Cotswolds Film Locations: TV and Film Spots You Can Visit
The Cotswolds has long been a favourite with film and television producers — and it’s easy to see why. Honey-coloured stone villages, historic churches, rolling countryside and traditional market towns make the region perfect for everything from period dramas to modern comedies and reality TV.
Chances are you’ve already seen the Cotswolds on screen, even if you didn’t realise it at the time. From cosy crime dramas and classic literary adaptations to big-name films and popular TV series, the area has played starring roles again and again.
In this guide, we’re rounding up some of the best-known Cotswolds film and TV locations, all of which you can visit in real life — often with a good pub or café close by too.
Downton Abbey Filming Locations in the Cotswolds
One of the most famous TV series associated with the Cotswolds is Downton Abbey. While Highclere Castle itself lies just outside the region, many of the village scenes were filmed firmly within Cotswolds territory.
Bampton, Oxfordshire doubled as the village of Downton and is instantly recognisable to fans of the show. St Mary’s Church, Churchgate House, the library and surrounding streets all feature heavily throughout the series and films.
Bampton is still a working village, but it’s easy to explore on foot and makes a lovely stop even if you’re not a die-hard Downton fan.
Father Brown Filming Locations Across the Cotswolds
If cosy crime is more your thing, Father Brown showcases the Cotswolds at its best. The fictional village of Kembleford is actually made up of several real locations across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.
Blockley is one of the most prominent filming spots, with St Peter and St Paul’s Church regularly appearing as Kembleford’s parish church. Other filming locations include Painswick, Winchcombe and Guiting Power.
This is one of the easiest Cotswolds TV shows to build a day out around, as many of the filming locations are spread across picturesque villages perfect for slow exploring.
Clarkson’s Farm: A Modern Cotswolds TV Location
More recently, Clarkson’s Farm has brought a very different side of the Cotswolds to the screen. Filmed near Chipping Norton, the series follows the realities of running a working farm — with mixed results.
Diddly Squat Farm Shop has become a hugely popular visitor attraction, drawing crowds keen to see where the show is filmed and sample local produce. While opinions on the show vary, there’s no doubt it has introduced a new audience to this part of the Cotswolds.
If you plan to visit, it’s worth checking opening times and being mindful that this is a working farm in a real community.
Pride and Prejudice and Period Drama Locations
The Cotswolds and period dramas go hand in hand, and Pride and Prejudice is one of the best-known examples. The village of Lacock, largely owned by the National Trust, has appeared in countless period productions.
In the BBC’s 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Lacock stood in for the village of Meryton. Its historic streets, half-timbered buildings and lack of modern signage make it a favourite with filmmakers.
Lacock has also featured in Downton Abbey, Cranford and several film adaptations, making it one of the most recognisable filming locations in the wider Cotswolds area.
Harry Potter Filming Locations Near the Cotswolds
Fans of the Harry Potter films will recognise Gloucester Cathedral almost instantly. Its beautiful cloisters were used as corridors of Hogwarts in several of the films.
Walking through them in real life is a treat, whether you’re a Potter fan or not. The cathedral itself is an impressive place to visit and sits right in the centre of Gloucester, making it easy to combine with shopping or lunch nearby.
Bridget Jones’s Diary Film Locations
Romantic comedies have also made use of the Cotswolds’ scenery. Bridget Jones’s Diary includes scenes filmed in Snowshill, where the village church appears during the famous Turkey Curry Buffet moment.
Bourton-on-the-Water also makes a brief appearance. While it’s one of the most photographed villages in the Cotswolds, it’s worth visiting early or later in the day if you want to avoid the busiest times.
This Country Filming Locations in Northleach
For something a little more modern and brutally honest, This Country was filmed largely in and around Northleach. The mockumentary comedy follows life in a quiet Cotswolds town and captures rural realities alongside the scenery.
Northleach’s streets, community centre and surrounding areas feature heavily, and fans often enjoy spotting familiar locations while exploring the town. It’s a good reminder that the Cotswolds isn’t just about period dramas and postcard villages — it’s also a place where people live and work.
Why the Cotswolds Is So Popular for Film and TV
So why do filmmakers keep choosing the Cotswolds? The obvious answer is how it looks — but there’s more to it than that.
Many villages have retained their historic character, with minimal modern development, making them ideal for period settings. The region is also easily accessible from London, which helps with filming logistics, and offers a huge variety of locations within a relatively small area.
From market towns and rolling hills to quiet lanes and grand buildings, the Cotswolds can double for all sorts of settings.
Tips for Visiting Cotswolds Film Locations
When visiting Cotswolds filming locations, it’s important to remember that most are real villages and working communities. Keep roads clear, respect private property and follow any local signage.
The good news is that most locations are free to visit and easy to combine with other activities. Pair a filming spot with a village walk, a local attraction or a pub lunch, and you’ll get far more out of the experience.
Final Thoughts: Exploring the Cotswolds Through Film and TV
Whether you’re a fan of classic period dramas, cosy crime, modern comedies or reality TV, the Cotswolds has played a starring role on screen time and time again.
Visiting these Cotswolds film and television locations adds an extra layer to exploring the area, but even without the screen connection, they’re all places well worth seeing in their own right.
Next time you’re watching a familiar village on TV, don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your next Cotswolds day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Cotswolds film locations open to the public?
Yes, most filming locations are real villages, churches and streets that you can visit freely.
Where is Downton Abbey village filmed?
Downton Abbey village scenes were filmed in Bampton, Oxfordshire.
Is Clarkson’s Farm a real farm?
Yes, Diddly Squat is a real working farm near Chipping Norton.
Which village is used most for filming in the Cotswolds?
Lacock and Blockley are among the most frequently used villages.
Can you visit Harry Potter filming locations in the Cotswolds?
Yes — Gloucester Cathedral is open to visitors and was used in the films.
