You don't have to walk, wheel or cycle too far from the National Cycle Network to find some jaw-dropping locations from your favourite films or TV shows. In this blog, we’ve rounded up nine iconic filming locations from across the UK bound to make you feel like you’re stepping off the paths and into the screen yourself.
Glencoe Valley was formed by ancient volcanic activity and shifting glaciers, making it the Scottish land of fire and ice. The atmospheric drama of its mountains and misty valleys continues to inspire filmmakers. Credit: Luis Mayoral
England
1. St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall: Route 3 (The Cornish Way)
In House of the Dragon, Driftmark island (the ancestral seat of House Velaryon in the Game of Thrones universe) was filmed at the rugged castle island of St Michael’s Mount.
A short detour from the town of Marazion on Route 3, you can reach it easily. For access, either walk along the 400-metre causeway at low tide or take a boat at high tide.
Continue on Route 3 to the otherworldly geodesic domes of The Eden Project, which doubled as Graves’ ice palace in the Bond film Die Another Day.
St Michael's Mount. Credit: Ana Sousa
2. Bodmin, Cornwall: Route 3 (The Cornish Way)
Route 3 takes you along the Cornish Way through Bodmin, which is home to the Poldark filming location of Bodmin Jail.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy uncovering the grim realities of Georgian crime and punishment here.
For a taste of Cornish wilderness, you can make a detour to the Bodmin Moor (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
This was used as a windswept backdrop for many of the series’ horse riding scenes and Ross Poldark’s home, Nampara.
3. Bath: Route 4
Route 4 crosses through the Georgian grandeur of Bath, the only city in the UK to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety.
Here, you can immerse yourself in fictional, yet fashionable, high society by visiting Bridgerton filming locations like the Royal Crescent, the Assembly Rooms, and Holburne Museum (Lady Danbury’s townhouse).
The Royal Crescent is a Grade I listed building which boasts 30 Georgian townhouses, and presents the perfect photo opportunity. Credit: Ifeoluwa B
4. Lacock: Wiltshire – Route 403
Route 403 passes through the charming village of Lacock, home to an overflowing cauldron of Harry Potter filming locations for you to visit.
The Abbey’s monastic architecture features in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Snape’s potions classroom and the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom were filmed there.
You can also find Harry Potter’s parents’ house, tucked away at the end of Church Street.
5. The Yorkshire Dales: Route 688
Follow in the footsteps of James Herriot from Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small by visiting the cobbled market town of Grassington, transformed onscreen into Darrowby.
For the full experience, visit during the annual Grassington 1940s weekend in September.
Grassington is close to Route 688 which is part of the stunning Way of the Roses, connecting Lancashire and Yorkshire.
The expansive beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. Credit: Jamie Davies
Scotland
6. Cairngorms National Park: Route 7
In this breathtaking part of the Scottish Highlands, areas of Strathdon, Glen Feshie and Aviemore were used in the filming of Mary Queen of Scots.
If you love the dazzling backstabbing of The Traitors, following Route 7 to Aviemore station takes you to the Strathspey Steam Railway. This has appeared in three series of the hit show.
A round-trip offers memorably scenic views that stretch over peaks, valleys, and lochs.
Bikes onboard are allowed, so see if you can beat the train back from Broomhill.
7. Glencoe, Lochaber: Route 78 (The Caledonia Way)
There is plenty of cinematic history to take in at Glencoe.
Clachaig Gully was used for exterior shots of the approach to Hagrid’s hut in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
The glen's landscape features in establishing shots in Braveheart and Outlander.
It has also been immortalised as the starting point of Bond’s drive, in his iconic Aston Martin DB5, to his childhood home in Skyfall.
To explore, you can take the traffic-free Glencoe Greenway and venture 5km into the heart of the glen, before connecting onto Route 78 (The Caledonia Way).
Glencoe Valley was formed by ancient volcanic activity and shifting glaciers, making it the Scottish land of fire and ice. The atmospheric drama of its mountains and misty valleys continues to inspire filmmakers. Credit: Luis Mayoral
Northern Ireland
8. Derry-Londonderry: Routes 92 and 93
Routes 92 and 93 take you through the heart of Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s second-largest city.
If you’re a fan of the hit sitcom, Derry Girls, you can pay tribute to the Derry Girls Mural on Orchard Street and visit The Derry Girls experience inside the Tower Museum, as well as the city walls.
Guildhall Square is also steeped in history. As shown in Derry Girls, crowds thronged here in 1995 to hear Bill Clinton’s speech about the future of the peace process in Northern Ireland.
The Derry Girls Mural in the city centre shopping district. Credit: K. Mitch Hodge
Wales
9. Caernarfon Castle: Route 8 (Lôn Las Cymru)
Route 8 goes through the royal town of Caernarfon in Gwynedd, where Caernarfon Castle is celebrated as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.
It features in The Crown as the historical site of Charles’ investiture as the Prince of Wales in 1969.
On the fringes of Caernarfon lie the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, giving you the perfect opportunity to extend your visit.
Alternatively, Cardiff Bay marks either the start or end of Route 8's challenging, long-distance journey down the length of Wales.
Here, by the waterfront, you’ll find the futuristic-looking architecture of Roald Dahl Plass, the Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd, all featuring in Doctor Who.
Caernarfon Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in sunset splendour. Credit: Neil Thomas
Photographic gems on the National Cycle Network
We’ve rounded up our favourite spots, where breathtaking scenery and photo opportunities go hand in hand.
