Top filming locations: Britain on screen
Take a walk in the footsteps of movie greats and uncover secrets of historic fortresses that set the backdrop for mighty film battles. Get ready to step into a world of film and TV locations across Britain. From Brighton’s shores to Scotland’s countryside taking a starring role in a new thrilling spy drama, there’s loads of movie magic to look forward to.
Whether you’re a movie buff seeking out the stories from the latest releases, or after that picture-perfect pose at the places that play host to your favourite TV show – Great Britain sets the scene to embark on a star-studded adventure.
Glencoe
From Harry Potter to James Bond, Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands is a popular filming location in the UK. See it come to life in 2023 as Indiana Jones returns to the big screen with Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Bullring and Grand Central
This popular shopping and dining destination in Birmingham forms part of the backdrop for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One starring Tom Cruise.
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury
Setting the scene for regal elegance in the likes of The Crown to Cinderella in 2021, Buckinghamshire’s Waddesdon Manor takes centre stage.
Filming locations to visit in Britain
Masters of the Air
From the creative minds of Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg comes this American war-based drama. Airing on Apple TV+ on January 26 2024, Masters of the Air is a TV series that depicts the story of the Eighth Air Force, known as the Mighty Eighth, and their fight against Hitler and Nazi Germany during the Second World War.
The real-life events that inspired the show took place historically across the East of England, specifically Norwich, Ely, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, and the the Broads National Park. Production and filming took place in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, including the city of Oxford, with Austin Butler, Callum Turner and Anthony Boyle in starring roles.
Masters of the Air filming locations in Britain
Aylesbury
Just past the northern reaches of the picturesque Chiltern Hills you’ll discover the Vale of Aylesbury. Its Old Quarter comes alive with history and heritage, from the Old County Hall in Market Square to St Mary’s Church. While nearby Waddesdon Manor is a real showstopper, a French Renaissance-style château built in the 1870s.
Abingdon–on–Thames
Look beyond Oxford, 6 miles south in fact, and you’ll uncover a hidden Oxfordshire gem, Abingdon-on-Thames. With a history from the Saxon era, it holds the title of England’s oldest continuously inhabited town. History buffs will love the late fifteenth century Abbey Gateway, while explorers can hop aboard a self-drive motorboat for a unique way to see this market town.
Didcot Railway Centre
Get an insider look at locomotives at Didcot Railway Centre. From spying Victorian steam powered machines to getting into the controls at The Signalling Centre, there’s over 200 years of railway history to discover. Hailed as the ‘Living Museum of the Great Western Railway’, join a Discovery Day for a journey through the original 1932 Engine Shed.
Argylle
Argylle is the hotly anticipated spy drama with some big names, including Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Bryan Cranston and English singer and songwriter Dua Lipa in her acting debut. Airing to audiences worldwide on 2 February 2024 via Apple TV+, the adaptation of the yet-to-be-released novel tells the story of a top-notch spy suffering from amnesia and his quest for revenge.
Argylle filming locations in Britain
Edinburgh’s Parliament Square
In the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town wander the cobbled pathways to discover Parliament Square. Part of the city’s iconic Royal Mile, you’ll find Parliament House which houses the Supreme Courts of Scotland.
Fitzrovia
From immersing yourself into life-size Monopoly, to swinging a club at mini golf and getting into eccentric art – cool Fitzrovia has you covered. Located in London’s bohemian Borough of Camden, its buzzing with bars and restaurants bursting with international flavours.
Kent and East Sussex Railway
Ride into heritage and history at the Kent and Sussex Railway. Follow the railway walk which lies on the fringes of the High Weald Area, or choose discover steam locomotives and diesel railcars at the railway museum.
Wonka
A chocolate lovers paradise, Wonka reprises everyone’s favourite eccentric founder and creator, Willy Wonka. Played by Timothée Chalamet, the film was released in December 2023 and follows the young chocolatier and his adventures opening the world-renowned chocolate factory. British actors Olivia Colman and Rowan Atkinson also join the cast.
Wonka filming locations in Britain
Mapledurham
Set around the banks of the River Thames, Mapledurham is a quaint village in Oxfordshire. From its historic watermill, to Mapledurham House, headquarters of the Mapledurham Estate, it’s played a starring role in many a film, including thriller The Eagle Has Landed.
Verulamium Park
Embark on a nature-infused exploration of 100 acres of parkland at St Albans’ Verulamium Park. A sanctuary in the cathedral city, it’s a hotbed for wildlife. Keen twitchers can spot birds across the ornamental lake, while walkers can enjoy part of the Ver River Trail. You can spy another Wonka filming location in St Albans at nearby Abbey Mill Lane.
