Famous film and TV locations to visit in the South West of England
The South West of England has long been a dream location for filmmakers, with its rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and historic architecture providing a stunning and often otherworldly backdrop for the big and small screens alike. Whether it’s mystical landscapes, picturesque villages, or dramatic seascapes, this region brings a unique charm and cinematic quality that has attracted many notable productions and famous faces over the years.
FIlm and TV locations in Cornwall
Starting with Cornwall, the wild cliffs and moody skies here are practically a character in their own right in the BBC series Poldark. Starring Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark, a brooding 18th-century nobleman returned from war, the series transformed Cornwall’s coastline into a timeless landscape of romance and rebellion. From Charlestown’s historic harbor, which doubled as the Cornish town of Truro, to the cliffs around Botallack, these settings became the backdrop for Poldark’s passionate battles, both personal and political. The rugged scenery mirrors Ross’s inner turmoil, as he faces challenges that test his loyalty, love, and morality. Turner’s dynamic portrayal, combined with the dramatic scenery, helped the show bring Cornwall’s remote beauty into the global spotlight.
TV and film locations in Bristol
Then there’s Bristol, a city that has become a hotbed of creativity and a filming location for a range of TV shows and films. The gritty, cult-favorite series Skins was filmed here, with its cast of up-and-coming young actors like Nicholas Hoult, Dev Patel, and Kaya Scodelario. The series follows a group of teenagers through the chaotic journey of adolescence, exploring life, love, and identity. Bristol’s urban backdrop gives the show an authenticity that resonates with viewers, grounding the characters’ experiences in the real world. The city’s mix of historic and modern settings perfectly reflects the intensity and unpredictability of teenage life, making Bristol a fitting setting for the raw energy of Skins.
Another beloved Bristolian creation is the work of Aardman Animations, known worldwide for its claymation characters like Wallace and Gromit. Although the classic duo’s misadventures mostly take place in fictional towns, the cozy, whimsical style of their world is unmistakably inspired by Bristol and the surrounding areas. Wallace’s bumbling ingenuity and Gromit’s silent loyalty are as iconic as the gently rolling landscapes and quaint homes depicted in their films. There’s something distinctly British about their adventures that feels as if it could only have been created in a place like Bristol, where tradition meets playful eccentricity.
Film and TV locations in Devon
Further up the coast in Devon, the charming fishing village of Clovelly provided the perfect setting for the 2008 tv adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. The story tells the tale of the Dashwood sisters’ search for love and stability. The cobbled streets and quaint cottages of Clovelly seem to step right out of a Jane Austen novel, capturing the essence of the story’s romantic yet restrained spirit. Charity Wakefield's performance as the passionate Marianne Dashwood felt perfectly at home in this dreamy coastal setting, and Clovelly’s charm lent an authenticity to the film’s Regency-era atmosphere.
Wells, Somerset, filming location
Somerset, meanwhile, lent its mystic landscapes to Hot Fuzz, the hilarious action-comedy starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. In the fictional village of Sandford, Pegg plays an overachieving cop, Nicholas Angel, who is relocated from London to a seemingly quiet village with a darkly comedic undercurrent. Although the movie’s setting is fictional, much of it was filmed in the small town of Wells, with its dramatic Gothic cathedral standing proudly as a central landmark. Pegg and Frost’s comedic chemistry, set against this strikingly traditional English backdrop, gave the film a surreal edge, perfectly balancing the charm of a quaint village with an over-the-top plot involving a murderous village council.
Finally, the sweeping landscapes of Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall have lent their beauty to countless period dramas, but perhaps one of the most hauntingly beautiful is The Personal History of David Copperfield, directed by Armando Iannucci. This adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel stars Dev Patel as David Copperfield, whose journey of self-discovery is set against some of the South West’s most breathtaking locations. The cliffs of Somerset and Devon and the rustic, untouched coastline of Cornwall bring a romantic, windswept beauty to David’s world. Patel’s vibrant portrayal of Copperfield brings a fresh take on Dickens’ character, but it’s the landscapes, both stark and lush, that give the film a sense of timeless grandeur.
Whether it’s a heart-wrenching romance, an animated caper, or a dark comedy, the South West’s landscapes and towns breathe life into each story. The authenticity and beauty of these locations continue to lure filmmakers and actors alike, making the South West not just a scenic backdrop but a true star in its own right. The next time you see an iconic film scene set in a windswept field, a bustling town, or a cozy coastal village, there’s a good chance it might just be the South West of England, bringing its own charm and magic to the screen.