Not every movie and TV show are filmed in Hollywood, and new research reveals the obscure UK locations made most popular by their appearances in film and TV, including Harry Potter, Outlander and Downton Abbey.
The research, conducted by holidaycottages.co.uk, used TripAdvisor to calculate how many of a location’s total reviews mentioned a specific film or TV show. They then identified the top ten filming locations with the highest percentage of mentions of shows or movies in their reviews.
The top ten list is as follows:
St Mary’s Church, Bampton, EnglandDownton Abbey (85%)
Of all the filming locations in the UK, the quaint St Mary’s Church in Bampton, Cotswolds, has the highest proportion (85%) of TV show-related reviews. The whole village of Bampton was used to film the fictional village of ‘Downton’, with St Mary’s church hosting several pivotal on-screen events such as weddings, funerals, christenings, and even Lady Edith’s infamous jilting at the altar by Sir Anthony Strallan.
- Midhope Castle, Abercorn, ScotlandOutlander (84%)
Midhope Castle in Abercorn, Scotland, serves as Lallybroch – the ancestral home of the Fraser clan in historical drama Outlander. The 16th-century castle follows closely behind St Mary’s Church with 84% of reviews on TripAdvisor mentioning the show.
Speedy’s Sandwich Bar & Café, Euston Road, LondonSherlock (67%)
Producers of the newest BBC adaptation of Sherlock used the flat above Speedy’s Sandwich Bar, Euston Road, and transformed it into 221B Baker Street, home to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The san
dwich shop, therefore, features heavily in the show, so it’s no surprise that 67% of reviews mention the popular TV-show.
- Highclere Castle, Hampshire, EnglandDownton Abbey (61%)
Fans of Downton Abbey will instantly recognise the gothic Highclere Castle in Hampshire, which served as the primary set of Downton Abbey itself in the hit TV-show and film. Highclere Castle was used as the iconic exterior shot of Downton Abbey and some interior shots were also filmed at the castle too.
Doune Castle, ScotlandMonty Python and the Holy Grail (54%)
The well-loved comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail was filmed extensively at Doune Castle, including both interior and exterior shots. Despite being filmed in 1974, 54% of reviews on TripAdvisor reviews still mention the film.
- Glenfinnan Viaduct, Invernesshsire, ScotlandHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (52%)
Known as ‘The Harry Potter Bridge’ to fans, Glenfinnan Viaduct is used to film the Hogwarts Express travelling to the famous school in the first Harry Potter film. This iconic shot has stuck with fans, with 52% of reviews for the Glenfinnan Viaduct still mentioning the film today.
- Christchurch College, Oxford, EnglandHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and The Chamber of Secrets (41%)
Another Harry Potter filming location, Oxford University’s Christchurch college was featured heavily in the earlier films, acting as the staircases, Hogwarts Dining Hall, and hallways. Potterheads often visit Christchurch to imagine they too are walking in the halls of Hogwarts, with 41% of reviews for the University still talking about Harry Potter!
- The Dark Hedges, Belfast, Northern IrelandGame of Thrones (
39%)
This mystical birch-tree-lined road was famously featured in season 2 of the hit TV show Game of Thrones, where Arya Stark was seen walking down the road after escaping from King’s Landing. Thousands of GOT fans flock to The Dark Hedges each year, so it’s no surprise that 39% of reviews for the Dark Hedges mentioning the TV show.
- Ballintoy Harbour, County Antrim, Northern IrelandGame of Thrones (39%)
Another Game of Thrones filming location, Ballintoy Harbour in County Antrim is used as the primary filming location for Lordsport, the main port of Pyke. It is one of the famous Iron Islands, and home to Theon and Yara Greyjoy. A beautiful landscape, 39% of reviews for Ballintoy Harbour mention Game of Thrones, with many fans visiting each year.
- Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, EnglandHarry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (38%)
Last but certainly not least is another Harry Potter filming location, this time Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. The Outer Bailey of the castle was used as the backdrop for Harry’s first flying lesson, with many of the courtyards used as filming locations too – Harry and Ron even crashed the Weasley family car at Alnwick castle! Despite being filmed in 2000, 38% of reviews for the castle still mention the well-loved film.
Commenting on the research, Shannon Keary, Digital PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, says: “It’s really exciting to see that so many of our favourite TV shows and films were filmed right on our doorstep. The UK has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty, wonderful history, and grand buildings, and it’s great to see that so many producers also feel the same – choosing these UK locations as the backdrop for so many popular TV shows and movies.
“And if you’re a fan of any of the TV shows and movies listed above and want to visit (when you can!), we hope our research will help people see which locations to put on their bucket list for once lockdown and travel restrictions are lifted.”
To find out more about this campaign and explore further filming locations in the US and worldwide, please visit: https://www.holidaycottages.co.uk/star-attraction
