Screen Gems: Berkshire’s Film and TV Locations

Berkshire, with its scenic countryside and proximity to London, has become a sought-after destination for filming, offering picturesque backdrops and authentic settings for movies and TV series. While Pinewood Studios in Iver Heath remains a popular location, filmmakers often explore the smaller towns and rural villages of Berkshire to infuse their projects with a sense of realism and authenticity.

The county has served as the backdrop for numerous blockbuster films and TV shows, adding a touch of charm and character to these productions. Here’s a selection of notable productions filmed in Berkshire:

Harry Potter: Though the Dursleys’ address in the film franchise is stated as 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey, the actual house used in the movies is located at 12 Picket Post Close, Winkfield Row, Bracknell. Warner Brothers filmed at this house for a limited period during the making of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” before replicating it entirely at their studios.

Great Expectations: In the 2023 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel, part of the filming took place on the border of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. Scenes set in London Bridge were shot at Marlow Bridge, connecting Marlow in Buckinghamshire with Bisham in Berkshire. The backdrop included Marlow’s All Saints Church.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Even the Star Wars saga features Berkshire in its list of filming locations. The Resistance Base, where significant reunions occur, was set at the former RAF site at Greenham Common, situated on the A339 south of Newbury.

The Office UK: Starring Ricky Gervais as office boss David Brent, this series unfolds at Slough Trading Estate, portraying the daily escapades of employees at the fictional Wernham Hogg stationery offices.

Downton Abbey: Though the show is set in a fictional estate in Yorkshire, it was actually filmed at the splendid Highclere Castle near Newbury, capturing the grandeur of the Crawley family and their servants during the early 20th Century.

Killing Eve: This spy thriller follows a British Intelligence Investigator in pursuit of an assassin portrayed by Jodie Comer. While the series isn’t primarily filmed in Berkshire, its compelling storyline adds to the rich tapestry of TV productions associated with the area.

Berkshire’s captivating landscapes and historic sites have undoubtedly provided a captivating canvas for various filmmakers, contributing to the diverse range of films and series that have graced its picturesque locales.