Napoleon
The film of epic proportions that sees Joaquin Phoenix star as French leader Napoleon, kicked off its filming at Lincoln Cathedral, the historic building which celebrated 950 years of existence in 2022. Telling a tale of love and power, the movie follows the French military general during his rise to leadership. It was released in November 2023 on Apple TV+.
Napoleon filming locations in Britain
Boughton House
A hidden treasure in Northamptonshire’s countryside, Boughton House is a fusion of British and French style. Inherited by the 1st Duke of Montagu in 1683, French architectural influences fill the once Tudor building. Visit now for house tours, from the King Tours to Beds, Books and Beyond, escorted by insightful guides revealing all the secrets of the house.
Indiana Jones 5
A movie franchise like no other, Harrison Ford returned in the summer of 2023 as the world’s favourite archaeologist come explorer. The fifth and final instalment in the saga sees Antonio Banderas and British actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge join the cast.
Indiana Jones 5 filming locations in Britain
St Vincent Street, Glasgow
One of Glasgow city’s main streets, St Vincent Street dates back to the early 1800s. Look out for The Union Bank of Scotland building, designed by architect James Miller, constructed between 1924 – 1927.
Leaderfoot Viaduct
A marvellous structural feat and historic landmark in the Scottish Borders, Leaderfoot Viaduct, also known as the Drygrange Viaduct, has been a part of the landscape since the 19th century. Originally built for the Berwickshire Railway to pass over the River Tweed, it stands 126 feet above the floor of the river valley and was eventually closed to passenger traffic in 1948.
Glencoe
Immersed within the Highland’s Lochaber Geopark, Glencoe mountains are the product of ancient glaciers and volcanic eruptions. Movie lovers will spot its notorious landscapes from James Bond to Harry Potter and now Indiana Jones. Adventures can take to the slopes for skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking. While on the water, look to hop in a kayak for a journey across Loch Leven.
Mission Impossible 7
In July 2023, Tom Cruise returned to his role as American spy Ethan Hunt for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, with English actors Simon Pegg and Vanessa Kirby joining the film series. Filming locations in Britain included Birmingham and the Peak District.
Mission Impossible 7 filming locations in Britain
Stoney Middleton, Derbyshire
Iconic quaint limestone buildings, hidden winding lanes, rock climbing and stunning countryside make up the Peak District’s Stoney Middleton. Explore the village’s showstopper, an unusual octagonal church, or for a taste of adventure delve beneath the surface on a caving experience a short drive away.
Grand Central, Birmingham
Used to depict an airport terminal in Mission Impossible 7, Birmingham’s Grand Central is a city hub. Along with the Bullring, it makes up the largest shopping destination in the city, with the likes of Selfridges, Treetop Adventure Golf and Indian and Vietnamese grub from Mowgli.
Empire of Light
A star-studded cast – including Olivia Colman, Michael Ward and Colin Firth – come together in Sam Mendes’ Empire of Light. Released in January 2023 in the UK, the film follows the relationship of cinema manager Hilary and new employee Stephen in Margate during the early 1980s.
Empire of Light filming locations in Britain
Dreamland
Transformed into the Empire Cinema for the film, the amusement park Dreamland in Margate sets the scene for multiple scenes. Get your skates on at the roller rink, up the adrenaline on the waltzers and look out for events bringing live music and festivals to the seaside town.
Worthing Pier
A part of Worthing’s coastline since 1862, Worthing Pier opened in 1862 and was designed by Sir Robert Rawlinson. The pier is now to home to an amusement arcade, Pavilion Theatre and bar, and is a popular spot for fishing. Venture out to the end of soaring sea views and unique look at Britain’s south coast.
My Policeman
Released in October 2022, director Michael Grandage – and actors including Harry Styles, Emma Corrin and Rupert Everett – bring a turbulent love affair set in 1950s Brighton to the screen. Based on the novel by Bethan Roberts, My Policeman explores homosexuality at a time where it was illegal in Britain.
My Policeman filming locations in Britain
The Dome Cinema
Explore this authentic Edwardian cinema in Worthing, along England’s southern coast and west of Brighton. The building first opened in 1911 and was originally used as an entertainment hall, including a roller-skating rink and theatre. Now it plays host to regular public film screenings – the perfect place to catch your favourite flick.
Peacehaven Cliffs
Stroll along the chalky cliffs of East Sussex for a unique coastal Britain experience. A hotbed for prehistoric nature relics, the Peacehaven Cliffs are a fossil hunters paradise. But look beyond the stories of its rocks for added adventure. Embark on part of the Greenwich Meridian Trail that follows a whopping 273-mile-long (439 km) route, and starts at the King George V monument on the cliff edge.
Hitchin Outdoor Pool
Eagle-eyed The Policeman fans will recognise Hitchin outdoor pool from a swimming scene between Harry Styles and Emma Corrin. Set amongst beautiful scenery, make a splash in the 50m heated outdoor pool which is open between May to September.
