England Film & Photography Production Services & Camera Crews
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Filming in England
For an introduction to shooting in England see below notes on film locations, permits, when to shoot, unique local stories, costs, tax incentives, crews, talent, fringes, premiums, equipment, communications, art department, studios, post facilities, visas and work permits for filming, transport, film-friendly accommodation, and safety advice.
England Film Locations
England is known for the vibrant cities of London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool. The country offers a diversity of beautiful Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Modernist, and Contemporary architecture. Film locations include palaces, castles, manor houses, universities, churches, abbeys, mosques, museums, entertainment venues, stadiums, train stations, viaducts, picturesque hamlets, green rolling fields, landscaped gardens, country lanes with stone fences, rivers, canals, forests, moors, old pubs, fishing villages, coastal piers, lighthouses, and beaches.
England has one of the world’s largest economies. Economic mainstays include services, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and tourism.
Agricultural film locations include farms that produce wheat, barley, corn, rye, oats, rapeseed, potatoes, sugar beets, sheep, beef, and dairy products. Fishing trawlers are available for filming. England mines offshore oil and gas, coal, tin, limestone, iron ore, salt, clay, and chalk. Factories produce automobiles, aerospace products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and food processing. Energy locations include thermal power plants, nuclear plants, and wind farms.
England’s film locations can be divided into the following regions:
London
Greater London is made up of the following boroughs: City of London, Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Bexley, Brent, Bromley, Camden, Croydon, Ealing, Enfield, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, Harrow, Havering, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Kingston upon Thames, Lambeth, Lewisham, Merton, Newham, Redbridge, Richmond upon Thames, Southwark, Sutton, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Wandsworth, and Westminster.
London is the capital and largest city in England. As well as being a global capital of finance, fashion, and culture, London is also a major global film production centre especially for Hollywood blockbusters, period dramas, and commercial shoots. The city is known for its impressive Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, Modernist, and Contemporary architecture.
London has many unique neighbourhoods including Kensington, Chelsea, Mayfair, Knightsbridge, Primrose Hill, Westminster, Tower Hamlets, West End, Covent Garden, Notting Hill, Shoreditch, Camden, City of London, Islington, King’s Cross, Chinatown, Brixton, and Wandsworth, to name a few.
The River Thames passes through the city. It is crossed by Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Millennium Bridge, and Westminster Bridge. The London Eye overlooks the city.
Government buildings include the Houses of Parliament, 10 Downing Street, Portcullis House, Lancaster House, Old City Hall Building designed by Norman Foster, The Crystal New City Hall Building, Royal Courts of Justice, Old Bailey, Royal Artillery Barracks, Canada House, Bank of England, Scotland Yard, and MI6 Building.
British Monarchy locations include Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House, Somerset House, Tower of London, Chiswick House, and Dutch House.
Squares of note include Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Parliament Square, Berkeley Square, and Grosvenor Square.
Religious buildings include St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Cathedral, Southwark Cathedral, Brompton Oratory, Christ Church Spitalfields, Temple Church which featured in The Da Vinci Code (2006), Bevis Marks Synagogue, London Central Mosque, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Hindu Temple, and Buddhapadipa Temple.
Museums and galleries of note include the Tate Modern designed by Herzog & de Meuron, British Museum, Saatchi Gallery, Imperial War Museum North designed by Daniel Libeskind, Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, The Old Royal Naval College which featured in Les Misérables (2019), and Cinderella (2015), National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain, Science Museum, Royal Academy of Arts, London Transport Museum, Museum of London, Design Museum, National Maritime Museum, Horniman Museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum, Serpentine Galleries, Hayward Gallery, Churchill War Rooms, Royal Air Force Museum, Postal Museum, Cutty Sark British clipper ship, and Twist Museum, to name a few.
City of London financial district is known for its unique modern buildings including The Shard designed by Renzo Piano, The Gherkin Building designed by Norman Foster, Cheese Grater Building designed by Richard Rogers, Lloyd’s Building designed by Richard Rogers, and 20 Fenchurch Street designed by Rafael Viñoly.
Hotels of note include The Dorchester, Corinthia London, 45 Park Lane, The Ritz London, Kimpton Fitzroy London, Rosewood London, The Biltmore Mayfair, The Savoy Hotel, The Langham, and Admiralty Arch Waldorf Astoria.
Entertainment venues include Royal Festival Hall, Royal Opera House, English National Ballet, Barbican Centre, National Theatre, Shakespeare Globe Theatre, Royal Albert Hall, Alexandra Palace, Royal Academy of Music, The Old Vic, His Majesty’s Theatre, Apollo Victoria Theatre, London Palladium, Dominion Theatre, Lyceum Theatre, Theatre Royal, Prince Edward Theatre, Victoria Palace Theatre, London Coliseum, Sadler’s Wells Theatre, Adelphi Theatre, and Two Temple Place.
Shopping locations include Harrods, Selfridges, Battersea Power Station, Coal Drops Yard, Old Spitalfields Market, Borough Market, Leadenhall Market, and Royal Exchange.
Brutalist buildings of note include Barbican Estate, Trellick Tower, and Balfron Tower.
Centres of higher learning include Imperial College London, King’s College London, University of London, London Metropolitan University, Royal College of Music, The Royal Society, Royal Institution, Royal Observatory, and Royal Geographical Society. The British Library is one of the largest libraries in the world.
London is famous for its manicured English gardens. Parks of note include Regents Park, Hyde Park, Kew Gardens, Hampstead Heath, Kensington Gardens, Green Park, and St James’s Park.
