Film Lovers York
From beautiful countryside to medieval cobbled streets, York is a perfect backdrop to many movies and series. Starting from action-animated feature film ‘Water Babies’ (1978) filmed in York, the city continues to be a prime filming location even now.
One of the most beautiful stately homes – Castle Howard – can be spotted in ‘Brideshead Revisited’ (1981, 2008) as well as ‘Death Comes to Pemberley’ (2013) that also featured iconic York Minster, St William’s College, Treasurer’s House, York Castle Museum and Harewood Castle. Recently, Castle Howard has also been featured as Duke of Hastings' family estate in the hit Netflix drama ‘Bridgerton’ (2020).
British biographical drama film ‘Elizabeth’ (1998) also had some scenes filmed at York Minster, while another royal drama film ‘Victoria’ (2013) once again went to Castle Howard and Harewood Castle.
Visitor’s to York who arrive by train will most likely follow the footsteps of the famous boy wizard Harry Potter. Not many know that the scene at King’s Cross from ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ (2001) where Harry is left alone on the pedestrian bridge was filmed in York Railway Station. Another interesting fact is that the film depiction of the Diagon Alley was allegedly inspired by the Shambles – one of oldest medieval streets in the whole of Europe.
Another film based on the fantastic novel by Susanna Clarke – ‘Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell’ (2015) had some scenes filmed in York Minster and St William’s College.
More recent films and series featuring York include TV Drama ‘Gilfriends’ (2017) by Kay Mellor, continuation of the ITV drama ‘Victoria’ (2016 – 2018), BBC drama ‘Gentleman Jack’ (2019) and the Bollywood action movie ‘Commando 3’ (2019). Christmas Magic of York has been portrayed in a recent Amazon Prime movie ‘My Dad's Christmas Date’ (2020).
Many famous actors were born or spent a great time of their lives in York, including Dame Judi Dench - one of the finest, best-known and best-loved English actresses. She was born in York in 1934 and attended the Mount School. Another familiar face is David Bradley, who most will know as the cadaverous caretaker Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films. David was born in York and had a glittering theatre career, he also played God in the 1976 York Mystery Plays.
The King of the Iron Throne Robert Baratheon – played by Mark Addy – was also born and bred in York. He is also known for his roles of the insecure security guard Dave in ‘The Full Monty’ and Fred Flintstone in 'Flintstones in Las Vegas’.
‘Emmerdale’ - the popular English soap television programme’s star Dave Glover was also born in York in 1972. He also played the role of Dr Patrick Spiller in ‘Casualty’.
Visitors can not only learn the history of films and movie stars in York, but also enjoy a screening of recent and older movies in one of York’s best movie theatres. City Screen York is one of Britain’s Picture House cinemas. While the Brandy Brown’s Cinema at 1331 is a luxurious attic cinema full of atmosphere with all of the mod cons. Everyman Cinema provides a comfortable cinema experience with frequent reruns of older pictures as well as newest big screen releases