Nottinghamshire – The Ultimate Film Set

Welcome to #StaringGreatBritain, the campaign celebrating Britain's cinematic landscapes and of course, we have to show all that Nottingham has to offer. A city of legends, stories, and stunning backdrops, Nottingham has long been a hidden star of the screen. 

From the historic streets of the Lace Market to the eerie caves beneath the city, the exquisite Elizabethan mansions, and the luscious greenery, Nottingham is a filmmaker's fantasy to explore and play with. Whether it's action, drama, fantasy, or romance, the city has done it all.

Join us as we showcase the films that make Nottingham a true screen icon. Be sure to get involved in this countrywide campaign using #StaringGreatBritain and show the movie magic this city beholds. 

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1. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

We have to start off this list with none other than the cinematic triumph that was the conclusion of the Dark Knight Trilogy. No mention of Nottingham’s film history would be complete without The Dark Knight Rises—the blockbuster that gave Wollaton Hall its moment in the spotlight as Bruce Wayne’s iconic Wayne Manor. A true cinematic highlight, if we do say so ourselves!

Christopher Nolan’s 2012 superhero epic sees Christian Bale’s Batman face off against the formidable Bane, whose reign of terror shatters Gotham City’s hard-won peace, forcing Bruce Wayne to don the cape once more. While Gotham may be a fictional metropolis, here’s a fun twist—there’s a real Gotham right here in Nottinghamshire! Coincidence? We think not!

Rent Online for between £3- £4 on most major 'Watch Online' places such as Amazon Prime and Sky Store

(Image: Warner Bros. Pictures, 2012)

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2. Bronson (2008)

If you’re up for a gritty, edge-of-your-seat crime story, Bronson (2008) is a must-watch. This bold and brutal British biographical crime film stars Tom Hardy in a career-defining role as Charles Bronson—Britain’s most infamous and violent prisoner.

Shot largely in Nottinghamshire, the film charts the transformation of 19-year-old Mickey Peterson, who set out to make a name for himself with a post office robbery and a homemade sawn-off shotgun, into the unpredictable and dangerous man the world now knows as Charles Bronson.

Nottinghamshire plays a major role in bringing this story to life, with filming locations spanning St. Ann’s, Sherwood, Worksop, and Welbeck Abbey—doubling as Rampton Psychiatric Hospital—while Stanford Hall stood in for Broadmoor. And here’s a fun fact: even many of the extras were real Nottinghamshire locals. Now that’s some serious Notts representation!

Stream online from £1.99

(Image: Magnolia Pictures & Magnet Releasing, 2009)

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3. Sherwood (2022)

Inspired by real events, Sherwood is a gripping BBC crime drama that delves into deep-seated divisions in a former mining town in Nottinghamshire. With an all-star cast, the series explores the impact of a shocking double murder that reopens old wounds and uncovers long-buried secrets.

Filmed in and around Nottinghamshire, Sherwood brings the region’s landscape to life—from the dense woodland of Sherwood Forest to the post-industrial communities of Annesley, Newstead, and Rainworth. The series captures the raw beauty of these areas, blending the rich history of Nottinghamshire with the tension of a modern-day thriller.

A must-watch for crime drama fans, Sherwood is not just a story set in Nottinghamshire—it’s a story about Nottinghamshire.

Stream the first two seasons online now on BBC iPlayer

(Image: BBC/ House Productions: Sam Taylor 2024)

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4. Control (2007)
 

Attention, Joy Division fans—Control is a must-see! This gripping 2007 biographical film stars Sam Riley as the iconic Ian Curtis, the enigmatic lead singer of Joy Division, and is based on the deeply personal biography Touching from a Distance by Curtis's widow.

The film takes you into the heart of Curtis’s troubled world, where the weight of epilepsy, a crumbling marriage, a new love, and the pressure of leading a band ultimately push him toward a tragic end—his suicide at just 23, on the eve of Joy Division’s first American tour in 1980.