London’s largest stadiums include O2 Arena designed by Richard Rogers, Wembley Arena, Twickenham Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Arsenal Stadium, Stamford Bridge, Lord’s Cricket Ground, The Oval, and London Stadium which hosted the 2012 Summer Olympics, 2015 Rugby World Cup, and 2017 World Athletic Championships. Other sporting venues of note include Wimbledon Tennis All England Club, London Aquatic Centre designed by Zaha Hadid, London Velopark, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, and Copper Box Arena.
London has many transport locations available for film projects. London Underground has several disused tube stations with areas available for filming including Aldwych, Charing Cross, Bank. Canary Wharf is an impressive modern structure. Train stations of note include Kings Cross, St Pancras International, Paddington, Victoria, Waterloo, and Liverpool Street. Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 is an impressive structure designed by Richard Rogers. London City Airport is the city’s most central airport.
Manor houses of note include Hampton Court Palace, Ham House, Strawberry Hill House, Danson House, Queen’s House, and Eltham Palace which has an impressive art deco interior.
Surbiton Train Station is an art deco film location.
All of Us Strangers (2023) filmed in Croydon.
South East
The South East England region includes the counties of Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey and West Sussex.
Buckinghamshire county is home to many beautiful manor homes. Waddesdon Manor exteriors feature in The Crown (2016-), Downton Abbey (2010-2015), and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008). Cliveden House featured in Cinderella (2015), and Sherlock Holmes (2009). Stowe House featured in Napoleon (2023), Bridgerton (2020-), Stardust (2007), The World Is Not Enough (1999), and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). Hedsor House hosted The Golden Compass (2007). Stoke Park featured in Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001), Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), and Goldfinger (1964). Other stately homes of note include Chequers, Hughenden Manor, Dorney Court, Mentmore Towers, Taplow Court, Bletchley Park, Bulstrode Park, Chicheley Hall, Gayhurst House, Halton House, and Shrubs Wood art deco country house.
Milton Keynes is a centrally planned town.
The National Museum of Computing is located in Buckinghamshire.
East Sussex. Brighton is a resort city known for the Royal Pavilion, Brighton Palace Pier, The Lanes, St Bartholomew’s Church, and Brighton Beach.
The town of Rye is known for the fairytale Mermaid Street. Other pretty towns include Amberley, East Dean, Lewes, Hastings, and Mayfield.
Castles of note include Bodiam Castle, and Herstmonceux Castle. Battle Abbey ruins are located in Battle.
Royal Sovereign Lighthouse is an offshore lighthouse.
Sea piers of note include Eastbourne Pier, and Hastings Pier.
Observatory Science Centre is located in East Sussex.
South Downs National Park is known for the Seven Sister chalk cliffs, and Belle Tout Lighthouse.
Hampshire. Winchester is known for Winchester Cathedral, Hospital of St Cross, Winchester Castle, Winchester Guildhall, and Gurkha Museum.
Portsmouth is known for Portsmouth Dockyard, Mary Rose Museum, HMS Victory, Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth Cathedral, and Spinnaker Tower.
Southampton is known for the Bargate, Southampton Guildhall, SeaCity Museum, Solent Sky Museum, St Mary’s Stadium, Port of Southampton, Cruise Ship Terminals, and Fawley Refinery.
Somerley House featured in Bridgerton (2020-), and The Crown (2016-). Bramshill House featured in Matilda the Musical (2022). Highclere Castle featured in Downton Abbey (2010-2015). Other manor houses of note include Beaulieu Palace House, Titchfield Abbey, and Breamore House.
Portchester Castle is a fortress ruins location.
The National Motor Museum is located in Beaulieu.
The Royal Navy Submarine Museum is located in Gosport.
New Forest National Park is known for its pastures, forests, and heathland.
Isle of Wight is known for its beaches and seafront promenades.
Osborne House was Queen Victoria’s summer house.
Quarr Abbey is a functioning Benedictine Monastery.
The Needles are a white chalk rock outcrop with an impressive lighthouse.
No Man’s Land Fort is a sea fort located just off the Isle of Wight.
Kent. Coastal towns of note include Whitstable, Broadstairs, and Margate.
Castles of interest include Leeds Castle, Dover Castle, Scotney Castle, Hever Castle, Deal Castle, Sissinghurst Castle, and Walmer Castle and Gardens.
Manor houses of note include Penshurst Place, Broome Park, Godinton House, Eastwell Manor, Great Maytham Hall, Knole House, and Somerhill House.
Canterbury Cathedral is a beautiful film location.
Turner Contemporary, located in Margate, was designed by David Chipperfield.
Folkestone connects the English side of the Channel Tunnel.
The White Cliffs of Dover are a beautiful film location.
Oxfordshire. University of Oxford is one of the world’s top universities. It has 39 colleges and 5 permanent private halls. College buildings of note include Christ Church College, Balliol College, All Souls College, Trinity College, Jesus College, Brasenose College, Queen’s College, Magdalen College, University College, and Green Templeton College. Blavatnik School of Government was designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Bodleian Library is the main library. Museums include Ashmolean Museum, University Museum of Natural History, Pitt Rivers Museum, and History of Science Museum. Churches include the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Christ Church Cathedral. Other University of Oxford buildings of note include the Divinity School, Sheldonian Theatre, Radcliffe Camera, Clarendon Building, Hertford Bridge, and Rhodes House which awards Rhodes Scholarships.
Blenheim Palace hosted Napoleon (2023), Spectre (2015), and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation (2015). Other manor houses of note include Chastleton House, Ashdown House, Rousham House, Broughton Castle which was filmed for Shakespeare in Love (1998), Buckland House, Eynsham Hall, Greys Court, and Mapledurham House.
