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?
Create amazing memories reliving your favourite scenes in their original locations. From Hollywood movies to British dramas, there will be a Parkdean Resorts Holiday Park nearby. This is a short guide to what was filmed, and where it was filmed, and where you can stay. If we have missed any – please let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
Poldark (2015)
Nearest parks: Newquay, St MinverA 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 Park.
(above) Charlestown, as used in Poldark
Doc Martin (2004)
Nearest Park: St MinverKnown as the fictional village of ‘Portwenn’ on screen, Port Isaac is the central location of comedy-drama Doc Martin. Not too far from St Minver Park is the scenic town where many of the show’s famous locations can be found. The best example of this is the doctor’s surgery at Fern Cottage, just outside the town, with Bert’s Restaurant just a stone’s throw away. The charming seaside town makes a great walk, especially for fans of the ITV show, or a great day out spent on the beach or spent in the Golden Lion Pub – visited by cast and crew after a long day of filming.
Idris Elba: No Limits (2015) / Top Gear (2004)
Nearest parks: Pendine Sands, Carmarthen BayThe 7 mile beach of Carmarthen Bay has been the ideal setting for many land-speed record-breakers over the years. But more recent record breaking drives have been captured on the small screen. Perhaps the most famous was with Idris Elba behind the wheel in 2015 when he broke the historic ‘Flying Mile’ record in a Bentley Continental GT. This was part of the Channel 4 documentary, Idris Elba: No Limits, following the actor as he trained for the record-attempt.
Similarly, the Top Gear team also used a local beach for the ‘Sandblast Challenge’ testing out three top-of-the-range cars on the famous Pendine Sands in 2004. The most famous speed event to take place on this beach was came back in 1924 when Malcolm Campbell set his land speed record. On a beach with such speeding heritage it is needless to say that these cars were pushed to their limits. Even so, it’s not always cars zooming around the seaside. The family friendly beach, on the doorstep of Pendine Sands beach Park speaks for itself. Literally miles of Welsh coastline provides many days of amazing memories to be made. We don’t recommend you try to break the record yourself, but the beach is perfect for a stroll in the sand.
The beautiful Pendine Sands
Downton Abbey (2014), Harry Potter (2000) … and more!
Nearest Park: Cresswell Towers.When visiting Northumberland: Alnwick Castle is a must. Did you know it was used as the exterior of ‘Hogwarts’ in the first two Harry Potter films, as well as featuring in the final episode of Downton Abbey? In fact Alnwick Castle has been part of many TV and film productions over the years, including Blackadder, two versions of Robin Hood, and even Transformers:The Last Knight. Alnwick Castle also screens some of these films outdoors. This is known as ‘The Luna Cinema’ usually taking place in August. There’s even some outdoor theatre. (Check their website for listings). At just over half an hour from Cresswell Towers Park, this is an exciting day out full of history and stunning photo-opportunities.
Alnwick Castle in all it's glory
Wolf Hall (2015)
Nearest Park: St Margaret’s BayAdapted 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 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.
Courtesy of kentattractions.co.uk
Broadchurch (2013)
Nearest park: West Bay.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 (hence the name) or paragliding. West Bay is also near the market town of Bridport, known for its antique and craft stalls.
007: Die Another Day (2002)
Nearest Park: Holywell Bay.
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 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.
Who needs Hawaii when you have Holywell Bay?
Coming soon...
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
Nearest Parks: Whitley Bay, Cresswell Towers
Who doesn’t remember the original cartoon series from their days growing up? Well today, with their dazzling graphics and metallic mayhem, you can be sure your kids know all about the latest action-packed movies. Filming now and scheduled for release in 2017 is Stephen Spielberg’s upcoming fifth instalment, Transformers: The Last Knight. Michael Bay directs star Mark Wahlberg and Transformer Optimus Prime on their search for a lost robot artefact. That search leads them to the beach beside beautiful Bamburgh Castle and also lively Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the North East. Both locations are close to Whitley Bay and Cresswell Towers Holiday Parks, great for family days out.Bamburgh Castle itself is truly magnificent and welcomes visitors with friendly guides and audio tours waiting to guide you around its 14 public areas. The wider Northumberland area offers families some beautiful countryside and coastal walks. You can also visit attractions like Bamburgh Castle Golf Club, Lindisfarne, Alnwick Castle and coastal Holy Island. This area is truly stunning, so it's no surprise that it has attracted Hollywood's finest to use it as a filming location. Why not come and see it for yourself?
