Bristol is a modern, metropolitan city with green spaces in and around it. It is the UK’s only European Green Capital and has been voted the best place to live outside London. The city is known for doing things its own way and has also been listed among the best places to live in the UK by The Times.
Bristol is also famous for cycling. It was the first cycling city in the UK and is often recognised as one of the best cities in the world for beautiful bike rides.
The city has also built a strong reputation on screen, appearing in both films and TV shows. Bristol has provided the backdrop for major scenes in cinema and television, and is home to many well-known names in the industry.
Films and TV made in Bristol
Bristol has a rich production history, with many celebrated films and TV shows made here. Here’s a look at some of the best-known titles filmed in and around the city.
The Remains of the Day (1993)
Directed by James Ivory, The Remains of the Day is a masterclass in restrained emotion. Starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, it tells the story of a devoted butler reflecting on a life of service and missed romantic opportunities in pre-war England.
Several key scenes were filmed at Badminton House, helping cement the film’s stately, elegant atmosphere. The film is based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s 1989 novel of the same name.
Why watch? One of the finest British dramas ever made, with unforgettable performances and multiple Oscar nominations.
Ratings: IMDb: 7.8/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Starter for 10 (2006)
Directed by Tom Vaughan, Starter for 10 is a British comedy-drama that has become a cult favourite. While some university scenes were filmed at UCL, the University of Bristol’s Main Quad features prominently and helps bring student life to the screen.
The film also includes recognisable Bristol locations such as Royal York Crescent, Christmas Steps, the Floating Harbour and Temple Meads station. It follows a working-class student competing on a TV quiz show while navigating love, ambition and class tension in 1980s Britain.
Why watch? A witty, feel-good university film with a stellar cast including James McAvoy, Benedict Cumberbatch and Rebecca Hall.
Ratings: IMDb: 6.7/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
The Festival (2018)
The Festival is a chaotic British comedy in the spirit of The Inbetweeners, filmed around Ashton Court and Bristol Harbour. It follows a heartbroken graduate who ends up at a music festival after a breakup, leading to a string of ridiculous adventures.
Joe Thomas and Hammed Animashaun lead the cast in a story that mixes festival mayhem with a surprisingly heartfelt take on heartbreak and moving on.
Why watch? Crude, chaotic and unexpectedly warm-hearted — especially relatable if you’ve ever survived a UK festival.
Ratings: IMDb: 5.8/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 81%
The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
The Phantom of the Opera brings Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical to the big screen. Directed by Joel Schumacher, the film stars Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum in a lavish Gothic romance centred on obsession, music and mystery.
Parts of the film were shot in Bristol, helping add to its grand and theatrical feel.
Why watch? Lavish visuals, soaring music and full-on Gothic drama.
Ratings: IMDb: 7.2/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 33% (Audience score: 84%)
The Spanish Princess (2019–2020)
The Spanish Princess is a historical drama series with film-level production values. Filmed in Bristol Cathedral, it stars Charlotte Hope and Ruairi O’Connor in a story full of royal politics, ambition and intrigue.
Why watch? Ideal if you loved The Crown or The Tudors and want another richly styled historical drama.
Ratings: IMDb: 6.9/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
Sherlock
Sherlock is a modern reimagining of Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories. Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Sherlock Holmes, with Martin Freeman as Dr John Watson, as the pair tackle complex crimes in a fast-paced, stylish London-set drama.
Some production work tied to Bristol helps place the city within the wider map of major UK screen locations.
Why watch? Sharp writing, standout performances and mysteries that keep the tension high.
Ratings: IMDb: 9/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 78%
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is a British sci-fi icon, with several episodes shot at Bristol’s Bottle Yard Studios and other nearby locations. The series follows the Doctor, a centuries-old Time Lord who travels through time and space in the TARDIS, battling aliens and saving worlds with a changing cast of companions.
Why watch? A brilliant mix of adventure, humour, imagination and heart that keeps reinventing itself.
Ratings: IMDb: 8.5/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
The Outlaws
The Outlaws is a dark comedy-crime series that makes brilliant use of Bristol’s urban character. Filmed across areas including Stokes Croft, Easton and the city centre, it follows seven strangers on community service who stumble into serious trouble after finding a bag of cash.
Why watch? A smart mix of comedy, crime and drama, with a strong ensemble cast including Christopher Walken.
Ratings: IMDb: 7.7/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Skins
Skins is a raw, influential drama about teenagers navigating love, rebellion, friendship, drugs and mental health. The series helped launch the careers of actors including Nicholas Hoult and Dev Patel, with each episode focusing on a different character’s life and struggles.
It was filmed in Bristol, including locations such as College Green, St Paul’s and the Harbourside.
Why watch? A groundbreaking portrayal of youth culture that still feels bold and distinctive.
Ratings: IMDb: 8.2/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 82%
Only Fools and Horses
Only Fools and Horses is one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms, known for its unforgettable catchphrases and warm humour. It follows Del Boy and Rodney Trotter as they chase big dreams through dodgy deals and unlikely schemes.
Some external shots have connections to Bristol, adding another layer to the city’s long-standing relationship with UK screen culture.
Why watch? A genuine British classic and still one of the funniest sitcoms ever made.
Ratings: IMDb: 9/10 | Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
There’s so much more to discover about Bristol. From its independent spirit and thriving arts scene to its iconic landmarks and strong sense of identity, it remains one of the most exciting cities to call home in the UK.
