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British film and television have long held a special place on screens worldwide. Over time, many of the locations that once served simply as backdrops have become travel destinations in their own right. Visitors from all corners of the globe are arriving to walk the same halls, streets and countryside they’ve seen unfold on screen, turning screen tourism into a growing part of the UK travel experience.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or part of a production team scouting your next shoot, these locations speak volumes about the cultural pull of British storytelling.
Downton Abbey’s Iconic Home
Highclere Castle in Hampshire is instantly recognisable to anyone who has watched Downton Abbey. Its sweeping lawns, grand interiors and unmistakable architecture are exactly as seen on screen. Fans often arrive with scenes fresh in their minds, standing on the same gravel drive where characters arrived for dinner, or taking in the garden views where Lady Mary once wandered. The connection between the story and the setting is evident everywhere on the estate.
The Spellbinding World of Harry Potter
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland served as the setting for many outdoor scenes in the Harry Potter films, much like Hogwarts. Visitors can still watch broomstick demonstrations and explore the same courtyards Harry, Ron and Hermione walked through. Beyond the castle, fans can travel to other locations featured throughout the series, including the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland and the cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral.
Torchwood and Doctor Who
Cardiff has cemented its place as a science fiction landmark thanks to its role in both Torchwood and Doctor Who. Roald Dahl Plass, the Wales Millennium Centre and several other spots around the bay have featured repeatedly in dramatic scenes. Walking through the area, it is easy to imagine the TARDIS landing nearby or the Torchwood team emerging from their underground base.
Top Gear and The Grand Tour
Automotive fans often make the trip to Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey, home to the Top Gear test track. The track has seen countless celebrity laps and car tests over the years. Beyond Dunsfold, familiar roads across the Yorkshire Dales, Scottish Highlands and the Lake District have been driven by Clarkson, Hammond and May, giving fans the chance to follow their tyre tracks.
Stepping into Peaky Blinders
While Peaky Blinders is set in Birmingham, filming took place across various locations including Liverpool, Port Sunlight and the Black Country Living Museum. Each location brings to life the post-war streets, smoky factories and industrial edges that define the world of the Shelby family. Touring these sites gives fans a tangible sense of the show’s atmosphere.
Bridgerton Regency Style
The elegant streets of Bath, alongside grand estates such as Wilton House and Castle Howard, have helped bring Bridgerton’s version of Regency England to life. Visitors walk through squares and ballrooms that were used in the series, often unchanged since filming. The popularity of the show has sparked a fresh interest in Georgian architecture and period interiors.
The Crown
The Crown has taken viewers inside the life of the Royal Family, but it has also showcased some of the UK’s most impressive buildings. Locations like Lancaster House, standing in for Buckingham Palace, and Ely Cathedral, used as Westminster Abbey, are open to the public. These historic places now welcome visitors curious to see the real spaces behind the royal drama.
Sex Education’s Cinematic Surprise
The Wye Valley in Wales has gained attention as the backdrop for the Netflix series Sex Education. Its lush surroundings and colourful homes created a visually unique setting for the series. Otis’ clifftop house, perched above the River Wye, has become a highlight for fans. The area’s natural beauty adds to its appeal, offering a peaceful break while exploring a modern cultural reference.
Outlander’s Romance and Rebellion
Outlander has taken viewers across time and landscape, much of it filmed in the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Locations such as Doune Castle, Culross and Glencoe are now familiar to fans of Claire and Jamie’s story. These places reflect the romantic and political drama of the series, giving visitors the sense of being part of its world.
Sherlock’s Modern Streets
London plays a leading role in the BBC’s modern Sherlock, with North Gower Street standing in for Baker Street. Fans still make their way to Speedy’s Café, which featured in nearly every episode. The location’s central position makes it a perfect stop for those exploring other parts of the capital’s filming history.
From castles and country houses to city streets and stately homes, British film and television locations have never been more inviting. They offer more than nostalgia, they invite exploration, storytelling and imagination. For location scouts, they provide proven settings that carry emotional weight and recognisability. For fans, they offer a way to feel closer to the shows and stories they love.
Shootfactory represents locations that are both film-ready and tourism-worthy. Whether it’s a unique home in London or a country house off the beaten track, our properties have already featured in numerous productions and could be the setting for the next one.
For those interested in location visits or location shoots, the connection between screen and place is stronger than ever. And for the UK, this means more visitors discovering the beauty, variety and character that make British locations such a central part of global storytelling.
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