Britain’s Film and TV by region: the south-east of England
Stop 1 - Hertfordshire
Hatfield House, Hatfield
Step into the world of Bridgerton at Hatfield House, a grand Jacobean mansion that doubled as the Bridgerton family’s London residence in season two. A fine example of 17th-century architecture, this stately home dazzles with richly furnished rooms, a vast art collection, and one of the finest Jacobean staircases in England, covered with intricate carvings. Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood in the adjacent Old Palace, and your clients can wander the grounds where she once walked. Don’t miss the sprawling gardens, woodland walks, Stable Yard shop and café, or the regular events, from antiques fairs to outdoor theatre.
Knebworth House, Stevenage
Experience Victorian Gothic life at Knebworth House – a red Tudor brick building clad in 19th century High Gothic style. Just a 30-minute-drive from London, Knebworth’s facade and lavish interiors have appeared on screens big and small – from The Crown to The King’s Speech and Paddington. On selected dates between March and September, your clients can explore the house and its collection of portraits and antique furniture, or go behind-the-scenes at the ‘On Location’ exhibition. Outside, the 28-acre formal gardens and dinosaur trail can keep all ages enchanted. Pre-booking is recommended.
St Albans Cathedral, St Albans
Take a 20-minute-train-ride from London to St Albans to marvel at St Albans Cathedral – Britain’s oldest site of continuous Christian worship. Rising above the medieval streets of St Albans, its Norman tower and 85-metre nave (the longest in England) blend Roman, Saxon and Gothic architecture across nearly 1,700 years of sacred history. The cathedral houses the medieval Shrines of St Alban and Amphibalus, and boasts rare 13th- and 14th-century wall paintings. Film fans take note: its nave masqueraded as Westminster Abbey in Johnny English, and The Crown filmed coronation scenes here too.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, Leavesden
Clients can immerse themselves in the magical world of Harry Potter at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. This immersive experience offers fans the chance to explore original sets, costumes and props used in the films, from the Great Hall at Hogwarts to Diagon Alley and Platform 9¾. Your clients can discover behind-the-scenes secrets about the production, enjoy interactive exhibits and even sample a glass of Butterbeer. Additional events occur year-round, including Hogwarts in the Snow, when the studio tour is given a festive makeover. Trains operate from London Euston to Watford Junction (taking around 15-30 minutes), with regular shuttle buses operating from the station to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour (15 minutes).
getting around
Getting around:London Gatwick Airport and London Heathrow Airport are the closest major airports to Hertfordshire. By car, Gatwick is approximately one to one-and-a-half hours away, while Heathrow is around 40 to 60 minutes, Direct train services connect Hertfordshire stations – including Harpenden, St Albans City, Stevenage, Hitchin, and Letchworth Garden City – to London. Travel from Hertfordshire to Oxford by train takes around one-and-a-half to two hours with a change in London. By car, the journey takes from one to two hours, depending on the destination.
Stop 2 - Oxford
Oxford University
With its wisteria-covered walls, peaceful gardens, medieval libraries and ancient quadrangles, Oxford University – the oldest university in the English-speaking world – has doubled as Hogwarts, Narnia and even Napoleon’s Paris. Fans can scout James Bond at New College’s 15th-century cloisters, as featured in Tomorrow Never Dies, on a self-guided tour. Or spot Wonka (2023) locations around Radcliffe Square, home to Oxford’s landmark library building, the Radcliffe Camera. Christ Church and the Bodleian Libraries are film-set regulars in the Harry Potter films too. Your clients can explore the city on a free self-guided tour to relive these cinematic moments.
