Nationwide Vehicle Contracts provides road-trip advice for those looking to soak up film and TV locations in the UK.
I feel like an essential for a classic film is a good road trip scene. Film it from a helicopter and put on a classic soundtrack, and you've got a recipe for success.
But not all of our favourite films and TV shows include a road trip. However, we're lucky in the UK that so many films and TV shows have been filmed here.
To help you retrace your favourite scenes, this blog provides road-trip advice for those looking to explore famous film and TV locations in the UK.
Harry Potter - Glenfinnan Viaduct to Durham Cathedral
Harry Potter is one of the many reasons why so many people visit the UK. Perhaps the most iconic film series of the naughties, the films feature various locations across the UK.
To properly embrace the world of witchcraft and wizardry, check out our road trip below:
1. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland
Start at Glenfinnan Viaduct in Inverness-shire, Scotland, which is the famous viaduct that the Hogwarts Express travels over to get to Hogwarts. Most known for the scene in the Chamber of Secrets where Ron and Harry are flung around the Viaduct in Arthur Weasley's flying car.
As well as being home to one of the most iconic scenes in the Harry Potter franchise, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is a tourist attraction in its own right.
2. Alnwick Castle, England
From the Glenfinnan Viaduct, head east through Fort William and then south from Edinburgh until you reach the coastal town of Alnwick. Here, you'll find Alnwick Castle, where scenes from Hogwarts were filmed in the Philosophers Stone and Chamber of Secrets. The most famous of these is Harry's first broomstick training session in the first film.
Although a five-hour drive from Glenfinnan Viaduct, be sure to keep your eyes peeled on the journey as you pass through the beautiful Scottish highlands and the historic city of Edinburgh.
3. Durham Cathedral
The final stop on our northern Harry Potter road trip is Durham Castle. Located in the middle of the picturesque city of Durham, the Cathedral was used for many scenes in Harry Potter, most notably when Harry releases Hedwig in the snow.
Harry Potter - Kings Cross Station to Forest of Dean
After your northern Harry Potter road trip, why not make your way down to southern England to soak up more famous film locations.
1. Kings Cross Station
Start at Kings Cross Station in central London, where Harry Potter and his fellow wizards depart for Hogwarts. The station has included platform 9¾ on the wall in the concourse with a luggage trolley embedded.
You can get your official photograph taken or visit the Harry Potter shop, which is styled to resemble Ollivander's wand emporium.
2. Oxford University, Oxford
From Kings Cross, head north to the historic University of Oxford. As well as being one of the most renowned universities in the world, the campus was used for various locations in the Harry Potter films.
The Divinity School in the Bodleian Library was used as Hogwarts Infirmary in The Philosopher's Stone, the Duke Humphrey's Library was used for the scene when Harry uses his invisibility cloak in The Philosopher's Stone, and Christ Church College staircase was used when McGonagall meets Harry, Ron, and Hermoine.
3. Forest of Dean
The last stop on your Harry Potter road trip is the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. Used in The Deathly Hallows Part 1, after Ron abandons Harry and Hermoine in the search for the Horcruxes, Hermoine apparates herself and Harry to the Forest of Dean as they seek refuge.
It's also where Snape delivers Harry the Sword of Gryffindor under the lake and then uses his doe Patronus to guide him to it.
The area also plays a crucial role in the series, with J.K. Rowling growing up nearby and using the area as inspiration for the franchise.
James Bond - London to Scotland
For this road trip, I set you a challenge to refer to each other in codenames for the entire journey! I'd also fill up on fuel before you go because it's a long journey!
1. MI6, London
Start in London, the home of MI6. Although you cannot gain entry to the SIS building, you can take a look at it on the Albert Embankment. Just hope it doesn't explode like in Skyfall!
While in London, why not live the true Bond experience and visit a few famous locations like the National Gallery, where Bond first encountered Q in Skyfall, and Somerset House, which masquerades as St Petersburg in Goldeneye.
Finally, visit the Dukes London Hotel, where Ian Fleming was inspired to write in a dry martini, 'shaken not stirred' as 007's favourite drink.
2. Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire
Head northwest from London until you reach Buckinghamshire, which is home to Stoke Park. The park features in two Bond films, Goldfinger and Tomorrow Never Dies, so it is essential if you're a Bond fan.
The most memorable scene filmed at Stoke Park is in Goldfinger when Bond's bodyguard Oddjob decapitates a statue during a round of golf.
3. Glen Etvie, Scotland
From Buckinghamshire, you've got a bit of a trek until you reach Glen Etvie in Scotland, just 450 miles, but that's nothing for a die-hard Bond fan like yourself. Glen Etvie is one of the most picturesque places in the UK and was used as the location for Bond's family home in Skyfall.
There's a 12-mile road that's peak Scottish scenery, so crank up the James Bond theme and channel your inner Daniel Craig!
4. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
The last stop on our James Bond road trip is Cairngorms National Park in Aviemore, Scotland. Used in Daniel Craig's final Bond film, No Time To Die, the park is home to a classic car chase on the banks of Loch Laggan.
We hope your drive there is less intense than Bond's.
Poldark - Cornwall's Coat
Poldark is a series that follows Ross Poldark as he returns from the American Revolutionary War and tries to rebuild his life. The series is set in Cornwall and features various picturesque scenes.
1. Truro to St Agnes
Start your Poldark adventure in Truro, which is the capital of Cornwall and a prominent setting in the series. Visit the Truro Cathedral, which features various times in the series.
From here, head to St Agnes and stop at St Agnes Head, which serves as the backdrop for many cliffside scenes and the iconic engine house. While in St Agnes, visit Wheal Coates, the iconic mine ruins which appear frequently.
2. St Agnes to Porthgwarra Cove
From St Agnes, head towards Porthgwarra Cove, where you can retrace the steps of Ross Poldar and Demelza on the beach. While on your way, stop at Levant Mine in Saint Just, which serves as the fictional Tressiders Rolling Mill, and Porthcurno to explore the Minack Theatre.
The Crown - Royal Route
How can it be a UK TV and film road trip without including the Crown? The Netflix hit series has rejuvenated interest in the Royal Family, depicting their drama-filled lives throughout the 20th century.
1. London
Begin your road trip in London, the home of the Royal Family. Start by visiting the iconic Buckingham Palace, the official residence of King Charles, then move on to Westminster Abbey, the location where many royal ceremonies and events were depicted.
To round off London, head to Kensington Palace, where you can explore the historic State Apartments and the Princess Diana Memorial Playground.
It's worth noting that you won't be able to drive directly to all these locations, so ensure you've done your parking research before!
2. Windsor
Drive to Windsor and Visit Windsor Castle, one of Queen Elizabeth's official residences and recurring locations in the Crown. There are various things to do there, including having a tour of the Castle or just wandering the beautiful gardens and grounds.
Looking for more road trip content? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has produced various road-trip blogs, including the Most Scenic and Exciting UK Road Trips and the Best Seaside Towns for a UK Family Road Trip.
We are also one of the UK's largest car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need.
