Britain’s film and TV by region: the east Midlands
Stop 1 – Peak District
Castleton and Cave Dale
Castleton is a picture-postcard village, with its stone cottages and cosy tearooms nestled beneath the ruins of Peveril Castle, one of the first stone castles in England. But just behind it lies Cave Dale – a dramatic valley of rugged cliffs that’s no stranger to Hollywood. It’s where The Princess Bride staged swashbuckling duels, and more recently, where dragons flew and dynasties schemed in House of the Dragon. For a cinematic stroll, try the 2km circular Cave Dale walk – a short but striking route that starts right in the village and loops through this rocky gorge. Expect winding paths, sweeping views and maybe a dragon or two (on screen, at least).
Lyme
Period drama fans will most likely remember ‘that’ lake scene from the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice. Yes, this is where Colin Firth’s Mr Darcy emerged – dripping wet and brooding. But there’s more to Lyme than one man’s wet shirt. This sprawling estate near Disley, with its sweeping deer park and grand 16th-century mansion, paints a vivid picture of aristocratic life. Inside, your clients can step into wood-panelled rooms and a library that would make Jane Austen herself swoon. Now managed by the National Trust, the house tells the story of the Legh family and their nearly 550-year-long reign over the estate.
Kedleston Hall
This neoclassical hall was created by Robert Adam for the Curzon family, and film buffs will recognise it from The Duchess and Bridgerton: Queen Charlotte. Think sweeping staircases, marbled halls, and an interior that stages its own period drama. Outside, the parkland rolls on for miles – ideal for Regency-style strolls (bonnets optional). Inside, gilded ceilings and Roman-style columns express the Curzon family’s taste and wealth. Now cared for by the National Trust, it invites visitors to explore the grandeur of Georgian England. During the summer months, your clients can also enjoy open air theatre and outdoor film screenings for a truly cinematic experience.
Hardwick Hall
She built it to dazzle, and centuries later, Bess of Hardwick’s masterpiece still stops visitors in their tracks. Known for its large and numerous windows, which were a luxury at the time it was built, Hardwick Hall has been described as ‘more glass than wall’ – and it is no exaggeration. Now managed by the National Trust, this Elizabethan gem inspired Malfoy Manor in the Harry Potter films and appeared in Mary Queen of Scots. Inside, your clients can marvel at one of Europe’s finest collections of 16th-century textiles, vast tapestries, and portraits. Outside, the formal gardens and parkland invite visitors to take a leisurely stroll.
Haddon Hall
Step into Haddon Hall and step straight onto the set of a period drama. This beautifully preserved Tudor manor, near Bakewell, has a starring role in Mary Queen of Scots, The Other Boleyn Girl, and The Princess Bride. Its crooked stone corridors, medieval kitchens and fairytale gardens will take your clients right back in time. Perched above the River Wye, it’s one of England’s oldest family homes, and it regularly hosts candlelit concerts, tours and seasonal events.
Dovedale
With its winding river, ancient ash trees, and stepping stones at the foot of Thorpe Cloud, Dovedale has starred in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and The Other Boleyn Girl. This limestone valley in the Peak District is cinematic by nature, with cliffs that rise like castles from the ground. Whether your clients are imagining sword fights or royal escapes, this National Nature Reserve has stories written into its rocks. The one-and-a-half-mile riverside walk from Thorpe Cloud to the stepping stones is suitable for families and provides plenty of photo opportunities.
Derwent Valley
The Derwent Valley doesn’t just boast breathtaking scenery, it is also the cradle of the Industrial Revolution. Its peaks and reservoirs doubled as adventure terrain in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, where Tom Cruise performed death-defying stunts above the Ladybower Reservoir. But this place isn’t just for action heroes. It’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to some of the earliest modern factories in the world. Your clients can explore charming mill towns like Cromford and Matlock Bath, or hike the reservoir trails. While in the area, book a tour of White Peak Distillery, the first full-scale craft distillery in the Peak District, and taste their Wire Works Whiskey or Shining Cliff Gin.
