The 11 Best TV & Film Locations in the UK

The UK is well-known for producing world-class cinema and TV, using a range of diverse filming locations across Great Britain. We’ve compiled an ultimate list of the 11 best filming locations to visit in the UK.

1. Notting Hill, London

Quintessentially English and widely recognisable, Notting Hill (particularly Portobello Road) features in countless UK films, including Paddington (2014), Paddington 2 (2017) About Time (2013), Love Actually (2003) and of course the well-loved classic romcom, Notting Hill (1999). The trendy district is home to a bustling market, a collection of vibrant independent shops and countless bars and restaurants. Cherished by locals and popular amongst tourists, taking a stroll through Notting Hill offers a truly unique and authentic glimpse into London life.

Nearest campsite: Walton on Thames Club Site

2. Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

Stunningly charming and steeped in rich history, Alnwick Castle features as the iconic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two Harry Potter films: Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002). You can also spot Alnwick Castle in two Downton Abbey Christmas specials, in which fans will recognise it as “Brancaster Castle.”

Enjoy a stroll through the grounds, browse the museums or learn more about Alnwick Castle’s film and tv appearances on a guided tour. There is also a chance to enjoy a spot to eat at the castle's restaurant or café.

Nearest campsite: Dunstan Hill Club Site

3. Malham Cove, North Yorkshire

Carry on the witchy fun by grabbing your broomsticks and flying to Malham Cove, which was used as a filming location in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010), during a scene where Harry and Hermione camp out to avoid the Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort.

A tourist magnet in its own right, this spectacular cove is a must-see attraction. Following Malham circular route, you will also see Gordale Scar, a glorious gorge tucked away beneath the overhanging cliffs. The trail also takes you past Janet’s Fosse, an enchanting waterfall that cascades into a dazzling emerald pool at the foot.

Nearest campsite: Clitheroe Club Site

4. Glen Coe and Glen Etive, Scotland

If you’re a fan of iconic secret agent 007, you’ll recognise Glen Coe and Glen Etive from Skyfall (2012), where James Bond takes a trip back to where it all began, reconnecting with his Scottish roots and visiting his old family home, Skyfall Lodge. Glen Coe and Glen Etive were featured in plenty of these scenes, with the beautiful backdrop of Scottish Highlands making them so picturesque.

James Bond fans come from all over to drive down the iconic Glen Etive road and visit Buachille Etive Mor, one of the most photographed mountains in Scotland.

Glen Nevis also features in 1995 cult classic Braveheart, renamed as “Lanark”, the fictional town where young William Wallace lives.

Nearest campsite: Glencoe Club Site

5. Northern Ireland

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is one of the most successful fantasy series of all time (let’s not mention THAT finale) and up to 25 locations featured in the series were filmed in Northern Ireland. We’ve whittled down our favourites that you can visit to give you a taste of being part of the Seven Kingdoms.

• Castle Ward  - Enjoy a guided tour round Castle Ward, which was used for filming Winterfell scenes in season one.
• The Dark Hedges  - Haunting and atmospheric, the Dark Hedges is a path decorated with beech trees and is one of the most popular landmarks amongst tourists on the Game of Thrones map. Take a drive down the path that Ned Stark and Arya Stark both grace in season one.
• Cushendun Caves  - The ancient Cushendun Caves attracted a surge in tourist popularity after season two of Game of Thrones came out, where they are featured in a memorable opening scene with Sir Davos Seaworth, Lady Melisandre and the birth of the scary shadow baby. You can walk around Cushendun Caves in about 15-20 minutes and it's completely free to visit.
• Ballintoy Harbour  - Ballintoy Harbour was used as a filming location when Theon Greyjoy travels through the port town Lordsport on his way to Pyke. Spend a day at the idyllic Ballintoy village and harbour, immersing yourself in the GoT world.
• Game of Thrones Studio Tour - Situated at Linen Mills Studios in Banbridge, explore Game of Thrones like never before and step behind the scenes of the Seven Kingdoms on a tour of the studio.

