Britain’s natural wonders on the silver screen

The Needles, Isle of Wight 

The Needles are striking rock formations on the Isle of Wight, offering dramatic views and excellent hiking and cycling trails. Clients can explore nearby sea cliffs, spot wildlife, or take a boat tour for a unique perspective. Fans of period drama and royal history can visit Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s former residence now managed by English Heritage. Open to visitors for an entrance fee, the property served as a picturesque setting for the film Victoria & Abdul (2017), starring Dame Judi Dench as Queen Victoria. 

Getting there: Clients can travel by train from London to a ferry terminal such as Portsmouth Harbour or Southampton Central. From there, Wightlink Ferries and Red Funnel provide connections to the Isle of Wight, with public transport available on the island. 

Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland   

Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique glimpse into Roman Britain. Stretching 73 miles across northern England, it is a monument to Roman engineering, with forts, castles and stunning landscapes. Hadrian’s Wall also takes centre stage as a brooding backdrop in the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), starring Kevin Costner as the heroic outlaw. While walking the windswept trails or exploring the remains of Housesteads Fort, clients can channel their inner adventurer on a journey through time and imagination. 

Getting there: The nearest major airport is Newcastle International Airport. From there, clients can take a train from Newcastle to Hexham, then a bus or taxi to the wall. Alternative airports include Manchester Airport (three hours by train to Carlisle) and Edinburgh Airport (two to three hours by train to Newcastle). 

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset  

Cheddar Gorge, England’s largest gorge, is a natural wonder in the heart of Somerset, with dramatic limestone cliffs, ancient caves and breathtaking views. The limestone cliffs feature in 28 Years Later: Part 1 (2025), the latest installment of the acclaimed post-apocalyptic zombie shocker. Filming occurred in mid-2024, with the gorge’s rugged terrain providing a fitting backdrop for the film’s desolate atmosphere. Visitors can explore the gorge via cliff-top walks and guided tours of its caves. Thrill-seekers can test their brain power at the Cheddar-themed escape rooms. The site is open daily, with varying hours seasonally. Entrance fees apply for cave tours, while the gorge itself is accessible for free. Amenities include a visitor center, cafés and gift shops. 

Getting there: The nearest airport is Bristol Airport, a 30-minute drive away. Visitors can also take a train to Weston-super-Mare or Bristol Temple Meads, followed by a bus or taxi to the gorge. 

The South West Coast Path 

The South West Coast Path – a 630-mile trail along England’s southwestern coastline – stretches from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour via Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. The UK’s longest National Trail – a section of the King Charles III England Coast Path – features in director Marianne Elliot’s film The Salt Path, a heartfelt true story based on Raynor Winn’s memoirs. Starring Gillian Anderson and John Isaacs, it follows a couple as they are forced from their home and into a journey of coastal discovery. Visitors can also explore the path’s cinematic allure, experiencing stunning landscapes and unique coastal adventures while tracing the route immortalised on screen.  

Getting there: The nearest airport is Bristol Airport. From Bristol, clients can take a train to Taunton and then a bus to Minehead or drive directly to the town. Minehead is also accessible by train from London Paddington to Taunton, followed by a bus or taxi. Various stations in Devon and Cornwall are also on the mainline route to Penzance. 

Malham Cove, Yorkshire  

Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales is a breathtaking limestone amphitheatre formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago. Clients can hike to the top for panoramic views, explore the unique limestone pavement and visit nearby attractions like Gordale Scar – an imposing limestone ravine – and Janet’s Foss waterfall. Harry Potter fans will recognise this striking site from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) where it features as Harry and Hermione’s campsite. The cove is a one-and-a-half mile (2.5km) walk from Malham village, which has parking, pubs and bed and breakfast accommodation options. Leeds is the nearest major city, about an hour’s drive away.  

Getting there: The nearest airports are Manchester Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport, with car hire and public transport links to Malham via Skipton. 

The Jurassic Coast, East Devon to Dorset 

England’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches 95 miles along the south coast. Famous for its dramatic cliffs, ancient fossils, and striking beaches, it offers a journey through 185 million years of history. Clients can explore iconic spots like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Charmouth, or go on a coasteering adventure. Durdle Door, the iconic limestone arch, had its screen moment in Far from the Madding Crowd (2015), the adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s pastoral drama, starring Carey Mulligan. Summer months bring large crowds, so an off-peak visit is recommended. 

