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Holiday to a film location

Grand house with columns reflected in a lake and surrounded with autumn trees at Lyme Park, Cheshire
Lyme, near Stockport, Cheshire, is famous for its role as Pemberley, Mr Darcy’s home, in the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Many of the places we care for have been the backdrop for a popular television show or film - Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and many more. Spend your holiday in a National Trust cottage or pitch up at a campsite close to the action, to see the sights you've seen on screen and experience the atmosphere of these special places. A few of our cottages have even featured in the action.

Recent filming

View of Belton House over the Mirror Pond in the Pleasure Gardens with daffodils

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023), on the Belton estate, Lincolnshire 

In this hit Bridgerton prequel, Belton House was the main location for King George's residence and many other locations, like the Italian Garden, Orangery and Marble Hall, also featured. You can stay at No. 1 Belton (sleeps six), a pretty cottage with the whole estate on its doorstep.

A view of the medieval ruins of Scotney Castle, near Scotney West Lodge, Kent

The Sandman (2022) at Scotney Castle, Kent 

Scotney Castle was used as the 'House of Secrets' in 10 days of filming for this Netflix hit. You can stay at Scotney West Lodge (sleeps four), a classic and comfortable house at the entrance to the Scotney estate, which has acres of parkland, woodland and gardens as well as the moated castle.

Fountains Abbey in winter, Yorkshire

The Secret Garden (2020) at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Yorkshire 

Based on the classic 1910 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the 2020 Sky Original adaptation of The Secret Garden breathed new life into the tale. There are several cottages to stay in across the Fountains Abbey Estate, including Abbey Cottage, Choristers' House and the apartments Proctor and Vyner. Fountains Abbey was also featured in The History Boys (2006).

The exterior of Cliveden Ferry Cottage

Hampstead (2017) at Cliveden Ferry Cottage, Berkshire 

This former ferryman’s cottage with views over the Thames had a starring role as Diane Keaton's country escape. She was a fan of the cottage in real life, declaring "everybody should go (to Ferry Cottage); it couldn't have been more idyllic". It sleeps four and as guests, you can wander the gardens and woodlands of Cliveden even after closing.

Cornwall

Behind the scenes filming Poldark: camera crew, an actor in a top hat riding a horse, and a Cornish mine engine house on the cliff with sea behind

Poldark

Fans of Poldark may well have recognised a number of our places in the BBC’s enthralling adaptation of Winston Graham's novels. The series was filmed at several locations across Cornwall, with the buildings and mines at Botallack being taken back 200 years to feature as the Poldark family mines. There are National Trust cottages and a campsite close to various Poldark locations.

The exterior of The Canyack, Bosorne, Penzance, Cornwall

The Canyack 

The Canyack is one of the closest cottages to Botallack. High on the sloped of the secluded Cot Valley, this old miner's cottage is full of character and sleeps two.

The exterior of Count House Cottage, Botallack, Cornwall

Count House Cottage 

Count House Cottage is another of the closest cottages to Botallack. Once a mining workshop, it's now a cosy cottage for two with timber-framed ceilings and sea views.

The exterior of The West Wing, Trerice, Cornwall

The West Wing 

Further up the coast near St Agnes, the mine at Wheal Coates, which overlooks the expanse of sand at Chapel Porth Beach, became the derelict Wheal Leisure in the very final episodes. Elegant apartment for two, The West Wing isn't far away. It's also the accommodation closest to Holywell, the beach home to Caroline and Dwight's galloping horse-ride and the meetings between Drake and Morwenna.

The exterior of Winnianton Farmhouse, Cornwall

Winnianton Farmhouse 

Winnianton Farmhouse (sleeps six) overlooks Church Cove at Gunwalloe, a beach featured in series one, two and five as well as being the site of a dramatic night-time shipwreck scene in the first series.

A view of the camping fields at Teneriffe Farm Campsite, Cornwall

Teneriffe Farm Campsite 

For a camping spot, Teneriffe Farm Campsite isn't too far from Kynance Cove, where a pregnant Demezla is seen fishing for pilchards and going into labour in series two. It's a green campsite surrounded by nature reserves on the Lizard, a ten-minute walk from the South West Coast Path.

The exterior of Beach House, Port Gaverne, Cornwall

Doc Martin 

If you love this medical-comedy drama, stay on the set of the famous Police House at Port Gaverne Beach House. Feel part of the television programme, spending your days exploring the winding streets of the quaint coastal village of Port Isaac.

Walkers in the distance on the beach at Holywell in Cornwall.

More locations in Cornwall...