RAF Upper Heyford featured in Black Widow (2021), Wonder Woman (2017), and World War Z (2013).
The Trout Inn is a scenic riverside film location.
Berkshire. Windsor Castle is a residence of British Royal Family.
Windsor Great Park is a Royal Park home to Bagshot Park, Cumberland Lodge, Royal Lodge, and Royal Chapel of All Saints.
Royal Windsor Racecourse and Ascot Racecourse are located in Berkshire.
Manor houses of note include Frogmore House, Basildon Park, Stratfield Saye House, Bearwood House, Englefield House, Easthampstead Park, Oakley Court, and Aldermaston Court.
Eton College is located in Berkshire. Shakespeare In Love (1998), and Chariots Of Fire (1981) filmed in Eton College.
Surrey. Guildford film locations include Guildford Castle, and Guildford Cathedral.
Manor houses of note include Clandon Park House, Albury Park, Cherkley Court, Polesden Lacey, Horsley Towers, Hatchford Park House, and Loseley Park.
Founders Building of the Royal Holloway College is located in Egham.
McLaren Technology Centre is an impressive contemporary structure.
Brooklands Museum is located in Weybridge.
Epsom Downs Racecourse is located in Surrey.
West Sussex. Chichester is known for Chichester Cathedral, Chichester Cross, and Chichester Festival Theatre.
Arundel Castle is an impressive location.
Petworth House was filmed for Napoleon (2023), Maleficent (2014), Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), and Barry Lyndon (1975). Other manor homes of note include Wakehurst, Goodwood House, Uppark House, Parham House, West Dean House, Wiston Estate, Borde Hill House, Danny House, Stansted House, and Cowdray House ruins.
Ouse Valley Viaduct is an impressive film location.
Clayton Tunnel North Portal is an ornate train tunnel with turrets.
Goodwood Circuit is a motorsport venue.
Goodwood Racecourse is a horse-racing track.
Gatwick Airport is located in West Sussex.
South West
The South West England region includes the counties of Bristol, Cornwall (including the Isles of Scilly), Dorset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Wiltshire.
Bristol. Bristol is known for its industrial heritage and electronic music scene.
Buildings of note include Wills Memorial Building, Bristol Cathedral, Bristol City Hall, and University of Bristol Victoria Rooms.
Museums include Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, M Shed, Royal West of England Academy, Arnolfini, Bristol Industrial Museum, SS Great Britain Steamship Museum, and Aerospace Bristol Concorde.
Entertainment venues include Theatre Royal, Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol Beacon, Ashton Gate Stadium, and Memorial Stadium. The Wave is an artificial wave pool for surfing.
Transport film location include Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Temple Meads Railway Station, Port of Bristol, and Bristol Airport.
Manor houses include Ashton Court, and Kings Weston House.
Cornwall. Saint Michael’s Mount is a tidal island with a castle.
Eden Project is a unique location.
Castles ruins of note include Tintagel Castle, and Pendennis Castle
Truro Cathedral is a beautiful film location.
Manor houses of note include Lanhydrock House, Prideaux Place, Cotehele, Trerice, and Mount Edgcumbe House.
Goonhilly Earth Station is a large radio-communication site.
Picturesque fishing villages include Mousehole, Polperro, Padstow, Newlyn, Porthleven, Portloe, Looe, Falmouth, and Mevagissey. The pretty seaside town of St Ives has inspired artists for many years.
Beaches of note include Porthcurno Beach, Fistral Beach, Kynance Cove, and Crantock Beach, Nanjizal Beach, and Porthmeor Beach, to name a few. Newquay is one of England’s best surf beaches.
The Isles of Scilly are located west of Cornwall.
Dorset. The Jurassic Coast has many fossils and rock formations including the Durdle Door natural rock arch.
Beaches of note include Lulworth Cove, Hengistbury Head Beach, and Man O’War Beach.
Portland Bill Lighthouse is a beautiful film location.
Manor houses of note include Highcliffe Castle, Lulworth Castle, Kingston Lacy, Forde Abbey House, Mapperton House, Athelhampton House, Brownsea Castle, Chettle House, Cranborne Manor, and Sherborne Castle.
Picturesque towns include Lyme Regis, Sherborne, Corfe Castle, and Shaftesbury which is known for its steep cobblestone street.
The Tank Museum is located in Bovington.
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is home to a range of chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, and monkeys.
Abbotsbury Swannery is also located in Dorset.
Devon. Dartmoor National Park is a landscape of tors, rivers, and bogs. War Horse (2011) filmed in Dartmoor National Park.
Picturesque villages of note include Appledore, Dittisham, Lustleigh, Exmoor, Hope Cove, Clovelly, and West Bay which was filmed for Broadchurch (2013-2017).
Manor houses of note include Knightshayes Court, Castle Drogo, Powderham Castle, Buckland Abbey, and Hartland Abbey.
Exeter Cathedral is a beautiful film location.
Gloucestershire. The Cotswolds are known for their picturesque villages of thatched-roof cottages and green rolling hills. Villages of note include Bibury, Blockley, Chipping Campden, Stanton, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold.
Puzzlewood’s forests and ancient ruins hosted productions such as Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (2015), and The Adventures of Merlin (2008-2012).
Forest of Dean is an ancient woodland.
Gloucester is known for Gloucester Cathedral, and Gloucester Docks.
Highgrove House is the residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Sezincote House is a majestic mansion designed in Mughalai style. Other manor houses of note include Chavenage House, Sudeley Castle, Berkeley Castle, Dyrham Park, Badminton House, Batsford House, Stanway House, Woodchester Mansion, and Kelmscott Manor.
