10 Famous Films That Showcase the Beauty of the West Country

From windswept moors and dramatic coastlines to charming villages and mysterious countryside, the West Country has provided the backdrop for some of Britain's most memorable films.

The region's rugged beauty, rich literary heritage and unique sense of place have inspired filmmakers for generations. In fact, the British Film Institute (BFI) has highlighted a collection of outstanding films that capture the wildness, wonder and sometimes downright weirdness of England's South West.

Whether you're a film buff, a lover of the West Country, or simply looking for inspiration for your next adventure, here are some of the most iconic movies connected to the region.

1. Rebecca (1940)

Based on the classic novel by Daphne du Maurier, Rebecca remains one of the greatest gothic romances ever filmed.

Although much of the movie was shot in Hollywood, the story is deeply rooted in Cornwall. The mysterious Manderley estate, dramatic coastline and haunting atmosphere were all inspired by Cornwall's rugged landscape and du Maurier's love of the county.

2. The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)

No list of West Country films would be complete without the legendary Dartmoor mystery created by Arthur Conan Doyle.

The fog-shrouded moors, isolated landscapes and eerie atmosphere have become synonymous with Devon and remain one of the most recognisable portrayals of the region on screen.

3. Far From the Madding Crowd (1967)

Based on the novel by Thomas Hardy, this sweeping romantic drama showcases the stunning countryside of Dorset and Wiltshire.

The film captures the agricultural traditions, rolling landscapes and timeless beauty that continue to define parts of the West Country today.

4. Straw Dogs (1971)

Filmed in the Cornish village of St Buryan near Land's End, Straw Dogs brought a darker and more unsettling vision of rural life to the screen.

While controversial, the film remains an important part of Cornwall's cinematic history and demonstrates how the region's remote locations can create a powerful atmosphere.

5. The Shout (1978)

Set among the dunes and dramatic coastline of North Devon, The Shout is one of British cinema's most unusual psychological thrillers.

Saunton Sands and the surrounding countryside provide a haunting backdrop for this cult classic.

6. Hot Fuzz (2007)

Perhaps the most beloved modern West Country film, Hot Fuzz transformed the beautiful city of Wells in Somerset into the fictional village of Sandford.

Directed by Somerset-born Edgar Wright and starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, the movie perfectly balances comedy, action and rural eccentricity.

Today, fans still visit Wells to see filming locations including the market square, cathedral surroundings and charming medieval streets.

7. A Cottage on Dartmoor (1929)

One of the jewels of British silent cinema, this early masterpiece uses the dramatic landscapes of Dartmoor to create a powerful and atmospheric story.

Nearly a century later, the moor remains one of Britain's most cinematic landscapes.

8. The Damned (1962)

Filmed around Weymouth and Portland on the Dorset coast, this unusual sci-fi thriller combines coastal scenery with Cold War fears.

The result is a fascinating snapshot of the South West during the early 1960s.

9. The Levelling (2016)

A more recent addition to the West Country film story, The Levelling is set against the aftermath of the Somerset floods.

The film offers a raw, authentic portrait of farming life, family relationships and resilience in rural Somerset, providing a very different perspective from many of the region's more romantic screen portrayals.

10. Beyond Paradise (2023–Present)

While not included in the BFI's original list, no modern celebration of West Country screen locations would be complete without Beyond Paradise.

Filmed primarily in and around Looe, Cornwall, the hugely popular BBC series has introduced millions of viewers to one of the South West's most beautiful coastal towns, inspiring visitors to explore the real-life locations behind the fictional Shipton Abbott.

Why Filmmakers Love the West Country

The West Country offers something few regions can match:

• Dramatic coastlines
• Historic fishing villages
• Rolling countryside
• Wild moorland landscapes
• Ancient castles and stately homes
• Characterful market towns
• Distinctive local culture and traditions

It's a region that can double as anywhere from Victorian England to a Hollywood-style coastal retreat, making it one of Britain's most versatile filming locations.

The West Country Escapes Verdict

Long before social media showcased the beauty of the South West, filmmakers were capturing its magic on screen.

From the gothic romance of Cornwall and the mysteries of Dartmoor to the comedy of Wells and the harbours of Looe, these films reveal the many faces of the West Country.

So next time you visit Somerset, Devon, Cornwall or Dorset, take a closer look — you may just find yourself standing in a famous movie scene.

After all, some of Britain's greatest stories have been told against the backdrop of the West Country.