Shot at the iconic former Carlton Studios in Nottingham, Control captures the raw atmosphere of the city, with key locations like The Boulevard pub in Radford, Bestwood Social Club, Nottingham High School, and the Marcus Garvey Centre all making appearances. Keep your eyes peeled—you might just recognize a few spots!

Stream online from £3.49

(Image: Spotnick, 2007)

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5. Easy Virtue (2008)

This 2008 romantic comedy is a remake of the 1928 silent movie and gave the magnificent Georgian-style manor, Flintham Hall in the Nottinghamshire village of Flintham some time to shine. In Easy Virtue, a young Englishman (Ben Barnes) marries a glamorous American (Jessica Biel). When he brings her home to the family mansion in rural Nottinghamshire, to meet the parents, she arrives like a blast from the future - blowing their entrenched British stuffiness out the window. There’s nothing like a sappy rom-com to get you through the day!

Stream online from £3.49 

(Image: YouTube Movies, 2012)

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6. Testament of Youth (2014)

Another hotshot of the picturesque Welbeck estate as it was used for the filming of ‘Testament of Youth’, a First World War drama, including scenes at Uppingham School, Melrose House and the Étaples field hospital. The film, based on Vera Brittain’s First World War memoir, stars Alicia Vikander as Vera Brittain, an independent young woman who abandoned her studies at Somerville College, Oxford, to become a war nurse – you’re in for a tearjerker with this heart-wrenching story of love and war.

Stream online from £2.49

(Image: LionsgateFilmsUK, 2014)

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7. Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960)

An old but gold one is the 1960 British drama film that follows Arthur, a young machinist who spends his weekends drinking and partying, all the while having an affair with a married woman. This film, mostly shot in Nottingham, gives you a glimpse into Nottingham’s industrial heritage and was even named the 14th greatest British film of all time by the British Film Institute in 1999 – definitely a must-see.

Stream online from £3.49 

(Image: KmanCosmo, 2010)

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8. This is England (2006)

Shane Meadow’s This Is England is a 2006 coming-of-age film, starring Thomas Turgoose as Shaun, a kid who lost his father in the Falklands War and earns the respect of skinheads when he stands up to their teasing. He becomes part of the gang and enjoys hanging out with his new friends, but trouble soon starts with the return of a racist ex-convict and old member who stirs up trouble. Even though the film is set in a coastal town; the film was mostly shot in St Ann’s and places like Wilsthorpe College in Long Eaton.

Meadow might not be Nottinghamshire-born, but still calls Nottingham his home which he certainly lets peek through in his films. A fair number of his films have either been shot or set in Nottingham - giving the city a prominent – and well-deserved - spot in the British film industry. Some other highlights of Meadow’s Nottingham-based films include, Once Upon a Time in the Midlands  (stream online for free via All 4) a romantic comedy-drama set in Nottingham, telling the story of a small-time crook who returns to his hometown in Nottingham to try and win back his ex-wife, and A Room for Romeo Brass a teen comedy-drama, telling the story of Romeo Brass and Gavin "Knocks" Woolley, an unlikely pair of best friends. The film was shot in Nottingham in only 42 days and started the career of our very own Vicky McClure. 

(Image: YouTube Movies, 2014)

 Stream online from £2.49 

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9. Without Sin (2022)

Without Sin is a gripping ITV drama set against the backdrop of Nottingham, blending psychological tension with powerful storytelling. The series follows the complicated relationship between a grieving mother and the man convicted of killing her daughter—only to discover dark secrets that challenge everything she believes. Filmed in and around Nottingham, the show showcases the city’s diverse locations, from its urban streets to scenic rural areas, offering a fresh perspective on the region for film tourists. For anyone looking to explore Nottingham through the lens of its thriving film scene, Without Sin is an unforgettable journey into the heart of the city.

