Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa is located perfectly in Somerset to explore the local area and these famous film locations. Have you ever taken a wander around Somerset and thought “this place looks very familiar”, well chances are you’ve been walking through a film location without realising! Somerset is home to many film and TV location sets, so we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 for you to find when you visit with us at our award-winning Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa!
Hot Fuzz (2007)
Starring Simon Pegg and Nick Frost
This cult classic is probably the most well-known film to be shot in Somerset. The film uses England’s smallest city, Wells as the set of Standford. Screenwriter Edgar Wright grew up in Wells and decided to shoot the movie entirely in the small city, as you wander around the square and shops you will feel just like being in Hot Fuzz, make sure to pick up a cornetto at the local shop for that extra authenticity.
The Libertine (1996)
Starring Johnny Depp
This biography of the infamous rebel Earl of Rochester from the 17th Century was shot in Wells and the beautiful Montacute House. The movie tells the story of the rebellious Earl who was an alcoholic and a beautiful poet, using the city of Wells along with the stunning Montacute House and Grounds.
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)
Starring Cate Blanchett, Rhys Ifans, Eddie Redmayne & Clive Owen
The movie is based on historic events of Elizabeth I facing the Spanish Armada during the 16th Century, and uses Brean Down as a breathtaking backdrop to one of the most famous stories of British history. The scenes of Cate Blanchett on the cliffside, looking out to the ocean are some of the most stunning in the movie. Brean itself is steeped in British history, with a Pagan shrine dating back to pre-Roman times in the area.
The Duchess (2008)
Starring Keira Knightly
The Duchess depicts the life of the Duchess of Devonshire, who was a fashion icon admired by many in Britain during the 18th Century. The Royal Crescent in Bath was used for the Duchess’ lavish and popular party dances. The film shows the life of this inspirational and interesting woman using the beautiful homes in The Royal Crescent as a location.
Jack the Giant Slayer (2013)
Starring Nicholas Holt
This modern adaption of the classic Jack and the Beanstalk story offers a fun twist, with Jack opening a portal between the realm of giants and his own. The home of the giants is shot in the most beautiful of Somerset’s location, the Cheddar Gorge, which offers an other-worldly feel to the movie.
Les Miserables (2012)
Starring Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway & Hugh Jackman
Les Mis is a huge blockbuster hit and Oscar winner, known worldwide. But what might not be common knowledge is that the location manager for the filim, Pat Karam, chose Pulteney Bridge in Bath for the iconic scene of Inspector Javert’s dramatic suicide. She called the beautiful bridge ‘fantastically cinematic’, visit Bath and see this stunning bridge in real life.
The Huntsman: Winter’s War (2016)
Starring Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt & Chris Hemsworth
This ethereal fantasy is visually stunning, and choosing the dramatic Wells Cathedral was perfect to enhance this dark fairy-tale. Freya (Blunt) looks to raise an army of huntsman as her protectors from her evil sister the Ice Queen, and stumbles across Hemsworth’s huntsman, where battles and love stories follow. All this against the back drop of one of Somerset’s most beautiful Cathedral’s.
The Café (2011)
Written and starring Ralf Little (The Royale Family)
This charming Sky One sitcom is set in a sleepy seafront café of Weston-super-Mare, which is where they chose to film the entire series on location. The series built their own special café near the Knightstone Island, where you can enjoy beautiful views of the front and promenade. The series has a delightful tone and some heart breaking moments, only doing producing one memorable season.
Broadchurch (2013)
Starring David Tennant & Olivia Coleman
Known as one of ITV’s most gripping television dramas, Broadchurch is set in Dorset and follows a community of a small, seaside town as they come to terms with the murder of a little boy in their town. The show often films in and around Clevedon, with St Andrew’s Church in Clevedon used as the Broadchurch parish church and graveyard, visit the church to see this beautiful place.
Bonus: One Direction Music Video
Starring One Direction (of course!)
The famous ‘You & I’ music video was filmed on the Clevedon Pier in 2013. The world-famous band walk down the pier throughout the video while trading lead vocals, showcasing the Grade 1 listed beautiful pier and British seaside.
Do you know any more TV or films that we shot in Somerset? On your next holiday to Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa make sure to explore the stunning local area and visit these fun filming locations!
Cheddar Woods Resort & Spa is our award-winning, five star holiday and holiday home destination, offering a fabulous Go Active + programme including archery, lazer clay and an exhilarating climbing wall! A delicious restaurant onsite means you can eat out, grab a drink at our fully-stocked bar and stroll back to your luxurious lodge style accommodation.
With Cheddar Woods also offering holiday home ownership, you can escape to this beautiful part of the country anytime the mood strikes! No booking, no packing, no fuss, just get up and go! Call our dedicated and friendly Ownership Team on 01745 858010, or talk to an adviser via our live chat service today, where a member of our team is ready to answer any of your questions!
If you know any more films or TV shows shot on location in Somerset, let us know!