When the escapism of watching your favourite film doesn’t cut it, hit the road and visit the film locations themselves. One of the big travel trends this year is to take the time to explore your own country more. By choosing places you love from films and television and road tripping to them, you feel a renewed excitement. Additionally, it acts as a great starting point if you’ve never planned a road trip before. See our suggestions to kick off your exciting adventure.
NB: Approximate driving times are based from our rental office in Greenford, Middlesex. Learn more about the other areas we service here.
Bridgerton
Wilton House, Salisbury, Wiltshire (Approximately 1hr 40m)
Wilton House is the crown jewel (or should we say diamond of the season) when it comes to Bridgerton filming. Not only does it play host to the gardens and staterooms used in the show, but also houses Queen Charlotte’s throne room and the presentation room for the diamond of the season procession.
The Royal Crescent, Bath, Somerset (Approximately 2hr 5m)
Already an iconic spot, the Royal Crescent takes on especially important meaning as the Featherington’s house exterior shots. There’s no better way to get prepped for Penelope & Collin’s season than by visiting her townhouse!
Holburne Museum, Bath, Somerset (Approximately 2hr 5m)
You don’t have to go far after visiting Chez Featherington. Take a turn about town and see the Holburne Museum, or should we say, Lady Danbury’s estate?
Castle Howard, York, North Yorkshire (Approximately 4hr 10m)
From the season that started it all, step into Duke Simon Hastings’ fictional ancestral home of Clyvedon Castle. The real Castle Howard lives up to the beauty and glamour of the fictional Clyvedon, with stunning grounds, spacious ballrooms and an interesting history to boot.
Downton Abbey
Highclere Castle, Newbury, Berkshire (Approximately 1hr 10m)
The striking Highclere Castle doubles as the titular Downton Abbey. The architecture, decoration and grounds of Highclere (AKA Downton) are main characters in their own right. You can almost see the Grantham family sitting down in their gowns to good food and even better gossip.
Lacock Village, Chippenham, Wiltshire (Approximately 1hr 50m)
What passes as a charming Yorkshire village in Downton Abbey is actually a closer Cotswold destination. Downton’s village played host to scenes like the local fair and the King’s parade. Church Street in Lacock Village, in the care of the National Trust, is a time capsule to days of yore. The view from the street is unobstructed by satellite dishes or cables.
Harry Potter
Christ Church College, Oxford, Oxfordshire (Approximately 1hr 10m)
Another beloved scene from the first film is Professor McGonagall greeting Harry and classmates to Hogwarts on the stairs to the Great Hall. Imagine you, too, are about to be sorted into your preferred house by visiting Christ Church College in Oxford.
Lacock Abbey, Chippenham, Wiltshire (Approximately 1hr 50m)
Lacock Village makes a reappearance on this list, but this time it’s the iconic Lacock Abbey that takes center stage. Perusing the stunning abbey, you may recognise corridor scenes, interior classrooms and, most importantly, Snape’s Potions Classroom that “bewitch[es] the mind and ensnare[s] the senses.”
Into the Woods
Dover Castle, Dover, Kent (Approximately 2hr 15m)
For Into the Woods fans, you may recognise Dover Castle as Rapunzel’s Castle and Cinderella and her prince’s wedding location. The castle walls, old stone, and characteristic medieval architecture really make the castle look like something out of a fairytale.
Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire (Approximately 2hr 40m)
Puzzlewood in the Forest of Dean allows imagination to run wild. You can almost feel yourself being transported to a magical world (the Forbidden Forest in Harry Potter) or to another planet (like in Star Wars: The Force Awakens). Into the Woods is one of many popular franchises to use it as an atmospheric set space. Academy Award winner Meryl Streep takes to Puzzlewood, turning it into her witch’s domain.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Basildon Park, Reading, Berkshire (Approximately 1hr 10m)
“Netherfield Hall is let at last!” Basildon Park doubles as the dreamy Netherfield Hall, home to Mr. Bingley. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Austen’s stories as you walk the halls and grounds of this National Trust treasure.
The Temple of Apollo, Stourhead, Wiltshire (Approximately 2hr)
The stunning Temple of Apollo was one of many memorable sites in the film. The iconic rejection of Mr. Darcy’s surprise proposal to Elizabeth took place at this rotunda. Bonus points if you go on a rainy day like in the movie!
Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire (Approximately 3hr 5m)
Not only was Chatsworth House the Pemberley of the 2005 adaptation, but is also believed to be the inspiration for the literary one, too. The expansive grounds, eclectic furnishings, and Mr. Darcy’s marble bust are just a few reasons to visit this exciting estate.
Get in Touch
We’re lucky to live in a country with so many beautiful locations, and Hollywood agrees! If you’ve always wanted to explore regency England, wizarding world of Harry Potter, or a fairytale story, look no further. Start planning your road trip today. If you make a trip out to any of these destinations, we’d love to see your photos! Be sure to share them with us on Twitter.
Don’t let not owning a car in busy London prevent you from taking a road trip to these film locations. Take a look at our range of cars, vans and minibuses to hire and get in touch today.