Holywell beach, close to The West Wing apartment, also featured as the location for the aftermath of a battle scene in Game of Thrones prequel, House of the Dragon. Forty minutes inland, you'll find 1920s villa Cutmadoc on the Lanhydrock estate.

Devon

View through a wintry garden with bare trees and the River Dart peeping between them, to the white façade of Greenway House

Poirot

In 2013, ITV came to Greenway in Devon to film David Suchet as Hercule Poirot in their adaptation of Dead Man's Folly, Agatha Christie's crime novel. The property also had a starring role in Christie's personal life as her beloved holiday home. There are four cottages at Greenway: The Lodge, Ferry Cottage, South Lodge and an apartment within the house itself.

The exterior of The Lodge at Greenway, Brixham, Devon

The Lodge At Greenway 

A quaint gate lodge at the entrance to Agatha Christie’s much loved holiday home.

The patio and seating area at Ferry Cottage, Brixham, Devon

Greenway Ferry Cottage 

A riverside cottage complete with rose climbing walls and a contemporary interior.

Exterior frontage of South Lodge, Greenway, Devon

Greenway South Lodge 

Gaze out at the sparkling River Dart from the windows of this woodland garden cottage.

The exterior of Greenway House, Galmpton, near Brixham, Devon

Greenway Apartment 

Stay in Agatha Christie’s former holiday home where you’ll be treated to views of the Dart Estuary.

Northern Ireland

The Starks during Game of Thrones filming at Castle Ward

Game of Thrones

Lying on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down, the Castle Ward Estate provided some of season one’s most recognisable locations. The historic farmyard stood in for parts of Winterfell, including the archery range where the Stark children practised their skills. Take a wander round the wider estate and you might also recognise other sites such as Robb Stark’s army camp. The battle between the Starks and Lannisters in episode nine (‘Baelor’) was also filmed here, along with the scene in episode ten (‘Fire and Blood’) where Brienne confronts three Stark men.

The exterior of The Potter's Cottage, County Down

The Potter's Cottage 

Escape to the world of battling kingdoms when you stay at this cottage on the Castle Ward Estate. The historic farmyard stood in for Winterfell, the home of the Stark family, in series one.

Mussenden Temple on the Downhill Demesne, County Londonderry

Bishop's Gate Lodge 

Perched dramatically on the cliff edge at Downhill Demesne in County Londonderry, Mussenden Temple gave the Game of Thrones camera crew a perfect view of Downhill Beach (not National Trust owned) which became Dragonstone in season two. The beach was the place where Stannis Baratheon rejected the Seven Gods, and allowed Melisandre to burn their effigies. Bishops Gate Lodge is a gothic gate lodge at the entrance to Mussenden Temple and the Downhill Demesne, with paths leading to the temple and views across the Inishowen Peninsula.

The exterior of Portbraddan Cottage, County Antrim

Portbraddan Cottage 

This seaside cottage is near to Ballintoy Harbour which doubled as Lordsport Harbour and the Iron Islands in series two. The cottage is only a 30-minute drive from Portstewart Strand, which you might recognise from series five as the beach where Jaime and Bronn came ashore on the coast of Dorne.

The exterior of Strand House, County Antrim

Strand House 

Strand House sits just off the beach in the quiet town of Cushenden. Several locations along the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are featured in the show and the cottage is the ideal base to explore this dramatic coastline.

Somerset and Wiltshire

The cauldron in the Warming Room at Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire

Harry Potter at Lacock 

In Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001) and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002), Lacock Abbey appeared as part of Hogwarts, and Lacock's Chapter House provided the Mirror of Erised room. The Sacristy and the Warming Room both feature, as do the cloister walks and one of the courtyards. Look out for Lacock in The Crimes of Grindelwald, the second instalment in J.K. Rowling's Fantastic Beasts film series. You can enjoy your own magical break at 2 High Street, a holiday cottage in Lacock village.

Characters in Downton Abbey look at cows in a pen in a village street scene

Downton Abbey (2019) in Lacock Village 

With its quaint cottages and historic streets, the Wiltshire village of Lacock was transformed for Downton Abbey’s big screen debut. Set in 1927, the streets became a hive of activity for a spectacular royal parade as the King and Queen visited the Downton estate. Walk along the street, see the location and stay in a charming 15th-century cottage, 2 High Street, to create your own Downton-inspired memories. A natural home for period dramas, Layock Village also welcomed Cranford (2007 and 2009).

