Forests in film | Nine on screen hits to binge

Crew filming in the forest

Connect to the forest from your sofa

From far off kingdoms to mystical worlds and true-to-life landscapes, what we watch on our screens can transport us to exciting locations without having to leave the house. 

Did you know that our forests have been featured in notable blockbuster films, television dramas, comedy productions and documentaries? So, if you’re missing the forest right now, do not fear! We’ve put together a list of our favourite blockbuster hits that feature some fantastic forest scenery, so you can feel immersed in the magic of the outdoors.

Forest floor with autumn leaves

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Where was Harry Potterand the Deathly Hallows filmed? 

Escape to the magic of the wizarding world whilst re-connecting to the atmosphere of the forest with the last instalments of this captivating classic.

Whilst searching for the remaining Horcruxes, the famous trio end up hiding out at the Forest of Dean, parts of which were actually filmed in Bourne Wood.

Where was Killing Eve filmed?

From the streets of Paris to the rolling hills of Tuscany, Killing Eve is not only addictive for its gripping cat and mouse storyline, but also its international backdrop.

Did you know that parts of the series were filmed a little closer to home at Wendover Woods? 

Tree top view of Wendover landscape

Killing Eve

Dark sky sunset over open field

Captain America: The First Avenger

Where was Captain America: The First Avenger filmed?

Bourne Wood became a part of the legendary Marvel Cinematic Universe when it was turned into the army base where Captain America first launches his solo rescue mission.  

Other superhero classics shot in Bourne Wood include Thor: The Dark World, Wonder Woman and Avengers: Age of Ultron!

Where was Sex Education filmed? 

For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past two years, this popular Netflix series tells the coming-of-age story of Otis, who lives amongst the stunning scenery of the Wye Valley.

Symonds Yat and other iconic settings across the Forest of Dean feature throughout both seasons.

Stunning viewpoint over forest landscape with blue sunny skies

Sex Education

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Sun through autumnal trees

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Where was Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom filmed?

Dinosaurs don’t tend to be amongst the most common woodland creatures sighted in our forests, but that all changed when Jurassic World took over Bourne Wood. The opening scenes to this action-packed hit were filmed in the Surrey countryside. 

Where was The Crown filmed?

Another fan favourite from Netflix, The Crown is set amongst many lavish locations including palaces, yachts and even the Australian outback. This historic retelling also features scenes shot in Bourne Wood.

Green rolling hills in the countryside with blue skies

The Crown

Sunlight streaming through the Beech trees
Simon Bound

The Kings Speech

Where was The King's Speech filmed?

From one royal to another... this Academy Award, BAFTA and Golden Globe winning film tells the compelling story of how King George VI overcame his stammer.

The scene featuring the driveway to Balmoral was filmed at snowy Wendover Woods!

Where was Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves filmed?

The legend of Robin Hood and his notorious adventures across Sherwood Forest have been featured time and time again across both film and literature, and it’s clear why!

The action-packed Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves brought the famous folklore to the New Forest back in 1991, where Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman can be seen racing through the forest on horseback.

The open forest landscape within the New Forest National Park

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves

Open landscape at Bellever Forest

Gladiator

Where was Gladiator filmed?

The famous bloody battle scene that opens the movie depicts the rolling hills of Germania. This was the first scene to be shot in Bourne Wood, paving the way for many iconic films to follow in its footsteps.  

That's not all

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Spending time in forests is good for our mental, physical and social wellbeing. So how do we continue to experience the wellbeing benefits of trees and forests whilst following the important Government advice to stay safe and stay home? Well the good news is that recent research suggests that connection with nature is more important for mental wellbeing than simple exposure to nature. Nature connectedness describes our emotional and relationship with nature. Research shows that people who are connected to nature, rather than simply exposed to nature, have better wellbeing and are more likely to do things that benefit nature.
Autumn colour in the Forest of Dean
Connect to the forest from the comfort of your home