There’s no denying that the UK has always had a special appeal for movie and show creators alike. The country’s beautiful old architecture, rolling green hills, and charming towns offer an unmatched scenic backdrop for filmmakers. In this article, we will walk you through famous film locations in the UK that you can visit, along with the shows and films that made them famous.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
For fans of Harry Potter, Alnwick Castle is nothing less than a pilgrimage site. It served as the exterior view of Hogwarts in the first two films. It is the location where Hogwarts students had their first broomstick flying lesson. The castle also had cameos in the sitcom Blackadder.
Many tourists come to Alnwick to try their hand at standing in the same positions as the characters from the movies. For those not so easy to impress, the castle also offers broomstick flying lessons, which are bound to entertain parents and children alike.
Also read: Stranger Things Season 5 Release Date: Everything You Need to Know.
Highclere Castle, Hampshire
This luxurious property became famous owing to Downton Abbey. It was the filming location for the Crawley family’s residence in the series and movies. Walkers can take a stroll through the lavish rooms and the expansive gardens that were featured on-screen.
The inside looks just like it did on the show. You can see the dining room, the stairs, and all the pretty spots. It feels like walking through a real scene from Downton Abbey.
Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
This stunning railway bridge showed up in the Harry Potter films. It’s the path the Hogwarts Express takes through the hills. You can ride a real steam train across this same bridge.
The view from the train is beautiful, especially in summer when everything is green. It’s a top spot for fans to visit and take pictures.
Castle Ward, County Down, Northern Ireland
Castle Ward served as Winterfell for the first few seasons of Game of Thrones. With its many old buildings, this location was perfect for the Stark family home.
Now it has themed fun where visitors can partake in archery, dress up, and photo shoots. You can feel the nostalgia around as if walking into the world of Game of Thrones.
Durham Cathedral, Durham
The first two Harry Potter films featured parts of Durham Cathedral. Some Hogwarts interiors were shot here.
Durham Castle was also shown in movies like Elizabeth and Avengers: Endgame. It is a World Heritage Site, which makes it special, and also beyond the movies. The old hallways feel peaceful and magical.
Stokesay Court, Shropshire
Stokesay Court was featured in the movie Atonement. It was shown as the Tallis family’s house. The inside still has old furniture and detailed designs that make it look like the film.
The house isn’t always open, but guided tours are offered sometimes. If you like period dramas, this house is a lovely place to visit.
Lavenham, Suffolk
This small village was used as Godric’s Hollow in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. The old wooden houses give it a magical feel. Lavenham was also used in other shows like Lovejoy.
You can walk down quiet streets and take photos outside the house shown as Harry’s birthplace. It’s a peaceful little place full of charm.
Hatfield House, Hertfordshire
Hatfield House has been in many movies. It appeared in The Favourite as Queen Anne’s palace and was also used in Batman, V for Vendetta, and Sherlock Holmes.
The big rooms and lovely gardens look great on screen. The Long Gallery inside is huge and fancy. The house also has a link to Queen Elizabeth I, which adds to its charm.
Waverley Abbey, Surrey
Waverley Abbey is now in ruins, but it has been used in several films. You may have seen it in Elizabeth: The Golden Age, 28 Days Later, and Into the Woods.
The broken walls and quiet fields create a perfect movie mood. It’s open to everyone, free to visit, and a nice place for a calm walk or picnic.
Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire
The peaceful hallways of Hogwarts School will be familiar to Harry Potter enthusiasts. Gloucester Cathedral served as a filming location for some scenes, and it has also appeared in Doctor Who, Mary Queen of Scots, and The Hollow Crown.
You can join a tour and visit the exact locations used for filming. The cathedral is breathtaking, with striking stained glass windows and extremely high ceilings. The hallways of the cathedral have become so popular among fans that they often take pictures in the almost identical Hogwarts settings.
Notting Hill, London
The neighbourhood gained popularity after Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant appeared in the movie Notting Hill. The film Notting Hill showcases the neighbourhood through its combination of charming bookshops and colourful houses, and peaceful streets.
People continue to visit the market and the movie-famous blue door, which remains a popular attraction. The picturesque environment during a walk creates a romantic movie atmosphere. The location provides an ideal setting to purchase coffee while shopping and capturing wonderful photographs.
Also read: Next 007: Who Might Be the New James Bond?
Conclusion
The United Kingdom features numerous outstanding locations which appear in well-known films and television shows. Visiting these locations allows you to experience the sensation of being part of a movie scene. The UK allows fans to visit fictional locations from Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones. Plan your trip and prepare everything to experience the magic of cinema in person.
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