Stay on a film set: overnight at Bristol filming locations

Did 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. 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 House & Gardens

The National Trust’s Tyntesfield has featured in a whole host of productions, including Sherlock and Doctor Who (almost the entire episode of Doctor Who’s Hide (series seven, episode 10 takes place here).

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 - Chaplain's House

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box – 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.

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, 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 increasingly used as a film location and is no stranger to famous faces - the castle counts 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 (as our hero’s home), and had star turns in Poldark, Wolf Hall, The White Princess and The Other Boleyn Girl, 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, floating hostel and 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 and Stan and Ollie filmed just down from Kyle Blue on the Harbourside. Filmmakers recreated a 1940s dockside at Princes Wharf for Guernsey 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

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