The TV and film industry rely on flawless visuals to create award winning products. Part of this is about finding the right location to carry out their vision. These visuals attract filmmakers and tourists alike.
This sometimes involves building sets in studio for the perfect scene such as in Wicked, 2024. But many filmmakers prefer the authenticity of real-life locations. Whilst this could include a field or a house, the most memorable filming locations are historic buildings. Many of them being clearly recognisable to audiences. But what affect do film crews, Hollywood actors and adoring fans have on these locations?
The majority of castles and manor houses around the UK have been used in film and television in some way even if for just one scene. Some are consistently used for backdrops or key locations.
One of locations these being Lincoln Cathedral, an 11th century structure that has been featured in several popular films. This includes The Da Vinci Code (2006) and Young Victoria (2009) both of which use it as a replica for Westminster Abbey. Most recently it featured in Napoleon (2022) where it was set to be decorated as Notre Dame Cathedral. There are a lot of logistics to consider when filming on location such as the equipment being used. Michelle Andrews, Marketing and Communications Manager for Lincoln Cathedral said: “It is a lot of hard work to get it there as a religious building specifically as well as a historic building.
“It can be risky in terms of the conservation of the building.”
Being a working cathedral, the team has to factor in religious services to the filming process as they legally have to happen.
Film tourism is an ever-growing market with people being inspired to walk in the footsteps of their favourite characters. In a report by the BFI in 2021 they found that two thirds of tourists who visit the UK are influenced by locations and landmarks from British-made films and TV programmes.
Lesley Kirrage Event and Venue Hire Manager for Lincoln Cathedral said: “Quite regularly people will stop and ask where the Da Vinci Code was filmed, where The King was filmed.”
Both Kirrage and Andrews noted how non-fiction pieces of media like documentaries and local interest pieces also bring in visitors nationally. The cathedral has been included in The Grand Tour, BBC’s Climbing Great Buildings and Channel 5’s Britain’s Great Cathedrals.
Andrews went on to say: “Every time you see the cathedral TV or in a film it’s just that thing it’s an extra touch point, because you look at those touch points that make people eventually decide to come to a location.”
The cathedral as begun to focus on their TV and film features in terms of the visitor experience. For instance, the throne used in Young Victoria (2009) is held in their Discovery Centre.
Many filming locations feel it is important that the history of the location is part of visitors experience even if they travelled for the purpose of it being a film location. The 17th century Highclere Castle in Hampshire serves as the prominent location for the iconic historical drama Downton Abbey as the family home of the main characters the Crawley family. It has also featured in several other projects such as The Secret Garden 1987 and 1990s programme Jeeves and Wooster.
Different to Lincoln Cathedral this building is a privately owned and home to George Herbert and his wife Fiona, the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon (Lord and Lady Carnarvon).
The castle offers guided tours and seasonal public openings. Their tours include Living with a Film Crew and Real Lives and Film Sets guided tours. These are for the purpose of film lovers and give an insight into the Downton Abbey series in particular. Along with the knowledge about the programme, tour guides inform people on the history of the castle and the real historical artifacts used throughout it.
Downton Abbey continues to be filmed at the castle and there is speculation about a forthcoming film. A spokesperson for the Highclere Castle Office said: “Historic locations offer authenticity.
“Their choice to be continually featured on screen highlights the reality of the location.”
The spokesperson, when asked about what the negative of filming can be, said: “The alignment of brand and the nature of the script.”
Both historical buildings felt being featured in television and film had a positive impact on giving them more awareness in the public eye, bringing large scale projects to the local area and increased visitor numbers as well as increasing the visitor experience.
Kirrage of Lincoln Cathedral added: “Its connecting these figures and local people having part of that fun, that experience and that community.”
Lincoln Cathedral specifically is encouraging community engagement and does not want filming to deter locals and church goers from visiting them.
Film tourism is rising worldwide with people travelling across countries to experience the world of their favourite characters. Both locations hope to be involved in future filming for television and film.