Stoney Middleton
It’s not every village that sees Tom Cruise leaping off cliffs, but Stoney Middleton was a key location for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, which saw Ethan Hunt jump from the top of a quarry for a daring stunt. Discover the charming village with its limestone cottages, a curving main street and a pub with centuries of history. The surrounding area also featured in Fantastic Four. Film action aside, stay for the charm of the village: think cosy cafes, historic churches, and the Lovers Leap, now a restaurant – named after the legend of a heartbroken woman who leapt off the cliffs above the cottage, but miraculously survived unharmed.
Chatsworth House
As your clients walk through the grand gates of Chatsworth House, they will step onto the set of Pride and Prejudice, The Duchess, and even Peaky Blinders. This is also where generations of the Cavendish family have lived for more than 500 years. The art collection is world-class, with Rembrandt masterpieces and Joshua Reynolds portraits rubbing shoulders in gilded rooms. The 105-acre gardens are no less stunning – think cascading fountains, sculpture walks and a maze to get lost in. There’s plenty to see and do throughout the year – from art classes and food fairs to outdoor theatre too.
Peak District Pub Tour
Discover the Peak District pint by pint with a guided pub tour through some of the region’s most scenic villages, including Bakewell, Baslow and Alstonefield. Travelling by minibus, groups (up to 36 people) visit hand-picked pubs with plenty of character. Your clients can choose from a range of tours, including the Southern Dales or Derwent Valley and Eastern Moors. They can expect roaring fires in winter, beer gardens during the summer months, and stories shared by their guide along the way no matter the season. Add meals or tailor the route to suit the group.
Buxton Crescent Hotel
For those looking to live out their Georgian period-drama dream, Buxton Crescent won’t disappoint. This 18th-century architectural jewel on the edge of the Peak District now houses a five-star luxury spa hotel where your clients can soak in thermal waters before their next adventure. The crescent itself looks ready for its close-up – and it often gets one, thanks to its period-perfect façade and historic spa town charm. The on-site spa draws from the geothermal spring beneath the town. It’s Regency glamour with modern-day indulgence – no costume required.
Treak Cliff Cavern
Underneath the limestone hills of Castleton lies a glittering world of wonder. Treak Cliff Cavern is the only place in the world where one will find Blue John, a rare and luminous mineral found in just a few Derbyshire caves. With guided tours that lead your clients through vast chambers hung with stalactites, the cavern feels like something straight out of a fantasy epic. Clients can watch craftspeople turn Blue John into jewellery in the workshop or simply marvel at the Cathedral Cavern and Aladdin’s Cave, which are key parts of the cave system.
Heights of Abraham
Soar up the hillside by cable car and find the Heights of Abraham, a hilltop estate where history meets adventure. Perched above the Derwent Valley in Matlock Bath, this all-in-one attraction is packed with things to do. Your clients can wander woodland trails with sweeping Peak District views, delve deep into 18th-century lead mines on guided cavern tours, or brush up on geology and archaeology in the heritage pavilions. The cable car itself offers an aerial view worthy of a movie drone shot.
Stanage Edge
This mile-long gritstone ridge is where Keira Knightley’s Lizzie Bennet stood in Pride and Prejudice (2005), with sweeping views of vast moorlands and open skies. Just outside Hathersage, Stanage Edge is popular with hikers, climbers and photographers. Your clients will also find links to Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, inspired by the nearby North Lees Hall. Don’t forget walking boots and a camera to capture the drama.
getting around
Getting around: The nearest major gateway is Manchester Airport – just over an hour’s drive away and served by direct rail links to the region. From the Peak District, it’s just a short drive south through rolling countryside to Derbyshire. The region is well-connected by scenic roads, and public transport options link towns like Bakewell, Matlock and Derby. Hiring a car offers flexibility for visiting rural film sites, but for those using buses or trains, stay in one of the market towns and take day trips from there.
