creating cinematic magic. We’ll also guide you on where to stay nearby, ensuring your adventure is as memorable off-screen as it is on.
So, grab your popcorn, settle into your favourite spot, and let’s embark on a journey through the iconic settings of the United Kingdom.
Wonka
The Iconic Filming Location: Lyme Regis, Dorset
The Wonka movie, which premiered on 8 December 2023, is a captivating spin-off from Roald Dahl’s renowned work, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”. The movie follows the story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician, and chocolate maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.
As a filming location for a segment of the movie, the production company opted to feature the historic Cobb at Lyme Regis. In the opening scenes of the Wonka movie, one of Willy Wonka’s cargo ships docks in this picturesque harbour on Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast. To transform the setting into an atmospheric wintry scene, the production team used a snow machine, props, and an old wooden-style house set.
Pubs nearby
The Royal Lion
The Royal Lion Hotel sits moments from the spectacular Dorset coastline, in the seaside resort of Lyme Regis. Located on the Jurassic Coast, the pub has 30 characterful en-suite bedrooms, including good options for families and guests looking to book a single, double, or twin room. There is a swimming pool and jacuzzi for guests to enjoy and a popular restaurant serving seasonal pub classics.
Find out more and book The Royal Lion
The Rock Point Inn
The Rock Point Inn sits in a breathtaking position beside the harbour in the unspoilt seaside resort of Lyme Regis. The pub has nine stylishly decorated en-suite bedrooms, many of which overlook the sea, and some of which are dog friendly. Dubbed the “Pearl of Dorset”, Lyme Regis is blessed with serene bathing waters and sandy beaches, on the Jurassic Coast at the Dorset-Devon boarder.
Find out more and book The Rock Point Inn
Bridgerton
The Iconic Filming Location: Castle Howard, North York
Bridgeton is an Emmy-nominated TV drama created by Shonda Rhimes based on the bestselling romance novels by Julia Quinn. Set during the Regency era in England, the series follows the lives and love stories of the Bridgerton family’s eight children.
In season one, after their wedding, Simon and Daphne move into the fictional Clyvedon Castle – whose façade, entrance hall, and grounds were filmed at Castle Howard, in the heart of Yorkshire.
One notable location within the estate is the Temple of the Four Winds, featured in the show when the Duke and Duchess defy societal expectations associated with their newfound roles. Seeking refuge from a sudden downpour during an evening stroll, the couple stumbles upon the Temple, an 18th-century folly used for ‘refreshment and reading’.
Pubs nearby
The Talbot
The Talbot is a historic 17th century coaching inn, situated at the gateway to the foodie town of Malton, on the edge of the North York Moors. Their 26 en-suite bedrooms are traditional, stylish and comfortable. Malton is renowned for its artisan food scene, food tours, cookery school, markets and festivals. For the ultimate luxury book their deluxe four-poster suites.
Find out more and book The Talbot
The Durham Ox
The Durham Ox is an award winning, dog friendly pub who showcase the best local produce, stock an extensive range of wines and cask ales and offer 5 star accommodation. Crayke is a charming, picturesque hill-top village two miles north-east of the market town of Easingwold.
Find out more and book The Durham Ox
Peaky Blinders
The Iconic Filming Location: City of Birmingham
This popular 1920s post-war English crime series follows Thomas Shelby and his family who run the most feared and powerful local gang, the Peaky Blinders. Named for their practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, they make money from illegal gambling, protection, and the black market.
Writer and creator Steven Knight based Peaky Blinders on his parents’ stories of growing up in Birmingham in the 1920s. This epic gangster drama first aired in 2013 and has run to five series, with the sixth series currently in production.
It is said that before filming Peaky Blinders, the Irish actor and main protagonist Cillian Murphy was taken to The Garrison Pub in Birmingham to get a feel for the local area and to perfect his accent. This pub featured a lot in the early days of the show as a favourite drinking location.
You can join the official Peaky Blinder Walk in Birmingham which takes you past other iconic filming locations in the city, like the Rainbow Pub, The Bull Ring, Rackhams and the Great Western Arcade.
Pubs nearby
The High Field
The High Field is a popular gastropub who serve delicious seasonal food and an eclectic drinks choice. Next door, located in their Victorian Villa you will find 12 beautifully designed, air conditioned en-suite bedrooms. Leafy Edgbaston is an affluent Birmingham suburb with a multitude of attractions on their doorstep including, The Botanical gardens, Edgbaston Stadium and Symphony Hall.
Find out more and book The High Field
Harry Potter
The Iconic Filming Location: Lacock, Wiltshire
The Harry Potter movies, originating from J.K. Rowling’s debut novel ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’, unveil the captivating tale of an orphaned young boy who possesses magical abilities.
The subsequent books and highly popular films follow Harry on an awe-inspiring journey, chronicling his evolution from boy to adult within the hallowed halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
The National Trust’s Lacock Abbey was used as a film location for the fictional boarding school, its historic walls echoing the magic that unfolded within. And Lacock, a 13th-century medieval market town near Bath, became a recurring muse for numerous scenes in the Harry Potter film series.
