Movies to drive for
Many iconic films are shot at wonderful UK locations, and motoring specialists at Leasevan.co.uk have sifted through some of the best-loved to identify great scenic drives from cinematic history.
1
Forth Bridge, Scotland
Trainspotting (1996)
This great nineties classic, starring Ewan Mcgregor, is set in Edinburgh and has a number of notable locations. Forth Bridge (pictured above) presides over the body of water that hugs Edinburgh.
If you’re visiting Scotland, make sure to drive across the 8000ft bridge, which has one of the finest views in the country.
2
Doune Castle, Scotland
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Doune Castle boasts a strong pop culture significance. Used as a setting for Monty Python and the Holy Grail, it is set back from the road in lush woods. You can drive up to the 600-year-old castle and walk around its gorgeous grounds.
3
Newcastle, England
Get Carter (1971)
Michael Caine was arguably at his best in the 1971 classic Get Carter, setting the tone for many gangster films since then. Newcastle was a primary location and the scene where Carter meets Margaret was filmed on the High Level Bridge North End. A drive across the bridge immerses you in the region’s rich industrial history and delivers beautiful views.
4
St Albans, England
Snatch (2000)
Guy Ritchie’s Snatch garnered a cult following that runs strong 20 years on. Set primarily in London’s back streets, the crime-comedy also features the historic Hertfordshire town of St Albans. The famous scene where Brad Pitt tries to buy a caravan was filmed here. Driving through the streets of St Michael offers a peaceful journey across the town.
If you’re looking to stop off, you can learn to bake artisan bread at the nearby Redbournbury Watermill and Bakery.
5
Swanage, England
Dunkirk (2017)
Swanage is a key location of Dunkirk,
and where Harry Styles made his acting debut. Just along from the harbour and Swanage rail station, the English Channel meets the town’s glorious cliffs.
6
Freshwater West, Wales
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)
This is the location for perhaps the most emotional scene of all eight movies, and that doesn’t detract from its raw beauty. Just off the B3419 in Pembrokeshire National Park, rolling dunes and sandy beach offer an idyllic picnic break.
7
Southend, England
Goldfinger (1964)
Southend-on-sea is not only home to the longest iron pier in the world and great fish and chips, it also has a cameo in one of Sean Connery’s many Bond films. Driving on the seafront is the best way to see this resort in all its glory, and there’s plenty of parking, too.
8
Somerset, England
Hot Fuzz (2005)
Home of cop comedy Hot Fuzz, Somerset has a less satanic, more holiday postcard aura than Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright depict in the film. The B3135 offers a fine view of Cheddar Gorge and is one of the most beautiful driving routes in England.