Top 50 Filming Locations in the UK

Hundreds of thousands of people each year travel to the UK, be it to see the streets of the capitals or to explore the natural beauties of the country. While many opt for this journey to see some of the most famous landmarks, they also often have another motivation. Many famous movies and shows were filmed in the UK, some by foreign and others by national studios and companies. Because it has varying landscapes and cities of different architectural styles, the UK has an abundance of versatile locations for visual media of all genres. Many of those movies and shows have a cult following, and the fans often wish to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and see the real-life filming locations. 

With all that in mind, we have prepared a list of the top 50 filming locations in the UK by constituent countries. 

England

Several major motion pictures and some of the most popular TV series of today were filmed in England. Namely, Harry Potter films and mega-popular Marvel studios blockbusters like Spider-Man: Far From Home and Avengers: Infinity War star several filming locations found in England, UK. 

Alnwick Castle

Downton Abbey, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Transformers: The Last Knight

Alnwick Castle is a medieval romanesque castle that made appearances as recognizable locations of major importance. First, its exterior served as a representation of Hogwarts School, more precisely its courtyard. This is where the scenes of Harry learning to fly were filmed. Furthermore, the castle interior appears in Downton Abbey Christmas specials as the inside of Brancaster Castle. Also, both the interior and exterior made appearances in Transformer: The Last Night. Visitors of the castle can take guided tours that will show them all the famous filming locations in this part of UK. 

Portobello Road

Paddington & Paddington 2, Notting Hill 

The picturesque street in Notting Hill district in West London can be seen in three movies: the 1999 Julia Roberts classic Notting Hill and both Paddington movies. Interestingly, the aforementioned movies bear the name of actual locations related to Portobello Road. While Notting Hill is a district in which the road is, Paddington is the name of a nearby railway station. However, the famous Alice’s Antiques on Portobello Road played Mr. Gruber’s shop in the movie. In real life, Portobello Road is one of the most famous street markets in the world, recognizable for its beautiful pastel buildings. The street is lively, diverse, with a long history and street market tradition. 

Cornwall 

Alice in Wonderland, Fisherman’s Friends

Cornwall, the very bottom tip of England, is a location rich in history and tradition. It has served as a filming location for two successful movies. The first is Tim Burton’s 2010 Alice in Wonderland, a new adaptation of a beloved English classic. The director chose Antony House in Cornwall as a prominent scenery of scenes set in the real world leading up to Alice’s visit to Wonderland. Furthermore, a small fishing village named Fisherman’s Friends was used to film the majority of the film inspired by a real-life band of the same name. 

London, King’s Cross 

Batman Begins, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Harry Potter films

Although people mostly recognize it as a name of a railway station from which Harry Potter boarded the magical Hogwarts Express, King’s Cross district has appeared in several other hit films. In Batman Begins, a staircase of a luxurious hotel in King’s Cross appears in the film. However, in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation the famous platform appears in a redesigned form. Interestingly, an entirely new set was built on the existing King’s Cross platform, hence the movie version does not resemble what it really looks like. Nevertheless, thousands of people visit this station annually – either as tourists or passengers waiting for their train. 

Durham Cathedral 

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Avengers: Endgame

While this over thousand years old gothic cathedral did not appear in many movies, it certainly made a lasting impression in those that it did. It served as a set for several scenes in the first two Harry Potter films, its corridors and courtyards used to represent Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. However, the Harry Potter franchise is not the only major franchise that used the cathedral’s gothic beauty. Some scenes from one of the highest-grossing movies of all time, Avengers: Endgame, were filmed at this location. In real life, Durham Cathedral is a part of Durham College and is free to visit. 

Hatfield House 

Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows, V for Vendetta, Spider-Man: Far From Home 

Perhaps one of the most recognizable and used filming locations in the UK, Hatfield House has long been one of the favorite locations for movie makers. The private property of Lord and Lady Salisbury is versatile and adaptable. Hence, it has appeared in around 70 movies so far. In Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, it played professor Moriarty’s study room. The house’s interior was also featured in Spider-Man: Far From Home as S.H.I.E.L.D. underground headquarters in Prague. Of course, the house facade is also present in many films. Namely, in the opening execution scene in 2005 V for Vendetta. 

