Britain: The Real Star of the Screen – Explore Iconic Film & TV Locations
From the wizarding world of Harry Potter to the high-stakes drama of Succession, Britain consistently serves as the backdrop for some of our most beloved films and TV series. The good news? Many of these iconic locations are open for you to visit, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters. These real-world destinations have become celebrities in their own right, with over 90% of potential visitors to the UK eager to explore a filming location during their trip.
In January, Visit Britain launched its “Starring Great Britain” campaign, a blockbuster-inspired film directed by Academy Award-winning British director Tom Hooper. This four-minute montage showcases the UK’s diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene lakes, even featuring scenes like Paddington Bear fleeing a train in the Lake District and Jude Law’s river rescue on the Thames.
Speaking at ITB Berlin 2025, Patricia Yates, CEO of Visit Britain, encouraged travelers to “come to Britain and put yourself in the picture.” She emphasized that the campaign “harnesses the power of film and TV and those emotional connections people have with what they see on screen.”
London: From Superheroes to Bridget Jones’s Local
While you might not be able to swing from Tower Bridge like Spider-Man, this iconic London landmark, completed in 1894, is a must-see. You can experience the city from a new perspective by strolling across its glass-floored walkways or enjoying the view from an open-top bus.
Elsewhere in the capital, film enthusiasts can visit Bridget Jones’s famous Southwark flat for a drink at The Globe Tavern pub and explore Borough Market, known for its street food, wine bars, and restaurants. From here, you can wander along the South Bank, taking in sights like the Houses of Parliament, the Tate Modern Art Gallery, and Shakespeare’s Globe.
Beyond London: Dragon Territory in Wales and Fast Cars in Edinburgh
Beyond the capital, Yates encourages travelers to venture off the beaten path and explore regional Britain. “By using the power of what people have seen on screen we can encourage them to explore more of regional Britain,” she explained, citing examples like the beaches in Wales seen in “House of the Dragon” and following James Bond’s footsteps in Scotland.
Around 450 kilometers from London, the picturesque island of Anglesey in North Wales offers stunning coastal scenery and a wealth of activities. This region served as dragon territory in the “Game of Thrones” spin-off, “House of the Dragon,” with its valleys, quarries, and beaches providing an ominous backdrop for the fictional kingdom. Penmon Point, home to the Trwyn Du Lighthouse, and Landdwyn Island, featuring a ruined church dedicated to the Welsh patron saint of lovers, were both featured in the series.
For a dose of high-octane action, head to Edinburgh, the Scottish capital. In September 2019, the city center was transformed for “Fast & Furious 9” (F9), with supercars racing across 11 iconic locations, including Waterloo Place. For a more serene adventure, hike up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano offering panoramic views of the city skyline.