Nearest campsite: Delamont Country Park

6. Brecon Beacons, South Wales

Henrhyd Falls in Brecon Beacons is featured as the entrance to Batman’s famous hideout in the 2012 film The Dark Knight Rises. Explore the beautiful waterfall and enjoy free parking too!

Nearest campsite: Rhandirmwyn Club Site

7. Hatfield House, Hertfordshire

Hatfield House has featured in an extensive range of films, including: Batman (1989), Batman Begins (2005), Enola Holmes (2020) and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). Hatfield House also features in some scenes as the regal Buckingham Palace in popular TV series The Crown.

You can book in advance to have a tour of Hatfield House and the woodlands walk and park are open to visitors each weekend.

Nearest campsite: Hertford Club Site

8. Cardiff

Doctor Who

As much of Doctor Who is filmed at BBC Wales Studio in Cardiff Bay, there are plenty of locations in Cardiff and nearby that you may recognise from the fan-favourite TV show. We’ve listed a few that you can visit:

• Southerdown Beach aka Dunraven Bay  - Doctor Who fans will recognise Southerndown Beach as Bad Wolf Bay. Enjoy a stroll down the stunning shingle beach and soak in the breathtaking views.
• National Museum of Wales  - This museum is used as a filming location in a number of Doctor Who episodes, including: ‘The Big Bang’, ‘Dalek’ and ‘Voyage of the Damned’. You can enjoy an exciting day-out at the museum exploring beautiful art galleries or check out an exhibition there (make sure to look online to see what events they have on).
• Chepstow Castle  - The beautiful Chepstow Castle sits proudly above the River Wye and has been home to pretty scary monsters in the Whoniverse. Popular fantasy series Merlin also used Chepstow Castle for some of its filming locations.
• Saint Mary Street  - St Mary Street is one of the busiest streets in Wales and you can enjoy a day-out here shopping and eating. The street has been previously used as a filming location for Doctor Who scenes, including episodes ‘Rose’ and ‘The Christmas Invasion’. 

Nearest location: See a list of our member-exclusive sites

9. Royal Crescent, Bath

Bath is well known for its stunning architecture and widely considered the most beautiful town in the UK. One of Bath’s most popular filming locations for period dramas is The Royal Crescent, a row of 30 terraced houses in a crescent. Netflix historical-drama series Bridgerton features The Royal Crescent in several scene-setting shots, and The Duchess (2008) starring Kiera Knightley also uses this picturesque location to film scenes.

Nearest campsites: Devizes Club Site

10. Bourne Wood, Surrey

Located near Farnham, Bourne Wood has beautiful views over the surrounding pine forests. This location has been used for a number of iconic films including Gladiator (2000), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (2010), Transformers 3 (2011), Wonderwoman (2017) and War Horse (2011). It also features in popular Netflix shows The Witcher and The Crown.

Calm and beautiful, Bourne Woods is the perfect hiking destination to enjoy the breath-taking scenery.

Nearest campsite: Horsley Club Site

11. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

Often referred to as “the jewel in the Peak District’s crown” it’s no wonder the beautiful Chatsworth House is a well sought after filming location in the UK. The house has been used for both the Pride and Prejudice film (2005) and the BBC TV series (1995). You may also recognise this beautiful location from The Duchess (2008) and The Wolfman (2009).

Chatsworth House is a great family day out, you can enjoy a relaxing walk on the grounds and take photographs of the idyllic setting. There is a woodland park that is great for kids as well as a farmyard with plenty of adorable animals. Have a spot to eat at any of the two restaurants or cafés that are on offer and take a visit to the farm shop selling fresh produce. There is also a selection of talks, tours and workshops being hosted at Chatsworth House regularly, with more information on the Chatsworth House website.

Nearest campsite: Bakewell Club Site