Wilton House 

Tomb Raider, Johnny English Reborn, Bridgerton

Similar to Hatfield House, Wilton House appears in several major films. Its rich facade and interior served as a backdrop for many manors and palaces in movies. The hit-series Bridgerton set during the Regency era features Wilton House as the Royal Palace. However, it is not the only in Bridgerton that Wilton Palace played that role. The end of Johnny English Reborn features the house interior as the location of knighting the comic character played by Rowan Atkinson. Furthermore, the house was used to represent the beautiful Croft Manor in the 2018 Tomb Raider. 

Lancaster House 

The Crown, The Theory of Everything 

Lancaster House is a 19th-century three-story building in the West End of London, a famous district with many tourist locations known also as the theatre district. Interestingly, Lancaster House has often been a stand-in for Buckingham Palace. In fact, filming of The Crown often took place inside the house that played the residence of the royal family. Also, the 2014 award-winning movie Theory of Everything features it as Buckingham Palace near the movie’s end. In the movie, Lancaster House appears when Stephen Hawking, played by Eddie Redmayne, meets Queen Elizabeth II and becomes a member of the order of the Companions of Honour. 

Audley End House 

The Crown

The 17th-century countryside house that is more of a palace than its name suggests is an important cultural site and a memorable filming location. Beautiful gardens surround the house and together with the interior design witness the change of styles throughout centuries. However, many may recognize it for another reason: it served as a filming location for Netflix’s The Crown. In the series, the house interior plays a significant role in some of the flashbacks. Namely, it played the part of the famous Elton College where the Queen received tutoring as a child. 

Puzzlewood (Forest of Dean) 

Star Wars: Episode VII, Merlin 

Puzzlewood is a protected piece of land in the Forest of Dean that has often been used as a filming location. The unique landscape of thousands of years old, dark green trees is a perfect backdrop for science fiction and fantasy. Thus, several shows and movies of those genres feature this location. For example, Puzzlewood played the Forest of Takodana in Star Wars: Episode VII, where important scenes near the very end took place. Also, it was heavily featured in the fantasy series Merlin. Namely, it is where Lady Morgana was hidden and where many magical creatures of Camelot roamed. 

Castle Combe 

Stardust, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd 

Castle Combe is a small, picturesque village in Wiltshire often referred to as the prettiest village in England. Because of its medieval roots and adaptable aesthetic, many filmmakers used it as a filming location. Hence, the village appeared as the village of the Wall in the 2007 adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust. Furthermore, it was also used in another book-to-movie adaptation. Seven years before Stardust, Castle Combe was a filming location of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, an episode of Poirot series based on Agatha Christie’s novels. 

Hertfordshire 

Johnny English, Batman 

Hertfordshire is a county in England north of London with several notable filming locations. The county has a long history and a diverse set of buildings that can be used as a background for various genres of movies and TV series. One of the famous examples is Johnny English starring Rowan Atkinson. Particularly, the climax of the movie – Sauvage’s coronation scene – was filmed in the gothic St Albans Cathedral. Furthermore, Tim Burton’s Batman also features a prominent Hertforshirde building. In the movie, Knebworth House was a shooting location for scenes featuring Wayne Manor. 

Castle Howard, Northumberland 

Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties, Victoria, Bridgerton 

Castle Howard is an 18th-century castle in North Yorkshire, and a popular filming location in the UK. It took 100 years to complete it, and nowadays it proudly stands as one of the most attractive castles in the county. Interestingly, the castle played Kensington Palace in the 2016 TV series Victoria starring Jenna Coleman. Furthermore, a children’s comedy Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties features the castle’s facade and surroundings as fictional Castle Carlyle. The castle also appears in Netflix’s Bridgerton series, this time as Duke of Hastings country home. 

Wye Valley & Forest of Dean 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 was one of the most anticipated movies of the decade, and the only one in the franchise that doesn’t feature the beloved Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. For many viewers, it was the forest where Harry, Ron, and Hermione hide from Lord Voldemort while searching for Horcruxes. The scene is no other than the Forest of Dean, and the scenes were filmed at the location. However, portions of them were also filmed in the neighboring Wye Valley. Interestingly, both Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are thousands of years old, protected natural sites. 