Somerset. Bath is known for its Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Royal Crescent, The Circus, Bath Street, Pulteney Bridge, and Pulteney Weir.
Picturesque towns of note include Frome, Glastonbury, and Castle Cary.
Manor houses of note include Barrington Court, Clevedon Court, Montacute House, Halswell House, and Tyntesfield House.
Wells is known for Wells Cathedral, and Vicars’ Close.
Wiltshire. Lacock was filmed for The King (2019), Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018), Wolf Hall (2015), Downton Abbey (2010-2015), Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), and Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001). Other picturesque towns of note include Castle Combe, Warminster, Malmesbury, Tisbury, and Bradford on Avon.
Wilton House featured in Bridgerton (2020-), The Crown (2016–2023), Emma (2020), Tomb Raider (2018), Sense and Sensibility (1995), and Barry Lyndon (1975).
Great Chalfield Manor was filmed for Wolf Hall (2015).
Longford Estate is located in Wiltshire.
Salisbury Cathedral is a beautiful film location.
King Alfred’s Tower is a folly in Wiltshire.
Museum of the Great Western Railway is located in Swindon.
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument.
Longleat Hedge Maze is the longest hedge maze in the world.
Caen Hill Locks are a flight of 29 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal.
East of England
The East of England region includes the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.
Bedfordshire. Manor houses of note include Wrest Park, and Woburn Abbey.
Luton Airport is located in Bedfordshire.
Cambridgeshire. University of Cambridge is home to 31 colleges including King’s College, Emmanuel College, Peterhouse College, St John’s College, Queens’ College, Selwyn College, Trinity College, Darwin College, Girton College, Jesus College, Christ’s College, Magdalene College, Pembroke College, Clare College, and Downing College. Other university buildings include the Fitzwilliam Museum, University Museum of Zoology, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Polar Museum, Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, Old Schools, Cambridge University Botanic Garden, and the Seeley Historical Library designed by James Stirling.
Manor houses of note include Anglesey Abbey, and Wimpole Estate.
Ely Cathedral doubles well for Westminster Abbey.
Peterborough is known for Peterborough Cathedral, Peterborough Guildhall, and London Road Stadium.
Imperial War Museum Duxford is located in Cambridgeshire.
Essex. Blue Abyss is a 50metre deep diving pool in Colchester.
Audley End House and Gardens.
Stansted Airport, and Southend Airport are located in Essex.
Hertfordshire has many beautiful mansions and country estates. Knebworth House featured in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020), The Crown (2016-), The King’s Speech (2010), Batman Begins (2005), and Batman (1989). Hatfield House featured in The Favourite (2018), The Crown (2016-), and Batman Begins (2005). Ashridge House featured in Dolittle (2020) and Beauty and the Beast (2017).
Other film locations in Hertfordshire include St Albans Cathedral, and Digswell Viaduct.
Norfolk. Norwich is known for Norwich Cathedral, St John the Baptist Cathedral, St Peter Mancroft, Norwich Castle, Norwich Guildhall, Surrey House, and Norwich Railway Station.
Manor houses of note include Blickling Estate, Holkham Hall, Houghton Hall, Oxburgh Hall, Sandringham House.
Great Yarmouth is a resort town.
North Norfolk Railway runs between Sheringham and Holt.
The Broads National Park are known for their waterways, pretty villages, and windmills.
Suffolk. Manor houses of note include Ickworth House, Kentwell Hall, and Somerleyton Hall.
Other film locations in Suffolk include Framlingham Castle, Lavenham village, St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Sizewell B nuclear power station, and Maunsell Army Forts which are located just off the coast.
West Midlands
The West Midlands region includes the counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, and Worcestershire.
Herefordshire. Hereford is known for Hereford Cathedral, Hereford Town Hall, and Hereford Racecourse.
Berrington Hall is located in Herefordshire.
Shropshire. Shrewsbury is known for Shrewsbury Castle, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Shrewsbury Abbey, Theatre Severn, English Bridge, and Shrewsbury Railway Station.
Manor houses of note include Attingham Hall, and Benthall Hall.
Ludlow Castle ruins are located in Shropshire.
Royal Air Force Museum Midlands is located in Cosford.
Staffordshire. Stoke-on-Trent is known for Stoke-on-Trent Town Hall, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Britannia Stadium, and Vale Park Football Stadium.
Lichfield Cathedral is a beautiful film location.
Manor houses of note include Shugborough Estate, and Biddulph Grange Victorian Garden.
Uttoxeter Racecourse is located in Staffordshire.
Warwickshire. Warwick film locations include Warwick Castle, Collegiate Church of St Mary, Shire Hall, and St John’s House.
Manor houses of note include Ragley Hall, Walton Hall, Coughton Court, and Stoneleigh Abbey.
Leamington Spa is a resort town.
Rugby is the home of Rugby.
Kenilworth Castle ruins are located in Warwickshire.
West Midlands. Birmingham is England’s third largest city. It is known for its canals, museums, trendy cafes, back-to-back terraced houses, and industrial past. Birmingham has hosted productions including Ready Player One (2018), and Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017).
Neighborhoods of note include Birmingham City Centre, Westside, Theatreland, Birmingham Gay Village, Digibeth, and Edgbaston.
Government buildings include Birmingham Town Hall, Birmingham City Council House, and Victoria Law Courts.
Religious locations include St Philip’s Cathedral, St Martin in the Bull Ring, Birmingham Oratory, Shri Venkateswara Balaji Temple and Birmingham Central Mosque.