Bodleian Library and Christ Church College, Oxford
Step into the world of Harry Potter at two of Oxford’s most spellbinding filming locations. The Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, provided a magical backdrop for several scenes in the Harry Potter films. Clients can take guided tours of Duke Humfrey’s Library – the stand-in for Hogwarts’ library – and explore the vaulted Divinity School, which doubled as Hogwarts hospital. Just a short stroll away, explore Christ Church College with its grand Tudor architecture. Here, Harry first entered Hogwarts via the 16th-century stone staircase leading to a dining hall which inspired the Great Hall seen on screen. Clients can also explore the college’s cathedral, quads, and picture gallery, or picnic in the adjacent Christ Church Meadow.
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of Winston Churchill, is one of Britain’s most magnificent stately homes. Built in the early 18th century and set within 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland and formal gardens, it has become a popular filming location for period dramas and action-packed scnes. It has taken a starring role in Bridgerton, Mission: Impossible, Cinderella and The BFG. In Bridgerton, the palace stood in for the Duke of Hastings’ country estate, while Mission: Impossible used its opulent interiors for key action sequences. Beyond the screen, visitors can explore the palace’s Baroque interiors, discover formal gardens and lakeside walks, and enjoy curated exhibitions, seasonal events, and workshops. For younger explorers, Adventure Play offers a fun space for imaginative outdoors play.
Bridge of Sighs
Let out a sigh – of delight – at one of Oxford’s most photographed sights. Officially named Hertford Bridge, Oxford’s Bridge of Sighs may resemble its Venetian namesake, but it sighs more with charm than sorrow. Linking two parts of Hertford College since 1914, the grade-II listed structure most recently appeared in Wonka (2023), where Oxford’s historic architecture helped reimagine European streets.
Pitt Rivers Museum
Step behind the scenes of Oxford’s academic past at the eccentric Pitt Rivers Museum. Enter through the Natural History Museum, and find a dimly lit world of anthropological oddities – ritual masks, voodoo dolls, shrunken heads, and more than half a million objects arranged in Victorian-style cases. It’s less minimalist art gallery and more Indiana Jones’ attic – goosebumps (and free entry) guaranteed.
Bicester Village
Bicester Village, just a 15-minute train-ride from Oxford, is a luxury shopping destination featuring more than 160 boutiques from high-end brands like Gucci, Prada and Burberry, offering up to 60% off retail prices. Services include multilingual personal shoppers, VIP lounge access, and hands-free shopping. The open-air layout is designed to resemble an English village, and your clients can also enjoy fine dining options and on-site tax-free shopping.
Ashmolean Museum
Part of the University of Oxford, the Ashmolean Museum is the world’s oldest public museum, founded in 1683. It is a treasure trove of art and archaeology packed with everything from Egyptian mummies to J.M.W Turner paintings, Samurai armour to contemporary sculpture. The rooftop café offers skyline views to match the masterpieces, while the museum’s free entry, world-class exhibitions, and highlights tours make it a rewarding destination for anyone curious about more than two thousand years of history and creativity.
Oxford Botanic Garden
Experience Oxford in bloom at Britain’s oldest botanic garden. Dating to 1621, Oxford Botanic Garden boasts more than 5,000 plant species across riverside beds and seven glasshouses. It famously inspired Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland and was a favourite haunt of Lord of the Rings author, J.R.R. Tolkien. Wander the walled garden, take a free volunteer-led tour, admire carnivorous plants, and snap a photo from the bench used in His Dark Materials, based on the Philip Pullman novels. It’s also where Johnny Depp filmed scenes for Through the Looking Glass. Nestled along the River Cherwell, it offers a peaceful place to picnic like a poet and recharge during a visit to the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’.
Harry Potter Highlights Walking Tour
Zip into a world of wizardry on a private Harry Potter Highlights Tour guided by Oxford Official Walking Tours. On either a one- or two-hour tour, your clients can explore sites used both as filming locations and set inspiration: the Gothic Divinity School (Hogwarts Infirmary and dance practice), Christ Church’s grand staircase leading to the Great Hall, and New College Cloisters (where Malfoy became a ferret). Entry into these historic university spaces is included. With expert guides fluent in Potter trivia – and university lore – this is a magical way to stroll among the spires and admire Oxford’s spellbinding architecture. Tours are also available in French, German, Italian and Spanish.
getting around
Getting around: To get from Oxford to Windsor by train, the quickest route takes around one hour 20 minutes with a change at Slough (from Oxford to Slough, then Slough to Windsor and Eton Central). By car, it’s roughly a 50-minute drive.