West Bay, Dorset 

Broadchurch 

Those who have seen Broadchurch will remember the breathtaking, tranquil, albeit unsettling scenery of the bay that is prominent in the series. The bay is no other than West Bay in Dorset, a part of the World Heritage Site called Jurassic Coast. Furthermore, the tall cliffs rising above the soft sandy beach and sea waves form a breathtaking scenery. Hence, it comes as no surprise why David Tennant and Olivia Coleman’s characters spend lots of time at this location throughout the course of the series. 

Wales 

Landscapes of Wales have frequently appeared in numerous films and TV series. Some of them are the most recognizable filming locations in the UK. However, perhaps the most prominent of all are its multiple appearances in the BBC series Doctor Who and 2010 Robin Hood starring Russel Crowe. 

Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes

Lawrance of Arabia 

Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes are the centre of Merthyr Mawr Nature Reserve in the south of Wales. The unique landscape in proximity to the village of the same name stretches all the way to the sea. However, what is interesting is the fact that the Sand Dunes doubled as the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula in a 1962 classic Lawrence of Arabia. The film starring Peter O’Toole is based on the life of T.E. Lawrance is a historical drama, and one of the Hollywood classics.

Brecon Beacons National Park 

The Dark Knight Rises 

The Brecon Beacons is one of the three national parks in Wales and one of 15 national parks in the UK. It is centered around the Brecon Beacons mountain range. Moorland, waterfalls, and living communities compose the scenery of the park that includes a World Heritage Site – Blaenavon. Of course, it comes as no surprise that the park of such beauty was used as a set for a blockbuster. In fact, the stunning Henrhyd Falls doubled as Bat Cave to Christian Bale’s Batman. Another significant feature of Henrhyd Falls is its height – it is the tallest waterfall in southern Wales. 

Nant Gwynant 

King Arthur 

Snowdonia National Park in northwestern Wales is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque places in the country. But also among the most popular filming locations in the UK. The intact imagery of the mountain slopes looks like it hadn’t been affected by the passage of time, so it is easy to see why many filmmakers choose it as their filming location. Furthermore, one place within the park particularly stands out: the Nant Gwynant valley and its heart, Llyn Gwynant Lake. Also, the national park makes a notable appearance in Arthurian legends. Hence, it is completely natural that director Guy Ritchie chose Nant Gwynant for a scene in which Vortigern introduces Arthur as the king. 

Wales Millennium Centre

Doctor Who 

Dubbed as “home for the arts in Wales”, the Wales Millennium Centre is a great destination for all things related to art. The Centre hosts multiple plays, musicals, concerts, and various workshops. However, the centre – both its exterior and interior – might be more familiar to the worldwide audience as a set of several Doctor Who episodes. During David Tennant’s run as the Tenth Doctor, two episodes were filmed in the centre: New Earth and The Sound of Drums. Furthermore, the centre was used once again during Matt Smith’s run as the Eleventh Doctor and can be seen in some of the most prominent episodes of his era: The Girl Who Waited and Vincent and the Doctor. 

Southerndown Beach 

Doctor Who 

Dunraven Bay in southern Wales is one of the most popular landmarks near Southerndown Village, and it is better known simply as Southerndown Beach. The wide, sandy beach surrounded by cliffs seems otherworldly and attracts thousands of visitors each year. However, it also owes a part of its popularity to the fact that it served as a filming location for several Doctor Who episodes. Furthermore, the scenes in which the beach appears are some of the most emotional-wrenching moments of the series. Particularly, Southerndown Beach doubled as Bad Wolf Bay during David Tennant’s run as the Doctor. 

Snowdonia National Park 

The World Is Not Enough, Macbeth

As mentioned before, Snowdonia’s beauties didn’t go unnoticed by the film world – and the history of filming in the park spans decades of film history. Interestingly, the landscapes of Snowdonia National Park appear in Roman Polanski’s 1971 Macbeth, an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s tragedy of the same name. Furthermore, the Snowdonian scenery also appeared in the 1999 James Bond movie starring Pierce Brosnan, The World Is Not Enough. In this movie, Snowdonia doubled as the imagery of Kazakhstan. No wonder, since it is ranked as the best national park in Europe.

