Local Area Information and Filming

Lacock Village - National Trust www.lacock village

A quintessential English village looks much like it did 200 years ago. It's oldest house is older than the thirteenth century abbey.  The village is a firm favourite for film and TV producers, most notably for its picturesque streets and historic cottages, untouched by modern alterations.  The villages most famous appearances include Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, Cranford and the Harry Potter films.

Lacock Abbey - National Trust www.abbey and fox talbot museum

The Abbey was founded in the early thirteenth century.  The house was built over the old cloisters and its main rooms are on the first floor.  The house passed into the hands of the Talbot family and during the nineteenth century was the residence of  William Henry Fox Talbot who was a Victorian English scientist, inventor and photography pioneer who created the earliest surviving photographic negative in 1835, an image of one of the abbey windows. 

Longleat www.longleat

The UK's No 1 Safari Park, Longleat is home to over 500 animals, including giraffes, monkeys, rhinos, elephants, lions, tigers and wolves. The jungle cruise, penguin island, jungle kingdom and monkey temple are just some of the numerous attractions within Longleat to explore. Alternatively be transported back in time by visiting Longleat House and wander through the sweeping corridors and grand rooms.  Explore the stunning architecture and the Capability Brown landscaped grounds. A great day out for all the family.

Bath www.bath

Bath's stunning honey-coloured Georgian architecture is straight from a Jane Austen Novel - highlights include the iconic Royal Cresent and the majestic Circus. Built for pleasure and relaxation, beautiful Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times. The waters are still a big draw, both at the ancient Roman Baths and the thoroughly modern Thermae Bath Spa, which house the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain you can bathe in. 

Stonehenge - English Hertitage www.stonehenge

Walk in the footsteps of your Neolithic ancestors at Stonehenge - one of the wonders of the world and the best-known prehistoric monument in Europe.  Explore the ancient landscape on foot and step inside the Neolithic houses to discover the tolls and objects of everyday Neolithic life. Visit the world-class exhibition and visitor centre with 250 ancient objects and come face to face with a 5,500 year old man.

Avebury - National Trust www.avebury

An ancient stone circle, museum and manor house, discover the world heritage site at Avebury. Explore a fascinating history dating back over 4,000 years. You can wander amoung the standing stones of the largest stone circle in the world and marvel at the human ingenuity and dedication to create the enormous bank and ditch with no more than bones and stones.

Castle Coombe www.castle combe

Castle Coombe is another quintessentially English village close to Lacock.  The village sits in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has featured regularly as a film location, most recently in The Wolf Man, Stardust and Stephen Spielberg's War Horse. It was also featured in the original Dr Doolittle film.  The Castle Coombe Circuit is close by, the home of motorsport in the West Country, welcoming fans of racing, car shows and events for the past 65 years.

Bowood House and Gardens www.bowood

Discover the rich and fascinating history of Bowood House and the Landsdowne family, set within 100 acres of beautifully landscaped Capability Brown parkland.  There is an adrenaline-fuelled adventure playground featuring a life size pirate ship and a soft play area for younger children.

Filming

Original timber-framed cottages line the streets of the village, which is cared for by the National Trust, making it a perfect filming location as the view is free from satellite dishes and overhead cabling.  'Cranford', 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Downton Abbey' have been filmed in the village, making use of the beautiful cottages as a backdrop.

Downton Abbey

The Downton Abbey crew transformed Church Street into a 1920s livestock market. Sheep, pigs and a one-tonne long horned bull joined the cast, as well as many extras, creating a bustling market scene attended by Lord Gratham, his family and many of the cast. The famous characters from above and below stairs wandered the streets of Lacock; Lord and Lady Grantham and their daughters Lady Mary and Lady Edith were there  and all of the staff from Mr Carson to Mrs Patmore. 'We are all massive fans, so spotting Lady Mary, Thomas and Mr Bates on the streets that we walk everyday was an absolute treat.'

Harry Potter

Lacock has featured in several of the Harry Potter movies.  Lacock Abbey features as Hogwarts.  The cloisters and several rooms inside the ancient building have played their part in creating JK Rowlings' vision of the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  Amongst the rooms that you might spot from Lacock Abbey are Professor McGonagall, Quirrel and Snape's classrooms.  The memorable scene where Dobby turns on Lucius Malfoy and tells him that 'you shall not harm Harry Potter!' is also recognisable as the cloisters from Lacock Abbey. One of the village's houses was used as Harry's childhood home, the place where Voldemort kills Lily Potter in front of her son.  Harry Potter Locations include the Abbey, Church Street and the Angel Inn.

Cranford

Although Cranford is set in Cheshire, Lacock was the perfect scene setter and thus got a starring role.  The production based on three Elizabeth Gaskell novellas stared a plethora of British acting talent including Dames Judi Dench and Eileen Atkins. 

The Hollow Crown

Lacock Abbey starred in 'The Hollow Crown: The War of the Roses' alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Dame Judi Dench.