Stop 3 - Windsor and surrounding areas
Cliveden House, Taplow
Built in 1666 by the second Duke of Buckingham, Cliveden House has played host to duchesses, royalty – and Hollywood. This Italianate mansion – now owned by the National Trust and part of Iconic Luxury Hotels – doubled as Irene Adler’s room in Sherlock Holmes (2009) and became Cinderella’s clock tower in Disney’s fairy tale adaptation from 2015. In Alan Rickman’s A Little Chaos (2014), Cliveden transformed into Louis XIV’s Versailles. But the true magic is staying in this five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel and spa. Sip Champagne in the wood-panelled library, dine on modern British dishes in the three AA Rosette restaurant, The Cliveden Dining Room, or unwind in the award-winning spa nestled in the walled garden.
Dorney Court, Windsor
Tudor gem Dorney Court has been a star since the 15th century. Its red-brick gables and wood-panelled interiors played host to Queen Charlotte’s tea party in Bridgerton and stood in as Freddie Mercury’s childhood home in Bohemian Rhapsody. Still privately owned by the Palmer family, the house opens for two-hour Connoisseur Tours, where visitors can wander through its historic halls, centuries-old kitchens, and an ancient church next door. The tours start with tea or coffee on arrival and finish with an optional alcoholic drink. Outside, clients can explore the surrounding parkland and enjoy cream tea at the Tea Room in the Kitchen Garden.
Basildon Park, Basildon
A Georgian estate set in 400 acres of historic parkland, Basildon Park is a National Trust site that has featured in Bridgerton and Downton Abbey. This restored Palladian mansion in Berkshire, to the north-west of Reading, boasts opulent interiors (used as the Featherington family home), including a rococo-style Octagon Room, and a sweeping staircase perfect for dramatic entrances. Originally rescued from ruin in the 1950s, your clients can now explore its elegant drawing rooms, admire 18th-century plasterwork, and enjoy cakes in the tearoom with countryside views.
Eton College, Eton
Eton is far more than just a renowned public school. This 15th-century institution has provided cinematic backdrops for The Secret Garden, Casino Royale and Chariots of Fire, thanks to its Gothic chapel, grand quadrangles, and riverside location. Explore the Museum of Eton Life (open Sunday afternoons between 1.30 and 4pm only), marvel at schoolboy graffiti from centuries past, time a visit to coincide with a chapel service, or book a themed guided tour.
Windsor Great Park, Windsor
Windsor Great Park spans more than 4,800 acres of greenery once reserved for monarchs. Used as a hunting ground by King William I in the 11th century and for horse riding by Queen Elizabeth II in more recent times, the edges of the park are just a 10-minute walk from Windsor town centre. Your clients can stroll along the Long Walk towards Windsor Castle – a wide path stretching for three miles (5km) – or wander through the blooming splendour of The Savill Garden. Look out for the red deer herd which roams in the park too.
Windsor Castle, Windsor
The world’s oldest and largest occupied castle isn’t just home to royalty – it’s also a blockbuster in its own right, having been portrayed in The Crown. Towering over the River Thames since the 11th century, Windsor Castle has hosted monarchs, state banquets, and a royal wedding or two. Tour the State Apartments, see Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, and marvel at St George’s Chapel, the resting place of 11 monarchs. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony on selected days or the royal collection of art and armour.