Pembrokeshire 

Sherlock, Robin Hood 

The scenery of Pembrokeshire is largely built by the county’s coastal nature. As the sea surrounds this charming, naturally rich peninsula and the county’s islands, the inhabitants used their geographical position as an advantage. Furthermore, Pembrokeshire National Park protects the beautiful coast – its roads and the natural habitat of several species. Notably, Pembrokeshire appeared in several shows and movies. BBC’s Sherlock with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman was filmed at St Catherine Island. Also, Pembrokeshire was among the filming locations of the 2010 Robin Hood. 

Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff

Doctor Who, Casualty 

BBC Wales’s Roath Lock Studios in Cardiff houses several big-name shows, among which the names of Doctor Who and Casualty stand out. However, if compared to the years those shows have been in production, Roath Lock was built relatively recently. The construction of the studios in Cardiff was finished in 2011, with 9 studios in total inside the building. In fact, Doctor Who moved in during Matt Smith’s era as the titular character in season 7. Additionally, visitors can take guided tours around the sets and see first-hand what some of the most memorable filming locations in the UK look like behind the scenes. 

Freshwater West Beach 

Robin Hood, Harry Potter, and the Deathly Hallows 

Soft sand and the surrounding, fragile dunes of Freshwater West Beach appeared in three blockbuster films in the past decade. In both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows movies, the beach served as a set where scenes involving Shell Cottage were filmed. Also, the beach can be seen in 2010 Robin Hood with Russel Crowe. In the movie, the beach doubled as the Cliffs of Dover, where the big battle took place. Of course, visitors won’t find Shell Cottage on the beach as it was built exclusively for filming purposes, but during the low tide, the beach justifies its status as a filming location in the UK. 

Penbryn Beach 

Die Another Day 

The beach covered in golden sand and backed by stunning cliffs and sand dunes is a relatively undiscovered gem among the beaches in Wales. National Trust protects this site, and there are many things to enjoy – from tasty cakes in the nearby cafe to exploring nearby caves during the low tide. However, the beach is most famous as a filming location of 2002 James Bond: Die Another Day with Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry. In the movie, the beach is portrayed as a golden, sun-kissed, remote location. Nevertheless, the camera managed to capture the beauty of Penbryn Beach, sparking the interest of location in many viewers. 

Menai Bridge 

Dolittle 

The suspension bridge spanning the Menai strait connects the Island of Anglesey with the mainland. Interestingly, Menai Bridge is one of the first modern suspension bridges in the UK. Because it was built in the early 19th century, its design fit in perfectly with the Victorian aesthetic of the 2020 adaptation of Lofting’s The Story of Doctor Dolittle. Simply named Dolittle, the newest adaptation features Robert Downey Jr. as a titular character set on a quest to retrieve the cure for Queen Victora. As for the bridge itself, it appears near the beginning of the movie. In the scene, a boy named Tommy Stubbins uses the bridge to board Dolittle’s ship. 

Scotland 

Scotland has for a long time been a source of inspiration, both in written fiction and in filmed media. Thus, it is unsurprising that some of its locations made the list of the top 50 filming locations in the UK. Perhaps one of the most popular series to feature Scottish scenery is Outlander. Also, some scenes in the Harry Potter films were filmed here. 

Hunterston House 

Outlander 

Only 21 miles from the Glasgow Airport and 30 miles from the city itself, the neoclassical Hunterston House is one of the most popular filming locations in Scotland. Because the house has four floors, and the surrounding estate also includes a castle and an outhouse, the location is very versatile. Thus, multiple scenes can be filmed in different rooms within the house or around it. In Outlander, rooms of the house doubled as multiple locations throughout the first three seasons, especially seasons 1 and 2. Furthermore, the house is a private property of Clan Hunter. Outside visitors are not allowed at the site, and visitation is open only to the clan members. 

Doune Castle

Game of Thrones, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Outlander

The romanesque castle in Scotland is one of the most legendary filming locations in the UK. Because it is well-preserved and private property, many movies and series of the historical genre were filmed here. However, not many utilized the location as much as the makers of Mony Python and the Holy Grail. Because they were rather restricted with filming location, the filmmakers used the castle as a backdrop for various scenes and had to rely on their creativity to create an illusion of different places. Furthermore, the castle appeared in two popular shows of the 21st century – as Winterfell in Game of Thrones pilot and Castle Leoch in Outlander. 

