As you could easily imagine, North Yorkshire can be quite a draw when it comes to looking for a suitably stunning location when making a Film of TV show. Indeed, many a location scout or director/producer has opted to film some, or indeed all of their big or small screen productions in our beautiful county.
Some are well known, such as Castle Howard for Brideshead Revisited, Goathland for the ever-popular Heartbeat or Thirsk and area for the perennial favourite All Creatures Great and Small.
But what about the others? There are lots and here’s our basic guide to what’s been filmed and where, in God’s Own County of North Yorkshire. If you are a film or TV buff then you might wish to visit some of these wonderful locations when you visit!
The “SatNav / Google Maps” information is Latitude & Longitude coordinates.
Goathland
Featured in: “Heartbeat”, “Harry Potter” and “The Royal”
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.400320,-0.719970
Goathland was the location for the fictional village of Aidensfield, the setting for Heartbeat, which was set in the 1960’s. Heartbeat and the career of it’s creator, the late Peter N. Walker, can be found in more detail here. Many locations around the village, as used in the TV series, are easily recognisable and Goathland retains a healthy tourist trade in many ways thanks to the work of Peter N. Walker. Goathland station, part of the world-famous North Yorkshire Moors Railway, appeared as Hogsmeade station in the film Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone. The platform shop became the Prefects Room and the ladies toilets were transformed into the Wizards Room!
Malham Cove
Featured in: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1)”, “Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights” (1992)& “The Trip” (Steve Coogan & Rob Brydon)
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.072768,-2.157975
Staying with a Harry Potter theme, but moving from the first film in the series to the first part of the last (as it was split into two), Malham Cove, in the stunning Yorkshire Dales National Park, featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. With its 260 foot high limestone cliff, shaped like a natural amphiteatre, Malham Cove is also believed to have been the inspiration behind Tolkien’s fort, “Helm’s Deep” in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.
Castle Howard
Featured in: Both the film & TV versions of “Brideshead Revisited”, “Death Comes to Pemberley”, “Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties” and “Victoria”.
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.120884,-0.912329
Castle Howard is a magnificent 18th century residence, set within the breathtaking landscape of the Howardian Hills, just outside York. This stately home boasts world-renowned works or art and stunning architecture, having been designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and built with the assistance of Nicholas Hawksmoor. A perfect family day out, you can marvel at the unique architectural design of the 18th century house with its contrasting baroque and palladian wings and dramatic dome.
With 1,000 acres of parkland, incorporating rolling lawns, lakes, fountains, temples, woodland, an ornamental walled garden and children’s playground, there is something for all ages. Visitors can also enjoy a changing programme of events, children’s trails and a range of cafés and shops including a farm shop and garden centre.
Rievaulx Abbey
Featured in: “Transformers - The Last Knight”
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.257412,-1.116783
Rievaulx Abbey, near Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park, was the first Cistercian monastery in the north of England, founded in 1132 by from Clairvaux Abbey in North Eastern France. It is unlikely monks were robots in disguise......
Staithes
Featured in: The CBeebies show “Old Jack’s Boat” with the late Bernard Cribbins.
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.558711,-0.793699
The wonderful Bernard Cribbins starred as “Old Jack”, a retired fisherman who enjoys telling stories whilst from his boat, “The Rainbow”. Staithes itself was once one of the busiest fishing ports on the north east coast and was also a major source of Potash, Jet, Iron and Alum. A stunning location with much to offer, especially to amateur and professional geologists alike, being in a prime location on North Yorkshire’s “Dinosaur Coast”.
Duncombe Park
Featured in: The 2016 film version of the ever-popular series “Dad’s Army”, as well as “Parade’s End” and “The Thirteenth Tale”.
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.240117,-1.075583
An eighteenth century house (built in 1717), with modifications added by Sir Charles Barry in the mid 1800’s. Duncombe Park is well known for its serpentine terrace with fine views, it also enjoys an Ionic Temple to the north and a Tuscan Temple to the south as well as a Father Time sundial.
Harrogate
Featured in: “Chariots of Fire”, “Agatha” (1979) starring Dustin Hoffman & Vanessa Redgrave, “Ain’t Misbehavin” (BBC) and Secret Garden.
SatNav / Google Maps: 53.992119,-1.541812
Harrogate’s heritage as a spa resort is evidenced in the Montpellier Quarter, where you can find the Royal Pump Room Museum, detailing the importance of the local mineral springs. Nearby is the rennovated Turkish Baths & Health Spa. Do visit Valley Gardens, a beautiful open space, featuring an art deco Sun Pavilion.
Aysgarth Falls
Featured in: “Robin Hood: Prince of Theives”
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.294561,-1.983379
Aysgarth Falls, an incredible triple-flight of waterfalls, was carved out by the River Ure over a mile-long stretch on its journey down Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales. We cannot guarantee you will catch sight of Kevin Costner!
Thirsk
Featured in: The famous BBC TV series “All Creatures Great and Small” and currently in Channel 5’s “The Yorkshire Vet”.
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.232491,-1.342850
Thirsk is a wonderful market town, made famous by being the workplace of Alf Wight, vet and author (contemporary of Peter N. Walker of Heartbeat fame) otherwise known by his pen name of James Herriott. You can find the Herriott Museum just off the town square.