Selfridges Building is a unique contemporary structure.
Centres of higher learning include University of Birmingham, Aston University, and Library of Birmingham designed by Francine Houben.
Museums include Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, National Motorcycle Museum, and Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum.
Entertainment venues include Symphony Hall, Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Nechells Public Baths, Arena Birmingham, Villa Park Football Stadium, Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Alexander Athletics Stadium, and Edgbaston Priory Tennis Club.
Parks of note include Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Winterbourne Botanic Garden, and Cannon Hill Park.
Transport locations include Gravelly Hill Interchange, Birmingham New Street Railway Station, and Birmingham Airport.
Aston Hall, Baddesley Clinton, and Castle Bromwich Hall are manor houses near Birmingham.
Worcestershire. Worcester film locations include Worcester Cathedral, Worcester Guildhall, and Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.
Manor houses of note include Harvington Hall, Croome Court, and Hanbury Hall.
Whitly Court ruins is a unique film location.
East Midlands
The West Midlands region includes the counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland.
Derbyshire. Buxton is known for Buxton Opera House, and Buxton Baths.
Haddon Hall was filmed for The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Pride & Prejudice (2005), Elizabeth (1998), and The Princess Bride (1987). Chatsworth House featured in Pride and Prejudice (2005). Other lavish manors of note include Bolsover Castle, Calke Abbey, Sudbury Hall, Kedleston Hall, and Hardwick Hall.
Peak District National Park is a landscape of limestone valleys, dales, gritstone ridges and moorland plateaus.
Leicestershire. Leicester is known for Leicester Cathedral, National Space Centre, Leicester Museum, Richard III Gravesite, Curve Theatre designed by Rafael Viñoly, and Leicester City Stadium.
Belvoir Castle is a beautiful film location.
Hallaton is a quaint village.
Bosworth Battlefield is a Wars of the Roses Historic Site located in Leicestershire.
Lincolnshire. Lincoln is known for Lincoln Cathedral which featured in Napoleon (2023), The Da Vinci Code (2006), and The King (2019). Other Lincoln film locations include St Swithin’s Church, Lincoln Castle, High Bridge, International Bomber Command Centre, Museum of Lincolnshire Life, and Lincoln Museum.
Burghley House featured in Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007), and Pride and Prejudice (2005). Belton House featured in Jane Eyre (2006), and Pride and Prejudice (2005). Other Lincolnshire manor houses of note include Harlaxton Manor, Doddington Hall, Culverthorpe Hall, Revesby Abbey, and Tattershall Castle.
Stamford is a picturesque town.
Northamptonshire. Northampton is known for Northampton Guildhall, and All Saints’ Church.
Manor houses include Boughton House which featured in Napoleon (2023), Drayton House which featured in Saltburn (2023), Cotterstock Hall which featured in The Woman in Black (2012), Castle Ashby House, Althorp Estate, Apethorpe Palace, and Kirby Hall ruins.
Welland Viaduct is a train viaduct with 82 arches.
Silverstone Circuit hosts the British Formula One Grand Prix.
Nottinghamshire. Nottingham film locations include the Lace Market District, Nottingham Council House, Nottingham Castle, Nottingham Cathedral, Wollaton Hall, National Justice Museum, Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery, Nottingham Industrial Museum, and Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
Manor houses of note include Thoresby Hall, Welbeck Abbey, Rufford Abbey, and Newstead Abbey.
Robin Hood’s famed Sherwood Forest is located in Nottinghamshire. Major Oak is a large English oak tree located in Sherwood Forest.
Other film locations in Nottinghamshire include Newark Air Museum, and Southwell Minster.
Rutland. Normanton Church is a lakeside film location.
Yorkshire & the Humber
The Yorkshire and Humber region is divided into the East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire.
East Riding of Yorkshire. Hull is a port city known for Hull City Hall, Hull Minster, University of Hull, Hull College, The Deep, Ferens Art Gallery, Hull Maritime Museum, Hull New Theatre, Hull City Stadium, Bonus Arena, and Humber Bridge.
Beverly is known for Beverley Minster, Beverley Railway Station, and Beverley Racecourse.
Manor houses include Burton Constable Hall, and Burton Agnes Hall.
Flamborough Head Lighthouse is a beautiful film location.
Bempton Cliffs are a beautiful coastal location.
North Yorkshire. York is known for The Shambles Market, York Minster, York Guildhall, York City Walls, National Railway Museum, York Castle Museum, Yorkshire Museum, Yorkshire Air Museum, York Cold War Bunker, York Art Gallery, Riverside Stadium, and York Racecourse.
Scarborough is a resort town known for the Grand Hotel, Scarborough Spa, Rotunda Museum, Scarborough Harbour, South Bay Beach, and North Bay Beach. Scarborough was filmed for Saint Maud (2019).
Harrogate is a spa town known for Royal Hall, St Wilfrid’s Church, Turkish Baths, and Ripley Castle.
Knaresborough is a picturesque river town with a viaduct offering shots of trains passing over the river.
Whitby is a picturesque coastal town known for Whitby Abbey ruins.
Manor houses of note include Castle Howard, and Allerton Castle.
Goathland Station is a picturesque period train stations which featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001).
Fountains Abbey is a well preserved monastery ruin.
Bolton Priory ruins and graveyard are available for film projects.
Saltburn Cliff Lift is a Victorian era funicular.
National parks include the Yorkshire Dales, and North York Moors.
