
Reel Britain: Explore top documentary film locations
Trip idea
6-7 days
London
Adventure and sport
Arts and culture
Starring Great Britain
History and heritage
Outdoors and nature
Wild landscapes – and even wilder adventures – worthy of a nature documentary? Tick. A fabulous football scene that’s caught Hollywood’s attention? Yup, tick. An outspoken Cotswolds’ farmer putting our produce in the spotlight? Another tick. Britain is a documentary-maker’s dream, with the credits to prove it.
From Clarkson’s Farm to Welcome to Wrexham and the natural world of David Attenborough, channel your inner Louis Theroux on a journey of discovery around Britain. Experience why the country takes a starring role in many enthralling documentaries, while also conducting investigations of your own. Not sure of your specialist subject? Don’t worry, you’ll explore all sorts of interests here.
Dive into London’s musical history and visit spots frequented on screen by Amy Winehouse. Learn the ins and outs of British farming with help from a famous motorhead and get your camera ready for the best of wildlife and nature in our National Parks. Or uncover the Welsh city of Wrexham’s sporting pedigree, thanks to a couple of Hollywood stars…
Explore quirky things to do and interesting days out in Britain in our documentary themed itinerary.
Day 1
London, England
Embark on a journey of musical discovery in London, a city with a star around every corner. From the early days of punk to the studio where The Beatles recorded, music lovers of every genre will want to get behind the scenes here.
See the Statue of Amy Winehouse
- Sightseeing
- 30 mins
- Free
After watching the emotional 2015 documentary Amy, you might feel compelled to pay your respects and learn more about the legendary singer. Her beloved Camden Town in North London is a great place to start, and in the Stables Market you’ll find her life-sized statue. With her characteristic mini dress and beehive hairstyle, it’s instantly recognisable to her fans all around the world.
Take a Rock’n’Roll Camden Walking Tour
- Guided Tour
- 2 hours
The London Borough of Camden has a rich musical legacy, from mods to punks through to gothic rock and beyond. This tour covers decades of music history and the Camden locations that played a part, like music venues, pubs and the eclectic Camden Market. Acts including The Clash and Amy Winehouse considered Camden their spiritual home, so come and discover the place that inspired them.
Shop at Camden Market
- Shopping
- 1-2 hours
- Low budget

Explore London’s alternative side, with live music, street food and the eclectic Camden Market. This neighbourhood has had the spirit of punk at its heart since the 1970s, and you’ll still find this rebellious spirit alive in the shops and pubs that line the main road.
Music history at Abbey Road Studios
- Sightseeing
- 1 hour
- Free

Recreate the Beatles’ famous walk across the zebra crossing, visit the studio shop and sign its graffiti wall.
Listen to live music at The 100 Club
- Performance
- 2-3 hours

London’s legendary 100 Club is famous as the venue of the birth of punk in the 1970s, hosting the likes of the Sex Pistols and The Clash. Now it’s where you’ll find major artists playing secret gigs, at the venue on Oxford St.
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Day 2
Devon, England
Get the cameras rolling for your own wildlife documentary, when you’ll encounter native British species in their natural habitats. Spot roaming ponies in a rugged National Park, ride alongside dolphins on a boat trip and dive beneath the waves of a remote island to meet a colony of grey seals. Sir David Attenborough, eat your heart out!
See Bicton Park Botanical Gardens in bloom
- Sightseeing
- 1-2 hours

This historic garden has a treat for all ages – with a mini railway, countryside museum and wildlife-filled arboretum. The four glasshouses feature plants from all over the world, such as towering palm trees, tropical fruits and Bicton’s very own orchid variety.
Take a Devon Sea Safari
- Experience
- 1-2 hours

Explore the Devon coast a whole new way and take a sea safari, on a boat trip from Teignmouth. Climb aboard a Humber RIB boat and discover a coastline full of history. Take in the spectacular sight of the red sandstone cliffs, caves, quarries and rock formations, as well as marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals.
Spot the fishes at National Marine Aquarium
- Experience
- 2-3 hours

Dive into the UK’s largest aquarium in Plymouth for an underwater exploration like no other. Spy over 4000 sea creatures and take a watery journey through the world’s oceans, from the brisk Atlantic to the colourful Great Barrier Reef. For a full-on immersive experience, pick up a snorkel and head beneath the surface, or dine under the bubbles of the Eddystone and Atlantic Ocean exhibits.
Head out with Exmoor Wildlife Safaris
- Experience
- 2-3 hours

Immerse yourself in Exmoor’s wild landscapes, incredible wildlife and fascinating history on these guided tours, which are hosted by local experts in a rugged Land Rover Defender 110. It really is a safari: you’ll be spotting red deer, Exmoor ponies and rare birds in their natural habitat, with a chance to take breathtaking photos. The experience is suitable for all fitness and mobility levels, and you’ll enjoy a traditional cream tea at lunchtime.
Explore the sea on an Easy Divers Lundy Dive Trip
- Experience
- 2-3 hours

For a dive trip you’ll never forget, try an Easy Divers’ Lundy Island guided seal encounter, departing from Ilfracombe. Suitable for PADI Open Water-qualified divers, this enchanting experience is a wonderful introduction to British diving. It takes place on historic and remote Lundy island, which lies off the coast of North Devon, where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic. The area is renowned for its wildlife.
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Day 3
The Cotswolds, England
Don’t forget your wellies for a quintessential day in the English countryside, as you visit a TV presenter-turned-farmer at his Cotswolds’ estate. Taste the best of British produce before getting up close to nature and some incredible animal species.
Browse Diddly Squat Farm Shop
- Place to Eat
- 1-2 hours
Viewers of the wholesome documentary series Clarkson’s Farm can sample the products of ‘Diddly Squat’ and other local Cotswolds' producers at this adorable shop. After watching former Top Gear host Jeremy struggle to overcome the challenges of a first-time farmer, enjoy the fruits of his labour including his own beer and ‘the best hamburgers in the world’ - a bold claim!
Dine at The Farmer’s Dog
- Place to Eat
- 1-2 hours
A Jeremy Clarkson enterprise, The Farmer’s Dog is more than a pub – it’s a whole gastronomic experience! A classic British boozer at heart but with so much more on offer, The Farmer’s Dog is passionate about local produce, from its restaurant to its meat counter and even the beer and wine selection. With a restaurant, outdoor dining tent and delicious farm shop, you’d better come here with an empty stomach!
Explore Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
- Sightseeing
- 2-3 hours

