Dorset’s beautiful countryside, rich history and grand manor houses have been a favourite among filmmakers over time.
Here, we’ve found some of the most notable filming locations captured in the beautiful county of Dorset.
From moody Chesil Beach scenes to adventures at Lulworth Cove with the Famous Five and the magnificent Wonka.
Read on to find out the famous faces that have visited Dorset and the brilliant films that have been created here.
Table of Contents
The Cobb, Lyme Regis
The Cobb in Lyme Regis is a famous harbour wall that curves out into the sea, protecting the town from coastal erosion.
It has been around since at least 1294 and has played a major role in the town’s history as a port and shipbuilding centre.
This stone-built breakwater is also a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, attracting filmmakers with its unique charm and historic significance.
Wonka
The magical movie Wonka features scenes filmed on The Cobb. Timothée Chalamet, playing a young Willy Wonka, arrives grandly at the Cobb, creating a memorable on-screen moment.
Persuasion
Netflix’s Persuasion, an adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel, uses The Cobb in several scenes. The storyline follows Anne Elliott.
One of the scenes filmed at the Cobb shows when Anne’s friend Louisa Musgrove falls during a stroll.
Ammonite
The romantic drama Ammonite, inspired by the life of Mary Anning, also showcases The Cobb.
Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan star in this film, with The Cobb appearing as part of the historical setting.
The French Lieutenant’s Woman
In The French Lieutenant’s Woman, Meryl Streep famously stands on The Cobb’s windswept end, creating an iconic image.
This film, based on John Fowles’ novel, sets many scenes in Victorian Lyme Regis, with The Cobb playing a significant part.
The Cobb in Lyme Regis continues to draw both visitors and filmmakers, a testament to its enduring appeal and beauty.
Chesil Beach, Portland
Chesil Beach stretches for 18 miles from West Bay to Portland. It forms part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
The beach is famous for its shingle ridge, an iconic landmark of Dorset.
This spot offers breathtaking views. Country Life Magazine even voted the view from the coast road above Abbotsbury as Britain’s 3rd best view.
On Chesil Beach (2018)
This film adaptation of Ian McEwan’s novel was released in May 2018. Saoirse Ronan and Billy Howle star as newlyweds in 1960s England confronting their fears and conflicts.
The dramatic views of Chesil Beach play a significant role in the movie.
The story follows Florence and Edward on their honeymoon in Dorset.
The unique setting of the shingle spit between Fleet Lagoon and the sea adds to the moody atmosphere of their unfolding story.
Chesil Beach remains a popular location for visitors, and its cinematic views inspire many to explore Dorset’s coastline.
Mapperton House, Beaminster
Mapperton House, located in Beaminster, Dorset, is a magnificent Jacobean manor. The house is the home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich and features 15 acres of stunning Italianate gardens.
Visitors can stroll through the orangery, enjoy the descending ponds, and explore the arboretum.
Rebecca (2020)
In the 2020 adaptation of Rebecca, the house’s grounds were used to bring Manderley’s grandeur to life.
The grounds hosted key scenes, including a pivotal moment in the enchanting ice-cold pool. Mapperton’s orangery and other rooms provided the perfect setting for the eerie and atmospheric elements of the story.
Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
Thomas Vinterberg’s 2015 film Far from the Madding Crowd utilised Mapperton House to depict the farmhouse inherited by Bathsheba Everdene, played by Carey Mulligan.
The serene and picturesque landscape of Dorset added depth to this classic tale of love and resilience.
Emma (1996)
The 1996 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma also featured Mapperton House. This quintessentially English manor house appeared as Randalls, the home of Mrs Weston.
The manor’s charm and beauty perfectly matched the romantic and idyllic setting needed for the film.
West Bay, Bridport
West Bay, a picturesque harbour town in Dorset, sits at the mouth of the River Brit. Part of the stunning Jurassic Coast, it’s well known for its scenic beauty and historic significance.
The coastline forms a backdrop that captures the heart and imagination of visitors and filmmakers alike.
Broadchurch
A major highlight for West Bay is its significant role in the acclaimed TV series Broadchurch. The show first aired in 2013 and stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman.
The focus is on a small community dealing with a tragic incident.
The haunting cliffs of West Bay prominently feature in key scenes, adding to the gripping drama.
The first series opens with the cliffs overlooking the body of Danny Latimer on the beach below.
These cliffs became iconic, symbolising the mix of beauty and tragedy that the series portrays. Other local landmarks, like the harbour and pier, also contribute to the setting.
The third series, filmed in 2016, introduced even more local spots like Littlebredy and the Watch House Café in West Bay.
Even the police station scenes were shot here, reinforcing the town’s key role in the series.
West Bay’s breathtaking scenery and its pivotal role in Broadchurch have left a lasting impression on fans, drawing many to visit this charming harbour town.