Pubs nearby
The George Inn
The George is a historic dog freindly pub dating back to 1361, situated in the pretty National Trust Villahe of Lacock. Step inside and you will find original exposed beams, a medieval fireplace, cosy nooks and crannies and congenial hospitality. They have two comfortable bedrooms and are ideally situated as a base from which to explore Lacock Abbey, Stonehenge and Castle Combe.
Find out more and book The George Inn
The Red Lion
The Red Lion sits proudly in the 13th century National Trust village of Lacock and is conveniently located between Chippenahm, Melksham, Bath and Swindon. This Georgian pub has oodles of charming character, a large open fireplace and flagstone floors. Upstairs there are five comfortable bedrooms, making them the perfect base from which to explore Stonehenge and the North Devin Coastal Path.
Find out more and book The Red Lion
The Avengers
The Iconic Filming Location: Norwich, Norfolk
The Avengers, a blockbuster series of Marvel movies, invites audiences into the extraordinary lives of Earth’s mightiest superheroes who unite to safeguard the world from evil villains. From the technological genius of Iron Man to the god-like power of Thor, and the strength of Captain America, The Avengers blend their strengths and talents to create a formidable alliance against the forces of darkness.
The University of East Anglia’s art gallery, the Sainsbury Centre, features prominently as the Avengers’ headquarters and has evolved into a must-visit destination for tourists exploring Norwich.
Pubs nearby
The Georgian Townhouse
The Georgian Townhouse is a hidden city oasis and one of Norwich’s best kept secrets. Set right in the heart of the city, they have 22 boutique bedrooms, luxurious apartments and a delightful walled garden. They serve some of the best, regional food and drink and Norwich Railway Station is just over a mile away.
Find out more and book The Georgian Townhouse
The Kings Head
The Kings Head is an award-winning gastropub who received the accolade “Pub of the Year 2023” at the Norfolk Food & Drink Awards. The pub has six boutique en-suite bedrooms and two self-catering apartments. The picturesque village of Bawburgh which has its own golf course, is five miles from Norwich city centre, with good access to the University of East Anglia and the Norfolk Showground.
Find out more and book The Kings Head
Pride and Prejudice
The Iconic Filming Location: Chatsworth, Derbyshire
Jane Austen’s romantic masterpiece Pride and Prejudice follows a family with five daughters who will not inherit their family’s estate entailed to the nearest male relative. The Bennet family’s future depends on one of the daughters to marry a wealthy man who can provide for the other four sisters.
At the heart of the 2005 film adaptation are Elizabeth Bennet (played by Kiera Knightley) and rich aristocratic landowner Mr. Darcy (played by Matthews McFayden). Chatsworth, the Grade 1 listed home to sixteen generations of the Devonshire family is used in the film as Mr Darcy’s residence. The grand staircase and ceiling of the Painted Hall and the Sculpture Gallery with its remarkable collection, are particularly memorable settings.
Pubs nearby
Devonshire Arms at Pilsley
The Devonshire Arms at Pilsley sits in the heart of the Chatsworth Estate in one of the Peak District’s most charming villages. Step inside and you will find a pub with oodles of charm and character delicious food, excellent ales, and country styled bedrooms including rooms suitable for dog friendly stays. Pilsley is a pretty village with magnificent views over the Derwent Valley.
Find out more and book Devonshire Arms at Pilsley
Devonshire Arms at Beeley
The Devonshire Arms at Beeley sits in a cosy corner of the Chatsworth Estate, and perfectly blends and idyllic village setting with contemporary comfort. This traditional English pub has an award winning restaurant and 18 beautifully furnished bedrooms, including good options for guests looking to book a stay with their dog. Beeley is a picture perfect village about six miles from Bakewell.
Find out more and book Devonshire Arms at Beeley
Downton Abbey
The Iconic Filming Location: Highclere Castle, Hampshire
Downton Abbey, a captivating British historical television drama series, was created and co-written by Julian Fellowes. The series, set on the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey between 1912 and 1926, portrays the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their domestic servants in the post-Edwardian era.
Throughout the drama, viewers witness the profound impact of significant historical events on the characters’ lives and the evolving dynamics within the British social hierarchy during this transformative period.
Highclere Castle, a beautiful Grade I listed country house near Newbury originally built as Highclere Place House in 1679, is used as the Downton Abbey estate. This magnificent building with an estimated 300 rooms and its 1000 acres of parkland is featured throughout the series.
Pubs nearby
The Carnarvon Arms
The Carnarvon Arms sits in rolling hills on the Hampshire-Berkshire boarder within the North Wessex Downs. Dog and family friendly, the pub is close to Highclere Castle, the real life setting of Downton Abbey, and and 15 minute drive from Newbury Racecourse. Choose from 18 cosy bedrooms, each of which has a classic countryside vibe. Book a stay and enjoy a menu packed full of pub classics.
Find out more and book The Carnarvon Arms
The Jack Russell Inn
The Jack Russell Inn provide luxurious and cosy, dog-friendly accommodation together with local food that celebrates great British produce. They focus on the conversation of the outstanding natural beauty and wildlife of the surrounding areas, and have 11 bedrooms with stunning views of the surrounding estate. Faccombe sits on the Hampshire/ Berkshire border about eight miles from Andover.