Heritage Film Locations

Britain’s heritage attractions often find themselves being used as the backdrops of film, television shows and high end photography. It isn’t all castles and stately homes though, there are a vast number of locations across the country including underground bunkers, waterways, parkland and more.  

If you want to visit the settings of some of your favourite films or recreate your favourite photos, make sure to visit some of these locations! 

Some of our favourite heritage filming locations 

Dover Castle, Kent 

The huge selection of medieval and 1940s interiors make this a diverse filming location, along with several panoramic views. It often serves as a double for the Tower of London and can be seen in productions including Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, Into the Woods and the television adaptation of Wolf Hall. 

Stonehenge, Wiltshire 

As one of the UK’s most well known and mysterious stone circles, it is no wonder that Stonehenge appears in a number of photographs and film productions. The surrounding fields also make it a convenient place to set up and film and its proximity to London gives easy access to the many studios that are located in the capital.  

Castle Howard, Yorkshire 

You’ll probably recognise this castle if you’ve ever seen Brideshead Revisited. The estate hasn’t really changed since the 1980s when it was used for the Evelyn Waugh adaptation.  

Highclere Castle, Hampshire 

Downton Abbey fans will automatically recognise the home of the 7th Earl of Caernarvon. The entire exterior was used throughout the series and the film.  

Castle Combe, Wiltshire 

Known as the Prettiest Village in England, Castle Combe is within the Cotswolds and is often the port of call for period dramas needing exterior locations. It was also as much a character in Rex Harrison’s 1966 film,  Doctor Doolittle as the doctor himself.  

The city of Bath, Somerset 

From Bridgerton to Georgian and Austen style period dramas, Bath’s Royal Crescent and Georgian buildings are often seen on screen. As is the nearby city of Wells, with its Gothic style cathedral and Vicarage Street.  

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland 

You might recognise parts of this castle as Hogwarts as the first two Harry Potter films had scenes filmed here, including the broomstick practice scenes and many of the exterior courtyards. Other Harry Potter film locations include parts of Lacock Abbey and village in Wiltshire.