The Best Set Jetting Locations in the UK
Have you ever watched a film or TV series and felt the pull of its landscape long after the credits rolled? That lingering desire to step into the story yourself. Or you're just such a top fan you want to walk the same cobbled streets as your favourite characters or actors?
Welcome to the world of set jetting - a travel trend where cinematic magic meets real-world adventure! In the UK, where centuries-old castles, dramatic countryside and charming villages have doubled as backdrops for everything from fantasy epics to gritty dramas, set jetting offers a uniquely immersive way to explore the country.
Whether you're chasing the gothic grandeur of Harry Potter locations, retracing the romantic and steamy stories of Bridgerton, or uncovering the locations behind Dr Who, check out our guide to some of the UK's most iconic filming sites.
ATTRACTIONS
Harry Potter fans absolutely must head to Gloucester Cathedral where you can step into the corridors of Hogwarts. The Cathedral was used as a filming location in the Harry Potter films, particularly in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Book yourself onto one of the daily Highlights Tours for access to a knowledgeable guide.
Berkeley Castle - This stunning 12th Century castle in Gloucestershire has been used as a location for Wolf Hall, the TV series adaptation of two of Hilary Mantel's novels. You might also spot it on the hit BBC series The Ghost Hunter, as well as the first televised version of The Other Boleyn Girl. Berkeley Castle also featured in Johnny English Strikes Again staring Rowan Atkinson and Emma Thompson.
Clearwell Caves in The Forest of Dean has been used several times for filming Dr Who. Plus other shows like His Dark Materials, Da Vinci's Demons, Kidnapped, and Merlin.
Coates English Willow in Taunton, Somerset crafted the incredible wicker hot air balloon basket used in the Wicked musical film. Learn to make beautiful objects from willow yourself, or simply explore the visitor centre and shop.
Cotswolds Motoring Museum in Bourton-on-the-Water is home to TV's supercar hero Brum. A favourite with families!
Wookey Hole Caves in Somerset is another incredible filming location - as well as a popular family attraction. It's been used as a backdrop for Dr Who and Robin of Sherwood.
Fans of He-Man will enjoy a visit to Wells Cathedral, which was used to film the 2025 Masters of the Universe movie, as well as Dr Who, Alex Rider and Dungeons & Dragons.
DESTINATIONS
Bath, which was voted ‘Best UK City' in Condé Nast Traveller 2025 Readers' Choice Awards, is rich in history with beautiful architecture, making it an obvious choice for productions like Bridgerton, Wonka, ITV's McDonald & Dodds and the multi-award-winning musical film Les Misérables. Jane Austen fans will be well acquainted Bath and will spot it in Netflix's 2022 adaptation of Persuasion staring Dakota Johnson.
Bristol: The lively city of Bristol is not only home to production studios like The Bottle Yard Studios - the largest film and TV studio in the West of England - but has been the backdrop for so many popular films and TV series. These include Dr Who, Bridgerton, Skins, Rivals, Outlaws, and the film adaptation of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.
Bourton-on-the-Water is a beautiful rural village in The Cotswolds and makes the perfect backdrop for movie scenes, including an action scene in the James Bond blockbuster Die Another Day.
Downton Abbey fans should head to The Cotswolds market town of Bampton, which was used as the location for the quaint, fictional village of Dowton. Cogges Manor Farm in Witney was used as the location for Yew Tree Farm.
Fans of the hugely popular Netflix series Sex Education will love the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley - this stunning area features heavily in the series, as well as various other spots around Monmouthshire, Newport and Cardiff, including St Fagans Museum. Otis and Jean Milburn's gorgeous wooden red and white house is located in Symonds Yat - a beautiful area to visit, with fantastic activities available on the river Wye, like kayaking and paddleboarding.
Oxford: You'll recognise Oxford from the Inspector Morse, Lewis and Endeavour series, but did you know that the early Harry Potter movies were partly shot in Oxford? The historic colleges were ideal for locations for several Hogwarts scenes! Oxford has also been used as a filming location for the popular Saltburn and Bridgerton series.
Snowshill near Cheltenham in The Cotswolds was the location used for the super cosy, snowy exterior shots of when Bridget visits her parents in Bridget Jones's Diary. It has also been used as a location for Netflix's hit series, The Crown.
It won't come as a surprise to walk in the footsteps of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon, Herefordshire recently played a supporting part in the critically acclaimed film Hamnet (2025) - which won Jessie Buckley an Oscar for her role as Agnes. With its beautiful Tudor-era black and white houses, the village of Weobly doubled as Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon in the film.
Take a Comfy Set Jetting Coach Tour
Marchants run fantastic coach tours including visits to the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios in London, the ITV Coronation Street Experience and The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour in Birmingham.
Rabbie's offer small group coach tours to Bath, Oxford and The Cotswolds, amongst other destinations in Wales, Scotland and Ireland - all of which boast stunning locations for TV and film, including Outlander, Harry Potter and James Bond.
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[Feature image: Shaun Iwasaw / Pexels ]
