From the silver screen to much-loved TV dramas, the North York Moors is proving increasingly popular as a filming location – hardly surprising really when you think of all the area has to offer from a stunning coastline and panoramic moorland to charming villages, and heritage buildings and architecture from many eras.
We take a closer look at some North York Moors locations you can visit for film-inspired days out…
North York Moors – in the spotlight
Testament of Youth
A new film adaptation of Vera Brittain’s World War One memoirs by BBC Films and Heyday Films, was shot in several locations in the National Park including Goathland, Egton Moor, Fylingdales, along the coast and on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Charlie Thompson, Supervising Location Manager, on ‘Testament of Youth’ describes the North York Moors as a treasure trove of period locations and beautiful landscapes: “They are a valuable resource and a must see for film-makers.”
Our scenic railway has also featured in ITV’s Downton Abbey
Which stars Golden Globe winner Joanne Froggatt from Littlebeck in the North York Moors – and two Harry Potter films. In 2016, the railway is set to appear in the much anticipated Dad’s Army film.
Staithes meanwhile…
Is growing in popularity with younger viewers thanks to CBeebies programme Old Jack’s Boat which features Bernard Cribbins as ‘Old Jack’, a retired fisherman who tells stories from inside his fishing boat, ‘The Rainbow’.
Helmsley’s Duncombe Park…
Has provided a stunning backdrop for a number of TV programmes including staring as Groby Hall in 2012 for the BBC drama Parade’s End and featuring in ITV’s the Thirteenth Tale in 2013. The countryside around Helmsley will also be seen later this year in the film Hunter’s Prayer where Studfold Luxury Lodges is portrayed as a deserted holiday park in France. Sam Worthington, star of Avatar, is the lead in this action thriller based on the 2004 novel For the Dogs by Kevin Wignall.
Fans of Yorkshire Television’s Heartbeat
Will experience a sense of déjà vu in the tranquil Goathland as the village and surrounding landscape doubled up as Aidensfield in the popular TV series.
And who can forget the hugely popular 1980s ITV series…
And more recent film adaptation of Brideshead Revisited, featuring the majestic Castle Howard as Brideshead, the seat of the Marchmain family. The elegant 18th century house will also look familiar to viewers of BBC’s Death Comes to Pemberley and was one of the key locations in Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties where a case of mistaken cat identity leaves Garfield ruling over a castle (Castle Howard)!
Staying in the Howardian Hills…
The forthcoming major BBC1 series of Susanna Clarke’s fantasy Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell has a star-studded cast and its many Yorkshire locations include Newburgh Priory near Coxwold.
(Content courtesy of http://www.northyorkmoors.org.uk)