Getting there: The closest airports are Bristol Airport and London Gatwick Airport. The nearest train station is in Wool, on the South Western Mainline operating between London Waterloo and Weymouth. Bus and taxi services provider onward connections. 

St. Michael’s Mount, Cornwall  

This tidal island off Cornwall’s coast, near the village of Marazion, offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and adventure. Accessible via a causeway on foot at low tide or by boat, the island is home to a medieval castle and subtropical gardens. With top marks for cinematic allure, St. Michael’s Mount featured in fantasy series House of the Dragon (2022) where it doubled as ‘Driftmark’, an island in ‘Blackwater Bay’ near ‘Dragonstone’. The National Trust manages the site, with an entry fee for the castle and gardens. St Aubyn Estates, around 30 minutes away by car, offers seven self-catering cottages in and around Porthgwarra Cove, which is featured in the TV series Poldark (BBC and PBS). 

Getting there: The nearest train station is Penzance, just three miles (5km) from Marazion. Penzance marks the end of the Great Western Railway line from London Paddington. The direct journey takes around five to six hours. The Night Riviera Sleeper Train is also an option for overnight travel. 

Seven Sisters, East Sussex 

The Seven Sisters are a series of white chalk cliffs along England’s south coast, offering dramatic sea views and walking trails. A true British natural wonder, they have featured in the screen adaptation of Wicked (2025) as well as in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) and Atonement (2007) with Keira Knightley, where they stood in for the White Cliffs of Dover. Clients can immerse themselves in cinematic history by exploring the Seven Sisters Country Park, hiking the South Downs Way, or visiting Birling Gap. 

Getting there: The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport, with train routes operating to Eastbourne or Seaford. It is then a short bus or taxi ride to the cliffs. 

Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire 

Puzzlewood, nestled in the Forest of Dean, is a captivating ancient woodland with a mystical, maze-like landscape. Its twisted trees, moss-covered rocks and winding paths create a surreal, fairytale atmosphere which helped inspire the landscapes of Takodana in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). Puzzlewood has also featured in Doctor Who,Harry Potter and The Secret Garden (2020). Located in Gloucestershire, the site has well-maintained trails and family-friendly facilities, including a café and visitor centre, and is open between mid-February and early December (entry fees applicable). 

Getting there: The nearest airport is Bristol Airport, about an hour’s drive away, with car hire options available. The site is also accessible from London via a train to Lydney, followed by a short taxi ride. 

High Force, County Durham 

High Force is one of England’s most impressive waterfalls. Located near Middleton-in-Teesdale in County Durham, the waterfall plunges 21 meters into a deep gorge, surrounded by woodland. Fans of The Witcher might recognise this dramatic site from the second season of the popular Netflix series, where it features as a scenic backdrop. Clients can take in the cinematic allure of this natural wonder on walking trails and from a special viewing platform. More outdoor adventures await at the nearby North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just a short drive away. 

Getting there: The nearest major airport is Manchester Airport, around a three-hour drive from High Force. The site is also accessible by public transport, with trains from London King’s Cross to Darlington, followed by a short bus ride.

Snowdonia (Eryri) 

Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park is a breathtaking landscape of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and glacial lakes. Home to Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon), Wales’ highest mountain, it is a paradise for hikers and adventure seekers. Its cinematic beauty has made it a popular filming location, featuring in movies like The Gorge (2025) and 007-thriller The World is Not Enough. Clients looking for the ultimate thrill can soar through the treetops at Zip World Betws-Y-Coed, where zip lines and the Fforest Coaster deliver heart-racing heights. Alternatively, clients can conquer raging rapids at the National White Water Centre.  

Getting there: The nearest airport is Manchester Airport, with train links to Bangor in north Wales available via Crewe. Alternatively, driving to the National Park takes around one-and-a-half hours. 

Fforest Fawr, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) 

Nestled in the heart of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, Fforest Fawr offers a serene escape into nature. This ancient forest and geopark offers hiking, wildlife spotting and stargazing in one of Britain’s designated Dark Sky Reserves. Whether clients are exploring its trails or simply enjoying its beauty, this is a prime spot for outdoor enthusiasts. With its tranquil woodlands, rivers, and dramatic scenery, Fforest Fawr has also starred in films like The English Patient (1996) and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009), where it appears in scenes featuring a cave where the Locket Horcrux is hidden. 

Getting there: The nearest airport is Cardiff Airport, about an hour’s drive away. Alternatively, clients can take a train to Abergavenny, on the eastern edge of the National Park.