From the iconic Hogwarts Express to the scenic backdrops of Game of Thrones, the UK is home to some of the most popular television and movie filming locations. Thanks to its versatile architecture and unique landscape views, the UK has offered plenty of locations for classic movies and TV series.
So, why not step onto the sets of your favourite scenes by visiting some of the most recognisable filming locations in the UK? It’s time to discover some great places to visit in Great Britain and the UK that have graced the silver screen.
Downton Abbey: Highclere Castle
Fans of Downton Abbey will relish taking a stroll through immaculate Highclere Castle. Located in Hampshire, the 5000-acre estate and stunning castle can be recognised from afar. Built in the Victorian era, the building is currently home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, whose family have lived on site since 1679.
You can get to this attraction in two and a half hours from our port in Dover and just under two hours from London. If you choose to visit this Downton Abbey location and grab a visitor ticket, you can wander through the castle on a guided tour and experience Downton Abbey sets first-hand. Be sure to enjoy a peaceful stroll in its gardens and stop off for a traditional English tea in the café located there.
Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express: Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland
There aren’t many trains as majestic as the Hogwarts Express; Potter fans will love visiting this iconic Harry Potter film location in Scotland. The railway line seen in the famous Harry Potter films is actually called Glenfinnan Viaduct.
It is immediately obvious why this Scottish railway destination was chosen as the Hogwarts Express. Its unique design featuring twenty-one beautiful arches makes the Glenfinnan Viaduct truly stand out and look as magical in person as it does on the big screen.
On a visit to this Harry Potter location in Scotland, you can experience what it’s like to be on board a Jacobite steam train and take in the sight of vast glens from the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint. Driving to this filming location from Edinburgh takes just under 4 hours!
Bridgerton: Royal Crescent in Bath
Up next, we have one of the much-loved Bridgerton’s filming locations. The Royal Crescent in Bath is one of the city’s most striking landmarks.
This impressive Bridgerton backdrop consists of thirty terraced houses facing the beautiful Victoria Park. The building is one of the most outstanding examples of Georgian architecture to be found in the UK, so it comes as no surprise that this filming location is a popular choice for period dramas.
You can reach Bath in just a three hour drive from Dover Port and soak up its rich heritage, architecture and iconic Roman baths.
Game of Thrones: The Kingsroad in Northern Ireland
Our next famous UK film location is The Kingsroad in Northern Ireland, which serves as the recognisable ‘Dark Hedges’ backdrop from everyone’s favourite series – Game of Thrones.
Walking through the enchanted arched branches that intertwine above your head is one of many reasons that this spot is a must-visit Game of Thrones location.
This destination brings the Game of Thrones setting back to life – so be sure to take your own photographs in front of the emblematic backdrop. You can reach this area in just under a three-hour drive from the heart of Dublin city centre. There is plenty of Game of Thrones tours not far from Dublin that you can visit during your stay too!
Peaky Blinders: Liverpool
Lovely Liverpool made multiple appearances in BBC’s hit series, Peaky Blinders. Many of the towns in the region were chosen as Peaky Blinders filming locations thanks to their rich industrial character and historic canal networks. From the Stanley Dock area to instantly recognisable warehouses used as sets in the series, Liverpool is certainly worth a visit if you are curious to explore more Peaky Blinders locations!
Outlander: Midhope Castle as Lallybroch in Scotland
Tucked away in the outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland, you’ll find the 16th-century Mildhope Castle, fictionally known as Lallybroch Castle from the popular period drama Outlander. Mildhope is one of many castles in Outlander that are featured in some of the series’ most iconic scenes. The hidden fort can be found about 4 kilometres west of South Queensferry, less than 10 miles away from Scotland’s capital.
The Outlander film location is surrounded by local farms, which you may see on your walk to the site. Along with Mudhope Castle, Scotland is home to many other filming locations of the much-loved scenes, including palaces and town squares, so be sure to check them out while you’re there!
Doctor Who: Dyffryn Gardens in Vale of Glamorgan in Wales
Our next pick is the beautiful Dyffryn Gardens in Wales, as seen in the much-loved Doctor Who series. The spectacular location is made up of stunning botanical gardens in the Vale of Glamorgan, where the 18th-century Dyffryn house stands. It was used for filming a variety of fan favourite episodes, from David Tennant’s Girl in the Fireplace to Peter Capaldi’s Deep Breath.
You can visit this Doctor Who filming location in just a seven mile journey from Cardiff. There are plenty of activities to enjoy – from berry picking to great art exhibitions!
The Crown: Wilton House in Wiltshire
Experience true royalty by paying a visit to one of The Crown’s filming locations. Built on the ground of the medieval Wilton Abbey, Wilton House is located near Salisbury in Wiltshire, just around three hours from Dover.
If you watch The Crown, you will have noticed the double cube room of Wilton House that serves as the backdrop for many of its episodes. Be sure to book a tour ticket in advance so you can visit the house and grounds for yourself!
Wilton House is one of the most popular British filming locations in the UK for period dramas due to its prestigious architecture and regal interiors; along with The Crown, it has also been seen in other iconic TV shows and movies such as Bridgerton, Emma, Tomb Raider and many more.
Star Wars in The Lake District, Cumbria
Lastly, the picturesque Lake District in Cumbria is seen in the world-renowned film series Star Wars. This peaceful reserve was used as a set for some action-packed scenes from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Derwentwater and Thirlmere are two of the most recognisable Star Wars filming locations in Lake District National Park so be sure to stop off if you’re a fan of the series.
You can get to this destination in just under three hours from Edinburgh and Lake District National Park is perfect for a peaceful getaway surrounded by mountainous valleys and unique market towns nearby so why not make it part of your next holiday in the UK!