Stop 2 – Derbyshire
Bluebell Dairy Farm
Just 10 minutes from Derby, Bluebell Dairy Farm is where ice cream dreams and family adventures collide. Kids can meet goats, donkeys and Shetland ponies, zoom around in pedal tractors, or bounce on giant jumping pillows. Grown-ups can relax with a coffee and a scoop (or three) of Bluebell ice cream, made on site with local milk. A café, animal encounters, tractor rides and a play barn provide more fun for the family, while seasonal events, from lambing to Halloween maize mazes, keep things exciting all year round.
Derby Cathedral
Rising above the city, Derby Cathedral’s story started in the 10th century. The soaring tower, once a beacon for travellers, now houses a family of peregrine falcons who nest each spring. Inside, the Georgian interior includes the tomb of Bess of Hardwick – one of Elizabethan England’s most powerful women. Climb the cathedral’s 189 steps for a panoramic view of Derby or simply sit and admire the stained glass and soaring arches.
Bustler Market
Tucked inside a converted warehouse near Derby’s industrial quarter, Bustler Market is a street food and craft beer hotspot. Open every weekend, it’s a magnet for foodies and music-lovers alike. With a rotating cast of traders, your clients might find Thai bao buns, brisket tacos, vegan gyros and rich brownies – all under one roof. There’s always a buzz thanks to live DJs, local brews, themed events, and communal tables. It’s bursting with energy – the kind of place where a quick snack can turn into an evening out.
Derby Museum and Art Gallery
Step into a treasure trove where art meets archaeology and the Age of Enlightenment. Derby Museum and Art Gallery is home to the largest collection of paintings by local 18th-century artist Joseph Wright. But there’s more than art here: ancient Egyptian artefacts, Roman relics, local geology, and natural history all share the space. A rotating programme of exhibitions means there’s always something new to discover – and if your clients are in the mood for something a little more spine-tingling, they can explore the Dracula VR Experience this summer (5-6 July 2025). This immersive virtual reality event brings Bram Stoker’s legendary tale to life, blending gothic storytelling with cutting-edge tech for a unique museum experience.
Museum of Making
Inside Derby’s Silk Mill – a UNESCO World Heritage Site widely recognised as the world’s first modern factory – the Museum of Making celebrates 300 years of innovation. But this isn’t just a history lesson, it’s a working studio too. Your clients can get hands-on with everything from letterpress printing to laser cutting. There are more than 30,000 items in the collection, including bikes, ceramics and a suspended Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 jet engine. The whole museum was co-produced with people from the region and entry is free (with the exception of temporary exhibitions).
getting around
Getting around: Derby and Nottingham are connected by direct train services, while the journey between the two cities takes around 30 minutes by car. Regular buses and trains run between key destinations, but those driving will find it easier to combine stately homes and rural stops along the way. Nottingham’s compact city centre is ideal for exploring on foot, with bike hire and trams also available for wider journeys.
Stop 3 – Nottingham
Wollaton Hall
Fans of The Dark Knight Rises will recognise this grand Elizabethan mansion as Wayne Manor. Nestled within 500 acres of parkland, Wollaton Hall is no stranger to the spotlight. It’s also popped up in The Crown and The Princess Switch 2. But there’s more to experience beyond the film glamour – inside, it houses Nottingham’s Natural History Museum, with a collection of 750,000 objects, ranging from fossils and minerals to invertebrates, vertebrates and taxidermy.
Sherwood Forest
Sherwood Forest is home to the 1,000-year-old Major Oak (rumoured to have sheltered Robin Hood and his Merry Men) and has appeared in countless screen retellings, from Errol Flynn’s dashing adventures to modern takes. Your clients can explore the forest trails and high-tech visitor centre, which brings the folklore to life with immersive exhibitions. It’s also a haven for wildlife, from shy deer to swooping birds of prey. Visit during the annual Robin Hood Festival (25 to 27 July 2025) to learn more about the renowned band of outlaws, when jousting, historical re-enactment and outdoor film screenings help bring the past to life.
