6 Jaw-Dropping Filming Locations In The Cotswolds

Homing quintessential ‘English-ness’, stunning architecture and breathtaking natural landscapes, the Cotswolds has unsurprisingly become a popular filming location for British film and television. From Chick Flicks to Period Dramas, there is a location in the Cotswolds for every type of film fanatic.

6 Popular Films & TV Programmes Filmed In The Cotswolds:

1. Harry Potter Series

Gloucester Cathedral

The beloved Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, was not only born in Gloucestershire, but she did much of her growing up here too. So where better to film the infamous Hogwarts Castle corridors than in Gloucester’s Cathedral?

Recognised as one of the most beautiful cathedrals in England*, this architectural masterpiece embodies many period styles including Norman and Gothic. Enjoy roaming the cloisters as Harry, Ron and Hermione did throughout the stunning film franchise, and experience the magic of Gloucester Cathedral.

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2. Pride &Prejudice

Cheltenham Town Hall

An incredibly popular film from the mid-90s, featuring Hollywood A-List, Colin Firth, Pride & Prejudice has scenes shot in Cheltenham’s Town Hall. The Town Hall is Gloucestershire’s largest entertainment venue. The Grand Main Hall is classic in appearance, featuring Corinthian Style Columns and covered ceiling. It contains a main hall (for large events), dining and drawing rooms, a bar and offices.

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3. Bridget Jones’s Diary

Snowshill

The famous snow-filled winter scenes of the first Bridget Jones film were shot in the quaint village of Snowshill. The film featured several scenes showcasing this incredibly picturesque village, including the village green and the house that Bridget stayed in.

We can already smell Pam’s annual “Turkey Curry Buffet“!

Behind The Scenes: The snow-fill scene was actually filmed in the middle of July. This meant that the producsers covered the entire village in fake snow!

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4. Braveheart

Cotswold Farm Park

The famous Cotswold Farm Park receives regular TV airtime, and interestingly, supplied the period-correct animals for Mel Gibson’s Braveheart film. Filmed in the mid-nineties, Braveheart is a historical drama about the 13th-century Scottish warrior, William Wallace.

Cotswold Farm Park specialise in historical farm animals, including those from the Bronze & Iron Ages, Roman, Viking & Norman periods, as well as the Agricultural Revolution. Period dramas and films often feature the animals of Cotswold Farm Park.

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5. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Puzzlewood

The mysterious and ancient woodland of Puzzlewood lies within the Forest of Dean, just north of the Cotswolds. The natural stage that the woodland provided was recognised by Lucasfilm for the recent instalment of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, featuring an incredible scene with Kylo Ren. This wasn’t the first time the forest hit out screens however, with appearances in Doctor Who, Harry Potter, The Huntsman and Jack the Giant Slayer.

Behind The Scenes: J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” is thought to have taken inspiration from the enchanting appearance of Puzzlewood. 

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6. Downton Abbey

Bampton

Set in 1912, most of Downton Abbey’s exterior shots were filmed in the Cotswold village of Bampton. Highly featured buildings include St Mary’s Church and the library. Bampton is on the edge of the Cotswolds and known as one of the areas prettiest villages; it is the perfect example of charming and unspoilt Cotswold development.

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* Sources:

Wanderlust: “7 of England’s most beautiful cathedrals“