Are you ready for your closeup? Not only is Bristol a recognised featured location in its own right, but is also a production hub for many TV programmes and films. Bristol was awarded UNESCO City of Film status in 2017, becoming one of 21 across the world, and in 2023 celebrated its film heritage with the Bristol Summer Film Take Over.
The city is home to a multitude of film festivals, indie cinemas and one of the world’s last video shops with its own teeny cinema screens, so this is the place to be if you’re a bit of a film buff!
Bristol Productions
There's a booming film and TV industry in the city, which is home to The Bottle Yard Studios, BBC Studios, Channel 4’s Creative Hub, and Aardman Animations. Bristol is also home to several natural history production companies too, including the BBC’s Natural History Unit, which has produced several of legendary biologist David Attenborough’s documentaries, and Doghouse Productions, who have produced a range of factual programmes presented by David Olusoga, Chris Packham, Stephen Fry and many more.
Filmed in Bristol
The Bristol Film Office offers support services to productions planning to film in the city, and since its founding in 2003 has helped numerous film and TV projects become a reality. To find out more about the work they do, click here.
Over the years, Bristol has served as a key filming location for several famous TV shows, from Only Fools and Horses, Skins, and The Outlaws, to Casualty, Sherlock, and Robin of Sherwood. More recently, productions have included the Disney+ adaptatoin of Jilly Cooper's Rivals, Netflix’s hit series Sex Education, Ruby Speaking (penned by Bristolian Jayde Adams), Rain Dogs, Sanditon, and Doctor Who’s 60th anniversary specials.
Major films shot in Bristol include Starter for Ten starring James McAvoy, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society starring Lily James, Stan and Ollie starring Steve Coogan, and many more. Check out the full list of TV shows and movies filmed in the city on The Bristol Film Office website.
Some of the key locations you can explore on your visit to Bristol include Corn Street in the Old City, which has appeared in Doctor Who, the second series of A Discovery of Witches, and The Trial of Christine Keeler, in which it doubled as 1960s London.
Filming Locations
Other landmarks across the city which are frequently seen on screen include Goldney Hall and Clifton Suspension Bridge in Clifton, The Georgian House Museum on Great Geroge Street, Redcliffe Caves, Cumberland Basin, Bristol Cathedral, and the Harbourside.
Bristol isn’t just Bristol. It’s Holby, London, Cornwall, Medieval England and more. In fact, you’ll be surprised just how much you might have seen of the city already.
Famous Faces
Bristol has also produced a range of famous names and faces, including native Bristolian Cary Grant, Hugo Weaving, Jeremy Irons and even bodybuilder David Prowse, who was the man in the Darth Vader suit in the original Star Wars trilogy! View a full list of famous Bristolians on our ‘Famous People of Bristol’ page.
Cinema & Film Events
Bristol is also home to a packed programme of film festivals and events throughout the year spanning a range of genres, as well as a brilliant selection of cinemas. Head over to our Cinema and Film Events page for further information.
Check out our guides to filming locations in Bristol below and be sure to seek some out on your next visit.
