Screen Steps: Kent’s Famous Film & TV Locations
Before film existed as we know it today, storytelling, theatre and the visual arts looked a little less like blockbusters, movie franchises and West End productions, and a little more like tales told through shadowpuppets and lanterns. In particular, since the first photographic camera was invented in 1816 by the French inventor, Joseph Nicephore Niepce, the development of visual art forms across the world has been exponential. Where motion pictures were once soundless, black and white and under a minute long, movies can now be high definition with epic soundtracks and the scope to delve into individual characters’ stories for hours.
For those who want to take a star-struck step into the spotlight of their favourite TV or movie scenes, Kent has plenty of iconic productions filmed under its belt. Famously known as the Hollywood of the South East, consider this your itinerary for a screen-themed escape in Kent, from places to walk, dine and stay in the footsteps of your very favourite performers.
Image by: Neal Street Productions
Where they filmed Call the Midwife (2012 – )
The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Chatham
A heartwarming tale of life in London’s East End, Call the Midwife is a historical drama that follows the challenging lives of midwives working between the 1950s and 1970s. Covering various social issues and historical events of the era, the show is based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth, a nurse and midwife who trained at the Royal Berkshire Hospital before relocating to poverty-stricken London.
Though the show so perfectly captures the cobblestoned streets and red-brick exteriors of London’s East End, some might be surprised to learn that many of these scenes are filmed at The Historic Dockyard Chatham. Within the series, the outside of the ropery and officer’s terrace were both used to replicate the streets of London, and the Tarred Yarn Store was made into the boxing club featured in season six.
One of its kind in the world, the dockyard offers Call the Midwife Official Location Tours up until 31 October, where visitors can walk in the footsteps of Sister Julienne, Nurse Franklin and Dr Turner to see where the true drama happens. During the 90-minute tour, you’ll be guided through the dockyard by a costumed midwife equipped with tales of their ‘sisters’ before gaining access to the sets, props and costumes in an all-new exclusive gallery. One of Kent’s most well-known filming locations, you might recognise the Commissioner’s House Garden from many of the garden scenes within Bridgerton (2020-), as well as locations from Les Misérables (2012) and Sherlock Holmes (2009) as you explore. After the tour, be sure to check out The Mess Deck restaurant for some fresh beer-battered fish and chips with garden peas and homemade tartar for an authentic British experience.
Where they filmed The Tunnel (2013 – 2018)
Folkestone Harbour Arm, Folkestone
A British-French crime drama television series that debuted on Sky Atlantic in the UK, The Tunnel (2013-2018) follows two detectives named Karl Roebuck and Elise Wasserman as they work to find a serial killer. Filmed across East Kent from February to August of 2013. iconic locations featured within the show include The Turner Contemporary, The Port of Dover and of course, Folkestone Harbour Arm.
A restored promenade to sea with a world-class view, Folkestone Harbour Arm is home to a growing variety of independent businesses, from bustling street food kiosks to cosy cafes, restaurants and bars. At Gilda Bakery, visitors can browse the artisanal pastries before heading to Sole Kitchen for a mouthwatering range of seafood dishes, then browsing the Redress and the Tee Shop’s range of rare, nostalgic and collectible vintage T-shirts. With much of the filming for The Tunnel having taken place along the coastline, it’s easy to make a day out of a screen-inspired adventure through Kent. Series enthusiasts can visit the Port Dover Harbour Museum or stop by The Lighthouse, then browse the latest exhibitions at Margate’s Turner Contemporary before turning in for the night at the No.42 by GuestHouse, one of Margate’s most luxurious seafront hotels.
Where they filmed Bridgerton (2020 – )
Based on a series of novels by the bestselling American writer, Julia Quinn, Bridgerton (2020) revolves around London’s ton in the Regency era, during the season when debutantes are presented at court. With each season following a different Bridgerton siblings’ love story, Netflix announced that the show was watched by more than 82 million accounts in its first month, breaking records for the streaming service.
Despite its London setting, the series has so far mostly been filmed in Bath and at English country homes in Hampshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Kent. One of which is Squerryes Court, a 17th-century manor house that makes its Bridgerton debut in the opening scene of season three, episode one. A stunning location where the first garden part of the year is held, the blossom-covered trees and green gardens were the perfect backdrop for the scene. Curious fans can enquire about private tours of Squerryes Court via their website.
Alternatively, visit the Squerryes Winery and Vineyard just a six-minute drive away and dine in their two AA Rosette award-winning restaurant that serves produce from the Squerryes estate alongside beautiful views across the vineyard. Until 31 October, Summer Tours and Tastings can also be booked for £40 per person, led by one of Squerryes’ experienced wine ambassadors around the family-owned estate, tasting vintage sparkling wines and learning all about its 300-year history. For a relaxing overnight stay, Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa is just a 30-minute drive up the M25 from Squerryes Winery and Vineyard, offering expansive countryside views, four-star luxury and sublime pampering. After a long day of walking, the Utopia spa is fit with therapy pools, bubble tubs, a sauna, gym and treatment rooms for guests to unwind in and enjoy.
Where they filmed The Crown (2016 – 2023)
High Street, Rochester
A historical drama television series inspired by the story of Queen Elizabeth II and the personal and political events that her reign was shaped by, The Crown (2016 – 2023) was a popular show first released on Netflix in 2016. Peeking into the private life of the monarch, this acclaimed dramatisation landed 18 Emmy nominations for its sixth and final season, which followed the royal family into the early 2000s.
