Discover Famous Filming Locations in Kent

Kent, often referred to as the “Garden of England,” is not only a picturesque county with stunning landscapes and historic sites but also a popular filming location for many iconic movies. Combining a love for cinema with the joy of walking or cycling, here are some fantastic routes that take you through the filming locations of some famous films shot in Kent.

1. Dover Castle

Films: The Other Boleyn Girl (2008), Wolf Hall, Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015) Walking Route: Dover to Deal: 3 Castles Walk. Begin your journey at Dover Castle, a prominent filming location for The Other Boleyn Girl, Wolf Hall and Avengers: Age of Ultron. After exploring the castle, head towards the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. This walk provides breathtaking views of the English Channel and a chance to experience the dramatic landscapes featured in these films.

2. Knole House

Films: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) Walking Route: Knole Stile Free Trail. Knole House, a stunning historic estate, has been featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and The Other Boleyn Girl. The walk through Knole Park and Deer Park offers a serene escape into nature, with opportunities to spot deer and enjoy the beautiful parkland. It’s a perfect blend of cinematic history and natural beauty.

3. Whitstable

Series: Whitstable Peal. Cycling Route: Margate to Whitstable Cycle: Beaches and Bays. The route takes you through charming seaside towns like Westgate-on-Sea and Herne Bay, and past scenic spots like Minnis Bay and the historic Reculver Towers. As you reach Whitstable, you can explore the town’s quaint streets, vibrant seafront, and famous fishing harbour. Whitstable, the setting for the Whitstable Pearl series, a crime drama featuring Pearl Nolan, a local restaurant owner and private detective. The series captures the charm and character of Whitstable, making it a delightful watch for fans of cosy mysteries.

4. Hythe

Drama series: Back to Life. Walking Routes: North Downs Way 15: Folkestone to Dover and Hythe to Folkestone Walk: Art & Nostalgia. Abbot’s Cliff is one of the most striking locations in “Back to Life,” featuring prominently in the series. The cliff offers stunning views and is home to a historic sound mirror, which was used for early warning during wartime. There’s also the Fisherman’s Beach, Hythe where Miri spends a lot of time cycling along Fisherman’s Beach.

5. Chatham

The Historic Dockyard Chatham has been a popular filming location for many notable films too. Here are some of the top films shot there such as: Les Misérables (2012), Sherlock Holmes (2009), The Crown (Netflix Series) and Call the Midwife (BBC Series). Walking Route: Defensive Heritage Trail.

There are many more films and TV locations based in Kent, why not take a look at the Kent Film Office Movie Map to discover more favourites and combine it with one of our Explore Kent walking or cycling routes!