Starring North Yorkshire: Explore The North York Moors

Pickering is a great base for your trip, giving you access to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and our top filming locations. With local restaurants, shops and museums - It’s a lovely place to call home for a few days.

Downton Abbey enthusiasts will be thrilled to discover that Pickering Station was impressively transformed into King's Cross, making a memorable appearance in the 2019 film's opening scenes.

All aboard the Hogwarts Express - well, almost! Start your magical day with a journey on the enchanting North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This scenic heritage line stops at Levisham, Grosmont, and most notably, Goathland. Better known to witches and wizards as Hogsmeade Station from the first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Step straight into the Wizarding World. At Goathland, fans can relive the iconic moment when Harry, Ron, and Hermione first arrived at Hogwarts.

Whether you're riding in a classic carriage or treating yourself to the Pullman dining experience, this isn't just a train ride - it's a portal to the world of Harry Potter. So grab your wand (and camera), and prepare for a journey that’s as nostalgic as it is spellbinding.

Nestled in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, the charming village of Goathland is instantly recognisable as the fictional Aidensfield from the beloved TV series Heartbeat, set in 1950s Yorkshire. This nostalgic gem continues to draw fans from far and wide.

Enjoy a pint at the iconic Aidensfield Arms, a favourite local spot featured throughout the series, located just across from Scripps Garage - where Bernie Scripps juggled roles as mechanic, taxi driver, and funeral director. The village still echoes with vintage charm, and if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of classic cars or even the legendary Heartbeat police car.

You are cordially invited to wander the opulent grounds of Castle Howard, the breath-taking estate that played the role of Clyvedon Castle, the Duke of Hastings’ ancestral home, in Netflix’s popular series Bridgerton.

With its sweeping staircases, gilded halls, and romantic gardens, Castle Howard is an ideal setting for high-society events and romantic encounters. As one of Britain’s most magnificent stately homes, the grand estate has long captured the imagination of filmmakers. It has starred in Brideshead Revisited, Anne Boleyn, and now Bridgerton, where its Great Hall, Temple of the Four Winds, and Walled Garden set the stage for some of the series’ most iconic moments.

For those eager to peek behind the velvet curtain, Castle Howard now offers exclusive guided filming location tours.

While you’re in the area, take time to explore the charming Howardian Hills Villages - a collection of picturesque hamlets nestled within the rolling countryside. With a variety of scenic walking routes, it’s easy to soak up the rich character and history these villages have to offer.

Along the way, you’ll find delightful local shops with handmade treats, cosy pubs serving hearty meals, and quaint tearooms where you can relax with a slice of cake and a pot of Yorkshire tea.

Have you seen the 2020 adaptation of The Secret Garden, starring Colin Firth and Julie Walters? The film is a retelling of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel, following a young orphan who uncovers a magical garden hidden within her uncle’s estate.

Filmed at locations across North Yorkshire, the production features the vibrant Helmsley Walled Garden, which serves as the cinematic heart of the story. You also catch a glimpse of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

With its lush colours and whimsical atmosphere, it’s no surprise Helmsley Walled Garden was chosen to bring the film to life. After your visit,we're sure you’ll agree.