Filming locations you can visit an hour from Wales: from Harry Potter, Bridget Jones, Bridgerton, and Downton Abbey
With its scenic countryside and picturesque villages, the Cotswolds is a popular area for tourists looking for a slice of British charm. What most people don’t know is that the area also acts as the backdrop to some of your favourite period dramas, TV shows and movies.
With season four of Clarkson’s Farm set to premiere in May and filming well underway for the much-anticipated new series of Bridgerton, the Cotswolds and its surrounding areas are proving themselves to be the top place for film and TV fans to visit. Spanning five counties, all filled with unique landscapes and architecture, the region has mass appeal for filmmakers and television producers, as well as holidaymakers, keen to discover the filming locations for themselves.
With over 200 properties in the Cotswolds, the team at StayCotswold knows the secret spots, hidden gems, and insider information that will add star quality to your stay. Their ultimate guides reveal which Cotswold villages have played a starring role on your screens for decades, from brand new series to the classics.
READ MORE: The full list of Cardiff car parks where free two-hour stays look set to disappear
READ MORE: Eight teenagers involved in Ely riots are sentenced
Chavenage House, Tetbury
This historic property, originally built in the 14th century, was adapted as an 18th-century Cornish home to star in the hit series Poldark. Chavenage House acted as the home of Ross Poldark in the popular BBC series from the years 2015 to 2019.
The Tetbury home also appears as the house belonging to a 1980s wealthy TV executive in the fictional setting of ‘Rutshire’ in Rivals. The Disney+ show Rivals first aired in October 2024 and stars David Tennant, Danny Dyer, and Emily Atack.
Snowshill, Gloucestershire
Bridget Jones's Diary, first aired in 2001 and is one of the many movies filmed in the Cotswolds. The first film features a village where Bridget Jones and Mark Darcy first met, at the Boxing Day turkey curry buffet.
That village was Snowhill, in Gloucestershire. Whilst fake snow was used to film the festive scenes, there’s always a chance of the real thing when you make a trip in December over the Christmas break.
Bampton, Oxfordshire
The village that stars in the award-winning series Downton Abbey is Bampton, just outside of the Cotswolds. Throughout the town, you can even see memorabilia from the show and in Bampton’s Community Archive.
Fans of the show will instantly recognise St. Mary's Church, used as the set for St. Michael and All Angels' Church in the series. In Downton Abbey, Bampton is instead known as the fictional Yorkshire village of Downton, and you can find the church sitting right in the centre of it all.
Lacock Village
Who would have thought that the international sensation that is Harry Potter would feature a quaint village less than an hour away from Wales? Lacock, just outside of Bristol, served as a key filming location for the iconic film series and has remained a beloved spot for fans ever since.
The enchanting Lacock Abbey doubled as the corridors of Hogwarts School and is instantly recognisable from the films. Fans may also recognise the charming cottage, home to Lilly & James Potter, sitting at the end of Church Street.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Famous for being one of the most beautiful palaces in the UK, Blenheim Palace has also gained a reputation for its leading role in huge movies. These films include Cinderella, The BFG, SPECTRE, The Young Victoria, Transformers: The Last Knight, and Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.
According to a 2021 survey by House of Oak, Blenheim Palace has made an impressive 71 appearances in films and TV, more than any other English country house. The iconic house also happens to be one of England's largest and was originally built between 1705 and 1722.
Tracy Archer, owner director of StayCotswold, says, “The Cotswolds are a treasure trove for film and television buffs. Our properties offer the perfect base to explore these locations while enjoying the comfort and luxury that StayCotswold is known for.
Whether you’re a dedicated fan of period dramas or action movies or are simply looking for a picture-perfect escape, the Cotswolds offers an unparalleled experience that captivates all who visit.”
