Britain has launched a campaign called ‘Starring Great Britain’ inviting visitors to explore the country’s hottest filming locations, beyond the popular destination of London. The campaign showcases various regions in Britain that have been used as filming locations for popular TV shows and blockbuster hits. Visitors can explore cities like Bath, Oxford, and Manchester, as well as the beautiful countryside in Wales where many iconic film sets and experiences are accessible to the public. According to Patricia Yates, CEO of Visit Britain, nine out of 10 visitors coming to the UK are interested in film and TV experiences.
Fans of ‘Bridgerton’ can visit Bath to see the Georgian architecture backdrops and enjoy themed experiences like regency afternoon tea. Those who loved ‘Wonka’ can head to Oxford where much of the filming took place in prestigious colleges and historic landmarks. ‘Harry Potter’ fans can explore Northumberland’s Alnwick Castle, which was featured as Hogwarts, and even try broomstick training. Manchester is a great place for Marvel film buffs, as it stood in for New York in the ‘Captain America’ movies. Fans of ‘Peaky Blinders’ can visit the Black Country Living Museum near Birmingham to see industrial historic locations from the TV series.
Britain’s beaches are often featured on the big screen, with destinations like East Anglia’s Holkham Beach being recognized in films like ‘Shakespeare in Love’. The rise of streaming platforms has made British films more universal and popular across the globe, leading to an increase in visitors seeking film-related experiences in the UK. Film tourism is being used as a driver to attract visitors and film producers to different parts of Britain, benefiting local communities and businesses. The country’s comprehensive infrastructure, including trains that connect cities, countryside, and coastline, makes it easy for visitors to explore various filming locations.
With nearly 39 million people visiting Britain in 2024, the country is expected to see continued growth in tourism post-COVID, driven by the American market and significant markets in Asia. Britain’s timeless landmarks and landscapes have made it a popular filming location, with agreements with major film studios and partnerships attracting producers seeking new and unique locations. Visit Britain aims to keep the story of Britain’s filming locations going for years, offering visitors and viewers a glimpse of the country’s rich history and heritage on screen. Expect to see more of Britain’s iconic landmarks and landscapes in films and TV shows in the coming years, showcasing the diverse and cinematic identity of the country.
