Northants, Camera, Action!
Northamptonshire, with its stunning landscapes and magnificent architecture, has become a favoured backdrop for films and television shows alike. We all know that Northants is infused with history and charm, which makes it an ideal setting for various productions ranging from thrilling dramas to whimsical comedies. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout films and shows that have taken advantage of Northamptonshire’s beauty.

The Crown:
The beautiful Lamport Hall starred as Windsor Castle’s stable block in the final episode of Netflix’s acclaimed drama The Crown. In this episode, Olivia Colman and Imelda Staunton bring the royalty of the British monarchy to life against the stunning backdrop of this historic estate.
The lovely Oundle Town Centre, specifically North Street, also featured in The Crown, Season 5!

Saltburn & Jane Eyre:
One of the biggest films of the decade, blockbuster movie Saltburn used the iconic bridge at Deene Park for parts of the film. Creating a dramatic background for the scenes, it accentuated both the affluence of the Catton family in the film, as well as the beautiful architecture in Northamptonshire.
Deene was also used as the setting of Rochester’s Thornfield Hall in the BBC miniseries of Jane Eyre, with filming taking place in and around the grounds, inside the courtyard, and on the roof for the dramatic fire scene.

Kinky Boots:
It’s no secret that Northamptonshire is known widely for its connections to the shoe industry. Therefore, it was only fitting that the iconic Kinky Boots was filmed in several Northampton locations, notably Tricker’s Factory, highlighting the true story of Earls Barton shoemaker Steve Pateman. This feel-good hit showcases Northamptonshire’s vibrant culture, creativity, and community spirit. Whilst you unfortunately are unable to re-live the scenes exactly how they are in the movie, you can visit their quaint shop which is part of Tricker’s Factory on St Michael’s Road in Northampton. Here, you can get a sneak peek into their world-renowned production process through a large window!

Black Mirror & Thunderball:
Silverstone Circuit hosted Sean Connery in the iconic film, Thunderball. The 1965 classic featured an exhilarating chase scene that took full advantage of the circuit, reaffirming Northamptonshire’s standing as a motorsports hub.
More recently, Silverstone was creatively repurposed as a military base in the Black Mirror episode "Men Against Fire," showcasing its versatility in accommodating different genres.

Les Misérables & Napoleon:
Over in Kettering, the grandeur of Boughton House has attracted the attention of notable directors. Ridley Scott's Napoleon utilises Boughton’s elegant interiors to illustrate the rise of the infamous French leader.
Similarly, Tom Hooper’s Les Misérables found inspiration in the stately setting, as the film sought to mirror the lavish yet chaotic world of the characters.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle & Another Country:
One thing these two prominent films have in common is that they both featured Althorp House. Whilst Kingsman showcased the estate’s opulence with another star-studded cast including Taron Egerton and Colin Firth, Another Country drew upon its history and ‘eerie’ side. With this in mind, the films together have been able to convey the location’s versatility making it ideal for a number of different genres.

Men In Black: International:
The magnificent Castle Ashby House and Gardens played host to F. Gary Gray’s Men in Black: International. Featuring Chris Hemsworth, the estate’s unique architecture provided an incredible backdrop which allowed the film to merge comedic action with stunning visuals, and showcasing how Northamptonshire is a truly versatile filming location.

Battle of Britain:
Many scenes from Battle of Britain were filmed at Sywell Aerodrome! Since filming, a number of aircraft featured in the film have undergone restoration and can now be seen flying at Sywell by eagle-eyed visitors during the spring and summer months. However, even if you aren’t able to catch the aircraft in flight, you can learn all about the making of the film including photographs, scale models and Buchon artifacts at the Sywell Aviation Museum.

Other Films:
Other notable films and TV shows which have taken advantage of Northamptonshire’s charm include:
- A Cock and Bull Story (featuring several Northampton hotspots, including Lamport Hall, Deene Park, and Kirby Hall);
- The Show (filmed at Delapré Abbey);
- Mansfield Park (utilising Kirby Hall);
- Great Expectations (brought to life at Holdenby House).
With so many unique films and television shows choosing to film in Northamptonshire, it’s clear that the region’s rich history and scenic beauty are bound to attract even more creative projects in the future. Each production not only showcases the local charm but also solidifies Northamptonshire’s place in the cinematic landscape.
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