Movies & TV Shows Filmed in Essex – Plan Your Set Jetting

Essex has proved to be a popular filming location over the years, with a variety of locations and attractions being featured in everything from Hollywood blockbusters to Netflix shows and reality TV. So, if you’re a movie buff looking for the perfect ‘set jetting’ short stay, or you’re simply curious about what has been filmed in Essex and where, read on!

The Crown (2016-2023) - Audley End House & Hylands Estate

The show that captivated fans of the Royals was filmed at various locations in Essex. Audley End House, a 17th-century Jacobean mansion in Saffron Walden, served as the set for Balmoral Castle, Windsor House, and Eton College across multiple seasons, showcasing its stunning Great Hall, Library, and Nursery. In season three, Hylands Estate in Chelmsford took on the role of the White House, where Princess Margaret meets President Lyndon B. Johnson. Its iconic columns and stately look made this Grade-II listed building a perfect double for the Washington estate.

Killing Eve (2018-2022) – Hylands Estate

This gripping series follows British intelligence officer Eve as she becomes obsessed with the unhinged assassin Villanelle. In season two of Killing Eve, the Banqueting Hall at Hylands Estate in Chelmsford was transformed into Aaron Peel’s grand palazzo. For fans of the show dreaming of their big day, the hall doubles as a stunning wedding venue when not featured in must-watch TV!

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) – Stansted Airport

The scenes of the charming Mark Darcy landing at JFK Airport in New York City, from the first Bridget Jones film, were actually filmed at Stansted Airport! This isn’t Stansted’s only brush with stardom—it has been featured in several other major productions. It doubled as ‘Gotham International Airport’ in The Dark Knight Rises and appeared in films like GoldenEye, 28 Weeks Later, and Spider-Man: Far From Home. The airport has even starred in the Apple TV series Slow Horses, which has a new season coming soon. Conveniently located just outside London, Stansted Airport is an ideal setting for rom-coms, action movies, and beyond!

The Essex Serpent (2022) – Maldon, Mersea Island & Brightlingsea

The popular Apple TV mini-series The Essex Serpent captured hearts with its stunning portrayal of the Essex coast. The charming market town of Maldon served as the main setting, featuring locations like the Moot Hall and Promenade Park. The saltmarshes of the Blackwater Estuary and Tollesbury also provided breathtaking backdrops throughout the series. Additionally, viewers may recognise the dramatic cliffs at Cudmore Grove Country Park on Mersea Island and the picturesque Brightlingsea Harbour.

Liar (2020) & Great Expectations (2011) – Tollesbury

The Tollesbury salt marshes, an awe-inspiring and picturesque destination, have gained recognition as a filming hotspot. The hit TV drama Liar used the marshlands for its iconic opening sequence, featuring breathtaking drone footage that sets a dramatic and atmospheric tone for the series. These marshes have long been a favourite for filmmakers, notably appearing in the BBC's 2011 adaptation of Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. Renowned for their stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity, the salt marshes perfectly embody the charm of the English countryside and coast, making them an ideal cinematic backdrop.

Mr Bates vs The Post Office (2024) – Shire Hall

The gripping ITV drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office recounts the British Post Office scandal, where hundreds of subpostmasters were falsely accused of theft and fraud due to flaws in the Horizon computer system. Shire Hall in Chelmsford served as a stand-in for Winchester Crown Court in the pivotal courtroom scenes, bringing key trial moments to life. This Grade-II listed building, rich in history, was originally opened in 1791 by John Johnson. Having operated as the County Court for over 220 years until 2012, its use in the series adds a fitting touch of heritage to the production.

Wonder Woman (2017), Taboo (2017) – Tilbury

Tilbury has built quite the reputation in the world of TV and film! Tilbury Fort starred as the ‘Ottoman Fort’ in the 2017 movie Wonder Woman. In the TV series Taboo, featuring Tom Hardy, the fort was transformed into the historic streets of Wapping for the mini-series. Originally constructed in 1539 by King Henry VIII as part of a defensive chain along the Thames, Tilbury Fort has a rich history – Queen Elizabeth I even delivered her famous speech to her troops there in 1588.

Downtown Abbey: A New Era (2022) – Electric Palace Cinema

The second film inspired by the popular TV series was filmed in the historic town of Harwich in May 2021. Scenes for the period drama took place at the iconic Electric Palace Cinema, shortly after its £1.5m restoration. Originally built in 1911, the cinema is one of the oldest surviving purpose-built venues of its kind. For the film, it was meticulously transformed into a 1920s setting, complete with gravelled roads and modified street signs to capture the era’s authentic charm.

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