There’s something thrilling about walking into a place you’ve only seen through the lens of a camera. Whether it’s tracing the footsteps of iconic characters, standing in the frame of famous scenes or breathing the same air that brought fictional worlds to life. The UK, with its rich history, natural drama and postcard-worthy villages, has been a favourite of filmmakers for decades. And as summer 2025 draws closer now is the perfect time to turn your next getaway into a journey through cinema. Whether you’re chasing dragons, solving mysteries or simply soaking in the scenery, the UK offers real-life locations that are every bit as captivating as they appear on screen.
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Wales: From Fantasy Realms to Quirky Teen Dramas
Wales might not always shout about its role in big-name productions, but it’s quietly become one of the UK’s most versatile film backdrops. Its ancient castles, misty valleys, and rugged coastlines offer a sense of mystery and wonder that works just as well for mythical epics as it does for quirky coming-of-age stories. Fans of ‘Sex Education’ will immediately recognise the Wye Valley, where the show’s distinctive house, perched on a hill with sweeping views, has become an unlikely icon. You can actually visit this area and even stay nearby in one of the region’s many holiday parks, which offer comfortable self-catering options with cinematic views. The hit noir police series ‘Hinterland’ was filmed in and around the coastal university town of Aberystwyth and finding the various locations in the series can be a great structure for exploring not only the town but the coastline, mountains, villages and valleys nearby.
Wales offers more than just teen drama and police procedurals. Take a drive into Snowdonia and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the same landscapes featured in ‘Clash of the Titans’ and ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’. The dramatic terrain and atmospheric ruins set the stage for sword fights and ancient legends, and it’s all open to the public. Staying in a holiday park in Wales gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace while keeping things budget-friendly. Whether you’re hiking through valleys or exploring castle ruins, there’s a feeling of stepping into another world and it’s all just a few hours from most UK cities.
Scotland: Where Legends Come to Life
Scotland doesn’t just provide scenery; it brings weight and gravitas to the screen. Its mountains, lochs and castles have set the tone for some of the most visually arresting film and TV moments in recent memory. ‘Outlander’ put Scotland on the global map for period drama fans, with Doune Castle standing in for Castle Leoch and countless other locations scattered across the country now familiar to devoted viewers. The show’s success has even sparked dedicated tours that take fans to filming hotspots while explaining the real history behind them.
Then there’s Harry Potter. The Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands is a must-see for anyone who remembers the thrill of the Hogwarts Express crossing the tracks. Train services still run the route, both as regular public services and tourist specials with vintage steam trains. Both offer a unique way to experience the magic firsthand. Meanwhile, Glencoe served as the hauntingly beautiful backdrop for scenes in ‘Skyfall’, where Daniel Craig’s Bond returned to his childhood home. The mix of dramatic landscape and storytelling weight is exactly why filmmakers keep coming back and why it makes for an unforgettable holiday destination.
London: A Living, Breathing Film Set
London is the ultimate film set hiding in plain sight. The capital has long been a magnet for directors wanting to tap into its blend of history, culture and instantly recognisable locations. For fans of British romcoms, walking the South Bank evokes scenes from ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’, while on the other bank a walk down Portobello Road takes you to Notting Hill from…well, from ‘Notting Hill’. But London’s appeal goes far beyond romance. It has played everything from dystopian futures to spy thrillers and it wears each role well.
For Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts, a visit to 221B Baker Street is practically a pilgrimage, even if the actual address is now home to a museum rather than a detective. Meanwhile, Harry Potter fans can head to King’s Cross Station to find Platform 9¾, complete with a luggage trolley embedded in the wall for the perfect photo opportunity. The city caters to fans with walking tours, themed attractions and interactive experiences, so whether you’re after the magic, the mystery, or the nostalgia, London delivers.
Northern Ireland: Game of Thrones Territory
Although it lies across the Irish Sea, Northern Ireland deserves a firm place on any UK screen tourism list. Its landscapes were transformed into the Seven Kingdoms for ‘Game of Thrones’ and the impact on local tourism has been massive. Places like the Dark Hedges – used as the Kingsroad (and also appearing in the ‘Transformers’ film series) – and Castle Ward, the real-world Winterfell, are now internationally known. What’s more, the region has embraced its fantasy fame with themed tours, visitor centres and immersive experiences that go beyond a simple sightseeing trip.
What sets Northern Ireland apart is how close everything feels. You can visit a windswept coastline one moment and stand in a medieval courtyard the next, all within a relatively short drive. It’s perfect for road-tripping fans who want to pack in as much screen history as possible without spending hours on the road.
Your Cinematic Summer Starts Here
This summer, instead of chasing the usual beach break or ticking off another city break, why not plan a trip that blends travel with storytelling? The UK is full of locations where fiction and reality blur. From the lush valleys of Wales to the moody moors of Scotland, from London’s iconic streets to Northern Ireland’s fantasy trails, there’s a film-inspired adventure waiting around every corner.
