Let's explore Wiltshire's top film locations
One of the UK’s most beautiful counties, Wiltshire is known for its world-famous prehistoric monuments at Stonehenge, the magnificent white chalk horses, chocolate box Cotswolds villages and, of course, its delicious ham.
Around 40% of Wiltshire is designated as an outstanding area of natural beauty and, with an array of picturesque towns and villages, mile upon mile of sprawling English countryside and impressive historic houses, it's always been a popular location for filming.
Some of the most popular films and television shows have been filmed in Wiltshire, including Harry Potter, Wolf Hall, Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, Poldark, Stardust, Warhorse and Doctor Who.
Keep reading to learn more about Wiltshire’s top film locations and discover some of the most picturesque towns, villages and scenery in the UK.
Tithe Barn
Bradford on Avon’s historic Tithe Barn and the surrounding riverside areas were used in the BBC production of Wolf Hall. This magnificent 14th-century stone barn has an attractive timber roof and is over 50 metres long.
The Tithe Barn is free to visit and you can enjoy a nearby riverside walk in one of Wiltshire’s most scenic locations.
Castle Combe
Often described as England’s prettiest village, Wiltshire’s Castle Combe is steeped in history. The village’s quintessentially English appeal and rural setting have made it a firm favourite for filmmakers, particularly for period and fantasy genres.
The blockbuster movie Stardust was filmed at Castle Combe along with The Wolf Man and Warhorse.
With its picture-perfect stone cottages, Manor House Hotel, sweeping countryside and rich history, Castle Combe is one of Wiltshire’s top film locations, making it a must-visit.
Corsham
Located 20 minutes from the spa city of Bath, Corsham lies on the edge of the Cotswolds. This attractive market town’s history is linked to wool and stone and the historic high street was used as a double for Truro in the popular Poldark series.
Corsham was also a filming location for Disney’s Rivals and Lark Rise to Candleford.
Lacock Abbey
One of Wiltshire’s top film locations, Lacock Abbey is situated at the heart of this historic Cotswolds village. Over 800 years old, the Abbey has been an Augustinian Abbey, a family home and, probably most famously, a location for many scenes in the Harry Potter film franchise.
The magnificent cloisters are one of the most recognisable features in the film, along with Professor Snape’s potions class. The Chapter House was used for Harry’s scenes with the Mirror of Erised in the Philosopher’s Stone.
Lacock Abbey has also been a film location for Downton Abbey, Wolf Hall (the Abbey was used for the exterior of Wolf Hall itself), Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald, His Dark Materials and Pride and Prejudice.
When not in use for filming, Lacock Abbey is open throughout the year. Check the National Trust website for full details.
Fonthill Bishop
The beautiful lake at Fonthill Bishop, near Tisbury, was used for the river scenes in Chocolat, starring Johnny Depp and Juliet Binoche.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can enjoy a 7-mile walk around Fonthill Lake and the local villages, which takes you past some stunning scenery. There is parking at the southern end of the lake.
Bowood Estate
Located near Calne and set in over 100 acres of landscaped parkland, Bowood Estate is a popular film location. One of the cottages was used as Mr Carson’s home in Downton Abbey and the parkland doubled as London’s Hyde Park in Poldark.
You can visit Bowood House and gardens from April to November.
Stonehenge
With its fascinating history and spiritual significance, Stonehenge was destined to be one of Wiltshire’s top film locations. The stone monuments are aligned with the sun’s movements and were built in stages over thousands of years.
Transformers: The Last Knight, Thor: The Dark World and Doctor Who have all featured the magical location of Stonehenge.
Step back in time and experience the unforgettable atmosphere of Stonehenge throughout the year. Click here for full visitor information.
Stourhead
This beautiful Palladian house with its world-famous landscape garden has been used for many period films and television series. Its natural beauty made it the perfect choice for Pride and Prejudice (where Lizzie rejects Mr Darcy’s proposal), The Pursuit of Love and Doctor Who.
You can visit National Trust-owned Stourhead House and Gardens throughout the year. Find out more.
Wilton House
Set in 21 acres of parkland, Wilton House is home to the 18th Earl and Countess of Pembroke. The grand, Palladian-style house was built on the site of a Benedictine nunnery and Abbey and has been a popular filming location for films and television shows including Bridgerton, The Crown, The Madness of King George and Blackadder.
Wilton House is open to visitors from April to September.
A stunning location - Beechfield House
Immerse yourself in country house grandeur with a contemporary feel at Beechfield House. Located just 30 minutes from Bath and the Cotswolds, we provide the perfect base for a day exploring Wiltshire’s top film locations.
Live like a movie star in luxurious rooms with views over landscaped gardens, drift away in our heated outdoor pool (from April to October) and enjoy the finest, Wiltshire produce in one of our four relaxed dining spaces.