Kent and Sussex film and TV itinerary

Spend a memorable day out at the famous Dreamland amusement park in Margate, on the Kent coast. Have a spin on the Ghost Train and the Helter Skelter, enjoy its classic rides, watch a band, skate back in time in its retro roller-disco, or catch an art installation – there’s something for every member of the family at this fun beachfront location. Did you know the roller-disco and other Dreamland amusements were featured in Empire of Light (2022)? Margate is the star of Sir Sam Mendes’ touching drama, starring Olivia Colman and Micheal Ward. 

Margate’s Old Town, tucked away from the seafront, is where you’ll find its independent shopping, arts and foodie scene. These cobbled streets transport you back to its Victorian heyday, but what’s on offer today is bang up to date: think hip coffee shops with seats spilling onto the pavements, and cute galleries showcasing up-and-coming creatives. The Mayor’s Parlour, part of the former Town Hall, doubles as a doctor’s office in Empire of Light (2022). 

No trip to the Kent seaside is complete without a dip in the sea, and you’ll be spoiled for choice by Margate’s sandy beaches. Main Sands is a short walk from the Old Town. Even when the tide is in, there is plenty of golden sand for building sandcastles. On a rainy day, take shelter at one of the delightful cafes that line the seafront – Dory's is a top tip for seafood lovers. Look out for this stretch of coast in Empire of Light (2022). 

Decorated with an incredible 4.6 million shells, this spectacular underground hideaway has to be seen to be believed. It was discovered by accident in 1835, and nobody knows its origins. Was it a temple? A rich person’s folly? Enter the tunnels and decide for yourself.

This cutting-edge modern gallery sits right on Margate’s beach, featuring famous artists and new talents alike. It’s the driving force behind the town’s vibrant regeneration, and hosts an ever-changing line-up of exhibitions and creative workshops. Tickets are free. 

2025 marks 250 years since the birth of the gallery's namesake, JMW Turner, and a year-long programme of events is celebrating his legacy. Admire his remarkable oil sketch, Waves Breaking on a Lee Shore at Margate (Study for ‘Rockets and Blue Lights’) at the gallery from April 2025 to April 2026. 

Top-notch English sparkling wine meets French savoir-faire at Domaine Evremond, the fruits of a partnership between France’s Champagne Taittinger and British wine specialists Hatch Mansfield. Discover what makes Kent’s terroir so special on a Tasting and Domaine Tour, where you’ll sample two glasses of the Domaine’s first-ever Classic Cuvée, and explore the vineyards and winery. Short on time? Book the Classic Cuvée Tasting instead, where you'll stick to the winery.  

Leeds Castle is jam-packed with things to do: from an adventure golf course to a bird of prey centre and outdoor art sculptures. Once a palace for Henry VIII, this 900-year-old castle is full of historic artworks and treasures. Mystery-lovers: the race is on to complete this intricate maze of yew hedges in the grounds of 12^th-century Leeds Castle. Your prize for making it to the centre is a visit to the magical underground grotto, whose walls are lined with legendary creatures.   

Voyage to one of Britain’s historic docklands for a snippet of Georgian life in Kent. The Dockyard is a must-visit for TV fiends and history buffs, setting the scene for Bridgerton (2020–), Call The Midwife (2012–) and Sherlock Holmes (2009), as well as playing an important part in historic battles and wars. Now you can lift the curtain on over 40 years of filming on the Dockyard’s Film Location Tour. It’s your backstage pass to this real-life movie set, taking you behind the scenes to areas not normally open to the public. You’ll also hear from Dockyard crew who’ll reveal some screen secrets.  

If spirits are more your thing, we’ve got you covered. Take a tour of Kent’s artisan spirits producer, Copper Rivet Distillery, in Chatham’s Historic Dockyard. The innovative distillery uses local grain to produce gins, whiskies and vodkas from farm to bottle. Take a tour and see how the distilling process works, try your hand at creating your own blend and have a taste test. 

Experience the sights and smells of a steam train on an adventure through the Sussex countryside. Hop aboard the Bluebell Railway’s vintage carriages for a relaxing ride from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead. Fancy something a bit different? Join a fish and chip supper evening for the ultimate in meals on wheels, or dress up for a night of Poirot-style high-jinks on a murder mystery evening. Downton Abbey fans – stop off at Horsted Keynes Station, which doubled as Downton station in the hit period drama.

The Battle of Hastings may have happened almost 1,000 years ago, but the story of the Norman invasion is kept alive at Battle Abbey. The ruins of the abbey are ripe for exploring and are said to mark the exact spot where King Harold died, nearly a millennium ago. Dive into the abbey’s history at the gatehouse exhibition, before taking a stroll through the Victorian walled garden. Young adventurers will love the wooden playground, with its huge ox and climbable barrels.  

Stroll along Britain’s highest chalk sea cliff for top-notch views of the English Channel. Wheelchair users will love the views from the Peace Path, a 750m accessible circular route from the main car park. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), Beachy Head hosted the Quidditch World Cup here – and if you’re quick enough, you might spot the Golden Snitch! You’ll also recognise it in James Bond outing The Living Daylights (1987), where it doubled as the Rock of Gibraltar. If you fancy an action-packed adventure like Bond, why not enter the Beachy Head Marathon in October for a scenic challenge?