For fans of the show, one of their most iconic scenes was filmed in Kent; the wedding of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. With Rochester High Street’s Guildhall doubling as Windsor Guildhall in the backdrop, local businesses across Rochester town were decorated with bunting to celebrate the event that originally happened in 2005. For those who’d like to have their very own royal-inspired day out in Rochester, there is the historic Rochester Cathedral to explore as well as Baggins Book Bazaar, England’s largest second-hand bookshop. For an on-theme bite to eat, why not enjoy an afternoon tea in style at Cafe Nucleus for just £40 per person? Alternatively, drive just 15 minutes to Cobham Hall, another iconic location from the show. Within seasons five and six, Cobham Hall was used to replicate Eton College, and though a co-educational school for students aged 11 – 18, they offer public tours on set days of the year for visitors to walk in the footsteps of royal characters for the day, which can be booked through their website (cobhamhall.com).
Where they filmed The Princess Bride (1987)
Penshurst Place & Gardens, Tonbridge
An extremely popular filming location where other productions such as Mary Queen of Scots (2018), Renegade Nell (2024) and Merlin (2008) were once filmed, Penshurst Place & Gardens welcomed the cast of The Princess Bride (1987) almost four decades ago.
Based on the 1973 book by American writer William Goldman, The Princess Bride (1987) was adapted into a fantasy adventure comedy film directed and co-produced by Rob Reiner. A tale of giants, sword fights, pirates and true love, the movie’s iconic fight scene between the protagonist Inigo Montoya and antagonist Count Rugen was filmed within The Baron’s Hall at Penshurst. Featuring the original 60ft-high beamed ceiling, The Baron’s Hall is a popular sight for visitors of Penshurst, the home and gardens of which were once used by Henry VIII as a hunting lodge. In the present, history and movie enthusiasts alike can explore Penshurst’s collection of antique furniture, family portraits and skilfully crafted tapestries. To rest your head after a long day’s adventuring through the grounds of Penshurst Place & Gardens, take a 30-minute drive south to The Bell in Ticehurst, a quirky hotel and pub that is a home away from home for all. With menus featuring seasonal and locally sourced fresh ingredients, we’d recommend heading there at the weekend to enjoy a quintessential Sunday roast.
Where they filmed Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
A Disney media franchise including a series of films, spin-off novels, video games and various theme park rides, Pirates of the Caribbean is an iconic name within the 21st-century film industry. Following the adventures of the legendary pirate, Jack Sparrow, the fourth movie, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) sees the protagonist journey to find the Fountain of Youth.
For a scene involving the gallows, the 18th-century manor house of Knole Park was used, building the structure within the large inner courtyard. Thankfully, however, the set didn’t become a permanent part of the furniture as the courtyard at Knole Park is now just as picturesque as the rest of the 600-year-old estate! Featuring sprawling lawns, a tranquil orangery, walled garden and medieval orchard, there is plenty to explore within the grounds of Knole Park. For those wanting to extend their swashbuckling day out, Bluewater is just a 25-minute drive away, with its Pirate Cove Adventure Golf open daily from 11am-7pm. Located approximately halfway between Knole Park and Bluewater, the Brandshatch Place Hotel & Spa offers sophisticated overnight stays as well as delicious breakfasts to refuel you for the next adventure.
Image by: Peter Smith
Where they filmed The Great (2020 – 2023)
Hever Castle & Gardens, Edenbridge
A historical comedy-drama based on the life of the Russian empress, Catherine the Great, Elle Fanning starred alongside Nicholas Hoult in the fan-favourite show. Created, written and executive produced by Tony McNamara, the show’s three seasons can be found on Channel 4.
In episode eight of season one, Hever Castle doubles as an unnamed Eastern European House as Elle and Nicholas’s characters meet the Swedish King Hugo on the castle’s Loggia Terrace. Located at the lake end of the graden, the pillared colonnades mark the descent into the piazza below, with a classical sculpture inspired by Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain. To venture through the grounds in true royal style, the Tudor Garden lies alongside the Yew Maze, with a series of neatly clipped hedges marking small, sheltered gardens. Laid out as they might have been during the time of Henry VIII, the rose-clad Fountain Garden is an excellent spot to sit and relax in the summer. For those who planned ahead with a picnic, the Half Moon Lawn provides both sun and shade with views of the fountain, pond and picturesque bridges across the moat. A well-known historic filming destination, it’s no wonder that many movie-lovers stay the night at Hever Castle. Offering five star luxury stays at both their bed and breakfast or holiday cottage, Medley Court, accommodation can be pre-booked on their website.
Where they filmed Heartstopper (2022 – 2024)
A British coming-of-age television series created for Netflix, Heartstopper (2022 – 2024) is based on Alice Oseman’s webcomic and graphic novel series of the same name. Telling the love story of Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring, the series has been praised for its cinematography, stellar soundtrack and use of traditional animations onscreen.
One of the most popular scenes of the show comes at the end of season one, when Nick and Charlie spend a day at the seaside, the beach scene of which was filmed in Herne Bay. Where colourful beach huts line the shores, eager-eyed fans will be able to spot neighbouring orange and blue huts where the actors Kit Connor and Joe Locke once ran across the pebbles on our screens. To make an afternoon out of the visit, The Green Door Deli on William Street offers sandwiches, toasties, sausage rolls and everything in between. A great spot for a slice of cake and cup of coffee, make sure to grab a window seat to truly immerse yourself in the cafe’s seaside charm. Author Alice Oseman recently announced that the conclusion to the Heartstopper story will come with a feature film set to begin filming this summer. Speaking with Netflix’s Tudum, she said: “I want the movie to capture this transitional moment for [Nick and Charlie] as a couple – from teens to adults, from teen romance to forever love, from past to future.”
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