TV and Film Locations in the UK

10 "I've been there" moments not to miss out on

by Parkdean Resorts on 26/10/2021

Have you ever watched a film, or even a great TV series, and thought: “I wish I could go there”. As a lot of high-quality productions are being made in the UK these days, it’s most likely you can spend your holiday 'on location'. With film technology becoming more advanced, picturesque settings are becoming more sought-after by directors. So where better to find these places than the UK?

Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon (2021)

Game of Thrones cast and crew turned up at Holywell Bay beach in September 2021 to film some scenes for the brand new Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon. This breath taking beach is like no other and it's right next to Holywell Bay Holiday Park. Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon will be the prequel to the hugely popular original Game of Thrones series. As well as this, St Michaels Mount near Penzance was used in other scenes. Holywell Bay beach goers confirmed sightings of stars Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcey. The new series will feature House Targaryen along with House Velaryon who had died out before the original series. Camp fires were seen being made on Holywell Bay beach along with a solider standing wearing armour on a clifftop with similar sightings at another one of Cornwall’s stunning locations - Kynance Cove.

Holywell Bay Beach, Cornwall

Doc Martin (2022)

Doc Martin has been filming in Port Isaac since 2004 when the first series aired and will be filming for the last time in 2022. The series and filming were due to be completed in 2021 however Covid restrictions affected this and so it has been delayed another year. If you’ve not watched the previous 9 seasons, the series features Martin Ellingham, a surgeon that lacks social skills, who leaves London and sets up a practice in Cornwall’s 'Portwenn'. Filming is due to recommence in 2022 at the beautiful and scenic Port Isaac which only a 15 minute drive from St Minver Holiday Park.

Port Isaac, Cornwall

Vera (2021)

Everyone’s favourite crime show Vera has been filming in the North East since 2011 and they’ve been back in 2021 to film the latest series. Detective Vera and the rest of the cast and crew have been spotted filming in numerous locations around the North East including Blyth, Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, South Shields, Wallsend, and Holy Island. The show’s producer chose these areas in the North East for the coastal countryside and small seaside towns. If you’re staying at Whitley Bay Holiday Park, you’ll be just down the road from where all of the action happens.

Cullercoats Bay

Poldark (2015)

A runaway success, this drama series stars Aiden Turner as the dashing Captain Ross Poldark. However, it was the stunning backdrop of Cornwall has caught the eye of many viewers of the BBC series. There are many parts of Cornwall featured in the 2015 reboot but Newquay is central to the area being local to the traditional Charlestown Harbour where Poldark himself kept his ships. It is also a short trip to the historic city of Truro, and the iconic engine house of St Agnes Head. You can even swim in the sea at Porthcothan beach, or ride horseback on the rugged Bodmin Moor where Poldark's cottage is found near St Minver Holiday Park.

Charlestown, used as for Poldark

Downton Abbey (2014)

Alnwick Castle has been used for many film productions over the years including the first 2 Harry Potter films many years ago as well as Blackadder, Robin Hood and Transformers. More recently, Anlwick Castle featured in Downton Abbey in 2014. Alnwick Castle often screens films outdoors at ‘The Luna Cinema’ during the summer. This attraction is over half an hour from Cresswell Towers Holiday Park and this is an exciting day out full of history and stunning photo-opportunities.

Wolf Hall (2015)

Adapted by the BBC in 2015, Wolf Hall follows the rise-to-power of Thomas Cromwell. For a historical mini-series, historical buildings are required. So naturally, Dover Castle was chosen as double for The Tower Of London. Wolf Hall won many awards around the world, and is not the only production shot on the grounds. Marvel’s Avengers: Age Of Ultron and Disney’s Into The Woods have used Dover Castle as a backdrop also. Dover Castle has restaurants, an ice cream parlour, a picnic area, gardens, and guided tours. Dogs are welcome, but only on the grounds. The nearest park is St Margaret’s Bay Holiday Park, which is sandwiched between the iconic white cliffs of Dover and the beautiful seaside town of Deal. Making it the best place to create amazing memories in the Kent region.

Dover Castle

Broadchurch (2013)

The Jurassic Coast has always been a favourite destination in Dorset, and tourism has boomed in the area since both series of Broadchurch have been broadcast. Starring Olivia Coleman and David Tennant, Broadchurch took the nation by storm in 2013. The thrilling crime-drama took place in a fictional Dorset town of the same name, and filmed primarily near West Bay. The iconic cliffs that are the centre of the investigation tower over the sea and provide many amazing memories. Other than remarkable photo opportunities, West Bay is a fantastic place to take the family for coastal walks, as well as the chance to go fossil hunting or paragliding. West Bay Holiday Park is nearby along with the market town of Bridport, known for its antique and craft stalls.

007: Die Another Day (2002)

Featuring the naturally formed Gull Rocks, crystal seas and golden sand - no wonder Holywell Bay was used as ‘body double’ for Hawaii in Bond flick Die Another Day. The opening scene sees Pierce Brosnan, as Bond, emerging from the tall waves (which ARE actually in Maui) but there’s no substitute for Holywell Bay. Not too far from Newquay, or the city of Truro, Holywell Bay Holiday Park is the best place to start when creating amazing memories in Cornwall. On a hot day you can even have your own Bond or Bond girl moment by chilling in the sea. You'll want to wait until the tide is out so you and the family can have your own adventure exploring the shore for shells.

View of the beach at Holywell Bay

Reliving your favourite scenes in their original locations from Hollywood movies to British dramas, there will be a Parkdean Resorts Holiday Park nearby. Have we missed any great TV and film locations? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram!