The county of Hertfordshire has been gracing the silver screen for many years, providing locations for some of the most recognisable scenes from cinematic history, but it is now stepping into the spotlight as a must-see destination and experience in its own right!
With its proximity to London and its position as a base for the UK’s leading studios – not to mention its stunning period locations, incredible variety of film experiences (of course including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter), Hertfordshire is fast becoming THE destination for TV addicts and movie goers alike.
From cinematic classics like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, to action-packed thrill rides Spiderman and Wonder Woman, to swoon-worth period dramas like The Young Victoria and Shakespeare in Love, Hertfordshire has set the stage for a huge range of world-renowned and critically acclaimed films - and it continues to do so.
And it’s not just movies...some of the world’s favourite TV shows are also filmed in Hertfordshire’s studios from The Voice to Strictly Come Dancing to Celebrity Juice. And out on location much-loved series such as the internationally acclaimed The Crown or recent break-out Netflix hit Bridgerton, are also capturing the charm and beauty of the county on camera too.
The reviews are in! It’s a box office smash! Five stars! Hertfordshire delivers the ultimate in movie experiences - not only for filmmakers, crews and production teams the world over, but for visiting film aficionados and entertainment seekers too.
Read on to discover why Hertfordshire has Hollywood in its sights and the film industry at its feet…
Since opening in 2012, The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - ‘The Making of Harry Potter’ has welcomed thousands of visitors every day, each ready to immerse themselves in the magic and mystery of the Harry Potter world with a spectacular behind-the-scenes experience. Visitors can explore the spellbinding film sets, witness the Gothic grandeur of the Ministry of Magic, walk Diagon Alley, check out the iconic locations such as Platform 9 ¾ and the Hogwarts Express, and admire the intricate costumes and props used in the movies. Movie and book fans alike won’t fail to be swept up in the magic of this incredible day out!
And there’s plenty more behind-the-scenes experiences in the making too this year so watch this space for a whole host of exciting new opportunities and experiences to really delve into the world of filmmaking!
From your very own iPhone to a filmmaker’s camera, Hertfordshire is home to a spectacular array of views worth of filling any frame. With miles of rolling countryside, glorious gardens, postcard-worthy villages, and historic architecture to make your heart swoon, the county creates beautiful backdrops
and visceral vistas that are crying out to be photographed. From the acres of parkland and ancient woodland at Hatfield House to the iconic St Alban’s Cathedral to the sweeping panoramas of Tring Park, Hertfordshire’s hotspots are made for the screen and long to be seen!
Boasting not only stunning locations and landscapes but also incredible production facilities, it’s easy to see why Hertfordshire is right at the heart of the UK entertainment industry. With Warner Bros Studios, Leavesden offering 350,000sq ft of stages and backlots, and Elstree Studios home to some of the best-loved TV shows and series in the world, the facilities on offer for movie-makers are state-of-the-art and second-to-none.
Looking ahead into 2022 when both Sky and Hertswood Studios (which will be the largest studio in the UK) will be opening studios in the county, Hertfordshire looks set continue being the star of the show when it comes to entertainment!
From Hatfield House to Knebworth to Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire’s historic and architectural gems have been made world-famous by their starring roles in UK period dramas for many years now. The heritage of the area delivers that much-desired authenticity for the high-end period dramas that have become synonymous with quality British TV production - making Herts the go-to location for the corset crew! From King Lear to Young Victoria to The Kings Speech to Shakespeare in Love, some our favourite literary adaptations and classic characters have graced the grounds of these magnificent period properties across the county. Open to the public for tours and self-guided exploration, visitors will step back in time into some of the most recognisable scenes from screen history…
Film location visits, tours and scene-spotting create the perfect stops on your route around Hertfordshire so why not let the films and TV of the county guide you? Make your way around the iconic locations, behind the scenes experiences and fascinating studios discovering surprises and hidden gems at every turn. From picture-perfect panoramic views to delicious independent food outlets to a huge range of unique accommodations and activities – Hertfordshire delivers the perfect accompaniments to your film experience…the popcorn to your movie, if you will!
Fancy jumping straight into your own cinematic adventure, or stepping behind the scenes to discover the secrets and tricks of the movie trade?
Read on to inspire your next visit to Hertfordshire and everything it has to offer on and off the screen!
