East Midlands film and TV itinerary 

From underground film screenings to sipping tea in quaint tearooms, the pretty village of Castleton and the surrounding area is a real gem. Located in the heart of the Peak District National Park, explore Norman castle ruins, hike in a dramatic limestone gorge, as seen in in House of the Dragon (2022 –) and The Princess Bride (1987 ), and treat yourself to a traditional pub lunch. The river winding past the village stone houses makes for the perfect snapshot, too.

Millions of years in the making, this underground cave is filled with magnificent stalagmites, vast grottoes and even a unique indigo-coloured mineral called Blue John. Whether you explore its depths on a self-guided audio tour or search for your own precious piece of Blue John on a mining experience (or both!) you’ll see the Peak District from a whole new perspective. Don’t miss the amazing views and cakes at Café on the Cliff, too. Above ground, look out for Targaryens roaming the rugged rocks where scenes from the Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon (2022 –), were filmed.

It’s hard to believe that this narrow valley in the Peak District was once a coral reef – 350 million years ago! It proved a fittingly dramatic setting for a scene in the House of the Dragon series one finale (2022), and you'll also recognise it from cult classic The Princess Bride (1987). Take a stroll from the nearby village of Castleton to see the unusual landscape for yourself. 

This award-winning pub brings the past bang up to the present. Set within Jane Austen's stomping ground, the Derbyshire Dales, you can just imagine Mr Darcy galloping past the window as you tuck into to your lunch and pint. Britain’s fifth oldest pub, this 12^th century building has been restored to its former glory. With a home-from-home vibe, meet the friendly locals and enjoy the best produce that that Derbyshire has to offer. Taking in weary travellers for over 800 years, book an overnight stay and get the whole traditional British inn experience. 

Amid the Georgian splendour of Buxton Crescent (whose architecture is reminiscent of Bath city), this freshly renovated hotel features an extensive hydrotherapy complex. Here you can bathe in Buxton’s natural thermal spa mineral water, unwind in the infrared sauna, breathe deep in the salt cave and swim in the rooftop pool. As for accommodation, take your pick from a stylish collection of rooms and suites. 

Follow in the footsteps of Tom Cruise and the Mission: Impossible team, who visited Stoney Middleton to film a heart-stopping train plunge for Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One (2023). Follow the village trails to discover its heritage treasures, and explore the nearby limestone crags – bring binoculars to spot the abundant local wildlife. 

One of Britain’s grandest stately homes, the beautiful Chatsworth House sits in a 400-hectare (1,000-acre) park in the Peak District. Discover the stunning home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, also known as Pemberley in Pride & Prejudice (2005).

You might recognise this magnificent medieval and Tudor stately home: it has starred in Pride and Prejudice (2005), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and The Princess Bride (1987), plus three film adaptations of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. With its incredible architecture and sumptuous interiors, there is much to admire here – plus a year-round calendar of live music, seasonal festivals and craft markets. Explore deeper on a candlelit tour, and enjoy afternoon tea in the restaurant. 

Found in the Peak District National Park, this quaint stone-clad town will leave a lasting memory. Stroll through its winding streets and pop into shops selling local fair. Try delicious treats at the farmers market and take part in the Bakewell Carnival and one of the oldest agricultural events in Britain, the Bakewell Show. Thought to have inspired Jane Austen’s town of 'Lambton' in Pride and Prejudice, step into real-life period drama territory. Base yourself here for adventures in the surrounding area, including hikes and mountain biking. Fun fact: the famous Bakewell Tart is rumoured to have been created by accident (the best kind of accident in our opinion). 

For a traditional Sunday Lunch experience, the Ashford Arms is just the ticket. After day of exploring, settle in to refuel at this award-winning country pub which creates dishes from locally sourced ingredients; think heritage brewers and nearby farms. Country walks and Chatsworth House are on the doorstep, plus you can get to know the friendly locals over a pint. It’s so homely in fact that you’ll not want to leave. Lucky then that you have nine cosy guest rooms to choose from. 

For countryside rambles and wildlife watching, the beautiful valley of Dovedale is just the ticket – and has walking trails for every ability, including some wheelchair-accessible sections. Stroll beside the meandering River Dove, and cross the water on the ‘stepping stone’ bridges, before climbing to the summit of Thorpe Cloud – a mighty limestone peak. Look out for herons and moorhens while you explore. Recognise the landscape? Natalie Portman was spotted filming here for The Other Boleyn Girl (2008). Dovedale also features in the TV screening of Jane Eyre (2006). 

