Starring GREAT Britain - featuring Derbyshire and the Peak District
As seen on screen: Derbyshire and the Peak District has starred in countless TV shows and movies.
Film and TV shows are powerful motivators for travel, and research has shown that more than 9 out of 10 potential visitors to the UK are keen to visit a film or TV location during their trip.
VisitBritain's new campaign, ‘Starring GREAT Britain’, is harnessing this trend using films and TV shows to inspire more visitors to choose Britain, to explore more and come now.
With an abundance of stunning stately homes and breathtaking countryside, it's no wonder that Derbyshire and the Peak District is regularly used as a backdrop for blockbuster films and TV series.
By visiting the Peak District, you can not only immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes but also walk in the footsteps of countless actors, directors, and crew members who have chosen this region as the perfect backdrop for their stories. So, whether you're a film enthusiast, a TV buff, or simply someone who enjoys beautiful, cinematic landscapes, the Peak District is a must-visit. We really are the star of the show!
On location
Haddon Hall
One of the UK’s best-preserved medieval houses was the recent setting for the blockbuster Mary Queen of Scots, starring Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan - a fitting choice considering Derbyshire's links to the real Mary Queen of Scots.
In the new film, Haddon was used in scenes representing Hampton Court Palace; as the interior of Lord Darnley’s Chamber at Holyrood; and as a servant prep room. The Hall's entrance and lower courtyard were also used as a makeshift camp.
Haddon Hall was the backdrop for several film and TV versions of Jane Eyre, including Cory Fukunagas’s acclaimed 2011 movie, cult film The Princess Bride, Elizabeth, Pride and Prejudice and The Other Boleyn Girl. More recently they hosted the production of Wolf Hall and Firebrand starring Jude Law.
Chatsworth
The magnificent home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, and often referred to as ‘the jewel in the Peak District’s crown’, Chatsworth House was used as the location for films such as Pride and Prejudice film & TV series, The Duchess and The Wolfman, plus TV dramas such as the BBC’s Death Comes to Pemberley and Peaky Bliders.
This year, Chatsworth will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, alongside the 20th anniversary of Chatsworth House being immortalised on screen as 'Pemberley', home of one of Austen's best loved characters Mr Darcy, in the 2005 film adaptation starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. There will be a weekend of open air cinema, talks, a regency ball, and more.
Hardwick Hall
Bess of Hardwick’s impressive Elizabethan masterpiece – which earned a reputation for having ‘more glass than wall’ – was featured in the 2019 Mary Queen of Scots movie, starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie.
In Mary Queen of Scots, the hall and grounds at Hardwick were used as external shots of Hampton Court Palace, including a scene where actress Margot Robbie (Queen Elizabeth I) is standing on the roof of Hardwick Hall (the roof is closed to visitors).
Hardwick was also the inspiration for Malfoy Manor in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows.
Derwent Valley
This scenic training ground where the 617 Dam Busters squadron practiced low-level flying for raids on German dams in the Second World War was featured in the famous film The Dam Busters. More recently, Ladybower Reservoir's giant 'plug hole' was used in scenes for Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.
The star of the show
Places to Stay
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Rocking Stone Cottages
Situated in the heart of the Peak District above the charming village of Birchover, Rocking Stone Cottages are the ideal base for exploring the…
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Lowe's Mill Cottages at Torr Vale Mill
Set in the panoramic surroundings on the banks of the River Goyt, this wonderful 18th century cotton mill provides everything you need.
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Novotel Sheffield Centre Hotel
The Novotel Sheffield Centre hotel offers family-friendly rooms right in the heart of Sheffield, a short walk to the train station.
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Bosgin Cottage
Bosgin Cottage is a spacious cottage that has been converted from a barn by the owners to a luxury and cosy holiday home.
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Hartington Hills
Hartington Hills, formerly Upper Hurst Farm, is a premium touring and camping site with a variety of glamping and holiday accommodation in the heart…
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Cow Close Farm by Wild & Other
Restful, eco-friendly holiday cottages in a picturesque Derbyshire village, set in 20 acres of beautiful countryside.
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Brosterfield Farm
Brosterfield Farm is located in the heart of the Peak District, in a little village called Foolow. With the perfect location close to Eyam,…
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Mercure Sheffield St Paul's Hotel & Spa
Hotel for travellers looking for local and authentic experiences
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