Film scouts always have an eye for a beautiful backdrop, so it’s no surprise that these iconic UK filming locations also happen to be some of the country’s most spectacular places. Historic castles, picturesque fishing villages, secluded beaches and awe-inspiring mountain ranges all look great on camera – and even better in real life. Check out our pick of some of Britain’s best-known on-screen settings and get ready for your close-up.
Head for Hogwarts in the North
Keepers Cottage Lemmington Estate, Northumberland (Left) | Teal House Learchild, Northumberland (Right)
Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral
Still waiting for your Hogwarts letter? The wait is over when you visit Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, which had a starring role as Hogwarts School in the first two Harry Potter movies. Harry learned to play quidditch in its Outer Bailey, where you can sign up for your own broomstick flying lesson today.
Not far away, the secluded walkways of Durham Cathedral were also used as a backdrop for scenes in the first two movies, while its Chapter House was Professor McGonagall's classroom. It’s free to enter, but we recommend you book a cathedral tour to get the full experience.
A Real-Life Downton
Northbrook Arms, Hampshire (Left & Right)
Highclere Castle, Hampshire
Pull on your white gloves, straighten your tie and step straight into an authentic period-drama location with a trip to Highclere Castle, where Downton Abbey was filmed. The castle – and its stunning grounds – is open for tours and events throughout the year. Pre-booking is essential.
Britain's Most-Filmed Heritage Set
Surrey Hills Holiday Cottages, Surrey (Left & Right)
Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
This riverside landmark has featured in more than 300 film productions over the last 100 years, making it the UK’s most filmed heritage location. Book a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the leading UK filming locations to see why its iconic architecture and expansive grounds have landed it so many starring roles. Highlights include the magnificent Painted Hall, featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, and the Chapel of St Peter & St Paul, where Colin and Penelope wed in Bridgerton.
The Bond Backdrop
Culdee Cottage, Scotland (Left) | Greengairs Highland Bothies, Scotland (Right)
Glencoe and Glen Etive, Scotland
Who can forget the scene in Skyfall where James Bond’s Aston Martin speeds through the mountains, moorlands and huge skies of the Scottish Highlands? Follow the A82 in the direction of Glencoe’s rugged peaks, looking out for the pull-off area near Glen Etive road, where you’ll find the famous viewpoint that featured in the movie. Take the Glen Etive road to enjoy 12 miles of cinematic scenery, ending at Loch Etive.
The Hogwarts Express Crossing
Gask House, Scotland (Left & Right)
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Drive a little further north up the A82 and you’ll reach Fort William. Here, you can jump aboard the Jacobite steam train (aka the Hogwarts Express). The scenic train ride to Mallaig takes in the Glenfinnan Viaduct and runs seasonally. ScotRail also operates a regular train service that takes the same route.
Doc Martin’s Harbour
Trevorrick Farm Cottages, Cornwall (Top) | Rooke Cottages, Cornwall (Right)
Port Isaac, Cornwall
For a dose of Doc Martin’s Cornish charm, head to Port Isaac – surely one of the prettiest UK filming locations ever to be captured on camera. This Cornish fishing village doubles as Portwenn, with harbourside locations fans will recognise. Tours are available in season.
Coastal Crime Drama
Dove House & Swallows, Dorset (Left) | Champernayes, Dorset (Right)
Broadchurch's West Bay, Dorset
“Amazing” and “idyllic” – just two of the words Broadchurch star Olivia Colman used to describe the towering cliffs of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast while filming the ITV crime drama. The village of West Bay near Bridport was the real-life setting of the fictional village. Discover key landmarks as you follow the Broadchurch Trail.
The Seven Kingdoms
The Cottages, Ireland (Left & Right)
Northern Ireland's Game of Thrones Trail
Step into the seven kingdoms with a Game of Thrones official studio tour. This interactive experience is located at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, County Down, 30 minutes from Belfast and 90 minutes from Dublin. Expand your Northern Ireland adventure to include visits to iconic Game of Thrones filming sites such as the spectacular “Dragonstone Cliffs” in Fair Head, County Antrim, and Pollnagollum Cave in Belmore Forest, Country Fermanagh – Beric Dondarrion’s hideout in season three.
Head West to Westeros
Porth Hir, Anglesey (Left) | Top of Wales, Anglesey (Right)
Anglesey, North Wales
Anglesey’s beautiful beaches made a stunning backdrop for scenes in the second and third seasons of House of the Dragon, which were shot on location in north Wales. Nearby, two former Welsh quarries – Trefor and Dinorwig in Gwynedd – were used for exterior shots of the Dragonstone and Harrenhal castles.
Bonus For Potterheads
The Rookery, Wiltshire (Left & Right)
Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire
The medieval cloisters of Lacock’s abbey as well as its historic village streets have been used in multiple wizarding scenes in the Harry Potter franchise. Combine a trip to this National Trust-owned village with wider Wiltshire exploring.
Plan Your Screen-Inspired Stay
Portwenn to Westeros in one weekend? It’s possible to explore several UK filming locations on one long weekend break. Head to Cornwall, for example, where as well as exploring the world of Doc Martin, you can also visit Bodmin Moor, home of the swashbuckling Poldark. Head still further south to visit House of the Dragon filming locations including Holywell Bay, Kynance Cove and St Michael’s Mount. In between, retreat to your cottage to relax between scenes. Browse our cottage collection by region to plan your trip.
Ready to Book Your Film-Location Getaway?
Premier Cottages’ four- and -five star cottages make perfect bases for exploring these famous film locations in the UK. Whether a trip to Downton or Dragonstone is on your bucket list, book your perfect cottage holiday at premiercottages.co.uk.