Travel Index Reveals the Best UK Filming Locations for TV & Movie Lovers

When it comes to film and television, locations across the UK have served as the backdrop to countless iconic stories. From the cobbled streets of Edinburgh to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, every corner of Britain has played its part in bringing beloved shows and films to life.

Visiting these locations first-hand offers fans a unique way to step into the worlds of their favourite characters and relive memorable scenes. With 'set-jetting’, the trend of travelling to filming locations, set to dominate travel in 2026, it leads to the question: Which UK destination offers the ultimate experience for TV and film lovers?

To find out, we at Rabbie's examined UK film locations, analysing the number of TV shows and films shot in each destination, as well as the availability of dedicated film and TV tours, revealing the must-visit spots for screen enthusiasts.

So, without further ado, let's explore the top ten spots for your next set-jetting adventure!

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The Best UK Filming Locations for TV and Movie Lovers Index

To develop our index and identify the best UK TV and movie locations, we evaluated three key factors, including the number of TV shows and films shot in each location and the number of available TV/Film tours.

London

Claiming the top spot with a perfect score of 30 is London, the undisputed capital of screen tourism in the UK. The city is home to an impressive 8,335 films and 1,984 TV shows, including iconic productions like Harry Potter and James Bond. It’s an excellent choice for set-jetters seeking a memorable experience in 2026.

London's star power shows no signs of fading, with Avengers: Doomsday and Supergirl both filmed in the capital ahead of their anticipated 2026 releases.

Overall, London offers an incredible 241 film and TV tours throughout the city, allowing travellers to step into the worlds of their favourite characters while exploring the city's legendary landmarks.

Edinburgh

Finishing in second place is Edinburgh, scoring 27.3 points. Scotland's historic capital is a firm favourite among filmmakers. The city has served as the backdrop for 243 films and 134 TV shows, including cult classics such as Trainspotting and blockbusters like The Da Vinci Code.

Edinburgh's dramatic architecture and atmospheric streets have also made it a popular choice for television productions, with hit series like Outlander, Good Omens and Netflix’s Department Q, bringing the city's charm to screens worldwide.

In total, there are also 89 film and TV tours available, allowing visitors to explore the Royal Mile's cobbled streets and hidden closes while discovering the filming locations behind their favourite productions.

Glasgow

Taking third place is Glasgow, scoring 26.8 points, Scotland's largest city and a versatile filming location that has doubled for everywhere from Gotham City to Cold War-era Moscow. The city has featured in 330 films and 134 TV shows, including the original Mission: Impossible and the 2022 blockbuster The Batman. Famously, World War Z shot a scene in George Square, allowing travellers to visit the location of this iconic on-screen moment.

Glasgow's industrial charm and Victorian architecture have also made it a popular choice for television productions, with the beloved Scottish series Still Game and the gripping thriller Vigil showcasing the city's diverse character.

There are also 16 film and TV tours available, allowing visitors to explore the locations behind Glasgow's most iconic screen moments while discovering the city's rich cinematic heritage.

Liverpool

In fourth place is Liverpool, with a score of 26.4 points. Liverpool’s Georgian architecture and historic waterfront have made it a go-to location for period dramas and action blockbusters alike. In total, the city has featured in 301 films and 83 TV shows, including the 2009 Sherlock Holmes and the high-octane Fast and Furious 6.

Liverpool's grand buildings and atmospheric streets have also made it a popular choice for television productions, with prestigious series like The Crown and House of Guinness using the city to recreate different eras and fictional settings.

Throughout the city, 30 film and TV tours are available, perfect for exploring Liverpool's cinematic landmarks and uncovering the stories behind its most memorable screen appearances.

Manchester

Rounding out the top five is Manchester, scoring 25.4 points. Manchester is a city with an impressive screen presence, boasting 388 films and 310 TV shows altogether. Notable productions include the Oscar-winning Darkest Hour and the haunting fantasy drama A Monster Calls, both of which made use of the city's versatile locations.

Manchester's authentic urban backdrop has also made it a natural home for long-running television series, with beloved shows like Shameless and Waterloo Road capturing the city's distinctive character and community spirit.

With four dedicated film and TV tours on offer, visitors can delve into Manchester's cinematic history and discover the filming locations that have helped shape some of television and movies' most memorable moments. Whether you're exploring the Northern Quarter's trendy streets or the historic warehouse districts, this city is an excellent choice for a set-jetting trip in 2026.