South Yorkshire. Sheffield film locations include Sheffield Town Hall, Sheffield City Hall, Sheffield Cathedral, Cathedral Church of St Marie, Wolseley Road Mosque, Sheffield Central Library, University of Sheffield, Millennium Gallery, Weston Park Museum, Kelham Island Museum, National Emergency Services Museum, Lyceum Theatre, Crucible Theatre, Sheffield Arena, Bramall Lane Football Stadium, Sheffield Train Station, Sheffield Winter Garden, Sheffield Botanical Gardens, and Park Hill brutalist housing estate.
Doncaster is known for Doncaster Racecourse, Corn Exchange, St George’s Minster, Cusworth Hall, and South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum.
Huddersfield is known for Huddersfield Town Hall, Huddersfield Railway Station, Kirklees Stadium, Huddersfield Art Gallery, and Victoria Tower.
Manor houses of note include Wentworth Woodhouse, and Brodsworth Hall.
High Bradfield is a picturesque village.
West Yorkshire. Leeds is known for Leeds Town Hall, Leeds Civic Hall, Leeds Corn Exchange, Leeds Minster, Leeds Cathedral, Kirkstall Abbey ruins, Leeds City Museum, Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds Art Gallery, Leeds Industrial Museum, Thackray Museum of Medicine, Roundhay Park, University of Leeds, Leeds Central Library, Grand Theatre, Temple Works, Leeds Arena, Elland Road Stadium, Headingley Stadium, and Leeds Bradford Airport.
Bradford is known for Bradford City Hall, St George’s Hall, Wool Exchange Building, Cartwright Hall, Salts Mill, National Science and Media Museum, Bradford Industrial Museum, Bradford Cathedral, Bradford Grand Mosque, Lister Mills, Alhambra Theatre, Valley Parade Football Stadium, and Odsal Stadium which featured in The King’s Speech (2010). Bradford is England’s “Curry Capital”.
Halifax is known for Piece Hall, Halifax Town Hall, Halifax Minster, and Dean Clough Textiles Mill.
Wakefield is known for Wakefield Town Hall, County Hall, Wakefield Cathedral, Theatre Royal, and Hepworth Wakefield Museum which was designed by David Chipperfield. National Coal Mining Museum For England, and Yorkshire Sculpture Park are located nearby.
Manor houses of note include Harewood House, Nostell Priory, and East Riddlesden Hall which featured in Gunpowder (2017).
Arthington Viaduct is railway viaduct with 21 arches.
North Lincolnshire is known for Normanby Hall, and Thornton Abbey Gatehouse.
North East Lincolnshire. Grimsby is known for Grimsby Docks, Grimsby Town Hall, and Grimsby Minster.
Waltham Windmill is located in North East Lincolnshire.
North West
The North West England region includes the counties of Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside.
Cheshire. Chester film locations include Chester Cathedral, Chester Town Hall, Chester City Walls, and Chester Rows.
Manor houses of note include Capesthorne Hall, Eaton Hall, Tatton Hall, Walton Hall, Little Moreton Hall, and Lyme Park which was filmed for Pride and Prejudice (1995), and Brideshead Revisited (1981).
Jodrell Bank Observatory is a radio telescope.
Cumbria. Carlisle film locations include Carlisle Cathedral, and Carlisle Castle.
Lake District National Park is known for its lakes, dales and fells.
Other film locations in Cumbria include Ambleside picturesque riverside town, Sizergh Castle, Muncaster Castle, Lakeland Motor Museum, Arten Gill Viaduct, and Hadrian’s Wall.
Walney Wind Farms are a group of offshore wind farms.
Greater Manchester. Manchester is England’s second largest city. It is known for its canal system and industrial history. Manchester has hosted productions including Peaky Blinders (2013-2022), Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010), Control (2007), and Coronation Street (1960-).
Neighborhoods of note include Northern Quarter, Chinatown, Spinningfields, and Canal Street Gay Village.
Government buildings include Manchester Town Hall, and London Road Fire Station.
Religious locations include Manchester Cathedral, and Monastery Manchester.
Centres of higher learning include University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, John Rylands Library, Manchester Central Library, and Portico Library.
Museums of note include Science and Industry Museum, Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, Imperial War Museum North, National Football Museum, Manchester Jewish Museum, Manchester Museum, Museum of Transport, and People’s History Museum.
Entertainment venues include Manchester Opera House, Palace Theatre, Royal Exchange, Manchester Arena, Old Trafford Stadium, Etihad Stadium, Manchester Velodrome, and Manchester Aquatics Centre.
Transport locations include Manchester Ship Canal, Manchester Piccadilly Train Station, and Manchester Airport.
Other buildings of note include Midland Hotel, Lancaster House, Victoria Baths, and Free Trade Hall.
Heaton Park is the largest park in Manchester.
Lancashire. Lancaster film locations include Lancaster Castle, Ashton Memorial, Lancashire City Museum, Lancaster Maritime Museum, Lancaster Canal, and River Lune Aqueduct.
Blackpool locations of note include Blackpool Pleasure Beach Amusement Park, Blackpool Tower, North Pier, Central Pier, South Pier, Stanley Park, Coral Island, and Lytham Hall.
Morecambe is known for Morecambe Winter Gardens, Morecambe Town Hall, and the art deco Midland Hotel.
The Singing Ringing Tree is a wind powered sound sculpture.
Heysham nuclear power station is located in Lancashire.
Merseyside. Liverpool is a port city known for its mercantile past and diverse architecture including a wealth of Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Contemporary buildings. The city doubles well for London or New York 100 years ago. The Batman (2022), Peaky Blinders (2013-2022), Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), Florence Foster Jenkins (2016), Creed (2015), Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010), and Fast & Furious 6 (2013) filmed in Liverpool.
