While one can’t beat cosying up to a Christmas film, how about getting behind the scenes? Set-jetting is a booming trend in travel, and Great Britain sets the scene to embark on a star-studded adventure. 

From Brighton’s shores to Scotland’s countryside taking a starring role in a new thrilling spy drama, there’s loads of movie magic to look forward to.

According to Expedia Group, a large travel firm, more than half of international travellers said TV shows and films inspired their travel plans. The British Film Institute (BFI) reports that inbound tourists to the United Kingdom spent an estimated GBP 892.6 million in film-related screen tourism in 2019 alone, making screen tourism an increasingly valuable part of the UK’s global tourism offer.

Romantic classic Love Actually was shot all over London, and one might recognise locations including Trafalgar Square, the Millennium Bridge and the Tate Modern, all London icons that are especially dazzling in the festive season. Also in the capital, visitors can go to spots from the feel-good musical Last Christmas, like Covent Garden, Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus. They just so happen to be home to some of London’s most spectacular Christmas lights too!   

Christmas comedy Nativity was filmed in Coventry, a musical city with a strong creative legacy. This is brought to life in the film, which showcases cultural hotspots like Belgrade Theatre and the Herbert art gallery and museum. 

Elsewhere, one might find their own Jude Law or Cameron Diaz in the English countryside, as they reenact The Holiday in Surrey. The villages of Shere and Godalming are picture-perfect, with cobbled streets, thatched houses and, should one be lucky, a dusting of snow. One can even have a pint at the White Horse pub like Graham and Amanda.

Finally, explore the Warner Bros Studio Tour, the Making of Harry Potter in a new light this Christmas, as the set transforms during the winter months. See the Gryffindor dormitory decked out for Christmas, the Great Hall laid out for a festive feast, and the Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley looking extra magical under a blanket of snow! 

Masters of the Air

From the creative minds of Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg comes this American war-based drama. Aired on Apple TV+ on January 26,  Masters of the Air is a TV series that depicts the story of the Eighth Air Force, known as the Mighty Eighth, and their fight against Hitler and Nazi Germany during the Second World War. Production and filming took place in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, including the city of Oxford, with Austin Butler, Callum Turner and Anthony Boyle in starring roles. 

Filming locations 

Look beyond Oxford to the south to uncover a hidden Oxfordshire gem, Abingdon-on-Thames (Photo: ExperienceOxfordshire)

Just past the northern reaches of the picturesque Chiltern Hills one will discover the Vale of Aylesbury. Its Old Quarter comes alive with history and heritage, from the Old County Hall in Market Square to St Mary’s Church. 

While nearby Waddesdon Manor is a real showstopper, a French Renaissance-style château built in the 1870s. Look beyond Oxford to the south to uncover a hidden Oxfordshire gem, Abingdon-on-Thames. 

With a history from the Saxon era, it holds the title of England’s oldest continuously inhabited town. Get an insider look at locomotives at Didcot Railway Centre. 

From spying Victorian steam powered machines to getting into the controls at the Signalling Centre, there’s over 200 years of railway history to discover. 

Argylle

Argylle is the hotly anticipated spy drama with some big names, including Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Bryan Cranston and English singer and songwriter Dua Lipa in her acting debut. Aired to audiences worldwide on February 2 via Apple TV+, the adaptation of the yet-to-be-released novel tells the story of a top-notch spy suffering from amnesia and his quest for revenge.

Filming locations 

Inveraray Castle was inspired by a sketch from the architect that brought Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard to Britain (Photo: Inveraray-Castle)

A fusion of modernity, baroque, palladian and gothic, Inveraray Castle was inspired by a sketch from the architect that brought Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard to Britain. Known for its white water routes and appearances on the big screen, Glen Etive is an unmissable Scottish spot. 

A jewel in Chilterns, explore 45 acres of parkland around the Italianate villa, or discover Wycomb Village and Wycomb Halls for dramatic views and quaint lanes. 

In the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, wander the cobbled pathways to discover Parliament Square. Part of the city’s iconic Royal Mile, one will find Parliament House which houses the Supreme Courts of Scotland. 

From immersing yourself into life-size Monopoly, to swinging a club at mini golf and getting into eccentric art, cool Fitzrovia has one covered. Located in London’s bohemian Borough of Camden, its buzzing with bars and restaurants bursting with international flavours. Ride into heritage and history at the Kent and Sussex Railway. 

Follow the railway walk which lies on the fringes of the High Weald Area, or choose discover steam locomotives and diesel railcars at the railway museum.

