Declared a UNESCO City of Film in 2017, Bristol is home to over 190 film & TV production and post-production companies and is frequently used as a filming location. From BBC’s Boarders, to Netflix’s Sex Education Bristol can be spotted in a whole host of your favourite shows. We’ve put together a list of some well-known (and lesser known) filming locations that you can visit.
1. Young Sherlock – The Old City
Young Sherlock is an upcoming TV series set to release on Prime Video. Based on the book series by Andrew Lane and directed by Guy Ritchie, the series will star Hero Fiennes Tiffin. In October, some of the cast and crew came to film in Bristol. They were spotted filming in the Old City, transforming Small Street, Queen’s Square, and St Nicholas’ Market into a 19th century set, complete with horse-drawn vehicles and the fictional ‘Queen’s Theatre’. They also filmed outside The Georgian House Museum on Great George Street. If you fancy a stroll back in time and a look at medieval architecture, make sure to wander through Bristol’s Old City on your next visit!
2. The Outlaws – Flour House
Popular series The Outlaws was filmed all across Bristol. Whilst the series wrapped up this year, you can still visit it’s filming locations. I accidentally stumbled upon one last year, grabbing a cup of coffee at Flour House. I’d just got up from where I’d been sitting, and realised the table next to me had a plaque dedicated to Christopher Walken. Sure enough, after re-watching the Outlaws I spotted the inside of the cafe! Located near to the University of Bristol campus on Park Row, Flour House is a cosy cafe with a great selection of drinks and little cakes. Other locations include The Galleries shopping centre, The Oldbury Court Inn and The George Inn. If you want to learn more about the series’ filming locations, check out this map .
3. Rivals – Aerospace Bristol
The Disney+ series starring David Tennant came out this year, and was filmed in…you guessed it, Bristol. The show features scenes set on board a concord, which (for obvious reasons) aren’t too easy to come by. These were filmed at Aerospace Bristol, a museum all about Bristol’s aviation history. You can visit the museum, and even step aboard the iconic Concorde Alpha Foxtrot, the last ever Concorde to fly.
4. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – Redcliffe Caves
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a teen thriller starring Wednesday’s Emmer Myers. Released last year, it was largely filmed in the South West. The village of Axbridge became the fictional town of Little Kilton, and the Redcliffe Caves and Avon Valley Railway Park were also featured. The Redcliffe Caves are a series of artificial underground tunnels which you can explore on a self-led tour.
5. Skins – Honestly, everywhere
Perhaps Bristol’s best known show, Skins ran for seven seasons and was both set and filmed in Bristol. The gang often found themselves gathering on College Green near the Cathedral, skating down Park Street (beware: It’s a complete pain to walk back up), sitting on Brandon Hill and crashing engagement parties at Thekla, the iconic club on a boat. Of course, Bristolians might recognise some slightly odd travel routes, as in Skins some street sections seem to disappear entirely!
6. Starter for 10 – Bristol Temple Meads
If you’re visiting Bristol, why not head there via Temple Meads Station, which (as well as being in the heart of the city centre) is itself a filming location. It featured in Starter for 10, the 2006 comedy-drama following University of Bristol student Brian Jackson.
7. Doctor Who – Chez Marcel and Clifton Suspension Bridge
CBBC’s Doctor Who is another show where Bristol’s had a lot of cameos. Featuring at points St Stephens Church and Imperial Park, as well as the outside of Bristol University’s Royal Fort House, Doctor Who’s truly made its way around the city. If you haven’t already, make sure you visit the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, featured in Revolution of the Daleks. Doctor Who’s most ambitious Bristol shoot so far was again filmed in the Old City, with explosions, destroyed vehicles, soldiers – the lot! After exploring the sites of Bristol city, pop into famed creperie Chez Marcel, which was fashioned into a toyshop called ‘Mr Emporium’, in The Giggle.
8. Sherlock – Ashton Court
The celebrated Sherlock Holmes adaptation starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman used Bristol for some of its filming locations. From Bristol South Swimming pool, where Moriarty and Sherlock came face-to-face in The Great Game to the historic Victoria Rooms, the courthouse exterior in The Sign of the Three, locations are tucked away across the city. Ashton Court, a picturesque park located just outside the city centre featured in The Abominable Bride and (now the weather’s improving) is definitely worth a visit. With over 850 acres of grass and woodland, the imposing Ashton Court Estate, not to mention a Gromit statue, Ashton Court’s a great place for a weekend walk. Pop into the cafe for a drink, and see if you can spot some deer on the way!
9. McDonald and Dodds – Wills Memorial Building
Although set in Bath, much of the beloved detective series McDonald and Dodds was filmed in Bristol. Eagle-eyed viewers might have spotted Berkeley Square and College Green’s Marriott Hotel in the episodes. The interior of the University of Bristol’s Wills Memorial Building appears in season one. The hundred year old landmark is a stunning example of neo-gothic architecture. It’s library, which appears in both Sex Education and the Outlaws has also been used for filming. Since it’s part of the University, most of the building is inaccessible to the public during weekdays. However, you can book a tour of the building, which will show you the splendour of the Great Hall, Council Chamber and ornate libraries. You can even see the view from the top of the tower. Tours take place every Saturday at 11 am and 1 pm and last between 60 and 90 minutes.
10. Down Cemetery Road – Harbourside
This upcoming thriller starring Emma Thompson follows a search for a missing girl in the wake of an explosion. It’s set for release on Apple TV+, and the cast and crew have been spotted filming around Bristol. They’ve filmed scenes on the University of Bristol’s campus and outside Bristol Central Library, to name a few locations. Last month I accidentally walked through their set (sorry). Filming has also taken place on the Harbourside. A bustling area full of boats, bars and eateries (and a Ferris wheel) the Harbourside is a brilliant place to visit, and has something for everyone. Whether it’s a quiet morning walk along the Avon or an evening out with mates, the Harbourside is definitely worth a visit.
That’s it for our list of Bristol’s top filming locations to visit. Did we miss any? If you’re looking to explore more of this vibrant city, check out our guides to Bristol’s hidden gems and things to do for under £10.