Nestled within a limestone valley, Matlock is known for its hydro and spa treatments. Pull up a chair in a local café and watch the world go by at this pretty market town. One and a half miles (2 km) down the road is Matlock Bath. This town is like a trip to the seaside minus the sea, or the beach for that matter. It boasts quirky local shops, the Heights of Abraham cable car for epic views and hikes, cavern tours, adventure playgrounds and cracking fish and chips. Known as ‘little Switzerland’, both are popular bases for exploring the Peak District National Park.

Take a cable car to the popular Peak District attraction, Heights of Abraham, a 60-acre hilltop park and caverns. Sitting above the pretty town of Matlock Bath, enjoy an al fresco meal and take in the spectacular views or explore the hilltop village.

Nestled on the eastern edge of the Peak District National Park, this small family-run business has been making small-batch wines and cider since 2012. Working in harmony with the local landscape, Amber Valley Vineyards works with nature aiming to increase biodiversity. With tastings, tours and the chance to stay the night in a cosy cottage, leave the rat-race behind and get set to sample some top-notch tipples. 

Dust off your broomsticks and take a tour of Hardwick Hall, the exterior of which featured as Malfoy Manor in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) – with a little help from some CGI. Tour this Elizabethan house, packed with plush furnishings and tapestries, then get your walking shoes at the ready for the woodland family trail. Look out for locally sourced goodies in the gift shop and the seasonal menu at the restaurant. Mary Queen of Scots (2018) also filmed around the exterior of the hall. 

This 18th-century manor house was designed to leave guests speechless, with its gleaming Marble Hall, extravagant interiors and abundant antiques collection – filled with treasures from South Asia, India and the Middle East. Outside, it is just as magnificent: those imposing neoclassical columns overlook 800 acres of woodlands, meadows and gardens, for long walks and wildlife watching galore. Look out for the secondhand bookshop in the stable yard. No stranger to the big and small screen, Keira Knightley filmed scenes for The Duchess in the drawing room and in the grounds. Look out for scenes in other productions, include The Legend of Tarzan (2016) and TV’s Jane Eyre (2006).

Delve into over 300 years of innovation and creativity with exhibitions, workshops and events. Discover how Derby silk shaped the future of the city and county and explore vast collections including displays of mill machinery. 

Towering over the city, Derby Cathedral’s treasures include Bess of Hardwick’s ornate tomb and the wrought-iron Bakewell Screen. Guided tours are available to fully immerse yourself in the building’s rich history, and a varied programme of events, from photography exhibitions to organ recitals, provides year-round entertainment. Birdwatchers: bring your binoculars, as the cathedral’s tower is home to a family of peregrine falcons.  

Revisit Derby’s Roman, Saxon and industrial past on this fascinating trail. Highlights include St Alkmund’s Well, dedicated to a Saxon saint, and the Roman site of Derventio

There are plenty of flavours to get stuck into at this monthly street food market. On the last weekend of each month, Bustler Market comes to life with live DJ sets, arcades, scrummy food, craft beer and more. Plus, you can get your teeth stuck into vintage fairs, big BBQs and festivals throughout the year. 

Since opening in 2023, Electric Daisy community garden has put itself on the map thanks to a buzzing programme of events, open days and workshops. Past gatherings at this urban oasis include free music festivals, sports viewing parties and even a Caribbean carvery, while regular weekly and monthly events include open mic nights and children’s stay-and-play sessions.

Calling all Batman fans! Welcome to ‘Wayne Manor’, where the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises (2012) was filmed. This stately home is just as spectacular in real life, and is home to Nottingham’s Natural History Museum – alongside ghost tours, outdoor cinema and more. Did you know that The Princess Switch 2 (2020) was filmed here, too? 

Learn about Nottingham’s history from the man himself, Robin Hood (well, Ezekial Bone to be exact). Uncover the cities past and present on this cultural romp through the eyes of one of its most fantastical figures. But was Robin Hood fact or folklore? Decide for yourself.

Myths, legends and real-life history: Nottingham Castle has it all. Made famous by the Robin Hood stories and films, it dates back to the 11th century and is packed with things to do. You’ll entre the castle through an atmospheric underground tunnel and emerge into the mysterious world of Robin Hood. Learn the art of archery, discover secret tunnels, catch outdoor theatre shows and art exhibitions. 

Did you know that Nottingham is home to Britain’s biggest network of caves? There are 800 in total, with a fascinating history hidden below the city: over the years, they’ve been used as everything from a medieval tannery to a Second World War air raid shelter. Step inside for the city's hidden history, right under your feet.

Nestled at the foot of Nottingham castle and jutting out of a sandstone cliff, Ye Old Trip to Jerusalem is in the running for one of England’s oldest inns. This ancient pub has many a tale to tell with cellars and hidden caves beneath. King Richard the Lionheart and his men were said to have gathered here prior to setting off on the crusades in 1189AD, hence the name. The incredibly long history aside, find a cosy nook inside, or perch at the bar, and settle in for a pub lunch, pint, and chat with the friendly locals.  

