South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse are known for idyllic landscapes, historic architecture and charming villages, making it a popular choice for filmmakers. The area’s countryside offers diverse filming locations that have been featured in numerous films and television series. Below we explore some of the top TV and filming spots in the region.
It’s no surprise that this picturesque corner of England has captured the attention of filmmakers and photographers from around the world.
Take a look at our Filming and Photography hire page to uncover some of the area’s most iconic indoor and outdoor locations for film shoots.
Some of the most notable filming spots in South Oxfordshire are Wallingford and Thame. These quaint market towns and their historic buildings have been recurring locations in the popular TV series ‘Midsomer Murders’. The series has also made use of villages in the district, such as Dorchester-on-Thames, known for its beautiful abbey, and Watlington, which boasts a charming high street lined with traditional English shops.
The town of Henley-on-Thames, famous for its annual Royal Regatta, has also appeared on screen. Its stunning riverside setting was featured in the films ‘The Theory of Everything’, ‘James Bond: The World is Not Enough’ and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, where scenes were shot along the River Thames. The Henley Bridge and surrounding countryside provided the perfect backdrop for portraying the serene beauty of the area.
Another filming location in Vale of White Horse is the Uffington White Horse and its surrounding landscape. The rolling hills and ancient landmarks, like the iron age hillfort Uffington Castle and the nearby Dragon Hill, provide a striking backdrop for filming.
These locations were used in the 1981 film ‘Time Bandits’ and have featured in the BBC adaptation of ‘Tess of the d’Urbervilles’.
Another notable location is Wayland’s Smithy, a Neolithic long barrow situated near Ashbury.
This mysterious site surrounded by ancient woodland has been used in various productions, particularly those with a fantastical or historical theme.
Didcot Railway Centre has been frequently showcased in various movies, such as ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’, ‘Paddington 2’, Guy Ritchie’s ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ and ‘Anna Karenina’ with Keira Knightley.
The market town of Faringdon has been used as a filming location. Faringdon House, an 18th century manor house, has featured in several productions. The region’s unspoilt countryside and rich history make South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse appealing locations for filmmakers.
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