Legoland Windsor, Windsor
Where else can one ride a dragon, see a submarine, and stroll past a LEGO® Big Ben – all before lunch? LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is one of Britain’s top family attractions, boasting more than 55 rides and experiences across multiple themed areas. Explore LEGO® Mythica with its flying theatre ride, splash about in DUPLO® Valley’s water play areas, or conquer the 4D adventures of NINJAGO® World. Your clients can also stay overnight in the colourful on-site LEGO®-themed hotel for a brick-built dream come true.
getting around
Getting around: Travel from Windsor to Sussex is straightforward by train or car. The fastest rail route is via London. Take a train from Windsor and Eton Riverside to London, then change to Southern services to Sussex towns like Brighton, Lewes or Eastbourne. The whole journey takes around three hours. By car, the drive takes around one-and-a-half to two hours, depending on your clients’ exact destination in Sussex.
Stop 4 - Sussex
Seven Sisters Country Park
Grab a wand and prepare for some movie magic at the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, part of the Sussex Heritage Coast. The white cliffs appeared in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald and also played a starring role in the opening scene of Wicked. Part of the Seven Sisters Country Park, this prime spot for walking and wildlife spotting is renowned for its sweeping coastal views and dramatic white cliffs shaped by centuries of erosion. Nearby Beachy Head, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, adds even more cinematic appeal.
Arundel Castle, Arundel
tep into a thousand years of history at Arundel Castle, perched above the River Arun in West Sussex, which featured as Littlehampton in Wicked Little Letters (2023). Wander through Norman towers, marvel at the Gothic arches of the Fitzalan Chapel, and picnic in the tulip-filled gardens if it’s spring. The castle is open from April to November for tours, jousting tournaments, seasonal events and its annual Tulip Festival each April. The town of Arundel is just as charming, with antiques shops, tearooms and traditional English pubs.
Royal Pavilion, Brighton
With its onion-shaped domes, minarets and chinoiserie interiors, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion looks more like a Maharaja’s palace than a British seaside retreat – and that’s exactly the point. Designed in the early 19th century as a pleasure palace for King George IV, its Indo-Saracenic style was inspired by Mughal architecture in India and Chinese decorative arts. A key filming location in My Policeman, starring Harry Styles, your clients can wander through lavish rooms, explore the Regency gardens, and soak up the splendour of this one-of-a-kind landmark.
Bluebell Railway, East Grinstead
All aboard for a cinematic journey through history at the Bluebell Railway in East Sussex, running between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. With its historic stations and vintage steam trains, this heritage railway has featured in The Woman in Black for a chilling Victorian vibe and added period charm to Downton Abbey,Sherlock Holmes, and The Theory of Everything. For a special treat, clients can enjoy Pullman dining or channel their inner Sherlock at a Murder Mystery Evening.
Tinwood Estate, Chichester
Set amid the rolling hills of West Sussex, the Tinwood Estate is one of England’s top producers of high-quality sparkling wine. Book a tour and learn how their award-winning English sparkling wines are made. The experience ends in the stylish Tasting Room, where your clients will sample three cuvées with expert guidance on flavour profiles, aromas and food pairings. In addition, the Vineyard Kitchen offers light bites to enjoy on the terrace with views over the Sussex countryside.
Brighton Palace Pier, Brighton
Stroll into seaside nostalgia at Brighton Palace Pier, a star in My Policeman’s romantic scene between Marion and Tom. Open daily from 11am, this classic Edwardian pier is packed with arcade games, candy floss and traditional fairground rides. Take in sweeping sea views, pose for a photo, or explore Brighton’s vibrant promenade, buzzing with cafés, bars and quirky shops.
getting around
Getting around: Travelling between Sussex and Kent is easy by road or rail. Direct train services connect towns like Hastings and Rye (East Sussex) to Ashford, Canterbury and Dover (Kent), with journeys often taking under an hour. Driving along the scenic A259 coastal route is another option, which connects Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings in East Sussex with Folkestone and Dover in Kent.