Take a spin on an Olympic-sized ice rink, at the home of the Nottingham Panthers ice hockey team. As well as lessons for all abilities and ages, the National Ice Centre hosts everything from skating disco nights to Christmas-themed events and fun children’s sessions. Give one of the ice sports like speed skating or ice hockey a try, right in the centre of Nottingham.  

Perched high on a hill with spectacular views across the surrounding countryside, this castle is a familiar sight to viewers of The Crown (2016–2023) or The Da Vinci Code (2006). Explore the current castle and gardens, dating from 1832, built on the site of an original castle from the 11th century.

Soaring through central England, the Great Central Railway is the only place in Britain where you’ll see two full size steam engines passing each other on the tracks. And what’s more, you could be shovelling coal into the fire of one of them. Offering both steam and diesel driving experiences, you’ll learn from experts as you travel down the tracks and go full steam ahead. A shining example of times gone by, the railway and steam trains have featured in more than 20 films and television shows. To name a few, Loughborough station can be seen in The Crown (2016 and 2017), also the 2001 film Enigma starring Kate Winslet. While the movie Stan and Ollie (2018) was filmed onboard one of the steam trains.
 

Experience the journey from Bosworth Battlefield to King Richard III's final resting place, discovered under a car park 527 years later in the city centre of Leicester. Through detective work, modern science and sheer determination, the team behind this historic find bring to life the story of finding King Richard III and the events surrounding his death. The film The Lost King (2022) details the extraordinary tail of how amateur historian, Philippa Langley, defied the odds to find King Richard's remains.

Head to the multi-award-winning National Space Centre for an out of this world experience. Through six galleries and the UK's largest domed planetarium, explore all things space-related, including a rocket tower, satellites, meteorites and more. See the spacesuit that Matt Damon wore in the film The Martian (2013). You can also book get tickets for a screening of the movie like no other – on the big screen of the planetarium itself.

Triumph’s origins date back to 1883, with the first motorcycle built in Britain in 1905; enthusiasts will love this factory tour and visitor experience. The exhibition proudly details the brands evolution, with Triumph at the Movies showcasing an extensive collection of bikes that have graced the big screen. Look out for the Triumph Tiger 900 and Scrambler 1200 that featured in James Bond’s No Time to Die (2021). Plus, other big screen-bikes as seen in Jurassic World (2015) and the Mission: Impossible franchise. 

It’s one of Formula 1’s standout circuits, with corners like Maggotts, Becketts and Chapel that have been etched into racing legend. But don’t worry if you missed out on tickets to the British Grand Prix, because there’s so much to do at Silverstone all year round. Take your seat in a single-seater for an epic lap around the Stowe Circuit, as seen in the upcoming F1 movie starring Brad Pitt, then step into motorsport history in the Silverstone Museum. Other screen accolades on this iconic track include Drive to Survive (2019–)  and James Bond, Thunderball (1965).

Step into a time capsule with a tour of this well-preserved English stately home and ground. Resembling the French palace of Versailles, the house stepped in as a filming location for Ridley Scott’s Napoleon. It’s also featured in the 2013 film adaptation of Les Misérables. Located just out of Kettering, enjoy exhibitions and explore the gardens and surrounding landscape. Plus, check out The Stableyard tearooms, gift shop and second-hand book shop.  

Set within a 10,000-acre estate, Castle Ashby Gardens boast 35 acres of gardens, including the Italian Garden and Orangery. Families will love the menagerie with cute critters, marmosets and meerkats, and the children’s play area, too. Go at your own pace on the nature trail in the Arboretum, and do you recognise the interior of the greenhouse? Yep, it was part of Riza’s (Rebecca Ferguson) castle in the Hollywood blockbuster, Men in Black: International (2019) starring Chris Hemsworth.  

Love Kinky Boots (2005)? Then you’ll love the industrial town of Northampton, the backdrop for the popular movie which also spawned a Broadway hit. Filmed mostly in the now closed Tricker’s Factory in Earls Barton, the film put Northampton on the map. See the film’s famous red thigh-highs in the Northampton Museum & Art Gallery. A five-minute walk away is 78 Derngate, the only house designed Charles Rennie Macintosh (its actually located at number 82 but who’s counting). Experience the Royal & Derngate Theatre and Northampton Filmhouse, meet the locals at Market Square selling home-grown produce, and get active rafting down the River Nene. Plus, F1 lovers will love a visit to Silverstone, a short drive out the town.