A view of the front of the house at Tyntesfield with a blue sky behind, Somerset

Filming at Tyntesfield 

The Gothic extravagance of Tyntesfield made it the ideal setting for a haunted house Doctor Who story in 2013's Hide, where the apparitions turned out to be more scientific than supernatural. Tyntesfield was also a key filming location for The Abominable Bride, the 2016 New Year's Day special of BBC's Sherlock. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman were among the cast who filmed at the estate. You'll find three holiday cottages, Chaplain's House, Chaplain's Lodge and Summerhouse Cottage, on the Tyntesfield estate.

Wales

A photo showing the TARDIS prop used for filming Doctor Who on set at Rhosili. The TARDIS is perched on top of the cliff, overlooking Rhosili Bay beneath it in the background.

Doctor Who

We've been playing a part in the Doctor's time-travelling adventures for most of the programme's 60 years, and there are plenty of options for staying near to places where the action has happened.

The exterior of The Bothy, North Wales

Doctor Who at Powis Castle 

One of the more unusual shoots in Doctor Who took place at Powis Castle. Director Paul Joyce wanted to create a palace at a gateway between universes, so he took black and white photos of Powis Castle’s main rooms and steeply terraced gardens. The Fourth Doctor Tom Baker and his fellow actors performed their scenes in studio in front of a green screen and the still photographic backgrounds were added later, creating a distinctive otherworldly look. You can stay in The Bothy, a half-timbered cottage in the castle gardens.

The exterior of 1 Coastguard Cottage, West Gower, Swansea

Doctor Who at Rhosili Bay 

You won’t see the skyscrapers of 'New New York' when you visit Rhosili Bay – they were created digitally and added to the New Earth episode in 2006. But you can see the breezy clifftop where the Tenth Doctor and Rose enjoyed the smell of apple grass. Fans of spin-off series Torchwood might also recognise the beach as the scene of a fast-paced helicopter chase in Children of Earth. Stay right on top of the cliffs in former station officer's house, Rhossili 1 Coastguard Cottage (sleeps six). Rhossili Old Rectory is close by and sleeps seven; it's just steps from the beach. It featured in hit series Torchwood.

Small sand dunes on the coastline at Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire, Wales

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows at Freshwater West 

Freshwater West Beach in Pembrokeshire was a filming location for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Part 2. The beach was the location of Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour‘s safe house, Shell Cottage. Although the house was a temporary set, you can visit the beach to see where the action happened, including the emotional scene where Dobby the house-elf was buried. Just 10-minutes' walk away, Gupton Farm Surf Lodge holiday cottage is a cosy base to explore the beach. To camp nearby, pitch up at Gupton Farm Campsite. The film used another National Trust place, Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire, as Malfoy Towers.

More filming...

View along the Yew Alley towards Hardwick Hall

Mary Queen of Scots (2019) at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire 

Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire was a location for the 2019 film Mary Queen of Scots, starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie. Hardwick stood in for Hampton Court in the film. Key scenes featuring Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I, and Guy Pearce as William Cecil, were shot inside the hall and on the roof. There are three cottages in the grounds of Hardwick: Rowthorne Lodge, 4 Stable Yard Cottage and 6 High Hazels.

The west front at Cragside, Northumberland

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) at Cragside 

Cragside was used as a film location for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. The house doubles up as Lockwood Manor – the mansion of the character Benjamin Lockwood. Stay at one of the two cottages at Cragside - Cragside Garden Cottage and Cragside Park Cottage - and explore the unique house and gardens, once home to Victorian inventor Lord Armstrong. As well as being a film location for Jurassic World, Cragside offers plenty to entertain curious minds, including quirky inventions and landscaped gardens.

Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk in spring, behind daffodils in the parkland

A Cock and Bull Story (2006) at Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate, Norfolk 

There are lots of places to stay on the Felbrigg estate, location for A Cock and Bull Story starring Steve Coogan, including apartments, a gate lodge and a country cottage. Steve Cougan had previously filmed 'I'm Alan Partridge' at Blickling Hall in 2002, another estate with many cottages for guests to choose from.

The exterior of White Edge Lodge, Derbyshire

Jane Eyre at White Edge Lodge, Derbyshire 

White Edge Lodge holiday cottage in Derbyshire made a star appearance in the 2011 adaptation of Jane Eyre with Michael Fassbender and Jamie Bell. The lodge featured as the home of the Rivers family who take in a troubled Jane after she flees from Mr Rochester. Surrounded by heather-covered moorland, White Edge Lodge oozes romance. Why not book a holiday and enjoy your own Brontë moment?

The cover of book National Trust on Screen - New Edition

Buy National Trust on Screen - New Edition 

National Trust on Screen allows readers to discover all the amazing locations used as the backdrop to iconic TV and film moments – from Mr Darcy diving into the lake at Lyme to Harry Potter exploring the cloisters at Lacock Abbey.