Brimham Rocks
Featured in: “A Woman of Substance”.
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.079709,-1.684627
Operated by the National Trust, Brimham Rocks is an incredible assortment of rock formations, sculpted over mellenia by the elements. Brimham Rocks is a popular day out for families, as well as climbers (casual and more dedicated), walkers and anyone who enjoys incredible views of North Yorkshire, specifically Nidderdale and the Vale of York.
Pickering Station
Featured in: “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, “Possession”, “Full Steam Ahead”, “Dad’s Army” and “The Yorkshire Steam Railway”.
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.247265,-0.778405
Pickering Station is at one end of the famous North Yorkshire Moors Railway and also hosts the annual “Railway In Wartime” weekend, when you can see period vehicles and outfits worn by the many participants in this celebration of our recent history.
York: City Cruises & the River Ouse
Featured in: Bodies (2023, Netflix), and Patience (2024/25, Channel 4)
Satnav / Google Maps: 53.9602221,-1.0869486
Synopsis (Bodies): 4 Detectives from 1890, 1941, 2023 & 2053 find the body of the same murder victim in Whitechapel.
Take a trip on the boat used in the series on the beautiful River Ouse. Join City Cruises on-board their sightseeing cruise and discover fascinating facts from your seat on the top deck or wrapped up warm in their enclosed saloon. Wherever you sit you will have a great view to uncover the history of this ancient city and the immense impact the River Ouse has had on its development.
Along the cruise you'll spot many famous city landmarks, including the breathtaking gothic beauty of York Minster, Clifford's Tower, one of the only fortifications left of the castle that oversaw York after 1066, the many Bridges that cross the Ouse, the serene Museum Gardens, the medieval Guildhall and much, much more!
Synopsis (Patience): Intriguing crime drama with Laura Fraser and Ella Maisy Purvis. Talented autistic archivist Patience enters an unpredictable world when detective Bea spots her unique crime-solving skills.
York Minster
Featured in: “Henry VIII”, “Elizabeth” and “Death Comes to Pemberley”.
SatNav / Google Maps: 53.962330,-1.081921
One of the most stunning cathedrals in the world and jewel in the crown of the City of York, York Minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York (currently Stephen Cottrell), and the position of which is the thirdhighest office of the Church of England, after Her Majesty the Queen and the Archbishop of Canterbury. York Minster, also known as the “Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter”, it is the mother church for the Diocese of York as well as the Province of York.
Honourable Mentions
Whitby
Featured in: Various productions of “Dracula”
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.486415,-0.617382
Ripley Castle
Featured in: “Escape from the Dark”
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.040286,-1.569839
Settle
Featured in: “Lad: A Yorkshire Story”
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.072220,-2.281590
Fountains Abbey
Featured in: “Omen III: The Final Conflict”
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.109776,-1.581135
Kettlewell
Featured in: “Calendar Girls”
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.147168,-2.047466
Newby Hall
Featured in: “Mansfield Park” & “Peaky Blinders”
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.101686,-1.469469
Bolton Abbey
Featured in: “Peaky Blinders”
SatNav / Google Maps: 53.981609,-1.891340
Scarborough
Featured in: “A Chorus of Disapproval” and “PC Penrose”
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.283112,-0.399752
Robin Hoods Bay
Featured in: “David Copperfield”
SatNav / Google Maps: 54.434030,-0.534420
If you want a relaxing snack/refreshment then why not pop into our Forest Café or Courtyard Café & tuck into something from the menu of locally produced snacks & meals for all the family. For some, a gentle and relaxing stroll within the forest is their idea of heaven. Choose one of our way-marked trails of varying lengths, with a number of trails suitable for all abilities, wheelchairs or pushchairs. The popular Ellerburn Trail is an easy route from the main car park and follows the Dalby Beck south, down the valley. Keep an eye out for our Gruffalo lurking in the deep dark wood! Guide maps for the way-marked trails are available from the Visitor Centre.
For those who like to relax, there’s always a quiet corner to watch the wildlife and take in the fresh air and scenery. The Bridestones National Trust walk can be accessed from within Dalby Forest, allowing exploration of the natural geological rock formations situated on the moorland.
Work in teams at the Dalby Activity Centre, raising adrenalin levels by paintballing, archery and other activities for corporate groups, birthday parties or stag & hen groups. For more information visit www.dalbyactivitycentre.co.uk.
Dalby Forest is the perfect outdoor venue for corporate training sessions and team building; why not hire our meeting rooms with easy access and views over the forest. Or for adventurous couples seeking that alternative wedding venue we have a license for marriages and civil partnerships on site & also work with Woodland Weddings for the outdoor celebrations. To tie the knot at Dalby or use one of our meeting rooms contact dalbyvisitorcentre@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.
The forest offers a diverse range of special events throughout the year including music concerts, motorsports events, guided walks, craft sessions, seasonal events, cycling and running events, and children’s holiday activities, plus wildlife and nature events. For further information on the activities and events visit www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest
To take advantage of the forest throughout the year purchase an annual pass. For a not unreasonable fee you will get unlimited entry to the site for one vehicle and other benefits too. For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/pass.
For further information about Dalby Forest, including opening hours and seasonal admission charges, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest.