The Glenfinnan Viaduct 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 

Made worldwide famous by the three Harry Potter movies, the Glenfinnan Viaduct plays a significant role in connecting the nearby Fort William with Mallaig. The viaduct also overlooks Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan monument. However, the reason why many tourists visit it is because its scenery appeared in three Harry Potter films during Harry’s journeys to Hogwarts. The viaduct first made an appearance in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets when Harry and Ron found Hogwarts Express in their flying car. Furthermore, it appeared once again in Prisoner of Azkaban in a scene when the dementors stop the train to search for Sirius Black, and finally briefly in Goblet of Fire. 

Glen Coe 

Skyfall 

A glen of volcanic origin in the Highlands served as a backdrop for a 2012 James Bond film named Skyfall. In geological terms, the glen was formed on the remains of a long-extinct stratovolcano. Within the glen is the Glencoe Village, in which – according to the James Bond lore – is where 007’s ancestors once lived. As such, the village and the glen were some of the most prominent filming locations for the movie. The landscape surrounding Bond’s ancestral home named Skyfall was actually filmed in Glen Coe itself. 

Rosslyn Chapel 

The Da Vinci Code 

The 15th-century gothic chapel in Roslin rose to popularity among tourists thanks to the 2003 Dan Brown novel The Da Vinci Code and, subsequently, the 2006 movie of the same name. Before that, the 6 centuries old church saw a turbulent history, especially following the Reformation. However, it wasn’t until 1995 that the chapel went through a conservation project. And just in time, because 8 years later Dan Brown chose it as a climax location for what would become a worldwide phenomenon titled The Da Vinci’s Code. Of course, Rosslyn was used for filming. Since the movie’s release, hundreds of thousands of visitors have visited the Rosslyn chapel. 

Glen Nevis 

Braveheart

One of the most beautiful glens in Scotland served as a background in the blockbuster starring Mel Gibson. At the foot of the glen surrounded by the highest mountains on the British Isles lies Fort William. Also, a river named River Nevis flows through the glen, a river above which Setall Falls formed. Those two locations, along with the surrounding mountain landscape, served as some of the primary filming locations in the glen. The opening scene of the movie features its stunning landscape, and many others were filmed along the river. 

The Calanais Standing Stones

Brave 

The Calanais Standing Stones are similar to the more popular, albeit just as old Stonehenge in the south. The site dates back to the Neolithic era, particularly the Bronze Age of humankind. Although the site is not as popular worldwide as its English sibling, it didn’t go unnoticed in the filmmaking world. In fact, it is these standing stones that inspired the creators of Brave for their design of the Ring of Stones. Furthermore, although the scenes featured in the movie are not technically filmed, but rather inspired by the location, their design is unmistakably similar to the real-life location on the Isle of Lewis. 

The Quiraing on the Isle of Skye

47 Ronin, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Some of the most breathtaking Scottish landscapes are hidden in a remote area of the Isle of Sky, particularly in the Quiraing. The area in the north of the isle, on a ridge known as Trotternish, stretches along the coast, above the sea, and is a beloved hiking destination. Also, many filmmakers decided to use the beautiful landscape to their advantage. Thus, Quiraing can be seen in several movies. For example, the crew of 47 Ronin chose it for a location of the giant Buddha that was added to the landscape with CGI. Also, the landscapes of Quiraing are present throughout King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. 

Glasgow

Cloud Atlas, World War Z 

The metropolis on the River Clyde had long been an undiscovered gem when it comes to filming potential. Glasgow prides itself on its picturesque scenes and long history. Furthermore, the city’s versatility comes from its architecture: centuries-old buildings, as well as contemporary, make up the scenery of the city. Two movies utilized these qualities well. World War Z, a 2013 zombie apocalypse movie with Brad Pitt, was filmed in George Square and the streets of Glasgow. Also, the 2012 Cloud Atlas features the streets and squares of the city. However, Glasgow doubled as a different location in both movies: in World War Z as Philadelphia and as San Francisco and London in Cloud Atlas. 

Isle of Harris 

2001: A Space Odyssey 

The Isle of Harris is widely known for its diverse, breathtaking landscapes. From stunning beaches to lakes and mountainous landscapes, the island treasures a lot worth exploring. However, perhaps the most famous location on the island is on its north. The rugged terrain resembles that of the Moon. Because of its lunar-like features, the area was used as a filming location in Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 2001: A Space Odyssey. In the movie, it doubled as the surface of Jupiter. The scenes in which the Isle of Harris appears play near the very end of the movie. The scenes are a bird’s eye-shot, and they were tinted in post-production to make the island appear even more out of this world. 