Jane Austen productions

Pride and Prejudice (1995) at Belton in Lincolnshire, Lacock in Wiltshire and Lyme in Cheshire

The garden with spring blossom at No. 1 Belton, Lincolnshire

No. 1 Belton, Lincolnshire 

In the 1995 BBC TV version of Pride and Prejudice, it was the good fortune of Jennifer Ehle’s Lizzie to dine in the splendour of Belton House, which played Lady Catherine De Bourgh’s residence. As Mr Collins would attest, no greater honour can be bestowed than an invitation to dine at 'Rosings'. Belton also featured in the scenes leading up to Mr Darcy's first excruciating proposal to Lizzie. You can stay at No. 1 Belton, a pretty cottage for six in Belton village.

The exterior of 2 High Street, Wiltshire

2 High Street, Wiltshire 

Lacock, the wonderfully-preserved village dating from the 13th century, played the village of Meryton, where the Bennet girls shopped for bonnets and hoped to attract the attentions of the officers. 2 High Street is a 15th-century cottage sleeping six in the centre of the village.

The exterior of East Lodge, Disley, Stockport, Cheshire

Lyme East Lodge, Cheshire 

Lyme is famous for its role as Pemberley, Mr Darcy’s home, where Jennifer Ehle’s Lizzie was shocked by the approach of the soaking wet figure of Mr Darcy, played by Colin Firth. Lyme East Lodge is an Edwardian cottage sleeping four, looking out over countryside.

The exterior of West Lodge, Cheshire

Lyme West Lodge, Cheshire 

The scene turned Lyme into one of TV's most iconic backdrops. Lyme West Lodge is another pretty cottage on the Lyme estate, sleeping four and set in leafy woodland.

Sense and Sensibility (1995) at Montacute in Somerset and Saltram in Devon

Visitors walking their dog in the parkland with Montacute House in the background

Montacute House, Somerset

The Oscar-winning adaptation of Sense and Sensibility starred Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet as sisters Elinor and Marianne. Montacute stood in as the country home of the Palmers, where Marianne got caught in the rain while trying to escape the heartbreak of Willoughby's rejection. You can spot the famous ‘wibbly wobbly’ yew hedges as she walks through the garden, and later on Colonel Brandon (played by Alan Rickman) pokes his head into the Orangery looking for her. There are two cottages at Montacute, Montacute South Lodge and Odcombe Lodge.

The exterior of Montacute South Lodge, Somerset

Montacute South Lodge 

At the entrance to the mighty Montacute House is Montacute South Lodge. This stunning gate lodge dates back to the 16th-century and is constructed from local ham stone. Take advantage of free entry to Montacute House, and explore this fascinating building, a West Country outpost of the National Portrait gallery. Sleeps six.

The exterior of Odcombe Lodge, Lower Odcombe, Somerset

Odcombe Lodge 

It may have the air of a Tudor building, but the Grade II listed gate house at the entrance to Montacute House is actually a 19th-centure property. Built from local stone, this pretty holiday cottage has its own private garden leading on to the estate. Your stay at the Lodge helps us fund Montacute’s continuing preservation. Sleeps four.

Exterior view of Wembury Mill Cottage, Devon

Cottages near Saltram, Devon 

Not only did the classical Georgian mansion at Saltram stand in for Norland Park in the 1995 film adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, you can also read letters between Jane Austen and former Saltram resident, Frances Talbot, the first Countess of Morley, which are on display at the house. The closest cottage to Saltram is Wembury Mill Cottage, an old mill conversion right on the beach.

Pride and Prejudice (2005) at Stourhead in Wiltshire

The exterior of 89 Church Lawn, Stourhead, Wiltshire

Staying at Stourhead 

The 18th-century landscaped garden at Stourhead was used as a backdrop in the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice along with one of its enchanting temples. The Temple of Apollo, set above the tranquil lake, was used as the location for Mr Darcy’s first awkward proposal to Lizzie. 89 Church Lawn is a cottage for seven, standing proudly at the entrance to Stourhead's garden.

Stourhead Estate Motorhome Site and the surrounding area, Wiltshire

Bringing your motorhome to Stourhead 

Stourhead Estate Motorhome Site is perfectly placed in a quiet corner of the Stourhead estate. As a guest, you’ll have free entry to explore during opening hours, and discover the Palladian house, landscape garden, King Alfred’s Tower and acres of countryside walks passing by chalk downs, ancient woods, Iron Age hillforts and farmland.

Sunset over Rhossili Bay on the Gower Peninsula, South Wales

Plan your getaway

Inspired to book your break or would like to find out more? Take a look at all our unique holiday cottages and find your perfect getaway.