North Yorkshire, with its stunning landscapes and rich history, has become a beloved backdrop for blockbuster films, iconic TV series, and binge-worthy dramas. Whether you’re wandering through the dramatic settings of a feature film, exploring fictional towns from beloved shows, or riding the famous train of a certain magical wizard, a visit to these screen-worthy locations is sure to make you feel like you’re stepping onto the set of your very own adventure!
So, if you are planning on visiting North Yorkshire, here’s a handy guide to some of our most iconic filming locations.
As seen on film
Harry Potter
North Yorkshire is home to several Harry Potter filming locations that bring the wizarding world to life. The picturesque Goathland Station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway line doubled as Hogsmeade Station in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Fast forward to the penultimate film of the blockbusting series, “Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1” where the iconic liimestone pavement at the top of Malham Cove in the Yorkshire Dales features as a camping spot for Harry and Hermione while on their hunt for horcruxes.
“28 Years Later
Fountains Abbey served as one of the key filming locations for the post-apocalyptic horror film “28 Weeks Later (2007). The abbey’s striking and atmospheric ruins, set against the backdrop of serene parkland, provided the perfect eerie and desolate setting for the film’s scenes, contributing to the chilling atmosphere of the movie.
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway provided a stunning backdrop for a key action scene in the latest instalment of the action franchise with Tom Cruise’s character, Ethan Hunt, filmed jumping onto a moving train as it sped through the rugged landscapes of the North York Moors near Levisham station.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Grosmont Station, anohter charming stop along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, had the honour of hosting Harrison Ford during the filming of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” In 2021, the station and its surroundings were transformed into a World War II setting for an exhilarating escape scene from a Nazi prison camp.
With so many stunning locations, it’s no wonder that North Yorkshire has become a favourite for filmmakers. Other locations that you may recognise from the silver screen include Kettlewell, a charming village in the Yorkshire Dales, from the 2003 film “Calendar Girls.” Additionally, the twin bays of Scarborough featured prominently in the 2006 “Dad’s Army” film and the 2020 psychological horror movie “Saint Maud.”
Hit TV shows, series and dramas
All Creatures Great And Small
North Yorkshire is Herriot country, and as you’d expect from such idyllic natural scenery, both the original 1970s TV series and the new Channel 5 series of “All Creatures Great And Small” were filmed in and around the Yorkshire Dales where James Alfred ‘Alf’ Wight lived. You’ll recognise locations such as Grassington, Wensleydale Railway, Thirsk, Bolton Abbey, Janet’s Foss, Malham Cove and Ripon Racecourse, and you can even have a pint in the 13th century Green Dragon Inn in Hardraw, which doubles as The Drovers Inn (The Devonshire in Grassington stands in as the outside of the pub). Don’t forget to pay a visit to the World of James Herriot museum in Thirsk for more insight into the famous vet!
Bridgerton
Castle Howard served as a key filming location for the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. The estate’s majestic ambiance made it an ideal setting for the show’s high-society events and romantic moments, including the famous scene in series one where the Duke and Duchess take shelter from the rain in the Temple of Four Winds.
Anne Boleyn
The ITV drama starring Jodie Turner-Smith drew on the grand surroundings of several historic locations in North Yorkshire. Bolton Castle’s medieval fortress stood in for both Greenwich Palace and the Tower of London, Castle Howard doubled as a Tudor court, while the serene landscapes of Ripley Castle and Fountains Abbey contributed to the show’s authentic atmosphere.
Heartbeat
Another much-loved Yorkshire-based TV series, the North York Moors village of Goathland doubled as fictional Aidensfield. Many of the locations used in the show are easily identifiable including The Goathland Hotel and Scripps Garage, making the quaint village a must-visit destination for fans of the show.
Downton Abbey
The ITV smash hit “Downton Abbey” featured several North Yorkshire locations including exterior scenes in Thirsk and Ripon. The 2019 film featured the grand architecture of Ampleforth College, and Pickering station was transformed into London Kings Cross.
The Witcher
The hit Netflix fantasy series “The Witcher” brought its dark and magic world to life across multiple NorthYorkshire locations. Henry Cavill’s brooding character was filmed across his way across a variety of locations, including the dramatic limestone cliffs and waterfalls of Gordale Scar, ruins of Fountains Abbey and picturesque lake and gardens of Plumpton Rocks near Harrogate.
Special mentions
Whitby Abbey
The gothic Whitby Abbey is famously linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and has served as a popular filming locations for various adaptations, most recently by Mark Gatiss and Stephen Moffat for their creepy 2020 BBC adaptation. Whitby also featured in “The Radleys”, a SKY series based around a family of vampires.
Newby Hall & Gardens
This elegant country house near Ripon has been featured in numerous TV shows, including “Gentleman Jack,” “Mansfield Park,” “Peaky Blinders,” and “Victoria.” Newby Hall & Gardens has also served as a picturesque backdrop for the BBC’s “Antiques Roadshow”.
Last but certainly not least, we have to highlight some of North Yorkshire’s well-known TV programmes. The popular documentary series “The Yorkshire Vet”, filmed around Thirsk, offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of local veterinarians. Channel 5’s “Yorkshire Great and Small” features Dan Walker and Helen Skelton visiting iconic locations like Malham Cove, Ribblehead Viaduct, and Grassington. Meanwhile, Channel 4’s “Yorkshire by the Sea” explores the vibrant life along the coast.
Plan your film-themed trip
Plan your trip to North Yorkshire and step into the scenes of your favourite productions, explore the breathtaking landscapes, visit unforgettable filming spots and immerse yourself in the magic of film and television.
