New guide reveals UK’s most magical filming locations for fantasy lovers
The UK is home to so many otherworldly places to visit, from historic castle walls to breathtaking natural landscapes that take you out of the reality of the modern world, so it’s no surprise that the UK has played backdrop to some of fantasy and sci-fi’s most iconic themes.
To celebrate the upcoming release of Netflix’s Frankenstein (November 7th), the latest output by legendary film director Guillermo del Toro, the staycation experts at holidaycottages.co.uk have revealed the UK filming locations that fantasy and sci-fi directors keep coming back to.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland – Harry Potter, Star Trek, Dungeons and Dragons
“Northumberland has long been a favourite location for filmmakers because of its captivating history and landscapes that seem almost otherworldly, and one of its most famous landmarks is Alnwick Castle, which will be instantly recognisable to fans of a certain wizarding franchise as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the first two films. Visitors can wander through the Outer Bailey, where Harry first learned to fly on a broomstick with Madame Hooch, and children and adults alike can experience the magic themselves by taking part in the castle’s Broomstick Training Lessons, while the courtyards recall the memorable scenes when the flying car came crashing down in the early films.
“The castle has also appeared in the Dungeons & Dragons film and has been featured in the original Westworld movie as well as in episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, showing that its timeless architecture and stunning surroundings continue to capture the imagination of directors and audiences alike. Beyond the castle itself, the village of Alnwick is a joy to explore, with its charming cobbled streets, quirky shops, and breathtaking coastline, offering visitors a chance to lose themselves in a little corner of Northumberland that feels completely removed from the everyday and perfectly suited to a magical staycation.”
Glencoe, Scottish Highlands – Frankenstein, Harry Potter, Highlander
“As one of the UK’s most breathtaking natural wonders, Glencoe has long attracted filmmakers thanks to its dramatic mountains, sweeping valleys, and sense of otherworldly beauty, and it is no surprise that it continues to feature on the big screen, with the area set to feature in Netflix’s Frankenstein.
Fans of the wizarding world will instantly recognise Glencoe from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, where Hagrid’s hut was nestled within the cavernous mountains, and movie lovers may also recall the iconic battle scenes from Highlander that were filmed here. The village and surrounding landscapes are the perfect setting for an action-packed family weekend, whether that means hiking through the rugged mountain ranges, exploring hidden glens, or simply soaking up the awe-inspiring landscapes that have played backdrop to some iconic fantasy scenes.”
St. Micheals Mount, Cornwall – House Of The Dragon
“The gothic St Michael’s Mount will be instantly recognisable to fans of the Game of Thrones universe as a major filming location for House of the Dragon. Cornwall is a favourite for filmmakers, with its mesmerising coastal landscapes, charming castles, historic mines, and world-class beaches providing the perfect backdrop for otherworldly stories to unfold on screen.
“The castle was used as High Tide, the castle of House Velaryon, which overlooks the wild seas of Blackwater Bay in Eastern Westeros. From Marazion, visitors can walk across the causeway at low tide or take a ferry at high tide to explore the ancient fortress, enjoy the café and gift shop, and wander through the beautiful subtropical gardens. Be sure to check the castle and island opening times before you visit, as the Velaryons do not welcome unexpected guests.”
Snowdonia, Wales – Merlin, Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy, Doctor Who
“Snowdonia’s sweeping mountains, mist-cloaked valleys, and dramatic quarries make it one of the UK’s most epic fantasy backdrops. Its rugged scenery has starred in Doctor Who and Clash of the Titans, where gods and monsters roamed against its raw Welsh landscape. The BBC’s Merlin also filmed several key scenes here, with the region’s medieval castles and dramatic cliffs providing the backdrop to Camelot’s adventures and battles. The area’s ancient ruins and natural grandeur makes Snowdonia feel like a place where myth and legend are never far away.
“Visitors can hike up Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) for panoramic views that rival any cinematic kingdom, or explore the atmospheric Dinorwig Quarry, where dramatic battle sequences were filmed. For something straight out of Arthurian lore, Dolbadarn Castle at the foot of Llanberis Pass offers a haunting glimpse into medieval Wales and features in Merlin. Beyond the screen, Snowdonia National Park is filled with charming villages, glittering lakes, and age-old myths tied to King Arthur himself.”
Edinburgh, Scotland – Harry Potter,
“Edinburgh is a city that feels plucked straight from the pages of a fantasy novel, which is exactly why it has inspired and featured in so many magical worlds on screen. Its towering castle perched above the city, winding closes, and gothic architecture have made it a natural fit for fantasy filmmakers. While much of Harry Potter wasn’t filmed here, J.K. Rowling famously wrote parts of the series in Edinburgh’s cafés, and the city’s atmospheric Old Town and Victoria Street are said to have inspired Diagon Alley. More recently, Edinburgh’s dramatic skyline and medieval streets appeared in Avengers: Infinity War, with Scarlet Witch and Vision battling through the historic Royal Mile and Waverley Station, and will also feature in the latest Frankenstein film.
“The fantasy doesn’t end on film, tourists can wander through Greyfriars Kirkyard, where Rowling borrowed names from gravestones, or climb Arthur’s Seat for sweeping views that could rival any enchanted kingdom. Edinburgh isn’t just a city to see, it’s one to feel, as one of the UK’s most mythical cities, and an undeniable touch of magic that makes it a must for fantasy fans.”
Puzzlewood, Forest Of Dean – Harry Potter, Star Wars
“The enchanting Forest of Dean is one of the UK’s most magical filming locations, its ancient woodlands looking as though they were dreamt up in a fairytale. With twisting roots, moss-carpeted rocks, and a maze of winding pathways, it’s no wonder filmmakers have been drawn here time and again as the setting for otherworldly worlds. Fans of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will recognise it as the woodland where Harry and Hermione hide out while on the run from Voldemort’s forces. More recently, the forest became a battleground galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and has also appeared in Doctor Who and Merlin.
“Visitors can step straight into these screen-worthy landscapes, wandering Puzzlewood, a particularly atmospheric corner of the forest that has inspired everyone from Tolkien to George Lucas. With its craggy gorges and tangled greenery, it’s easy to see why it so often doubles as another realm entirely. Beyond the fantasy, the wider Forest of Dean offers walking trails, wildlife spotting, and charming villages to explore, making it a perfect stop on a film-inspired staycation. Just don’t be surprised if you half expect a wizard, stormtrooper, or time traveller to step out from behind the trees.”
Commenting Sarah Pring, PR Manager at holidaycottages.co.uk said “From enchanted castles to mystical forests, the UK has become the stage for some of the world’s most beloved fantasy films and TV shows. For fans, this offers a unique chance to step directly into the magical worlds they know from the screen, exploring breathtaking landscapes and landmarks that double as the realms of wizards, warriors, and mythical creatures. With new fantasy series and films continuing to capture imaginations, there’s never been a better time to discover the real-life locations behind the stories. And with seven in ten Brits keen to book staycations near their favourite filming sites, our collection of fantasy hotspots is here to inspire the next adventure for families, friends, and dreamers alike.”
Step into the worlds of Game of Thrones with a stay in a Cornwall cottage or enjoy a magical Harry Potter-themed break in Alnwick – there are plenty of large cottages to suit every group. Visit holidaycottages.co.uk to find your perfect getaway and start planning your next adventure today.