Nottingham Castle
Reopened after a major multimillion-pound revamp, Nottingham Castle is once again ready for its close-up. This hilltop stronghold has watched over the city for 1,000 years and is a key player in the Robin Hood legend. Today, it’s a modern visitor attraction with immersive digital galleries, storytelling trails and panoramic views across the rooftops. Film fans will recognise its cinematic silhouette, while art lovers can explore a diverse programme of exhibitions. The grounds also feature caves and tunnels – perfect for imagining daring escapes and secret plots.
Bolsover Castle
Those who like their filming locations with a touch of theatrical flair, Bolsover Castle steals the scene. This 17th-century ‘pleasure palace’ boasts turrets straight from a fairytale and interiors worthy of a costume drama. It’s no surprise it’s been seen in everything from the BBC adaptation of Jane Eyre (2006) to the mini-series Gunpowder (2017) with Kit Harrington. Wander the lavish rooms, peer into hidden corners, and take in views over the rolling Derbyshire hills.
Ezekial Bone Robin Hood Town Tour
Think Robin Hood was just tights and arrows? Think again. Your clients can join actor and historian Ezekial Bone as he leads them through Nottingham’s alleys, caves and true tales of rebellion. This isn’t a standard guided walk, it’s part theatre and part history lesson. Your clients will hear about the real Sheriff, the rebel roots of the city, and the Hollywood versions many people know today.
Newstead Abbey
Once the home of English poet Lord Byron, Newstead Abbey oozes gothic glamour and poetic drama. Wander through the cloisters, formal gardens, and wooded trails that look straight out of a period film. Inside, discover Byron’s letters, portraits and quirks – including a fondness for pet bears. The Abbey’s blend of medieval architecture and romantic decay has inspired artists and filmmakers alike. Just 12 miles from Nottingham, it’s an atmospheric stop for anyone with a taste for literary history and gothic architecture.
City of Caves
What lies beneath Nottingham? More than 800 hand-carved sandstone caves – and a world of hidden stories. The City of Caves experience takes your clients into this surreal subterranean realm, once used as medieval tanneries, air raid shelters and even as illegal pubs. The caves offer a rare chance to walk through layers of history beneath the modern streets. Tours bring to life the people who lived, worked and hid here. It’s haunting and offbeat – a plot twist for your clients’ Nottingham adventure.
Restaurant Sat Bains
For a (Michelin) star finale, book a table at Restaurant Sat Bains. This two Michelin star culinary powerhouse on the edge of the city isn’t just a place to eat – it’s a fine-dining experience. Expect ever-evolving tasting menus using locally sourced ingredients, all served with creative flair. Highlights include Cornish crab with dashi and sea herbs, and Anjou squab pigeon. With space for up to 28 guests, the setting is intimate and understated, letting the food take centre stage.
The Lace Market
Once the beating heart of the global lace industry, the Lace Market is now one of Nottingham’s coolest quarters – a red-brick maze of converted warehouses, indie boutiques and stylish bars that once housed thousands of lace makers. Walk the cobbled streets and your clients will see echoes of Victorian charm blended with modern energy. Stop by The Hungry Pumpkin for a bite, grab a cocktail at The Hockley Arts Club, or browse vinyl records at Rough Trade – and feel the buzz of creativity past and present.
getting around
Getting around: Nottingham and Leicester are less than 30 miles apart and connected by direct trains that take less than 30 minutes. Leicester’s city centre is walkable, with frequent buses serving attractions like Belvoir Castle and the Great Central Railway.
Stop 4 – Leicester
Belvoir Castle
Pronounced ‘Beaver’ (yes, really), this fairytale fortress is a stately showstopper. A starring location in The Crown and The Da Vinci Code, Belvoir Castle is the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Rutland, with over 1,000 years of aristocratic drama behind its walls. Although Belvoir still doubles as a family home, visitors can explore lavish state rooms, stroll through Italianate gardens, and take in views that sweep across three counties. There’s even an on-site artisan shopping village and engine yard cafés for a relaxed afternoon tea. Check online for seasonal events such as breathwork retreats and garden shows.