Stream all available episodes online today on ITV X

(Image: ITVX, 2024)

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10. The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020) 

If you’re looking to get into the festive spirit, Netflix’s family-friendly Christmas film ‘The Princess Switch: Switched Again’ will be right up your street! The sequel to ‘The Princess Switch’, tells the story of Margaret Delacourt, the Duchess of Montenaro, who suddenly inherits the throne to her home country of Montenaro and switches places with identical twin, Stacy. The romantic comedy shows Wollaton Hall’s debut as the fictional ‘Pembroke Estate’ - making our beloved Wollaton Hall look like a magical (and royal) winter wonderland. 

Stream Online from on Netflix UK. 

(Image: Netflix, 2020) 

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11. The Crown (2016)

The Crown on Netflix is a captivating, critically acclaimed drama that chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, diving deep into the personal and political challenges she faced. While much of the show is set in iconic royal locations, Nottingham also plays a starring role, with several scenes filmed in and around the city. From the grand historic buildings to the hidden corners of the region, Nottingham’s unique charm serves as the perfect backdrop for this epic portrayal of British history. For film tourists, The Crown offers a chance to explore some of Nottingham’s most cinematic spots, in particular the stunning Belvoir Castle standing in for Windsor, making it a must-watch for both history buffs and those keen on discovering new filming locations.

Stream Online Now on Netflix

(Image: Netflix, 2016) 

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12. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: part 1 (2010)

Malfoy Manor, the iconic location from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, serves as a dark and imposing backdrop for some of the film’s most intense scenes. While the magical world of the Malfoy family might seem far removed from reality, the manor itself was filmed at the stunning Hatfield House. Not only filmed right on the border of Nottinghamshire, Malfoy Manor's essence was also inspired by the moody atmosphere of locations like Nottinghamshire’s historic Wollaton Hall, with its towering turrets and haunting beauty. For Potterheads visiting Nottingham, this iconic mansion’s cinematic presence offers a perfect excuse to explore some of the region’s most breathtaking film locations.

Stream and Watch Oline Across Major Platforms

(image© National Trust Images/John Hammond)

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13. Bake Off: The Professionals (2016)

Bake Off: The Professionals brings high-stakes patisserie to the heart of Nottingham, where some of the UK’s most talented pastry chefs compete to create stunning, mouthwatering masterpieces. Filmed at the iconic Welbeck Abbey in Nottinghamshire, the show’s grand setting adds an extra layer of elegance to the intense competition. With its historic charm and stunning architecture, Welbeck Abbey isn’t just a feast for the contestants—it’s a visual treat for viewers and a must-visit spot for film tourists and food lovers alike. Whether you're a fan of the show or simply love exploring cinematic locations, Nottingham serves up something truly special.

Stream Online Across Chanel 4  

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14. Weekend (2011)

Weekend (2011) is a beautifully intimate and critically acclaimed film that captures a fleeting, yet powerful romance set against the backdrop of Nottingham. This heartfelt drama follows Russell and Glen as they navigate love, identity, and connection throughout one unforgettable weekend.

Filmed in and around Nottingham, the city itself becomes a quiet yet striking character in the story, with key scenes shot in recognizable spots like the Train Station, the iconic Broadway Cinema, and various streets across the city. For film tourists, Weekend offers a unique opportunity to explore Nottingham through a deeply personal lens, making it a must-visit destination for fans of independent cinema.

Stream Online Across Various Platforms

(image credit: Eranjan on Unsplash)

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15. Last Train To Christmas (2021)

Nottingham adds a touch of festive magic to Last Train to Christmas (2021), a time-bending Christmas movie starring Michael Sheen. This unique holiday film follows nightclub owner Tony Towers, who discovers that each train carriage takes him to a different point in his life—leading to a whirlwind of nostalgia, regret, and second chances.

Filmed in and around Nottingham, key locations like Nottingham Railway Station and the Great Central Railway provide the perfect vintage backdrop for Tony’s emotional journey. For film tourists and Christmas movie lovers alike, Last Train to Christmas offers a fascinating glimpse of Nottingham on screen, making it a must-watch during the holiday season.

Stream Online on NOW or Rent Across SKY Store for £3.49

(image credit: Now TV, 2021)

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This blog was written by Georgina Richardson for Visit Nottinghamshire.