Stop 5 - Kent
Penshurst Place, Penshurst
Penshurst Place in Kent, with its medieval architecture and well-kept grounds, is another set jetting location for fans of The Princess Bride. The historic Barons Hall provided the backdrop for the dramatic duel between Inigo Montoya and Count Rugen. The estate was also used in films like The Other Boleyn Girl. But long before its film fame, Penshurst was a favourite of royals. Once owned by King Henry VIII, the estate was later gifted to his son, Edward VI, and eventually became the home of the Sidney family, including the Elizabethan poet and courtier Sir Philip Sidney. Clients can explore Penshurst’s history through its grand interiors, ancestral portraits and Elizabethan gardens. Children can enjoy themselves at the adventure playground.
Hever Castle, Hever
Hever Castle isn’t just steeped in Tudor history, it also holds a special place in film history – especially for fans of The Princess Bride. The castle served as a backdrop for numerous scenes, bringing to life the ‘Cliffs of Insanity’ and other landscapes. Once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII’s second wife, it offers a captivating glimpse into the past with richly furnished rooms, intricate wood panelling, and centuries-old tapestries. Outside, the gardens dazzle with Italianate terraces, a romantic rose garden, and a 38-acre lake. Clients can channel their inner Westley with archery or brave the tricky yew maze.
Hangloose Adventure, Dartford
Those tracing the footsteps of The Princess Bride across Kent and looking to channel their inner adventurer, can head to Hangloose Adventure at Bluewater. Soar like the Dread Pirate Roberts on England’s longest zipline – travelling 720 metres past chalk cliffs and lakes at speeds of up to 50mph (80 kph). Brave thrill-seekers can conquer Europe’s tallest swing or go flying in the UK’s only outdoor wind tunnel. This adrenaline-packed experience offers plenty of adventure, conveniently paired with nearby shopping and dining options at Bluewater Shopping Centre.
Domaine Evremond, Chilham
Opened in 2025, Domaine Evremond, a joint venture between Champagne Taittinger and Hatch Mansfield, brings French finesse to English fizz. Nestled in a National Landscape (formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) near Chilham, this picturesque vineyard invites your clients to sip their first release – Classic Cuvée Edition I – on a terrace with vineyard views. Walk-ins are welcome (weather permitting) or book a guided tour and tasting to dive deeper into wine making processes. Bottles are available to enjoy on-site or to purchase as a sparkling souvenir. Advance booking is recommended.
The Historic Dockyard, Chatham
Step onto the set of Sherlock Holmes and uncover centuries of Britain’s maritime past at The Historic Dockyard, Chatham. This vast 80-acre site doubled as Victorian London in Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes films, where its cobbled streets and towering warehouses became the backdrop for Robert Downey Jr.’s sleuthing. Beyond its Hollywood credentials, the Dockyard is a treasure trove of naval heritage, home to historic warships, a working ropery, and immersive exhibitions. With its Georgian and Victorian architecture, seasonal events, and family activities, it offers a fun-packed and educational day out.
Turner Contemporary, Margate
Located on Margate’s seafront, Turner Contemporary is a hub for modern and contemporary art. Open Tuesdays to Sundays with free entry, the gallery celebrates both cutting-edge creativity and the town’s ties to one of Britain’s greatest painters, J.M.W. Turner. As part of the nationwide Turner 250 festival (April 2025 to April 2026), don’t miss the painting Waves Breakingon a Lee Shore at Margate byTurner, who once claimed: “The skies over Thanet [the coastal district including Margate] are the loveliest in all Europe.”
Fort Amherst, Chatham
Venture into the world of The Witcher at Fort Amherst, a fortress steeped in history. In the fantasy series, this atmospheric location set the stage for dark dungeon scenes with Rience, the sorcerer. Originally built to defend against Napoleonic invasion, Fort Amherst’s eerie tunnels and dramatic architecture bring the medieval atmosphere of the series to life. Visitors can explore the maze-like passages and even join ghost tours or spirit investigations.
