Hitting screens and travel itineraries in 2025, VisitBritain’s new global campaign, Starring GREAT Britain, is rolling out the red carpet for visitors, turning country’s most cinematic locations into must-visit destinations.
The campaign showcases the UK’s vibrant and diverse tapestry of landscapes, historic sites, and architectural wonders, inviting tourists to step into the scenes of their favourite films and series. The set-jetting trend has significantly increased the flow of tourists across the UK. According to the latest research from VisitBritain, more than 9 in 10 potential visitors to the UK want to explore places that bring iconic scenes to life, underscoring the powerful influence of media in shaping travel trends and destination popularity.
Britain has played a leading role in some of the world’s biggest blockbusters, from the breathtaking castles featured in Harry Potter movies to stunning cityscapes spotted in James Bond or Spiderman movies, the UK has become the real star of the show spreading the ultimate travel inspiration.
Lights, Camera, London!
London is a real film set, and if cities could win Oscars, London would have a whole shelf of them. The capital has played a leading role in some of the biggest blockbusters, from high-speed car chases in Fast & Furious 6 to magical moments at Platform 9¾ in Harry Potter. Stroll through Notting Hill like Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant or fulfil your inner superhero, follow the lead of Spider-Man and cross the Tower Bridge on a famous red bus. Discover the astonishing St. Paul’s Cathedral, where King Charles and Lady Diana Spencer once married, and see if you might spot Tom Cruise sliding off its roof. Get inspired by Mary Poppins, visit Buckingham Palace or have a dinner in the Covent Garden. Explore the Picadilly Circus area, taste global cuisines at famous Borough Market and then have a soothing break at Kensington Gardens as if you’re living a life of Bridget Jones. In London, the possibilities are endless.
Scotland: where fantasy meets reality
If Scotland looks like it was made for the movies, that’s because it is. With its misty mountains, rugged coastlines and ancient castles, it has provided the perfect backdrop for epic films like James Bond (Skyfall), featuring the Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland’s most photographed spots, Outlander, starring the Doune Castle, which stands in for Castle Leoch, and The Da Vinci Code, uncovering ancient secrets at Rosslyn Chapel and alluring the medieval charm of narrow alleys in the historic Royal Mile in Edinburgh. For Harry Potter fans, the must-visit place is Glenfinnan Viaduct, the breathtaking rail route – home to the Hogwarts Express.
Southwest England: Bath & Wiltshire – cinematic escape
For a picture-perfect getaway, Southwest offers the ultimate and timeless English charm, whether you’re drawn to the glamour of aristocracy or the magic of a wizarding world. In Bath, travellers can step into the world of Wonka and Jane Austen, wandering the same elegant streets seen on screen. No.1 Royal Crescent is a must-visit place that served as a stunning backdrop for both Bridgerton and Wonka. The Bridgerton tour will allow tourists to completely feel the romanticism of the Regency era and the glamour of high society. The charming village of Lacock, just outside the Cotswolds, is a cinematic treasure. Fans of Downton Abbey will recognise its charming streets, while Lacock Abbey has served as a magical backdrop for both Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter.
Northwest England: Manchester & Liverpool – on a darker side
Up north, Manchester and Liverpool bring a darker, grittier edge to the screen, with iconic locations from Peaky Blinders, The Batman, and Sherlock Holmes. Liverpool, renowned for its Victorian industrial architecture, is a must-visit for Peaky Blinders fans – take the official tour to discover filming locations like Port Sunlight, where Aunt Polly’s home is nestled among quaint village streets, while The Walker Art Gallery, St George’s Hall or the legendary Royal Liver Building would be perfect locations to feel the dark and gloomy atmosphere of Gotham from the iconic Batman (2022). In Manchester, tourists can admire the Edwardian elegance of the historic Victoria Baths or get inspired by the impressive architecture of the Town Hall, which was featured in the 2009 Sherlock Holmes film.
To make it even easier for movie fans to plan their ultimate set-jetting adventure, VisitBritain has an interactive map that highlights all the famous locations across the UK, allowing travellers from all over the world to immerse themselves in their beloved stories and follow the footsteps of their favourite characters with just a few clicks.
Whether you’re looking for the magical charm of Hogwarts, want to stroll through Regency Bath or explore the gritty streets of Manchester and Liverpool, iconic UK film locations promise an unforgettable set-jetting adventure.
