Popular Films and TV filmed in the Cotswolds

Due to the Cotswold's outstanding natural beauty and architecture, and its quintessential Englishness, it is a popular location for the filming of both television series and films. Some very popular productions have filmed in the Cotswolds, including Harry Potter, Bridget Jones and Downton Abbey!

Harry Potter Series – Gloucester Cathedral

Producers of the Harry Potter series of films felt that Gloucester Cathedral was the perfect place to shoot many of the school's interior scenes. J.K Rowling was born in Gloucestershire, so this is somewhat fitting! The Cathedral is often described as being Northern Europes sixth most beautiful building; it embodies a range of classic styles, including Norman and Roman influences.

Bridget Jones's Diary – Snowshill

The famous snow filled winter scenes of the first Bridget Jones film were shot in the Gloucestershire village of Snowshill. The film featured several scenes featuring the incredibly picturesque village, including the village green and the house Bridget stayed in. It set the scene perfectly for a cosy Cotswold Christmas. Interestingly, the producers covered the whole village in fake snow (it was the middle of July!).

Pride and Prejudice – Cheltenham Town Hall

An incredibly popular film from the mid-nineties, featuring Hollywood A-List Colin Firth, Pride and Prejudice has scenes shot in Cheltenham's Town Hall. The Town Hall is Gloucestershire's largest entertainment venue; built in 1902 as a concert hall, it still remains the hub of the area. 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.

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 13^th century Scottish Warrior William Wallace. Cotswold Farm Park specialise in historical farm animals, including those from the Bronze and Iron Ages, Roman, Viking and Norman periods, and the Agricultural Revolution. Period dramas and films often feature the animals of Cotswold Farm Park.

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.