Edinburgh 

Trainspotting, Cloud Atlas 

Edinburgh has been the capital of Scotland since the 15th century. Hence, it is a city of rich history, stunning architecture, and lots of filming potential. The cobbled streets of Edinburgh are perhaps the most recognizable streets of Scotland. Perhaps the most famous movies featuring the city are Trainspotting and Cloud Atlas. The iconic opening of Trainspotting takes place in the streets of Edinburgh and was filmed on location. Furthermore, the 2012 blockbuster Cloud Atlas also used several locations in Edinburgh as a backdrop for its scenes, namely the Scott Monument, Victoria Terrace, and the City Chambers. 

Neist Point, Island of Skye 

Breaking the Waves, 47 Ronin 

Neist Point lighthouse is one of the most famous landmarks on the Island of Skye, located in the west of the island. Although it is quite remote, and the road to the location can get dangerous during strong winds, the scenery of the location is absolutely breathtaking. It is also quite cinematic, especially during the sunset. Then, the sky turns cotton candy pink, and the colour beautifully matches the blue of the sea and the stunning, tall cliffs. Unfortunately, the potential of the location hasn’t been used much because it is difficult to access. However, Neist Point can still be seen in some movies. Namely, 1996 Breaking the Waves starring Emily Watson and 2013 47 Ronin starring Keanu Reeves. 

Durmlanrig Castle 

Outlander 

This 17th-century castle is one of the largest in Scotland, and certainly among the most recognizable. It has 120 rooms, and its interiors have many treasures. Namely, the original Rembrandt painting named Old Woman Reading. Furthermore, the castle is open for visitors who can take guided tours around the castle. Due to its facade made out of red sandstone, the castle is often nicknamed “The Pink Palace”. However, the fans of Outlander may recognize the castle for something else. The castle doubled as Duke of Sandringham’s estate and Bellhurst Manor in season 2 of the series. 

Kinloch Rannoch and Rannoch Moor 

Outlander, T2 Trainspotting 

The remote, scenic village Kinloch Rannoch in the Scottish Highlands isn’t often used as a filming location, but when it is – it serves as a backdrop for many iconic scenes. The village and a famous Rannoch Moor lie on the shore of Loch Rannoch, to which they owe their names. Furthermore, Kinloch Rannoch made its first prominent appearance in Outlander. One of the most iconic scenes of the series is the one in which Claire travels through time when she comes across Craigh na Dun. Also, it served as a backdrop in another iconic scene; the “It’s sh**e being Scottish” scene in T2 Trainspotting. 

Eilean Donan Castle 

The World Is Not Enough, Entrapment 

The 13th-century castle on a point where three sea lochs meet is one of the most visited landmarks in the Highlands. And rightfully so. The image of the romanesque castle on a small island, surrounded by beautiful lakes is hardly an image one can resist. Of course, the scenery has lots of cinematic potential. Hence, it has appeared in over 20 movies and series.  However, its most iconic appearances are those in James Bond: The World Is Not Enough with Pearce Brosnan and in Entrapment with Cathrine Zeta-Jones. In The World Is Not Enough, the castle doubled as Castle Thane’s headquarters. Also, the castle appears as Robert MacDougal’s castle in Entrapment. 

Northern Ireland 

The only part of the United Kingdom located on the island of Ireland has served as a filming location many times. However, its most notable appearances were in HBO’s Game of Thrones. 

Dark Hedges 

Game of Thrones 

The stunning avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family nearly three hundred years ago. Since then, it has become one of the most photographed locations in Northern Ireland and a beloved tourist attraction. However, a layer of eerieness surrounds the avenue and makes it even more attractive. According to a local legend, the avenue is haunted by a spirit called the Grey Lady. Also, the location is recognizable due to it being a filming location of season 2 of Game of Thrones. In the series, the avenue appears as the King’s Road. 