Belfast

Belfast secures sixth place with a score of 25.2, cementing Northern Ireland's capital as a wonderful place for lovers of all things TV and film. The city has hosted 148 films, including the fantasy-adventure Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves and the brutal Viking epic The Northman, highlighting its ability to transform into vastly different worlds.

Most famously, Belfast and its surrounding areas served as a primary filming location for the cultural phenomenon Game of Thrones, alongside other notable series like Sons of Anarchy, with 58 TV shows in total choosing the city as their backdrop.

For fans eager to explore these legendary locations, Belfast offers 32 film and TV tours, many of which venture beyond the city to the stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland, where Westeros came to life.

Birmingham

Birmingham lands in seventh place with a score of 23.6, proving itself as another brilliant choice for a set-jetting adventure. With 219 films shot across the city, including the stylish spy thriller Kingsman: The Golden Circle and Steven Spielberg's blockbuster Ready Player One, Birmingham's modern skyline and industrial heritage continue to attract major productions.

The city has also become a television powerhouse, with 132 TV shows filmed there, most notably the critically acclaimed crime drama Line of Duty and the action-packed series Citadel. Birmingham's diverse landmarks, from the iconic Bullring to the canal networks, offer filmmakers plenty of options.

While the city currently offers 3 film and TV tours, Birmingham's growing reputation as a filming hub means there's plenty of opportunity for people to stumble upon familiar film and TV locations while exploring this vibrant Midlands city.

Cardiff

Wales' capital city claims eighth place, scoring 23.4 and establishing itself as a top UK film location for any set-jetting-inspired trip. Cardiff has welcomed 121 movies through its streets, including the post-apocalyptic thriller 28 Weeks Later and the feel-good musical Yesterday, demonstrating the city's remarkable range as a filming location.

Television fans might recognise Cardiff as the home of several iconic British series, with 78 TV shows filmed here, including the beloved comedy The Inbetweeners and, most famously, Doctor Who. The Welsh capital has served as the production base for Doctor Who since the show's 2005 revival, making it a pilgrimage site for Whovians worldwide.

Set-jetters can choose from 11 dedicated film and TV tours to explore Cardiff's screen heritage, with Doctor Who experiences naturally featuring prominently.

Bristol

Scoring 22.8 and landing in ninth place, Bristol has become a rising star on the set-jetting scene thanks to its diverse filming locations. The city's striking architecture has featured in 173 films, from the dark supernatural reboot Hellboy (2019) to the surreal cult classic Being John Malkovich, highlighting Bristol's chameleon-like ability to embody different worlds.

With 132 TV shows to its name, Bristol has become particularly synonymous with lavish period dramas, most notably serving as a key filming location for the global sensation Bridgerton. The city's Georgian terraces have also provided atmospheric backdrops for gripping series like Broadchurch, proving Bristol's versatility across genres.

Though currently offering just 1 dedicated tour, Bristol's compact city centre makes it ideal for independent exploration. Set-jetters can easily wander through the same Regency-era streets where iconic Bridgerton scenes were shot.

York

Finally, rounding off the top ten is York, scoring 22.2 and proving that this historic city is a must-visit for dedicated film-lovers. York's medieval streets and stunning architecture have featured in 131 films, including Tim Burton's 2005 adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the 1992 adaptation of Wuthering Heights, with the city's timeless beauty lending itself perfectly to both fantastical and period settings.

York has also appeared in 43 TV shows, once again playing a starring role in Bridgerton while also featuring in the critically acclaimed comedy-drama Fleabag. York's cobbled streets and historic buildings provide an authentic backdrop that transports viewers across different eras.

For those planning their set-jetting adventure, York offers 6 film and TV tours that weave through the city's narrow streets and hidden alleyways, highlighting the on-screen locations in full detail.

Methodology

The Best UK Filming Locations for TV & Movie Lovers Index, created by us at Rabbie’s, assesses a range of factors to highlight the top movie and TV destinations around the United Kingdom for set-jetting adventures.

We examined three key areas: the number of films shot in each location, the number of TV shows shot in each location and the total number of available TV/film tours.

Each destination was given a weighted score based on its appeal to film and TV fans. Film and TV production levels account for 20% each of the total score, while film and TV tours make up 60%, reflecting the importance of bookable, visitor-friendly experiences for travellers. The weights were:

• The number of films shot in each destination: 20% weight.

• The number of TV shows shot in each destination: 30% weight

• The number of available film/TV tours: 60% weight.

The number of TV shows and films shot in each destination was sourced from IMDB, while the total amount of available tours was sourced from GetYourGuide.