Yorkshire cemented its status as one of Britain’s most sought-after filming destinations in 2025, as major Hollywood and UK productions turned the region’s towns, moorlands and historic streets into international screen backdrops. From the Yorkshire Dales to the heart of York, film crews arrived in unprecedented numbers, bringing A-list stars, global attention and renewed optimism for tourism-led growth.
Festive Beginnings in Knaresborough and Wetherby
The year opened on a seasonal note as crews descended on Knaresborough and Wetherby to film Tinsel Town. The Christmas movie stars Kiefer Sutherland, Rebel Wilson and Danny Dyer. Iconic landmarks including Knaresborough Viaduct, Castlegate and Green Dragon Yard featured prominently. Speaking ahead of the film’s release, Sutherland praised the friendliness of local residents and said he hoped to return to the area. The town is now preparing for increased visitor interest. Knaresborough Town Council has approved free walking tours of filming locations, designed to support local businesses and enhance the visitor experience from 2026 onwards.
Hollywood Heads to the Yorkshire Dales
In April, international attention turned to the Yorkshire Dales when Emerald Fennell began filming her adaptation of Wuthering Heights. The production stars Margot Robbie as Cathy, alongside Jacob Elordi. Scenes were shot across Arkengarthdale, Swaledale and the village of Low Row, with a production base near Reeth. Visitors spotted Robbie filming dramatic sequences in a white wedding gown amid stark moorland landscapes. The film, based on Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, is scheduled for release on 13 February 2026 and is expected to renew interest in Brontë heritage sites across the region.
From Period Drama to Wizarding Worlds
Yorkshire’s cinematic appeal extended beyond film. In September, the cast of Downton Abbey arrived in Harrogate to shoot scenes at the Great Yorkshire Showground. Several young performers from local Stagecoach Performing Arts schools were also cast, offering rare on-screen opportunities for regional talent. October saw Skipton host filming for a new Harry Potter television series, while York city centre was briefly transformed into a festive set for Merry Christmas Aubrey Flint, starring Richard E. Grant.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The spotlight on Yorkshire is set to continue. Bradford will feature prominently in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, starring Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell. As production companies increasingly look north, 2025 may be remembered as the year Yorkshire firmly established itself as a star of the global screen.
