Scotland’s iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, made famous by the Harry Potter films, has been named the UK’s most popular location featured in Christmas-themed film and TV shows. The 21-arch railway bridge, which overlooks Loch Shiel in the Scottish Highlands, claimed the top spot in a recent survey, conducted by fuel brand JET.
The survey, which polled 1,000 UK adults, asked participants to choose the Christmas film location they would most like to visit. Glenfinnan, forever linked to the magical Hogwarts Express journey in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, garnered 21% of the votes. The bridge is known for its breathtaking views and Victorian engineering, making it a sought-after destination for fans of the wizarding world.
Taking second place in the survey was the picturesque village of Shere in Surrey. This charming location, which starred in the 2006 Christmas classic The Holiday alongside Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black, continues to captivate visitors with its quintessential English beauty. Situated in the Tillingbourne Valley, Shere’s snow-covered streets and idyllic countryside were perfect for the romantic storyline, and 11% of respondents expressed a desire to retrace the steps of the film’s beloved characters.
Bath, the UNESCO World Heritage city renowned for its stunning Georgian architecture, secured third place. Bath has also played a role in recent films, including the 2023 Wonka, starring Timothée Chalamet. Iconic landmarks, including Parade Gardens and The Colonnades, were featured in the film. The city’s rich history and scenic beauty make it a popular destination for film enthusiasts and tourists alike.
In the rest of the top ten, other notable locations include Highclere Castle in Hampshire, which was made famous by the hit TV series Downton Abbey. The South Downs National Park, home to the animated classic The Snowman, and Peckham, London, known for Only Fools and Horses, also made the list. The village of Turville, featured in The Vicar of Dibley, and Denham in Buckinghamshire, where Matilda was filmed, were also among the top picks.
Commenting on the results, Áine Corkery, Manager of UK Marketing at Phillips 66 Limited, said: “JET is all about helping our customers get back on the road quickly and safely, and we thought it would be fun to find out which Christmas movie locations are the most popular with Brits. We hope people enjoy their festive journeys to these iconic spots.”
For many, these locations are not just scenes on a screen, but destinations that offer a chance to relive the magic of some of the most beloved films and TV shows that have become part of the Christmas tradition.
UK’s Top 10 Film and TV Christmas Locations:
- Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scottish Highlands – Harry Potter
- Shere, Surrey – The Holiday
- Bath – Wonka
- Highclere Castle, Hampshire – Downton Abbey
- South Downs National Park – The Snowman
- Peckham, London – Only Fools and Horses
- Turville village, Chiltern Hills – Vicar of Dibley
- Denham, Buckinghamshire – Matilda
- Oxford Street, London – Love Actually
- Chatham, Kent – Call The Midwife