Liverpool neighbourhoods of note include Liverpool Docks, St George’s Quarter, Ropewalks, Baltic Triangle, Chinatown, and the Georgian Quarter.
Government buildings include film locations include Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall, Municipal Buildings, County Sessions House, Bank of England, and Liverpool Central Library.
Royal Albert Dock is a complex of dock buildings and warehouses.
Mercantile buildings include the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building, Port of Liverpool Building, and Tower Buildings.
New Hall Place is a brutalist office building.
Hotels of note include Britannia Adelphi Hotel, Radisson RED Liverpool Hotel, and Crowne Plaza Liverpool John Lennon Airport Hotel is an art deco structure.
University of Liverpool locations include and the Victoria Building, and old surgery lecture theatre.
Speke Hall is a Tudor manor house.
Religious buildings include Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, Gustav Adolf Church, Anfield Cemetery, Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, Princes Road Synagogue, and Al-Rahma Mosque.
Museums of note include World Museum, Walker Art Gallery, Tate Liverpool, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Museum of Liverpool, International Slavery Museum, and Beatles Story Museum.
Entertainment venues include Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool Empire Theatre, Liverpool Olympia, Grand Central Hall, Liverpool Arena, Anfield Stadium, Goodison Park, Aintree Racecourse, and Aigburth Cricket Ground.
Parks of note include Sefton Park, Calderstones Park, and Stanley Park.
Transport locations include Queensway Tunnel, Kingsway Tunnel, Silver Jubilee Bridge, Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Liverpool Lime Street Railway Station, Pier Head Ferry Terminal, Port of Liverpool, and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
North East
The North East England region includes the counties of Tyne and Wear, County Durham, and Northumberland.
Tyne and Wear. Newcastle film locations include Newcastle Cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral, Church of St Thomas the Martyr, Newcastle Castle, Theatre Royal, Sage Gateshead designed by Norman Foster, Great North Museum, Centre for Life Museum, Discovery Museum, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Newcastle University, Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle, Tyne Bridge, Swing Bridge, Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Utilita Arena Newcastle, St James’ Park Football Stadium, Newcastle Racecourse, Victoria Tunnel, Tyne and Wear Metro, Newcastle Central Station, Newcastle International Airport.
National Glass Centre is located in Sunderland.
Angel of the North is a contemporary sculpture.
Whitley Bay is a seaside town known for St Mary’s Lighthouse.
County Durham. Durham film locations include Durham Castle, and Durham Cathedral which was filmed for Avengers: Endgame (2019), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001), and Elizabeth (1998).
Other film locations in County Durham include Raby Castle, Ushaw House, Bowes Museum, Beamish open air museum, Tees Transporter Bridge, High Force Waterfall, and Hartlepool nuclear power station.
Northumberland is a mostly rural region with beautiful countryside and coastline. Film locations of note include Alnwick Castle, Bamburgh Castle which hosted Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023), Lindisfarne Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle ruins, Cragside House, Seaton Delaval Hall, Royal Border Bridge Viaduct, Hadrian’s Wall, and Craster picturesque fishing village.
England Film Location Permits
London is one of the world’s most filmed in cities. As such, there is a very well established permitting process. Our producer / fixer arranges location permits for each Borough to be filmed in. There are no city-wide permits. B-roll shoots generally take about 1-2 weeks to permit depending on the locations. Permits are technically still required even if you’re just filming handheld with a small crew although in some cases you can get away with it. Insurance is an absolute must. Shoots requiring exclusive use of property involving laying track, larger lights, etc require about 2-3 weeks to permit. Larger, more complicated shoots involving traffic control, road closures, etc can take around 4 weeks to permit. Consultation with local authorities may also be required. If traffic control is required the best times to film are generally early summer mornings on the weekend. Location fees vary greatly depending if the location is publicly or privately owned. Some river views of the Houses of Parliament are free whereas a football stadium can cost £25,000. London landmarks are not subject to the same copyright issues as some other parts of Europe. Statues and paintings are copyrighted and may require permission from owners. England has an extensive network of locations agencies representing a large cross section of film locations. Please contact us for location specific information.
When To Shoot?
England’s summer months from June to September are usually sunny and mild. Rainfall occurs all year round and is heaviest in the winter months from November to January. Snowfall is rare. For monthly weather statistics please see here.
England is home to hundreds of events that welcome visitors from all over the world. Summertime music festivals are a major draw with new ones popping up each year.
• Chinese New Year in London in January / February.
• Jorvik Festival takes place in York in February.
• The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race takes place on the River Thames in March.
• Crufts Dog Show takes place in Birmingham in April.
• London Marathon in April.
• World Snooker Championship takes place in Sheffield in April.
• Shakespeare Season takes place at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from April to October.
• Glyndebourne Festival takes place in Lewes from April to August.
• Brighton Festival in May.
• Royal Windsor Horse Show takes place in Windsor in May.
• Chelsea Flower Show takes place in London in May.
• Bath International Music Festival in May / June.
• Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition takes place in London from June to August.
• Royal Ascot Week horse racing in June.
• The Glastonbury Music Festival is held in June.
• The Derby horse race takes place at Epsom Downs Racecourse in June.
• Grosvenor House Art and Antique Fair takes place in London in June.
• Wimbledon grand slam tennis tournament takes place in June / July.
• Manchester International Festival in June / July.
• City of London Festival in June / July.
• Exeter Summer Festival in June / July.
• Ludlow Festival in June / July.
• British Formula One Grand Prix takes place in Silverstone in July.
• London LGBTQ+ Pride in July.
• Tewkesbury Medieval Festival in July.
