6 min readDid you know that Bristol is a UNESCO Creative City of Film? This permanent status recognises Bristol's global contribution to film and television over many years, its world class film festivals, popular filming locations and pop-up screenings.
While it's easy to be blown away by the film and TV worlds created using animation, technology and green screens, you can’t beat the awe factor of discovering real-life film locations seen on the big (and small) screen. Many classics have been shot in the city (take a look at these Bristol TV and film locations), so, if you’re somebody that gets a thrill from following in the footsteps of the stars, you’ll love this list of Bristol filming locations where you can actually stay overnight!
The Bristol
Between 2008 and 2010, The Bristol was one of the locations used in TV series, Mistresses (2008 to 2010). Starring Sarah Parish, the series followed four friends and their complicated relationships and was filmed almost entirely on location in Bristol. The Bristol’s lively waterfront location means you’re right in the heart of the city, with some of the best culture, nightlife and attractions Bristol has to offer on your doorstep.
Image - The Bristol
Tyntesfield
The National Trust’s Tyntesfield has featured in a whole host of productions, including Sherlock (2016) and Doctor Who (almost the entire episode of Doctor Who’s Hide (2013) - series seven, episode 10 - takes place here) as well as Towards Zero (2025).
There are a couple of places to stay within the grounds of the scenic 500-acre estate. Experience a Victorian style stay at the beautifully-restored Chaplain's House – set over three floors the spectacular house was built in the Gothic Revival style and showcases many of the original features. Guests are free to walk out into the picturesque formal gardens and wider estate from their front door, and receive a complimentary visit to the main house.
For groups of up to 11 people, The Chaplain’s Lodge (reached via an interconnecting door) is also available for rent. Or, if it’s a romantic film location spotting getaway you’re after, the charming SummerHouse Cottage with its open fire in the lounge, farmland views and access to the estate gardens in the evening, makes the perfect base.
Image - The Chaplain's House at Tyntesfield
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box (2013) – a fantasy adventure adaptation of the G.P. Taylor novel Mariah Mundi: The Midas Box - was filmed in Bristol with an all-star cast featuring Sam Neill, Michael Sheen, Aneurin Barnard, Keeley Hawes and Ioan Gruffudd.
In the film the classic architecture of one of the city’s oldest hotels, Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, can be seen when Charles (Gruffudd) and Catherine (Hawes) are intercepted leaving the ‘London Museum’. The hotel, built in 1863, has welcomed a string of celebrity guests during its lifetime; including Cary Grant, Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin.
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel also features as the casino visited by Christopher Walken’s character Frank in episode one of The Outlaws (2021).
Other Bristol film locations used during The Adventurer included The Victoria Rooms as the exterior of the 'London Museum' in another shot where we first meet Mariah (Barnard) and Will (Sheen). The Wills Memorial Building was used for the museum interior, while Blaise Castle Estate stable yard made the cut as the 'Gateshead Reformatory'. The production crew also built incredible sets at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, including a huge hotel lobby, a cave and an indoor re-creation of North Somerset coastline, Brean Down.
Image - Bristol Marriott Royal
Berkeley Castle
Home to the Berkeley family for over 800 years, Berkeley Castle is frequently used as a film location and is no stranger to famous faces - the castle has counted both King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I among its visitors! More recently, the castle has welcomed the likes of Rowan Atkinson, seen in Johnny English Strikes Again (2018) (as our hero’s home), and had star turns in Poldark (2017), Wolf Hall (2015 and 2024), The White Princess (2017) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2003), amongst many others.
There are two options for places to stay on this characterful historic set; Blossom Cottage, a quintessential one-bedroom English abode, sits in picturesque countryside on the Berkeley Estate. Go rambling through the ancient Deer Park, just a short 15 minute walk away and imagine yourself as a noble figure from days of yore…
Berkeley Townhouse is a sizeable Georgian property (the dining table can seat twenty), found just outside the castle walls within the pretty market town of Berkeley. Original tiled floor leads into an impressive open plan kitchen and views that gaze over the garden - a fabulous setting that will fill you with all the film star feels. The entrance to Berkeley Castle itself is only a couple of minutes' walk from your front door.
Image - Berkeley Townhouse
Kyle Blue Bristol
While not technically a film set, converted Dutch barge, Kyle Blue, is permanently moored in Bristol’s historic Harbourside, the setting of some big Hollywood flicks.
Both the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) and Stan and Ollie (2018( filmed just down from Kyle Blue on the Harbourside. Filmmakers recreated a 1940s dockside at Princes Wharf for Guernsey (2018) next to M Shed, whose big operational cranes, steam railway and transit shed make for a fabulous backdrop for film productions. In Stan and Ollie, Bristol's Harbourside doubles as an Irish dock as the double act arrive for a stop on their variety hall tour in 1953. The historic Balmoral boat, which can often be seen moored in Bristol’s Floating Harbour, features in both films.
Image - Kyle Blue
Harbour Hotel Bristol
Live out your Rivals (2024) dreams and stay at Harbour Hotel Bristol, where the British Television Awards ceremony scenes were filmed in and outside the hotel on Corn Street, in front of St Nicholas Market. For the full Rivals experience, check out our blog on how to have a 1980s Rivals-themed weekend.
During your stay at Harbour Hotel make sure to explore the Old City where you'll also be able to spot Doctor Who and Young Sherlock filming locations.
Watch our reel on how to have a 1980s 'Rivals' inspired break in Bristol:
Berwick Lodge
Book a stay at the beautiful red brick manor house Berwick Lodge, which you may recognise from its appearance in A Good Girls Guide to Murder (2024) as the Ivy House Hotel. Spend the night in ‘Phrygia’, one of the hotel's top deluxe suites, and the very same room featured in the filming of the series with the iconic bathroom floor.
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