From period drama blockbusters to some of the most successful shows in TV history, Derbyshire is home to a glittering collection of Hollywood backdrops that are even better in real life.

The rich history immersed within the walls of some of the UK’s most stunning stately homes, castles and manors combined with the quaint villages, luscious forests and rich mountainscapes make Derbyshire a movie director’s hot spot.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find any Hollywood movie or TV spots in Alfreton but there are plenty just a short drive away.

Here are some of the big screen spots you can visit yourself.

HADDON HALL

Haddon Hall has been a film-makers favourite for decades. It’s played gracious host to a plethora of A-List gold including Margot Robbie in the recent blockbuster hit Mary Queen of Scots, Keira Knightly in Pride & Prejudice and Natalie Portman, Scarlett Johansson and Eric Bana in The Other Boleyn Girl.

When it reopens in the spring you can take a film tour, or stay at The Peacock at Rowsley – a star studded boutique luxury hotel adjacent to the hall.

Haddon Hall, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1LA
Tel: 01629 812855

CHATSWORTH HOUSE

Keira Knightly has frequented Chatsworth House on set for the likes of Pride & Prejudice and The Duchess and more recently, Cillian Murphey has featured in scenes from TV classic Peaky Blinders.

Not only is Chatsworth a Hollywood hotspot, but it also offers visitors a myriad of things to do. You can tour the gardens with a picnic, enjoy afternoon tea in the Farmhouse and you can take a tour inside what’s reputed to be one of the UK’s finest stately homes.

Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1PP
Tell: 01246 565300.

STANAGE EDGE

A couple of miles to the North of Hathersage is Stanage Edge – a stunning spot that’s featured in the climax of Pride & Prejudice. When Keira Knightley’s character Elizabeth Bennet contemplates her future with Darcy played by Matthew MacFadyan.

It’s free to visit and a popular spot with Derbyshire’s photographer community because of its striking views over the valley below. Take a pack lunch, a full battery on your phone and enjoy some of Derbyshire’s most breath-taking views.

Close to Hathersage: 53.3473° N, 1.6333° W

HARDWICK HALL

Hardwick Hall is a fantastic place to visit for explorers of all ages and is open daily for house tours and access to the gardens and restaurants.

Harry Potter and his wizardry friends descended upon Hardwick Hall in the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. More recently hosted Margot Robbie in the 2017 blockbuster Mary Queen of Scots and stood in for an old Hampton Court in the epic movie.

Doe Lea, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S44 5QJ
Tel: 01246 850430

CASTLETON

This beautiful spot in the Derbyshire Dales was rumoured to have been a recent secret location for filming of the Game of Thrones prequel – yet to reach cinemas. It’s also served as the location for multiple UK TV programmes.

The GOT filming took place out in the open where you can visit for a walk or a picnic, but Castleton is home to many beautiful places of interest including Peveril Castle, the Peak Cavern and it forms part of the ridge walk from Mam Tor to Loose hill.

KEDLESTON HALL

This stunning neo-classical manor house has featured in The Duchess with Keira Knightly as it stood in for London’s Devonshire House and was used as Tarzan’s ancestral home in The Legend of Tarzan featuring Hollywood elite Samuel L Jackson and Margot Robbie.

Few people know that the former inhabitant of Kedleston Hall, Baroness Curzon of Kedleston, was the inspiration behind the iconic character Lady Grantham in Downton Abbey.

Visitors can pay this 18th Century mansion a visit between Monday and Friday’s and enjoy walks in the extensive gardens.

Kedleston Road, near Quarndon, Derbyshire, DE22
Tel: 01332842191

Do you know of any others? Let us know and we’ll add them to our list!