Castle Ward 

Game of Thrones, Your Highness

The 18th-century mansion is abundant in character. It was built in two different styles of the time – the classical and the neo-gothic, both on the outside and the inside. This gives the mansion a unique and recognizable look and charm. However, it also has beautiful surroundings. Although it is certainly charming and versatile, the castle wasn’t a major filming location before Game of Thrones. It was when the crew chose the castle to double as Winterfell, and serve as a backdrop for Whispering Wood and Robb Stark’s Camp that it rose to fame. Furthermore, the castle served as a filming location for the 2011 fantasy comedy Your Highness. 

The murals of Derry/Londonderry

Derry Girls 

The murals of Derry are the most famous political murals in Europe. They first appeared on the streets in the sixties, during a political crisis in Northern Ireland known as The Troubles. The murals appear in several scenes in the 2018 series Derry Girls. Because the story takes place in the sixties during the aforementioned crisis, Derry – the second largest city in Northern Ireland – served as an important filming location. Because the murals are a significant part of the political climate of the time, it only made sense to feature them in the show. However, the series earned its own mural – the mural of the main cast can be found on Badger’s Bar in Derry. 

Tollymore Forest Park 

Dublin Murders, Game of Thrones 

The park nestled at the foot of the Mourne mountains has served several times as a filming location. The forest park is beautiful and offers panoramic views of the mountains and the nearby sea. But, it also has a quality that makes it a fantastic location for various genres of movies and series. In Dublin Murders, the forest serves as a crime scene – a location where children go missing, and only one ever returned. Furthermore, another popular show chose it as a backdrop of important events in the story. Tollymore Forest Park doubled as the Winterfell forest in Game of Thrones, serving as a setting where the White Walkers arc began and ended. 

Ballycastle 

Game of Thrones 

Ballycastle is a seaside city in County Atrim. Also, it is in Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding National Beauty. The city has charming architecture, beautiful locations, and is the very heart of the protected area. Because of these qualities, many visitors come to spend their holidays here each year. However, one of the most popular sites is just several minutes outside the city – the Fairhead cliffs known as the tallest cliffs in the area. Filming of season 7 of Game of Thrones took place here, namely the first three episodes. 

Causeway Coastal Route 

Grace and Goliath, Game of Thrones

The 190 kilometers long coastal route is among the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Ireland for a very good reason. The route is filled with breathtaking, unforgettable locations and landscapes. It has many locations one can explore, and it is extremely cinematic and photogenic. As such, it is a great filming location for various fantasy series. In fact, Game of Thrones utilized the location’s beauty and versatility to the maximum. Various destinations doubled as some of the most famous landmarks of the show; namely Dragonstone and Winterfell. Also, Causeway Coastal Route appeared in the 2018 movie Grace and Goliath which takes place in Northern Ireland. 

Giant’s Causeway 

Dracula Untold 

Giant’s Causeway is UNESCO’s World Heritage Site and a place of important cultural significance for Irish folklore. According to the legend, the columns are remains of a causeway built by a giant so Fionn mac Cumhaill could fight his challenger. However, the scenery is actually a byproduct of an ancient volcanic eruption in the area. Nevertheless, Giant’s Causeway is a location of undeniable beauty and many have recognized that. Filmmakers are no exception. In fact, Giant’s Causeway doubled as the mountains of Transylvania in 2014 Dracula Untold starring Luke Evans. 

Town of Portrush 

Artemis Fowl, Game of Thrones 

Portrush is a seaside town that grew from a small fishing village to a beloved holiday destination. Because the town is in County Atrim, it also serves as a great gateway to the beauties of the Causeway Coastal Route. However, Portrush is by far most known as a destination with beautiful beaches. In fact, some of them served as filming locations for various movies and shows. Among the most popular is undoubtedly Game of Thrones. In it, Portstewart Strand in Portrush doubled as Dornish coastline. Furthermore, Whiterocks Beach 

Belfast

Game of Thrones, Line of Duty, The Fall

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and its largest city. Once primarily a port town, Belfast has grown immensely throughout the centuries of its history. Perhaps the most recognized symbol of the city is the stunning Belfast Castle. However, its streets proved to be more attractive to filmmakers. Several episodes of Line of Duty were shot in various locations throughout the city: from the streets to Central Library. Similarly, another series – The Fall – also used various outdoor locations in the city as filming locations. However, Game of Thrones set in Belfast was exclusively indoors. Several scenes of the final two seasons were filmed in Titanic Studios. 

Map of filming locations in the UK