Hidden Surrey – A ready made film set

From top to bottom; Ewan Mitchell as Aemond; A scene from Bridgerton, Cameron Diaz in the Holiday and Russell Crowe in the Gladiator.

Discover Surrey’s hidden role in film and television

Surrey is known for it’s historic towns such as Dorking, chocolate box villages like Shere, or the panoramic views from Reigate Hill. It’s the perfect place to visit as there are plenty of walks to choose from. But did you know, you might just be walking past a film set from your favourite TV show?

Come on a journey and discover just how many places you’ve been to have featured on the silver screen over the decades.

Bourne Wood

Looking for an adventure in fantastical worlds filled with mythical dragons or mighty gladiators? Visit open heathland and beautiful pine forests of Bourne Wood near Farnham and see where the characters would have been in.

Gladiator (2000)

Actor Russell Crowe as Maximus

Russell Crowe as Maximus. Photo credit: ©Dreamworks Pictures

House of the Dragon (2022 - Present)

Actor Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen.

Ewan Mitchell as Aemond Targaryen. Photo credit: © Home Box Office (HBO) Theo Whiteman

Painshill Park

Going for tea with the Featherington’s? You will need your carriage to take you to Painshill Park in Cobham. This 18^th century landscape was created by the Hon. Charles Hamilton, who was inspired by his tours to Europe and wanted to bring the magic of what he saw for people to enjoy.

Bridgerton (2020 – Present)

From left to right; Nicole Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, Polly Walker as Portia Featherington, Harriet Cains as Philippa Featherington and Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington.

From left to right; Nicole Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, Polly Walker as Portia Featherington, Harriet Cains as Philippa Featherington and Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington. Photo credit ©Netflix

Shere

There is nothing quite like a romantic encounter at a quintessential English village. Visit Shere, a small village just outside of Guildford and admire the medieval timber framed houses, ducks paddling in the stream and cosy atmosphere. ‘Rosehill Cottage’, the home of Iris, played by Kate Winslet sadly does not exist anymore, however there are plenty of colourful cottages throughout the village.

The Holiday (2006)

Cameron Diaz as Amanda in the Holiday.

Cameron Diaz as Amanda. Photo credit: ©Columbia Pictures

Chobham Common

Are you part of an elite spy group tasked with saving the world? Or on a quest to defeat monsters in a fantasy world? Visit Chobham Common now to see the heather in full bloom. Follow the 3.5 mile Bell Heather trail from either the Jubilee Mount, Staple Hill or Longcross car parks. Explore sandy paths through heathland and woodland with views south to glorious Surrey Hills countryside.

The Witcher (2019 – Present)

Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia in the Witcher.

Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia. Photo credit © Netflix

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning (2025)

Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning

Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. Photo credit © Paramount Pictures

Walton on Thames

In 1899, film pioneer Cecil Hepworth transformed Mount Felix in Walton-on-Thames into a production studio. Just five years later, the manor's gardens became the setting for the first feature-length adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s, Alice in Wonderland.

Alice in Wonderland (1905)

May Clark as Alice, in Alice in Wonderland 1905 production.

From the earliest days of cinema to today's blockbuster productions, Surrey remains one of the UK's most sought-after filming destinations.

A Decade of the Surrey Film Office

Coordinating film and television productions across Surrey takes a huge amount of work behind the scenes. This is where the Surrey Film Office comes in, a dedicated team that promotes the county's diverse locations for film and TV productions. They also work closely with District and Borough Councils, key organisations, and landowners to support projects from planning through to filming.

This year also marks a major milestone for the Surrey Film Office, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary in October. Since officially launching in 2016, the team has played a vital role in showcasing Surrey for film and television productions.

Tom Sturridge as Dream, in the Sandman. This scene was filmed at Guildford Cathedral.

From Screen to Economy

Did you know that between 2025 and 2026, filming generated approximately £6.6 million into Surrey’s economy? This could be from productions spending money on local businesses such as hotels, cafes, taxi companies, security and even garage repairs.

Over the last decade, there have been around 100 feature films and 140 TV dramas and high-budget series filmed across Surrey, which has then appeared on screens around the world.

Location, location, location

Surrey's Film Office database features more than 350 unique filming locations, with everything from family homes and historic landmarks to caves, windmills and airfields. Looking to turn your home into a film location? Register your property for free on the Film Office database. Fees generated from filming are at the discretion of the owners, but the team can offer advice if needed.

Hugh Grant as Charles and Andie MacDowell as Carrie, in Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Hugh Grant as Charles and Andie MacDowell as Carrie, in Four Weddings and a Funeral. This scene was filmed at St. Michael’s Church in Betchworth, near Reigate. Photo credit © Polygram Filmed Entertainment/ Working Title Films

Whether you're a film buff seeking inspiration for your next Surrey adventure or considering opening your property to productions, there's never been a better time to discover the county's starring role in film and television.

You can find out more about the work of the Surrey Film Office by visiting their website, or contact the team by email at: filming@surreycc.gov.uk.