What Blockbuster Movies and Series were Filmed in Bath?

1. Bridgerton

Everyone’s favourite period drama Bridgerton first hit screens in December 2020 as audiences were left tranced by the sex, scandal, gossip, and mystery surrounding Lady Whistledown’s identity that Bridgerton created. Although set in the luxury corridors of Regency London, large parts of the series were filmed in our wonderful city of Bath. 

The mesmerising pillared Holbourne Museum set in Sydney Gardens was used as Lady Danbury’s estate, whilst the picturesque Royal Crescent was used by producers to showcase the outside of the Featherington household. Additionally, various travelling shots used in the series were filmed on Bath’s grand Georgian stone streets. 

Filming for season 2 of Bridgerton is currently ongoing and it is expected that Bath will once again be given a starring role. 

2. Poldark

Bath has developed a relationship with historical dramas, and this is again the case with the 2015 television series Poldark that focuses on Ross Poldark' (Aidan Turner) return to Cornwall after fighting in the American War of Independence in 1783. 

Naturally, large parts of the series was shot on Cornwall’s scenic coasts, however, our beautiful city of Bath was still put under the spotlight with the BBC using Bath’s Prior Park College as the Truro Assembly Room’s ballroom, along with the National Trust property Great Chalfield Manor that can be found on the outskirts of Bath and was used as the home of Caroline and her family before later being revisited for a brief period in season three and four as Poldark takes a walk through the manor gardens.
 

3. The Other Boleyn Girl

Hitting the big screen in 2007, The Other Boleyn Girl focuses on the sibling rivalry between Anne Boleyn and her younger sister Mary as they both vie for the attention of a youthful King Henry VIII. 

Starring Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman, this blockbuster was filmed in locations around England including on the outskirts of Bath in Melksham as the National Trust property Great Chalfield Manor was used to show the exterior of the Boleyn estate in Kent. You can visit the manor yourself and find out more information here.

4. The Pursuit of Love

New to 2021, The Pursuit of Love will be airing on BBC One on Sunday 9th May. This three-episode mini-series is a period comedy-drama based on the classic novel by Nancy Mitford full of humour and thought-provoking themes surrounding love. 

Like many other successful period series, Bath was a sought-after filming location with areas of Green Park Station and Green Park Road being used for scenes including Mamma Mia and Downton Abbey star Lily James. 

5. The Remains of the Day

A film that is perhaps more widely remembered by middle-aged audiences, The Remains of the Day appeared on UK cinema screens for the first time in November 1993. The story follows the life of butler played by Anthony Hopkins and the duties he must perform at Darlington Hall as his loyalties are tested by his lordly employer in the build-up to the beginning of World War 2. 

The magnificent Darlington Hall however isn’t actually in Darlington and is in fact the brilliant National Trust property Dyrham Park that can be found on the drive into Bath on the A46. Dyrham Park is open to visitors and more information can be found here.

6. McDonald & Dodds

This thrilling crime drama from 2020 was not only filmed in Bath, but it's set in Bath too - so it's really putting our city on the map! The plot consists of two wildly different detectives who are thrown together in this fascinating drama to solve crimes in the city of Bath. Gripping doesn't even cover it!

This series is filmed in various places across the city, with a focus on the magnificent crescent we all know and love - Royal Crescent. Some parts are filmed in Bristol however the drama is primarily based in Bath. The series is ongoing with series two airing in 2021, so keep your eyes peeled for Bath appearing on your screens again very soon!