Athelhampton House, Dorchester
Athelhampton House, a striking Tudor Manor, is one of England’s prized heritage sites. Its Great Hall, built in 1485, features a stunning hammer-beam roof and intricate stained glass.
The manor’s rich history and beautiful architecture have made it a favourite with TV and film crews.
Doctor Who: Seeds of Doom (1976)
Scenes from this iconic show were filmed at Athelhampton. The episode featured a thrilling adventure with alien seed pods causing chaos. The house represented the mansion of Harrison Chase, the story’s antagonist.
Elizabeth (2000)
Athelhampton House appeared in the Channel Four drama documentary Elizabeth. This portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I’s life and reign brought the splendour of Athelhampton to life on screen.
From Time to Time (2009)
Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey, chose Athelhampton for his film From Time to Time. The manor was the perfect setting for this post-war Britain tale.
The star-studded cast included Dame Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville, making the film a must-watch.
Sleuth (1972)
This classic thriller featured Athelhampton House for all its exterior scenes. Starring Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier, Sleuth used the manor’s dramatic façade to enhance its suspenseful storyline.
Athelhampton House’s enduring charm and historical significance continue to make it a beloved filming location, showcasing its beauty to audiences worldwide.
Lulworth Cove, Lulworth
Lulworth Cove is a stunning natural wonder shaped by the forces of melting ice and sea erosion. It’s famous for its striking geological features, including the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole.
The cove is a part of the world-renowned Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
World War Z (2022)
This zombie thriller featuring Brad Pitt includes scenes shot at Lulworth Cove. The cove represents the Freeport Safe Zone in Nova Scotia in the film’s ending scene.
The Famous Five (2023)
Lulworth Cove takes on the role of a vibrant coastal location where the children embark on their adventures.
The setting helps bring to life the charm of World War II era England.
Beyond the Sea (2004)
Parts of this biographical musical about Bobby Darin, starring Kevin Spacey, were filmed at Lulworth Cove.
Lulworth Cove offers a picturesque backdrop that complements the film’s narrative.
Sherborne, Dorset
Sherborne, located on the Dorset-Somerset border, boasts a rich history and stunning architecture.
This picturesque town is renowned for its medieval buildings, the impressive Sherborne Abbey, and its two historic castles.
Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
The film adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s novel brought Sherborne to life as the fictional town of Casterbridge.
Key sites included Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne Castle, Castleton Church, and St John’s Almshouse. Abbey Close also featured prominently.
The nearby Forde Abbey’s Great Hall served as the Corn Exchange.
Wolf Hall (2015)
The BBC series Wolf Hall filmed several scenes in Sherborne, using Sherborne School and Church Lane for its historical backdrop.
This adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s novel drew on the town’s authentic medieval atmosphere.
The Imitation Game (2014)
Sherborne also played a role in The Imitation Game, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing.
The film depicted Turing’s early years in Sherborne, highlighting locations such as the school he attended.
The movie also celebrated Turing’s pivotal work in cracking the Enigma code during World War II.
Weymouth Harbour, Weymouth
Weymouth Harbour is a gem on the South Coast of England. Nestled in the Heritage Coast World Natural Heritage site, it is a perfect spot for mooring boats or simply enjoying the stunning views of the Jurassic Coast.
Whether visiting for a day or more, the harbour offers a wonderful experience.
One notable feature is the Weymouth Town Bridge. Completed in 1930, the lifting bridge opens regularly for yachts and large pleasure boats.
Dunkirk (2017)
The film depicts the mass evacuation of 400,000 allied troops from Dunkirk during World War II.
The scenes shot in Weymouth show Mark Rylance’s character casting off from Custom House Quay.
We see George (Barry Keoghan) running up Custom House Quay as he heads towards the boat where the Navy requires Mr Dawson’s (Mark Rylance) boat, Moonstone, for a rescue mission.
Visitors to Weymouth Harbour might enjoy spotting these famous filming locations and picturing the dramatic scenes from Dunkirk.
The harbour’s historical charm and cinematic connections make it a must-visit destination.
Studland Bay, Swanage
Studland Bay In Swanage is a stunning area on the Isle of Purbeck. It features a four-mile-long sandy beach perfect for swimming, with views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.
Yellow, Coldplay (2011)
The music video for Yellow was filmed at Studland Bay. The video is simple, featuring Chris Martin walking along a beach in one continuous slow-motion shot.
Wilde (1997)
Oscar Wilde, played by Stephen Fry, is a married writer who has a weakness for male suitors. A romance sparks up between Wilde and Lord Alfred “Bosie” Douglas, played by Jude Law.
After a legal dispute with Lord Alfred’s father, Wilde is sent to prison over anti-gay laws. Some of the scenes were filmed in Studland Bay and Swanage Pier.
