Famous Film Locations in the Cotswolds

Where do film producers manage to find incredible locations to shoot the most famous movie scenes? The Cotswolds, popularly known as the “Heart of England” would attract movie fans like me to trek around this charming place in west-central England. Blockbuster movies like Bridget Jones’s Diary, Pride and Prejudice, James Bond’s Die Another day, Vanity Fair and the well-loved Harry Potter franchise was the inspiration behind a lot of real and fantasy movies. This charming countryside deserves a quick introduction.

This historical part of England known as the Cotswolds flourishes in history and heritage, and surrounded with extraordinary beauty. Its delightful blend of sleepy villages, busy market towns and grand natural scenery will absolutely delight any seasoned traveller.

Officially declared as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966, it is one of the largest of 40 AONBs in England and Wales since the environment remains unspoiled. Here are noteworthy locations which inspired some Hollywood producers, from James Bond to Bridget Jones’ Diary films.

One of my favorite movies, Bridget Jones’ Diary (2000) starring brilliant actress Rennee Zellweger and Hugh Grant, was shot in the delightful village of Snowshill in Gloucestershire. Gloucester Cathedral was the spot of the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry for the Harry Potter movies. The prominent Oxford University was utilized for most of the scenes in school. Oxford City was featured on Bourne Ultimatum (2007) and The Madness of King George (1994).

Die Another Day (2002) with its ice chase scenes were filmed in the car park at Bourton-on-the-Water, famous for being “the little Venice” of the Cotswolds. The runway of the Royal Air Force aircraft at Upper Rissington was the location of the car chase scenes in this action movie. Badminton House and Dyrham Park near Chippenham was the set location for Remains of the Day (1993) which stars Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson. Some scenes were also shot in Corsham Court in Wiltshire.

Notable movies that were filmed in the Cotswolds include the box office hit Stardust (2007) shot in Bibury which featured Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert de Niro. The Other Boleyn Girl, starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson featured the grandeur of Berkeley Castle. Bath City was the cinematic inspiration behind The Duchess starring Keira Knightley.

The extraordinary tale of Vanity Fair (2004) was filmed in Stanway House near Winchcombe in Bath. The Libertine (2004) starring Johnny Depp as the romantic Earl of Rochester was also filmed in the same location. Luckington Court near Chippenham in Wiltshire came alive on the big screen in Pride and Prejudice (2005).

Many epic movies are shot on location in this antiquated location. The Cotswolds offer a splendid view of the countryside for vacationers, as well as fabulous movie locations!

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