Where else do rhinos roam on the lawn of a stately home? The Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is one of the best family attractions in the Cotswolds. This unusual and great-fun wildlife park is home to everything from giraffes to lions.
Unwind at Batsford Arboretum
- Sightseeing
- 1-2 hours
- Free

Wander through 60 acres of glorious gardens and woodlands, discovering breathtaking viewpoints, wildlife-filled waterways and vibrant blooms. From the daffodils and cherry blossom in spring, to the blazing maples and horse chestnuts in autumn, every season brings a new spectacle – plus themed workshops and events, such as watercolour painting, photography lessons and trails for children. There is also a gift shop and woodturning studio for unique souvenirs.
Go for Walks with Hawks
- Experience
- 1-2 hours

Want to get up-close with incredible wildlife? This family-run sanctuary is home to hawks, owls, eagles and more – and offers a range of interactive experiences. You’ll learn how to handle and fly the birds of prey, get amazing camera angles as they perch on your arm, and learn more about the remarkable skills of these talented hunters – and their unique personalities. Each tour is tailor-made, and a private photographer is available too.
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Day 4
Breacon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), Wales
Your nature documentary continues, with the next take among the awe-inspiring landscapes of Wales’ Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog). Go birdwatching along forest trails, delve into a fascinating cave system and look to the skies in one of Britain’s best spots for astronomy. You might be lucky enough to spot the Northern Lights!
Unwind in Fforest Fawr
- Sightseeing
- 2-3 hours
- Free

Epic mountain biking, hill hiking, wildlife watching and more: this UNESCO Geopark covers some of the most spectacular terrain in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, and is chock-full of adventures. This landscape is a thrill to explore year-round, from springtime’s wildflower meadows to the snow-capped peaks of winter.
Stroll around Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
- Sightseeing
- 2-3 hours
- Free

Boating, hiking, cycling and wildlife-spotting: this tranquil waterway has it all. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal weaves throughout south Wales, connecting towns and villages through glorious countryside. Maybe you’ll hire a narrowboat for a few days, get close to nature on a cycling trip, or feast on the pubs and cafes that line its banks? For a family-friendly day out, visit Brecon Basin, Llangynidr locks and Goytre Wharf.
Venture into the National Showcaves Centre
- Experience
- 2-3 hours

The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), is one of Wales’ top attractions – with three incredible cave systems, a dinosaur exhibit, Shire Horse Centre and much more.
Be mesmerised by Brecon Stargazing
- Experience
- 2-3 hours

Look to the stars! The conditions for stargazing are so good in Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, that it was designated the first International Dark Sky Reserve in Wales: on clear nights you can see the Milky Way, meteor showers and major constellations. Astronomy hotspots include Usk Reservoir, Llanthony Priory and Hay Bluff – and don’t miss the Welsh Dark Skies Week in February. For beginners and experienced stargazers alike, a group stargazing session at the Brecon Beacons Observatory is a fantastic introduction to these special skies.
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Day 5
Wrexham, Wales
Lace up your football boots to be welcomed to Wrexham, a small city in north Wales with star power. Hollywood celebrities may have thrust it into the international spotlight, but locals have always recognised its brilliance. From a fiercely supported football team to incredible art and food, it’s time to lift the lid on Wrexham.
Catch a match at The Racecourse
- Experience
- 1-2 hours

Visit the football ground that’s at the heart of Welcome to Wrexham (2022–), the story of two unlikely Hollywood actors taking over a Welsh football club. Wrexham AFC play their home games here, so check to see if there’s a match on during your visit – you could be cheering from the sidelines alongside Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney!
Stop for a pint at The Turf pub
- Place to Eat
- 1-2 hours
- Low budget

The go-to spot for Wrexham fans pre- and post-game, you’ll find The Turf next door to The Racecourse and kitted out with football memorabilia and club history. Naturally it’s featured in Welcome to Wrexham (2022–), where viewers were introduced to charismatic landlord Wayne Jones. Who knows, you might be lucky enough to share a pint with some other famous faces here too!
Take a Wrexham Food Tour
- Guided Tour
- 3-4 hours
This city’s more than just football, you know – it's fast becoming a foodie favourite. From cosy gastropubs to international cuisine, Wrexham is full of great places to eat, and you can explore the top spots on this expertly curated food tour.
Get crafty at Tŷ Pawb
- Shopping
- 1-2 hours

Meet local creatives or learn a new skill at this multi-venue cultural space that brings together art, performance, shopping and food. Workshops cover a diverse range of topics, with anything from rooftop gardening to pottery taking place here, while exhibits have a focus on social and community issues. When your thoughts have been sufficiently provoked, head to the food court to try dishes from local traders.
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Key destinations
See why Britain is the real star of the show
See why Britain is the real star of the show
You’ve seen us on screen – now see the star of the show for yourself! Britain is rolling out the red carpet, and you’re top of the guest list.
You’ve seen us on screen – now see the star of the show for yourself! Britain is rolling out the red carpet, and you’re top of the guest list.