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Known for its quintessentially English settings, its limestone walls and grand architecture, it is no wonder that many of your favourite TV shows and movies were filmed right here in The Cotswolds. Some of the worlds best Oscar-winning actors and actresses have walked these streets, and here we explore just a tiny fraction of their productions.

The Harry Potter Franchise

The historic Gloucester Cathedral was featured in the first two movies of the Harry Potter Franchise, and consequently became a huge tourist attraction for Harry Potter fans across the globe. The Cathedrals cloisters were transformed into the Corridors of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Keen-eyed viewers will recognise the Cathedral in the following scenes:

• When the troll breaks into the girl’s bathroom and corners Hermione

• “The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir beware” written in blood on the walls.
• Moaning Myrtle flooding from the girl’s bathroom.
• Sneaky Harry listening to Snape and Malfoy discussing the Unbreakable Vow.
• When the Gryffindors walk down the corridors for the first time (Welcome Harry, Ron and Hermione!).
• The door to the Gryffindor Common Room.

Braveheart

This blockbuster movie where Mel Gibson places the rebellious Scottish warrior, William Wallace, includes a scene which was surprisingly set within Cotswold Farm Park. The owner of park, Adam Henson, took two English longhorns up to the Great Glen to feature in the film and he briefly appeared in the scene where William Wallace’s body was bought back home after fighting the tyrannical English.Star Wars: Episode VII The Force AwakensThe science-fiction masterpiece was partly filmed in Puzzle Wood in the Forest of Dean. This location contains caves, ancient trees, bizarre rock formations and a confusing maze of paths. You may recognise Puzzle Wood from the scene where Rey was running away from Maz Kanata’s castle.

Bridget Jones Diary

One of the most popular romcoms known to date, Bridget Jones, was primarily based within Notting Hill, London. However, when depressed single Bridget decides to visit her depressed single Father for Christmas, she is actually in the quaint little village of Snowshill. A perfect setting for a cosy Christmas with the family.

Emma

The popular movie following Emma, a woman in 1800’s England, who meddles in the love lives of her friends had several scenes filmed in The Cotswolds:

• Chavenage House in Tetbury, Gloucestershire served as Mr Weston Randalls estate.
• The Village of Lower Slaughter was renamed the village of Highbury.
• Wilton House, slightly further afield in Wiltshire, became the home of Mr Knightley (which can also be seen in Pride and Prejudice’s 2005 movie).

Poldark

Chavenage House in Tetbury can also be spotted in the popular Television Series of Poldark. Mimicking their home “Trenworth” in Cornwall. The ornate architecture and the stately surroundings lends itself to the historic themes of the series.

Sherlock

The multi-award-winning television series Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, was filmed in a myriad of places within the United Kingdom. Two particular scenes however were situated in Cotswolds locations.The first is The Daffodil restaurant in Cheltenham Spa, this can be spotted in the scene where Sherlock (Benedict) is mimicking a waiter and serving Holmes and his new love in a swanky upscale restaurant.The second location is the home of all time baddie Charles Augustus Magnussen. The secret location of Charles’ “mind palace” and where the intense exchange between the three men unfolds. This house is located in Wotton-Under-Edge, South Cotswolds and belongs to the industrialist Sir David McMurtry.For film lovers around the globe, The Cotswolds is one location which is a must visit. To top it all off, Come & Stay offers a wide range of holiday homes for you to rest your weary head after days of exploring your favourite film sets. Contact us for more information at info@comeandstayltd.co.uk or 01242 964417.