Hollywood in the West Country: The Filming Locations Bringing Drama to Screen
Discover the major film and television productions that have chosen the West Country as their backdrop, and the locations you can visit.
By West Country Escapes
The West Country has become one of Britain's most popular destinations for film and television productions.
From major Hollywood films to acclaimed BBC dramas, period pieces to contemporary thrillers, the region's stunning landscapes, historic towns and authentic architecture continue to attract productions from around the world.
Why the West Country?
Producers and directors choose the West Country for several compelling reasons:
Visual Diversity: From rugged coastlines to rolling countryside, from historic market towns to dramatic moorland, the region offers extraordinary visual variety within a compact area.
Historic Architecture: The West Country is home to centuries-old buildings, estates and settlements that require minimal alteration for period productions.
Authentic Character: The region's genuine character and vibrant communities add authenticity that cannot be replicated on studio sets.
Production Infrastructure: Over the years, the West Country has developed excellent facilities, experienced crews and production support services.
Notable Productions
Recent years have seen numerous high-profile productions choose West Country locations:
- Beyond Paradise — ITV's detective drama set in Looe, Cornwall
- Wolf Hall — BBC's Tudor drama utilising historic West Country locations
- Poldark — The acclaimed drama series set in 18th-century Cornwall
- The Pursuit of Love — BBC dramatisation of Nancy Mitford's novel
- And many more — from period pieces to contemporary thrillers
Visiting Filming Locations
One of the pleasures of exploring the West Country is discovering the real locations behind your favourite television series and films.
Many towns and villages have embraced their role in television and film production, and visitor centres, tourism boards and local businesses can guide you to authentic filming locations.
The Future of West Country Filming
As the demand for high-quality British television and film continues to grow, the West Country is well-positioned to attract even more productions.
The combination of natural beauty, historic authenticity, experienced production infrastructure and welcoming communities makes the region an increasingly attractive choice for filmmakers.
For visitors, this means even more opportunities to explore the landscapes and locations that bring their favourite dramas to life.
Plan Your Own Filming Location Tour
If you're planning a visit to the West Country, consider building your itinerary around filming locations.
Visit the towns and villages featured in your favourite productions, explore the landscapes that provide the backdrop to major dramas, and discover for yourself why the West Country continues to capture the imagination of filmmakers from around the world.