Leicester City FC Stadium Tour
Walk in the footsteps of footballing history at the King Power Stadium, home of 2016 Premier League winners Leicester City. This behind-the-scenes tour lets your clients soak in the magic. They can visit the players’ tunnel and dressing rooms, venture pitchside and experience the media zones. There’s a dedicated museum and plenty of memorabilia to impress visiting football fans. Whether your clients are diehard Foxes supporters or just love a good sports story, this tour offers plenty of excitement.
National Space Centre
Britain might not have launched a man to the moon, but this intergalactic attraction offers an out of this world experience. The National Space Centre is home to real rockets (including the Thor Able), six galleries of hands-on exhibits, and a 42-metre Rocket Tower that dominates the skyline. Inside, your clients can explore everything from the science of black holes to satellites and Martian rovers. The UK’s largest planetarium also offers 360-degree shows that’ll transport clients across the galaxy. With space suits from Gravity, a moon rock, and plenty of astronaut food in the cafe, it offers a stellar day out for space travellers of all ages.
Leicester Old Town
Leicester’s Old Town, with its timber-framed buildings, winding alleyways, and medieval guildhalls, formed the atmospheric backdrop for The Lost King (2022). This part of the city is rich in stories – from Roman ruins to Richard III’s rediscovery just around the corner. Expect charming indie cafés, hidden courtyards, and pubs older than most countries. Don’t miss the atmospheric streets around St Martin’s Square or the Guildhall – rumoured to be haunted, naturally.
Great Central Railway
All aboard for a journey straight into the golden age of steam. The Great Central Railway is Britain’s only mainline heritage railway where full-size steam locomotives run on double tracks – just like in the olden days. It’s a film favourite, popping up in The Crown and Enola Holmes 2, thanks to its beautifully preserved stations and vintage carriages. Ride in style between Loughborough and Leicester, sip tea in a 1920s dining carriage, or visit the engine sheds for a glimpse into Britain’s early railways.
King Richard III Visitor Centre
Richard III was the last English king to die in battle – and his remains were found in a council car park in Leicester in 2012. Today, the King Richard III Visitor Centre brings his story to life with hands-on exhibits, battlefield stories, and a dramatic retelling of his turbulent reign. It’s right beside Leicester Cathedral, where the king now rests in a tomb. High-tech storytelling and archaeology dig deep into mysteries surrounding a unique piece of royal history.
Triumph Factory Visitor Centre
Roar into Britain’s biking heritage at the Triumph Factory Visitor Experience – home of the Triumph Motorcycles. From post-war classics to movie-star machines ridden by 007 and Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible, this is a dream garage for petrol heads. Explore interactive exhibits, watch bikes being built on the factory floor, and marvel at the custom rides in the Triumph Hall of Fame.
Brockleby’s Pies
What’s more British than a pie? At Brockleby’s, your clients don’t just eat award-winning Melton Mowbray pork pies – they make them. This family-run bakery near Leicester offers hands-on pie-making workshops where visitors can roll, crimp and fill their own traditional creations. The farm shop also stocks local chutneys, cheeses and pies ready to take home (for those who can resist eating them on the spot).
Leicester Cathedral
At the heart of the city lies Leicester Cathedral. It’s the final resting place of King Richard III, whose reburial here in 2015 was watched around the world. Visitors can admire its stained glass, medieval tombs, and modern sculptures, or take in the peaceful gardens outside. The cathedral is part of the city’s historic quarter and is just steps away from the King Richard III Visitor Centre.
getting around
Getting around: The journey from Leicester to Northamptonshire can take up to an hour by car, depending on the destination within Northamptonshire. Regular train services connect Leicester to towns including Kettering, Wellingborough and Northampton, taking from 30 to 50 minutes.
Stop 5 – Northamptonshire
Althorp Estate
Hollywood meets heritage at Althorp – ancestral home of the Spencer family and resting place of Princess Diana – where Kingsman: The Golden Circle brought its stylish espionage drama. But long before the film crews arrived, this grand estate was already a national treasure. With a history spanning 500 years, 90 rooms, and acres of landscaped parkland, it’s a stately slice of British aristocracy. Inside, your clients will find art by Anthony van Dyck and Thomas Gainsborough, and stories from one of Britain’s most prominent families. The house is only open to the public during the summer months (3 July to 31 August 2025), with pre-booking recommended.
