Somerset and Wiltshire boast rolling hills, charming villages, and a rich history. But beyond their picturesque beauty, these counties hold another secret: a star-studded past in the world of cinema. From period dramas to fantasy epics, countless films have utilized the stunning landscapes and historical architecture of Somerset and Wiltshire, transforming them into unforgettable on-screen settings.
Somerset
Bath
Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a natural draw for filmmakers. Its elegant Georgian architecture, particularly the iconic Royal Crescent, provided a perfect backdrop for the lavish lifestyle depicted in “The Duchess” (2008). The city’s charming Pulteney Bridge, a bridge lined with shops like something out of a fairytale, found its way onto the screen in the 2012 film adaptation of the musical “Les Misérables.”
Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge, England’s largest gorge, offers a dramatic backdrop for films seeking a touch of adventure. The towering cliffs stood in for the mythical “The Beanstalk” in the 2013 fantasy film “Jack the Giant Slayer,” showcasing the gorge’s natural grandeur.
Wells
This charming cathedral city with its medieval architecture has been featured in numerous films. Step into the world of “Hot Fuzz” (2007), a hilarious police action comedy, where Wells was transformed into the fictional village of Sandford. For a more dramatic setting, visit the imposing Wells Cathedral, which stood in for a German church in the 2016 fantasy film “The Huntsman: Winter’s War.”
Montacute House
This Elizabethan mansion, with its ornate interiors and formal gardens, is a popular choice for period dramas. The opulent setting provided a glimpse into the life of 17th-century poet and libertine John Wilmot in “The Libertine” (2004).
Clevedon
Built in the Victorian era, Clevedon Pier with its weathered wood and ornate details evokes a sense of melancholy. This unique location was featured in the dystopian drama “Never Let Me Go” (2011), adding a touch of visual poetry to the film’s themes of loss and longing.
Wiltshire
Stonehenge
The iconic prehistoric monument of Stonehenge is a place of mystery and wonder. It’s no surprise then that it has been featured in films ranging from the BBC’s adaptation of “Tess of the D’Urbervilles” to the sci-fi action flicks “Thor: The Dark World” (2013) and “Transformers: The Last Knight” (2017).
Lacock Abbey
This beautiful 13th-century abbey holds a special place in the hearts of Harry Potter fans. Its cloisters were transformed into Hogwarts classrooms for “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” (2001) and “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” (2018). For another literary connection, the exterior of the Potter family cottage was filmed at 20 Church Street in Lacock village.
Salisbury Cathedral and Cathedral Close
Salisbury Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, has been featured in numerous historical films. The cloisters provided a serene backdrop for scenes in the historical drama “The Spanish Princess” (2019). Salisbury Cathedral Close, with its well-preserved medieval buildings, stood in for Barton Park in the 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility.”
Wilton House
This magnificent Palladian mansion with its sprawling gardens has been a popular filming location for period dramas. The grand ballroom at Wilton House provided a fitting setting for lavish gatherings in the BBC miniseries “Sense and Sensibility” (1995).
Bowood House and Estate
Bowood Estate isn’t just about grand houses. The parkland provided a convincing stand-in for London’s Hyde Park in the popular period drama “Poldark” (2015). For a completely different vibe, Corsham’s High Street doubled as a bustling 18th-century Truro in the television series “Poldark.”