There’s (buckets and) spades of fun to be had in the traditional seaside resort of Eastbourne, with its long shingle beach and smart pier. Be inspired by the Towner Art Gallery and its world-class modern art exhibitions, then make for the old shopping streets of Little Chelsea for more galleries, vintage shops and quirky cafes. In 2021, The Crown series five was filmed at the town’s seafront Queen’s Hotel. 

Experience this magnificent stretch of coastline and wildlife haven between Seaford and Eastbourne that forms the Seven Sisters Country Park. Clamber its rolling hills and enjoy heathlands and miles of dazzling white chalk cliffs. Explore its market towns and picturesque villages. Find out about how ancient people from Bronze and Iron Age to Romans thrived here. And be awe-struck by landscapes packed with unique wildlife, including summer meadows teeming with rare birds and wildflowers. Wicked (2024) fans – remember when Glinda arrives at Shiz University? Sorry to break the magic, but that scene was filmed right here at the Seven Sisters’ chalk cliffs.  

Explore Brighton’s beachfront with its iconic pier, colourful beach huts, the Artists’ Quarter galleries, independent traders and Sea Life aquarium. After dark, hit the clubs and bars beneath the Victorian beachfront for cocktails and dancing.

A waterfront playground with a whole lot of tales to tell, Brighton’s Palace Pier is a must-visit in the seaside city. From its Victorian days to modern day eccentricity, there’s entertainment all along the pier. Thrill seekers will love the Turbo Coaster and the Twister VR experience. Or try your luck on the arcade games, to soak up the electric atmosphere at restaurants with unforgettable views. Harry Styles drama My Policeman was filmed here. 

Blink and you’ll miss it: Between 10 and 11 East Street, there’s a curious passageway covered in graffiti and posters. But did you know this unassuming spot, dubbed Quadrophenia Alley, is a place of pilgrimage for fans of Quadrophenia? The 1979 film, based on The Who’s rock opera of the same name, stars Phil Daniels as a young Mod – and if you’re into Mod style, there’s now a dedicated Quadrophenia Alley menswear store at 11 East Street.  

Outside is inspired by Royal India, inside has notes of Chinese opulence, and it’s all wrapped up in decadent Regency grandeur. This 19th-century seaside ‘pleasure palace' in the heart of Brighton is nothing short of dramatic. Built for the future playboy monarch, King George IV, it mashes tradition with eccentricity for an eye-opening visit that shouldn’t be missed. The pavilion makes a cameo in 2022's My Policeman, where it’s the backdrop for a scene between Tom and Marion. 

Shop ’til you drop at the quirky shops inside Brighton’s Lanes. Nestled between North Laine and the seafront, this retail labyrinth is a joy to explore – with eclectic boutiques, sought-after jewellers and art-filled cafes galore.

One of Britain’s oldest theatres, this grand dame of drama has been hosting professional productions continuously since 1807. Drama, musicals, comedy, ballet – it's all here, and more. Lift the curtain on more than 200 years of shows on a backstage tour, where you’ll hear about the great actors who’ve graced this stage. In series one of Bridgerton (2020–), the theatre steps in as a concert hall. Cue the applause. 

Step back in time at Britain’s largest Roman home, which brings history to life. Smell the flowers in the recreated Roman gardens, and pick up a Roman-themed souvenir in the gift shop.

On the fringes of the South Downs, the Tinwood Estate has been producing stellar English sparkling wine since 2007. Join one of its popular vineyard tours to see the wine-making process from grape to glass. You can even book a tour with afternoon tea for a decadent day out. The Vineyard Kitchen dishes up small plates and sharing boards with seasonal ingredients, so you certainly won’t go hungry. Stay in one estate’s smart lodges for vineyard views – they'll even throw in free mountain bike hire for exploring.  

Wander around the magnificent Petworth House, with its art treasures and 700-acre deer park in the South Downs. One of the National Trust’s most popular properties, this vast estate with two lakes and even a cricket pitch was designed by Capability Brown and has glorious views of the surrounding countryside. 

Quaint Arundel’s crowning glory is its castle, with nearly a thousand years of history to its name. The castle’s been featured in Wonder Woman (2017) as the German High Command Post and in The Young Victoria (2009) as Queen Victoria’s royal home. Explore its traditional streets, as seen in Wicked Little Letters (2023) – look out for the high street, Bond Street and Tarrant Street in the film. Visit the town’s museum to find out more about its story and its people, or for outdoorsy fun, head to the nearby South Downs National Park.   

Rewind to the golden age of cinema at the Dome Cinema, one of England’s oldest working cinemas. There’s room for 500 viewers in the glamorous main auditorium, reminiscent of an old-school music hall – which may explain why it doubles as a concert hall in 2022’s My Policeman. The cinema also appears in the Black Mirror (2011–) episode ‘Beyond the Sea’ as a 1950s Californian picture house. Catch the latest blockbusters and look out for special screenings, including those for parents and babies, autism-friendly shows and weekly events for seniors.