It’s always fun to spot places you recognise in TV and film – but have you ever spent the night where your favourite Netflix series was captured? Or taken a day trip to a stunning location from a new film you’ve seen?
We offer luxury hotel breaks at over 250 partnering hotels across the UK, many of which are surrounded by tonnes of fascinating local attractions including some iconic UK film locations you might just recognise. With that in mind, here’s some hotel inspiration for your next UK getaway that includes some of our favourite British filming locations!
Castle Howard, filming location for Bridgerton & The Great
Since the 1960s Castle Howard, a stately home in North Yorkshire, has been used as a UK filming location. It doubled as the Duke of Hastings’ country home in Season 1 of Bridgerton (2020). You can also spot the house in The Great when Catherine is playing games in the garden with the ladies, Lady L, Garfield 2 and much more. Situated 15 miles outside of York, it’s a great place to visit during a trip to North Yorkshire.
Bodmin Jail, film set for Poldark
The restored former jail was used during filming of Poldark (2015) when Ross’s poaching farmhand Jim Carter was sent to prison in Season 1. Did you know that just next door there’s Bodmin Jail Hotel? Guests at this unique property are welcomed with unrivalled hospitality, contemporary bedrooms and sophisticated dining. The spectacular Dark Walk immerses you in Cornwall’s dark past, and brings stories and characters to life. On the edge of Bodmin Moor, it’s ideally located for exploring Cornwall.
Holdsworth House, TV filming location for Happy Valley
Holdsworth House is a grand Jacobean Manor standing in stunning, secluded gardens, just three miles north of Halifax in the heart of West Yorkshire’s dramatic landscape. It’s also one of many locations near Halfiax that hosted filming for the gripping BBC show Happy Valley that millions of us watched. Holdsworth House is where Richard and Darius hold a meeting in Season 2. At this 4* hotel you’ll find a wealth of period features that add a sense of calm, comfort and tradition. In the wood panelled restaurant guests can enjoy a sumptuous fine dining experience.
Down Hall, TV set location for The Great British Bake Off
This renowned 14th Century country house hotel, dating back to 1322, was used as the location for The Great British Bake Off in 2020 and 2021 after they had to update their filming processes during the pandemic. All of the contestants stayed in the hotel during filming creating their own Bake Off Bubble! Conveniently located just 45 mins from Central London, bordering Hertfordshire & Essex, the hotel has undergone a major refurbishment including stylish new upgraded Executive bedrooms. Wander the 110 acres of surrounding woodland, parkland and landscaped gardens.
Harewood House, UK film location for Victoria & Downton Abbey
This West Yorkshire country house was built between 1759 and 1771 and has been used as a UK film location for shows such as Victoria, Anne Boleyn (2021) and also the Downton Abbey film in 2018. Situated just outside of Leeds, Harewood House is a fantastic place to visit during a trip to Yorkshire.
The Wood Norton, TV location for Doctor Who
The Wood Norton is an impressive Grade II listed hotel, crafted with original 19th century French decorative interiors. From a seat of French Royalty to a home of the BBC, this property has an incredible history. When the BBC’s London location was compromised in WW2 it moved to the secluded site of The Wood Norton where it became the BBC’s Monitoring Service. It later featured in Doctor Who in multiple series featuring Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker. Equidistant from Worcester, Stratford-Upon-Avon and Cheltenham, it is the perfect location for exploring the Cotswolds, Worcestershire and the Malvern Hills.
Taplow House Hotel, filming location for Peep Show
Taplow House Hotel is used as the backdrop in one of the iconic Peep Show (2005) episodes from Season 3, Quantocking. Taplow House is a stylish, privately owned, 4 star Georgian luxury hotel set in six acres of private grounds in Buckinghamshire. With a newly opened spa, this hotel offers the perfect retreat for a short luxury break away with elegant rooms, award winning dining and warm service.
Gloucester Cathedral, British filming location for Harry Potter
How could we share a piece about British film locations and not mention the unmistakable halls of Hogwarts!? Filmed in Gloucester Cathedral you can walk the halls of the magical school and see for yourself what’s really real. Looking to visit Gloucester and the Cotswolds? We have a selection of stunning country house hotel packages perfect for a break with a touch of luxury once you’re done exploring.
Luton Hoo Hotel, film location for Four Weddings and a Funeral
Luton Hoo is a luxury five-star hotel with an 18 hole golf course, magnificent spa and more than 1,000 acres of parkland and gardens. It’s also home to the bedroom where Hugh Grant finds himself in an awkward predicament with a couple of newlyweds in Four Weddings and a Funeral. Plus, the ballroom is where Sean Connery’s James Bond had his gym in Never Say Never Again. The hotel is conveniently located just off the M1 motorway and within 45 minutes drive from London. You can walk in the footsteps of former visitors such as Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill and Lord Mountbatten to name but a few.
Hotel Gotham, TV filming location for Real Housewives of Cheshire
This iconic 5* deluxe hotel in the centre of cosmopolitan Manchester featured in Real Housewives of Cheshire – which truly hammers home the chic vibe of the place. Opened in early 2015, Hotel Gotham has a themed 1930’s style, yet also boasts all the modern gadgets you’d expect in a swanky city-centre hotel. Bedrooms offer opulent luxury with individual features, and the top floor private members’ bar is a must see.
So, if you’re inspired to explore some of these amazing UK film locations, why not take a look at some of our latest luxury hotel breaks and offers, and spend your next staycation, walking in the footsteps of some of British film and television’s most famous faces?