Deene Park
The gothic arches, lakeside lawns and grand interiors of Deene Park provided Saltburn with some of its most memorable on-screen moments. But this isn’t just a pretty backdrop, it’s a house with many stories to tell. Once home to the Brudenell family (including the 7th Earl of Cardigan who led the Charge of the Light Brigade), Deene Park opens its doors on select days between May and the end of August for self-guided tours. Expect lavish rooms, family heirlooms and landscaped gardens that feel straight out of a Brontë novel. Between 21 and 23 October 2025, Deene Park marks the anniversary of the Charge of the Light Brigade with house tours focusing on the Crimean War and the 7th Earl of Cardigan. The tour ends with a visit to St. Peter’s Church where your clients will have exclusive access to the Brudenell family tomb. Tickets include a soup lunch and access to the Garden.
Silverstone Circuit
With the Formula 1 film starring Brad Pitt putting Silverstone firmly in the cinematic fast lane, there’s never been a better time to channel one’s inner racing legend. As the only F1 track in Britain and the spiritual home of British motorsport, Silverstone lets visitors do more than just watch the action – they can drive it. The Silverstone Circuit Driving Experience puts your clients behind the wheel of supercars like the McLaren 620R or Ferrari F430, guided by pro-level coaches. Across a 2.5-hour session, they will receive a full safety briefing, experience multiple high-speed laps, and post-drive feedback. For even more thrills, visit the interactive museum or strap in for the Drive!, an immersive racing simulator.
Lamport Hall
A stately star in The Crown, Lamport Hall delivers Georgian symmetry, Victorian grandeur and a dose of English eccentricity. Once home to the scholarly Sir Charles Isham (who first introduced garden gnomes to England in 1874), the hall is steeped in history and charm. Its elegant rooms and formal gardens have hosted royals and now… Netflix crews. Your clients can explore fine furniture, precious china, curiosities and a library full of leather-bound treasures. The rose garden alone feels like a period drama waiting to happen. Just make sure to say hello to one of the last surviving 19th-century gnomes in Britain – yes, really.
Boughton House
Boughton House is a baroque beauty and starred in Napoleon, Les Misérables, and Tulip Fever. The house boasts symmetrical gardens, grand halls, a world-class art collection and links to the Dukes of Montagu. It’s not just the estate’s scale that impresses, it’s the detail – from tapestries to antique leather-bound books. Guided tours reveal rare furniture, 17th-century glamour and the French-inspired architecture that’s made it a favourite for period dramas. The grounds are just as grand, with themed gardens, orchards, riverside walks and water features.
Castle Ashby
Blink and you might miss Will Smith and Tessa Thompson at Castle Ashby – the stately backdrop for Men in Black: International. This is a house with serious screen-appeal: Elizabethan roots, Italianate gardens, a romantic orangery, and a menagerie that will delight young travellers. Still home to the 7th Marquess of Northampton, a visit to Castle Ashby is like stepping into a heritage film with a family-friendly twist. Your clients can wander through the butterfly garden, pose by the arboretum, or visit the meerkats in the menagerie.
Northampton
It’s not just shoes – it’s a legacy. Northampton’s shoemaking heritage is front and centre in Kinky Boots, the film that inspired the hit musical of the same name. While the real factory action was filmed elsewhere, the soul of the story is all Northampton – where generations of cobblers made fine footwear fit for royalty. International visitors can explore its past at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, which houses one of the world’s largest shoe collections. Add in local indie shops, craft beer spots and a buzzing theatre scene, and there’s a town with plenty to offer.
Oundle
Oundle’s handsome Georgian town centre and prestigious boarding school provided numerous backdrops for The Crown. It’s the kind of place where one half-expects to bump into a young Prince Philip brooding by the river. If your clients are looking for traditional British charm, it’s a good base: expect antique shops, riverside walks, historic pubs, and a café culture that balances tradition with the right touch of cool.
