Top 10 British Countryside Shooting Locations for Film and Photography

There’s something magnetic about the British countryside. It’s not just the light, though that soft, unpredictable glow does half the cinematography for you. It’s the texture, the stillness, the history that seems to hum through every frame. For filmmakers and photographers, rural Britain shows its real character. Here are ten countryside locations that deliver story, scale, and style in one shot.

1. The Location House West Midlands Filming Location

Let’s start close to home. Nestled just outside Birmingham, The Location House is a 19th-century manor that fuses heritage elegance with production-ready features. You’ll find ornate ceilings, marble fireplaces, and landscaped gardens, all within easy reach of the M42 and Birmingham Airport. The natural light is exceptional, the rooms are flexible, and privacy is guaranteed.Perfect for period dramas, fashion campaigns, and editorial photography.

2. Castle Combe Wiltshire Filming Village

Often called England’s prettiest village, Castle Combe feels suspended in time. Honey-stone cottages, quiet lanes, and the old market cross offer stunning backdrops in any season. It’s appeared in War Horse and Stardust and it’s easy to see why. Space is limited, so secure parking and filming permits early.Ideal for romantic dramas, heritage TV, and lifestyle editorials.

3. The Cotswolds Country House Shoot Locations

Rolling hills, golden stone, and postcard villages, The Cotswolds remain the benchmark for English countryside charm. Burford, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water all deliver rich visuals and period texture. Crews love the variety and drone-friendly vistas. Stay locally, because once golden hour hits, you’ll want to keep shooting.Best for high-end fashion, period storytelling, and lifestyle brands.

4. Dartmoor Devon Scenic Film Location

Wild, moody, and cinematic. Dartmoor’s granite tors, misty valleys, and rugged beauty create atmosphere in every frame. Weather can shift fast, use that unpredictability to your advantage. Coordinate with the Dartmoor National Park Authority before you roll cameras.Perfect for thrillers, automotive ads, and dramatic brand visuals.

5. Lake District Cumbria Filming and Photography Hotspot

Few places offer this much natural scale. The Lake District is breathtaking year-round, with mirrored waters and peaks that change colour by the hour. Locations like Grasmere and Ullswater are crew favourites. Bring waterproofs and patience. The shifting light will reward you.Best for cinematic features, adventure campaigns, and luxury travel shoots.

6. Blenheim Palace Oxfordshire Heritage Location

When the brief calls for grandeur, Blenheim Palace answers. This UNESCO-listed estate offers sweeping parklands, ornate architecture, and centuries of storytelling in a single frame. Permissions are essential but worth the effort, Blenheim’s scale is unmatched.Ideal for prestige fashion, historical film, and automotive showcases.

7. South Downs Sussex Coastal Shooting Location

For bright skies and dramatic cliff views, head to the South Downs. The Seven Sisters and Beachy Head are instantly recognisable and endlessly photogenic. The light here (especially at dawn) is clean and cinematic. Plan drone work carefully around airspace restrictions.Great for music videos, commercials, and travel campaigns.

8. The New Forest Hampshire Countryside Location

Where ponies roam free and light filters through ancient oak. The New Forest offers tranquil clearings, rustic villages, and a timeless sense of place. Brockenhurst is your best base for access and amenities.Perfect for romantic dramas, fashion shoots, and lifestyle photography.

9. Yorkshire Dales Northern England Filming Destination

Vast skies, stone walls, and windswept hills, the Yorkshire Dales are pure cinematic power. Villages like Grassington and Malham are steeped in character. Local authorities are film-friendly, and the landscape can double for multiple eras or settings.Best for TV dramas, outdoor fashion, and documentary projects.

10. Scottish Borders Countryside Shooting Location

Rugged coastlines, quiet forests, and misty castles - the Scottish Borders offer scale and solitude in one sweep. The mix of moorland and coastline gives you incredible diversity within an hour’s drive.Ideal for fantasy films, cinematic fashion, and brand storytelling.

Plan and Book Your Next Countryside Shoot

When you need a countryside location that blends period beauty with logistical ease, The Location House delivers. Just 20 minutes from Birmingham, it’s a private manor with gardens, natural light, and adaptable rooms ready for production.

Explore The Location House’s countryside portfolio today and find your next unforgettable backdrop