Bath has long been a magnet for filmmakers, thanks to its stunning Georgian architecture and picturesque countryside.

No wonder so many of our guests want to visit this beautiful city as part of their stay aboard one of our 4 and 5 star narrowboats!

Let’s take a cinematic tour of this beautiful city. . . . . . . . .

Silver Screen Spots

• Les Misérables (2012): This multi-award-winning musical film transformed Bath into 19th-century Paris. Pulteney Bridge and Weir were the dramatic backdrops for the scene where Javert, played by Russell Crowe, meets his tragic end.
• Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009): Wes Anderson’s stop-motion classic features Bath’s Little Theatre Cinema. Look out for its distinctive red doors towards the film’s end.
• The Remains of the Day (1993): The National Trust property Dyrham Park was the perfect setting for this adaptation starring Sir Anthony Hopkins.
• The Unremarkable Pilgrimage of Harold Fry (2023): Bath makes a recent appearance in this film, as the titular character passes through the city on his epic journey from South Devon to Berwick-upon-Tweed.
• Wonka (2023) The Timothée Chalamet-led musical, filmed several of its exterior scenes in Bath. Notable locations included Bath Street and The Parade Gardens, both renowned for their charm. Bath’s iconic Georgian architecture and scenic streets provided a perfect backdrop for the film’s whimsical aesthetic.”

Period Drama Perfection

• Bridgerton: Netflix’s hit series has put Bath in the spotlight, with its Regency romance and scandal. The third series is set to release in two parts on May 16 and June 13, 2024, with a fourth series already in the works. The 2023 prequel, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, also showcases Bath’s iconic landmarks like The Royal Crescent and The Holburne Museum.
• Jane Austen Adaptations: With Jane Austen’s history in Bath, it’s no surprise her novels have been brought to life here. Netflix’s 2022 version of Persuasion starring Dakota Johnson, as well as the 1995 and 2007 adaptations, all feature Bath’s beautiful streets.
• The Duchess (2008): Keira Knightley stars in this film set in Austen’s Georgian world, featuring the grand Assembly Rooms and the Royal Crescent.
• Vanity Fair (2004): Reese Witherspoon plays Becky Sharp in this adaptation, with Bath’s historic sites providing the perfect backdrop.

Jane Austen’s Bath: A Cinematic Journey

Bath’s historic Georgian streets have long been a muse for filmmakers, especially when it comes to period adaptations of Jane Austen’s beloved novels. Let’s explore how this charming city has brought Austen’s world to life on screen:

• Jane Austen’s Inspiration: Bath was home to Jane Austen from 1801 to 1806, and its picturesque streets inspired her novels Persuasion and Northanger Abbey. It’s no wonder that filmmakers choose Bath as the perfect backdrop for adaptations of her work.
• Persuasion: Netflix’s 2022 adaptation of Persuasion, starring Dakota Johnson, showcases Bath’s beauty. The city’s timeless elegance also features in the 1995 and 2007 versions, making it a recurring star in Austen adaptations.
• The Duchess (2008): Set in Austen’s Georgian era, this film stars Keira Knightley and highlights Bath’s grand Assembly Rooms and the iconic Royal Crescent. The city’s architecture perfectly complements the film’s historical setting.
• Vanity Fair (2004): Reese Witherspoon brings Becky Sharp to life in this adaptation, with Bath’s historic sites providing a fitting backdrop for the story of social climbing and intrigue.

Bath’s cinematic allure continues to captivate audiences, blending its rich history with the magic of storytelling. Have you visited any of these iconic locations or seen these films?

Small Screen Spots: Bath’s TV Fame

Bath isn’t just a star on the big screen; it’s also made numerous appearances on television. Let’s dive into some of the notable TV shows that have featured this beautiful city:

• Sherlock (2015): Fans of Benedict Cumberbatch might remember the special episode where Bath’s cobbled Queen Street stood in for Victorian England. It was a perfect setting for the iconic detective’s adventures.
• The Trial of Christine Keeler (2019): This BBC One series about the ‘Profumo affair’ used Bath’s Guildhall for the Old Bailey scenes and Abbey Green for scenes set in Notting Hill. The city’s historic charm added authenticity to the drama.
• The Pursuit of Love (2021): Adapted from Nancy Mitford’s 1945 novel, this BBC One series features an all-star cast including Lily James, Dominic West, and Andrew Scott. Filming locations in Bath included Green Park Station, the Georgian terraced street of Green Park, and No.1 Royal Crescent. Nearby, Dyrham Park, Lacock Abbey, and Avon Valley Railway also made appearances.
• McDonald & Dodds: This ITV drama about an unlikely detective duo, starring Jason Watkins and Tala Gouveia, extensively used Bath for filming across its three series (2019-2021). A scale model railway layout of Bath used in the show can be seen at the Museum of Bath at Work.
• Unforgotten (2023): Bath appeared briefly in the fifth series of this popular cold-case crime drama starring Sinéad Keenan and Sanjeev Bhaskar. The city’s timeless appeal continues to draw filmmakers.
• Belgravia: Bath’s Assembly Rooms were featured in this ITV historical drama starring Philip Glenister and Tamsin Greig. The stunning building served as the setting for a grand ball in Brussels in the first episode.

Bath’s rich history and picturesque settings make it a favourite for TV productions. Have you spotted Bath in any of these shows?