Wonka

A chocolate lovers paradise, Wonka reprises everyone’s favourite eccentric founder and creator, Willy Wonka. Played by Timothée Chalamet, the film was released in December 2023 and follows the young chocolatier and his adventures opening the world-renowned chocolate factory. British actors Olivia Colman and Rowan Atkinson also join the cast.

Filming locations 

Explore Bath, a renowned wellness retreat with Roman and Georgian architecture all around. 

Bath is a renowned wellness retreat with Roman and Georgian architecture all around (Photo: VisitBath)

Set around the banks of the River Thames, Mapledurham is a quaint village in Oxfordshire. From its historic watermill, to Mapledurham House, headquarters of the Mapledurham Estate, it has played a starring role in many films, including thriller The Eagle Has Landed. From there on, embark on a nature-infused exploration of 100 acres of parkland at St Albans’ Verulamium Park. 

A sanctuary in the cathedral city, it is a hotbed for wildlife. Keen twitchers can spot birds across the ornamental lake, while walkers can enjoy part of the Ver River Trail. One can spy another Wonka filming location in St Albans at nearby Abbey Mill Lane.

Napoleon

The film of epic proportions that sees Joaquin Phoenix star as French leader Napoleon, kicked off its filming at Lincoln Cathedral, the historic building which celebrated 950 years of existence in 2022. Telling a tale of love and power, the movie Napoleon follows the French military general during his rise to leadership. It was released in November 2023 on Apple TV+.

Filming locations

Lincoln’s Cathedral has been towering over the city and country for over 950 years (Photo: LincolnCathedral)

Shot around Blenheim Palace, which is known as one of Britain’s greatest palaces and the birthplace of Winstone Churchill. An unmissable feat of architecture, Lincoln’s Cathedral has been towering over the city and country for over 950 years. 

Head on to the edge of London to unveil the historic borough of Greenwich, including free entry to the Maritime National Museum.

A hidden treasure in Northamptonshire’s countryside, Boughton House is a fusion of British and French style. Inherited by the 1st Duke of Montagu in 1683, French architectural influences fill the once Tudor building. 

Indiana Jones 5

A movie franchise like no other, Harrison Ford returned in the summer of 2023 as the world’s favourite archaeologist come explorer. The fifth and final installment in the saga sees Antonio Banderas and British actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge join the cast.

Filming locations

Overlooking the golden sands of Bamburgh beach, this magnificent fortress is one of Britain’s biggest inhabitant castle (Photo: BamburghCastle)

Overlooking the golden sands of Bamburgh beach, this magnificent fortress is one of Britain’s biggest inhabitant castle. Travel back in time on a steam powered train in the North Yorkshire Moors Railways, between the market towns of Pickering and Whutby on the coast.

Explore one of Glasgow city’s main streets, St Vincent Street, that dates back to the early 1800s. Look out for The Union Bank of Scotland building, designed by architect James Miller, constructed between 1924 – 1927.

A marvellous structural feat and historic landmark in the Scottish Borders, Leaderfoot Viaduct, also known as the Drygrange Viaduct, has been a part of the landscape since the 19th century. Originally built for the Berwickshire Railway to pass over the River Tweed, it stands 126 feet above the floor of the river valley and was eventually closed to passenger traffic in 1948.

Immersed within the Highland’s Lochaber Geopark, Glencoe mountains are the product of ancient glaciers and volcanic eruptions. Movie lovers will spot its notorious landscapes from James Bond to Harry Potter and now Indiana Jones. 

Adventures can take to the slopes for skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking. While on the water, look to hop in a kayak for a journey across Loch Leven.

Mission Impossible 7

In July 2023, Tom Cruise returned to his role as American spy Ethan Hunt for Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, with English actors Simon Pegg and Vanessa Kirby joining the film series. Filming locations in Britain included Birmingham and the Peak District.

Filming locations

For riders, cyclists, horse riders and thrill-seekers, the Peak District offers adventures galore (Photo: VisitBritain)

Voyage to one of Britian’s docklands, the historic Dockyard Chatam, for a snippet of Gerogian life. For riders, cyclists, horse riders and thrill-seekers, the Peak District offers adventures galore.

Iconic quaint limestone buildings, hidden winding lanes, rock climbing and stunning countryside make up the Peak District’s Stoney Middleton. Explore the village’s showstopper, an unusual octagonal church, or for a taste of adventure delve beneath the surface on a caving experience a short drive away.

Used to depict an airport terminal in Mission Impossible 7, Birmingham’s Grand Central is a city hub. Along with the Bullring, it makes up the largest shopping destination in the city, with the likes of Selfridges, Treetop Adventure Golf and Indian and Vietnamese grub from Mowgli.