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Iconic film locations you can visit in the UK

New Forest Holiday Park • Places to go • Sep 11, 2021 • 10 mins

Britain is packed full of famous film locations that are waiting to be explored. So, keep the whole family entertained by visiting the set of your favourite films.

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Calling all movie buffs! Our friends at New Forest Holiday Park, have compiled a list of iconic film locations which are easily accessible to the general public. Visiting these locations is not only great fun, but it is also a great way to explore unseen places across Great Britain.

Harry Potter: Glenfinnan Viaduct, Highlands, Scotland

Glenfinnan Viaduct

Glenfinnan Viaduct

The highlands were used in the celebrated Harry Potter franchise and when looking out at the landscape imagine the Hogwarts express journeying to the school.

The magic is in reaching distance when looking at the backdrop and it will feel like you are part of the wizarding world.

Trainspottin: Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland

Princes Street, Edinburgh

Princes Street, Edinburgh

One of the busiest streets in Edinburgh, Princes Street is much more than a shopping destination and is famously used in the opening scene in Trainspotting. It’s also home to one of the world’s first floral clocks, giving you plenty to discover while spending a day there.

Macbeth: Quiraing, Isle of Skye

Quiraing

Quiraing, Isle of Skye

Situated off the West Coast of Scotland, the film adaptation of Macbeth is shot amongst the dramatic landscapes of the Isle of Skye.

Offering a diverse background of picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles, the Isle of Skye is the perfect place to visit during your summer vacation.

Miss Potter: Derwentwater, Keswick, Lake District

Derwentwater

Derwentwater

The Lake District was once home to Beatrix Potter, the beloved author of the best-selling Peter Rabbit, and in 2006 her story came to life in the North West of England.

Known for its beautiful views and luscious greenery, her former home was the perfect spot for filming and is a beautiful location to visit.

Tarzan: Dinorwig Slate Quarry, Snowdonia, Wales

Dinorwig Slate Quarry

Dinorwig Slate Quarry, Snowdonia

Hiking can be a great way to spend a day and Snowdonia has an extensive network of trails and spectacular views.

Used in The Legend of Tarzan by Director David Yates, Snowdonia has numerous activities to entertain everyone and has been used in wide range of films.

The Dark Knight Rises: Henrhyd Falls, Brecon Beacons

Henrhyd Falls

Henrhyd Falls

If you are looking for a relaxing spot, why not visit Brecon Beacons in Wales? Close to cooling lakes and running waterfalls, it is the perfect place to spend a hot summer’s day.

It was also used as the entrance the iconic Batcave in The Dark Knight Rises.

The Davinci Code: Lincoln Cathedral, Lincolnshire

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Cathedral

The cathedral was once considered to be the tallest building in the world and in 2006 was temporarily transformed into Westminster Abbey to shoot scenes for The Da Vinci Code.

It has also appeared in many other blockbusters, including The Haunting, Atonement and Young Victoria.

Pride and Prejudice: Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House

Chatsworth House has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549 and is the stately home featured in the film adaptation of Jane Austen's novel, Pride and Prejudice.

Located in Derbyshire, the area is filled with national parks and hills to climb.

Batman Begins: Mentmore Towers, Buckinghamshire

Mentmore Towers

Mentmore Towers

Superheroes have never been more popular and in Buckinghamshire you can visit Mentmore Country House, which was used in Batman Begins directed by Christopher Nolan.

Mentmore has also appeared in Johnny English and The Mummy Returns.

Avengers, Age of Ultron: Hawley Woods, Hampshire

Hawley Woods

Hawley Woods

Staying on the superhero theme, Averages Age of Ultron transformed Hawley woods into a winter wonderland for a battle scene in the popular movie.

Hawley woods is a fantastic place to walk the dog or go for a picnic, while discovering another film location.

Dunkirk: Dorset and Hampshire

Fishing port

Fishing port in Dorset

In Christopher Nolan’s retelling of Dunkirk, several locations in Dorset and Hampshire were used. From port scenes showing the preparation of the boats to various railways, Dorset and Hampshire offers a assortment of sites.

The Woman in Black: Osea Island, Essex

Osea Island

Osea Island, Essex

Osea Island in Essex is around 380 acres and is connected to the north bank of the river by a walkway.

Appearing in The Woman in Black, Superstar and Black Island, Osea Island is the perfect place to spend a day at the beach.

The Theory of Everything: St John’s College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge

St John’s College

St John’s College

Uncover the second oldest English speaking university in the world and the set of Stephen Hawking’s biography.

The University of Cambridge has also been home to multiple celebrities, such as Charles Darwin, Sir David Attenborough and Charles, Prince of Wales.

Love Actually: Selfridges Department Store, London

Selfridges

Selfridges, London

Walk the isles of London’s Selfridges and remember the iconic scene of Alan Rickman trying to buy a present in secret from Rowan Atkinson.

In a fluster, this scene had viewers in stitches and can be relived in the famous store.

Goldeneye: Somerset House, London

Somerset House

Somerset House, London

Who doesn’t love James Bond and to be able to visit one of the sets is a memorious occasion. Used as the backdrop in Goldeneye, Somerset House is an elaborate building that overlooks the River Thames.

Near many other famous spots, have a walk by the river and discover London’s offering of galleries and exhibitions.

Paddington Bear: Paddington Station, London

Paddington Station

Paddington Station, London

Hundreds of films have been set in London, but in 2014 a very famous bear arrived at Paddington Station.

Inspired by the classic children’s book by British author Michael Bond, you can follow the footsteps of the marmalade loving bear and tour multiple sets from Paddington and Paddington 2.

Les Misérables: Dry-Dock, Portsmouth

Les Misérables

Portsmouth Dockyard

First published in 1862, Les Misérables is considered one of the greatest stories of the 19th Century and in 2012 arrived on the big screen.

Filled with heart felt songs and unnerving scenes, part of the movie was set in Portsmouth known for its docks and heritage.

Alice in Wonderland: Anthony House, Cornwall

Anthony House

Anthony House, Cornwall

Cornwall is full of tourists all year round due to its sandy beaches and old cobbled towns.

Visited by people across the world, Cornwall also appears in Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.

Why not check it out for yourself?

Victoria and Abdul: Osborne House, Isle of Wight

Osborne House

Osborne House, Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is a popular choice for family holidays with sun, sand and sea.

Ideal for a short or long trip away, why not visit the Osbourne House the former royal residence of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, which was also used in the filming of Victoria and Abdul.

Published: Sep 11, 2021 Edited: Jun 17, 2022

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