Wiltshire’s Famous Movie Set Locations
One of the most picturesque counties in the country, Wiltshire is a regular show-stealer. A star of the silver screen, its natural landscapes, historic sites and characterful attractions make for the most stunning backdrops in the UK.
If you would like to enjoy your own romance or adventure in Wiltshire, here are some of the most famous movie set locations in the county to visit.
Lacock Village
Almost entirely owned by the National Trust, the historic village of Lacock in Wiltshire is one of the most beautiful imaginable. A perfectly preserved time capsule, its buildings date between the 13th and 18th centuries and paint a spellbinding picture. Naturally, with its timber-framed houses and charming streets, it makes for the perfect movie set location in Wiltshire. Just some of the period dramas and movies filmed here include Downton Abbey, Cranford, Pride and Prejudice, and The Other Boleyn Girl.
Particularly famous, Lacock Abbey resides in the village and is beloved for its striking cloisters and interiors. So eye-catching and atmospheric are its aesthetics that the abbey was used as the setting for a number of Hogwarts scenes in the film series, Harry Potter. Some may recognise its hallways and Sacristy in particular, the latter of which was used as Snape’s classroom. More recently, the abbey was also used in the magical Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald.
Salisbury Cathedral Close
When spending time in Salisbury, set time aside to visit the breath-taking, twelfth century Salisbury Cathedral and Cathedral Close. As you tread footsteps around the close and admire the gorgeous architecture, you may recognise views from the movies. One of the best movie set locations in Wiltshire, the National Trust-owned Mompesson House in Salisbury's Cathedral Close achieved notable cinema stardom in the 1995 Oscar-winning Sense and Sensibility. In this film, the house enjoyed a star performance as the London home of Mrs Jennings and was cast alongside British film royalty Emma Thompson, Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman.
Stonehenge
From comedies to classics to cult favourites, a huge array of films have used Stonehenge as a backdrop. One of the most famous and most mysterious monuments in the world, this prehistoric enigma and World Heritage Site can be found on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. Of the many movies to enlist its star qualities, one of the first, The Black Knight, was filmed over 70 years ago in 1953. Since then, some of the most well-known movies more recently filmed have included This is Spinal Tap, King Arthur, King Lear, Shanghai Knights, Thor: The Dark World, and Transformers: The Last Knight. Of course, while this is one of the best of Wiltshire’s famous movie set locations, many other films have used replica Stonehenges too!
Castle Combe
Often dubbed the prettiest village in England, the scenic village of Castle Combe sits on the fringes of the Cotswolds. Known far and wide for its picture-perfect views, it has understandably attracted a lot of attention over the years from location crews and directors. Exuding historical charm, it is often used to depict period and fairytale settings. Of these, its Wiltshire film credits list War Horse, Doctor Dolittle, and Star Dust. Meanwhile, it has also appeared in the TV series Robin Hood, Doctor Thorne, and Poirot. Head over to Castle Combe during a Wiltshire escape and write the pages of your own story.
Bowood House
The beautiful Bowood House is a Grade I listed Georgian manor near Calne that has been owned by the same family for over 250 years. Radiating splendour, the interiors of the house, designed by Robert Adam, encapsulate hundreds of years of history. Outside, its Capability Brown gardens and extensive grounds inspire further awe. Overflowing with intrigue, it presents a wonderful movie set location in Wiltshire. Amongst its most well-known acts, Bowood was cast as Hyde Park in the beloved TV series Poldark in 2018. This included the famous lakeside pistols-at-dawn scene, as well as the temple scene where Demelza agrees to keep the romance between Geoffrey Charles Poldark and Cecily Hanson to herself. Cottages within Bowood’s estate were also used during the Downton Abbey movie.
Image credit: Bowood House
Great Chalfield Manor
The 15th century Great Chalfield Manor is a stunning Arts & Crafts-style manor with flower-woven gardens peppered with ponds and lined with topiary. Open outside of winter, it lends itself perfectly to strolls in the sunshine. If you would like to visit Wiltshire’s famous movie set locations, explore Chalfield’s rooms and roam its garden. As you go, you may recognise sights and sites around this moated manor from films and TV shows such as The Other Boleyn Girl, Tess of the d'Urbervilles and Wolf Hall. In Wolf Hall, the manor’s interiors played the role of Austin Friars, the home of Thomas Cromwell.
Image credit: National Trust/Andrew Butler
Wilton House
Undoubtedly one of Wiltshire’s most famous movie set locations, Wilton House has appeared in a roster of films and TV shows. Welcoming starry-eyed film crews for decades, its state rooms, parkland and sweeping estate are well-known in the cinema and TV industries. To get to know the house for yourself, you can visit the house and grounds, as well as its onsite café for post-exploration refreshment. As you go, retrace the steps of both British and Hollywood stars, from Emily Blunt in The Young Victoria to Jonathan Bailey and Nicola Coughlan in Bridgerton, and from Gillian Anderson and Helena Bonham Carter in The Crown to Dominic West and Alicia Vikander in Tomb Raider.
Old Wardour Castle
A huge box office hit (despite Robin’s American accent), 1991’s Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is a film we all know and love. With acting legends Kevin Costner, Alan Rickman, Morgan Freeman, Christian Slater and more, this all-star movie won over audiences across the globe. Of course, with all that said, the real star of the movie has to be Old Wardour Castle. One of Wiltshire’s most famous movie set locations, this crumbling fourteenth century castle in Salisbury portrayed a characterful role in the film. Today, you can still see the site, which is managed and looked after by English Heritage.
Photo credit: English Heritage
Beechfield House
For moments of movie-worthy magic, enjoy an unforgettable retreat at Beechfield House. The perfect place from which to enjoy silver-screen sojourns, our 4 AA red star and 2 AA rosette country house hotel near Bath promises an award-winning break. Choose from 24 luxurious bedrooms and enjoy utmost comfort. We are family and dog friendly too.