Picture the scene: You're fully immersed in one of your favourite films or TV shows, and a thought pops into your head: "I wonder where this was filmed? I'd love to go there!" As it turns out, you're not the only one.
More and more people are turning their favourite films and shows into travel plans, spending an estimated £892m a year on what's become known as 'set jetting'. From walking the charming streets of Barry Island from Gavin & Stacey to exploring the stunning period buildings of Bath featured in Bridgerton, these shows are pulling fans right into the heart of the action.
And you don’t even need to venture far to find the filming locations of some of the most iconic films and TV shows of all time. We’ve put together a list of the best places to visit on the Great Northern network, all of which are super easy to get to and will give a whole new lease of life to places you may have overlooked.
London King’s Cross
Okay, we’re starting with an obvious one, but no set jetting adventure would be complete without a visit to London King’s Cross Station - the gateway to the wizarding world in the Harry Potter film series. The iconic Platform 9 ¾, where Harry and his friends board the Hogwarts Express, is a must-see for any fan.
Snap a photo pushing your trolley through the wall, visit the Harry Potter shop, and feel the magic of the wizarding world come to life. London King’s Cross is easily accessible from anywhere on the Great Northern network, making it a perfect starting point for your cinematic journey.
Knebworth House
Next, we venture to Knebworth House, a grand Tudor mansion that has made an appearance in tons of blockbuster films and iconic TV shows over the past 50 years.
This impressive location served as Wayne Manor in Batman Begins (2005), and was used to film the Ghillies Ball in the fifth season of The Crown. The exterior was used as a countryside setting in Paddington 2 (2017) and it became the fictional "Hampsie House" in season 4 of Netflix’s dark thriller You.
Knebworth House is a must-visit for any set jetter as it’s been featured so many times, and it’s really easy to get to. Take the train to Knebworth Station, followed by a short bus or taxi ride (or a scenic stroll through the countryside if you fancy it). The sprawling grounds and magnificent interiors are well worth the journey, even if you’re not a film buff.
Hatfield House & Gardens
Hatfield House in Hertfordshire is a magnificent example of Jacobean architecture and is oozing with history, having been the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I. Beyond its historical significance, the estate has become a highly sought-after filming location, drawing in set-jetters eager to experience the real-world backdrops of their favourite films and TV shows.
Its stunning architecture and sprawling grounds have provided the setting for productions ranging from period dramas like The Crown and The Favourite, to blockbuster films such as Batman Begins (2005), The King’s Speech (2010), and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011). This one is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the world of film, and it's right across the road from Hatfield railway station.
Cambridge
Our journey then takes us to the historic Cambridge, known for its university and architecture. The city was the filming location for The Theory of Everything (2014), an emotional chronicle of the life of Stephen Hawking. This film is romantic, dramatic and everything in between - and shows Cambridge at its absolute best.
Head to Kitchen Bridge to relive Stephen and Jane’s romantic kiss, and be sure to check out St John's College which was the setting for the May Ball. Cambridge railway station is an easy walk from the historic centre.
Welwyn Garden City
Finally, we head to Welwyn Garden City, the setting for cult classic The World’s End (2013). This garden city was one of the major centres of film production in Britain back in the 1930s, with Welwyn Studios producing some of the biggest films of the golden age, including the classic Brighton Rock (1947). It seems fitting, then, that Simon Pegg and co chose it as the location for their 2013 sci-fi comedy. The garden city design provides the perfect setting for the film's comedic and apocalyptic adventure.
The town named in the film, Newton Haven, doesn’t really exist, and much of the filming took place in Welwyn Garden City and surrounding areas. Many of the pubs in the town took on fictional names, but you can really visit them as both the exteriors and interiors were used in the film.
The first pub that the gang head to, which is called The First Post in the film, is really The Pear Tree Inn, Hollybush Lane. If you head inside, you’ll realise they really did use the pub’s interior. The next stop, which in the film is called The Old Familiar, is actually The Doctors Tonic, which you’ll find on Church Road between Parkway and Longcroft Lane.
Immersing yourself in this classic garden city will immediately transport you into the film’s atmosphere, and Welwyn Garden City’s railway station gives easy access to this underrated location.