• The Proms take place in London from July to September.
• The Notting Hill Carnival takes place in August.
• Birmingham International Carnival takes place every other year in August.
• Brighton LGBTQ+ Pride in August.
• Skandia Cowes Week takes place off the Isle of Wight in August.
• Burghley Horse Trials take place in Lincolnshire in September.
• Ascot Festival in September.
• Horse of the Year Show take place in Birmingham in September / October.
• Guy Fawkes Night in November.
• Frankfurt Christmas Market takes place in Birmingham in November / December.
Many English are non-religious. Christianity is the largest religion, but England is home to people of many different religions, so a diversity of religious holidays are observed.
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in England.
Unique Local Stories
Brands are looking for local stories that match their brand narrative. Our local teams are a great lead for sourcing those unique stories and characters.
If you are looking for stories for your next shoot, send us your brief and we will pitch you ideas.
If you have a unique story you would like to pitch to a brand anywhere in the world, pitch us your idea. We have well-established processes to ensure that your ideas are properly seen and protected.
Costs & Tax Incentives
Costs. England is a relatively expensive place to shoot due to the high cost of locations, talent and crews. Much of this is due to the strong Great Britain Pound, although devaluations in the currency have made England a more attractive place to film.
London and Manchester are the major production hubs so any locations requiring travel outside of these areas are an additional cost to filming. That said, our locally based fixers and service producers will negotiate deals and provide the appropriate level of production support to match every budget. Given the vast number of film professionals available, deals can always be made.
VAT applies in the UK. See here for the current VAT rate.
Tax Incentives. Films that pass the cultural test or qualify as a co-production are eligible for 25% UK Film Tax Relief of the qualifying UK production spend. See here for more information.
Film Crew & Talent
Crews. England has a very good pool of local directors, directors of photography and stills photographers. English crews are of the highest international standard. England offers a great depth of world-renowned, experienced, professional technical crews. Manchester is a TV show city so if you are shooting a commercial or film, some crew may need to be brought in from London.
Contact us if you are looking for a London or Manchester based director, DP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, or any other film crew in England. England is home to a diversity of film industry specialists that lead film and photography expeditions to the most remote regions on earth.
Talent. England has a very deep, multicultural and multilingual pool of talent. Specialist agencies exist to supply every kind of possible talent ranging from high-end models, to character actors, to animal actors. Many of the world’s celebrities also live in England.
All levels of main, featured and extra roles are available. Fees are usually worked out using the UseFee website. Actors union is Equity. That said, talent costs are ultimately negotiable. It all depends on the specifics of your project (exactly what you need and the budget you’re working with). Our local team is able to negotiate best rates and buyouts for media, territory, and time length. Contact us for a quote.
Fringes and Premiums. No hidden extras. Our English fixer / producer packages deals for local crew and talent.
England Film Equipment
Equipment. England offers both Panavision and Arri camera, grip and lighting equipment as well as many boutique equipment companies. All specialized equipment is available in England. For productions looking to bring in their own gear England is an ATA carnet country.
Communications. Communication is key. Our agility and global experience allows us to customise the right communications systems for every shoot.
Web posted casting, scouting, and videoconferencing.
For clients that are unable to attend set we offer a virtual video village solution. This dedicated and secure high-resolution video streaming platform allows clients from one or multiple timezones to view setups without compromise and to participate in real-time with the team on set. Separate systems can be set up for the discrete conversations that are required to make a job run right. Working remotely with our local teams reduces your content production costs, turnaround times, carbon footprint, and risks associated with unpredictable global events.
Art Department, Studios, Backlots, & Post Production
Art department and set construction is of the highest standard.
Studios and backlots. Many world-class options exist. English studios have hosted many iconic films. A few examples include Star Wars, Return of the Jedi, Gladiator, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Batman Begins, and Interview with the Vampire. Studios of note include Pinewood Studios, Shepperton Studios, Dagenham film and TV studios, Ealing Studios, Elstree Studios, Three Mills Studios, Fountain Studios, The London Studios, and OMA Film Studios.
Post Production. England offers the highest standard of post production facilities with companies such as The Mill, Smoke and Mirrors, and Framestore present. Processing facilities only exist in London.
Visas & Work Permits
England is not a Schengen Area member state. Entry is subject to regulations from country of origin. US crews can enter visa-free for stays of up to 6 months. Contact your local British embassy or representative for more information.
Transport & Accommodation
Transportation Infrastructure. Highly developed transportation infrastructure. Many international and low cost airlines service flights to and from English cities. The train system is extensive and often a faster alternative to flying.
Accommodation. Contact us for recommended film friendly hotels in London, Manchester and other parts of England. For longer stays we can also organize serviced apartments.
Final Notes
Safety. England is a very safe place for foreign productions to visit. See here for up to date travel advice.
Down Time. London has a vibrant nightlife and food scene. Outside of the city you can find places to relax in the quaint Cotswolds, rugged Peak District, or quintessentially British coastal towns of Whitstable and Broadstairs.
Projects. For an example of TV commercials, stills campaigns, online content, corporate videos, virtual reality 360 content, feature films, TV series and documentaries shot in England, please see below:
Hire England Production Support & Shooting Crew
If you are looking for a film or photographic production service company, line producer or fixer for your shoot in England, please contact us.
If you are looking for a shooting crew for your shoot in England, such as a director, DoP, photographer, videographer (cameraman / camera operator), camera assistant (focus puller), sound operator, grip, gaffer, stylist, hair and makeup, PA / runner, production driver, please contact us.
We are able to provide you with answers, references and bids quickly.
