This Gorgeous National Park Just Outside Manchester Has Been Named The Second Most-Filmed In The UK

We’re no strangers to filming locations in Manchester, and it’s no surprise that the national parks surrounding it are also used frequently. Now, a new study has revealed that the Peak District, just a stone’s throw from Manchester, is officially the second most-filmed national park in the UK – and the overall winner isn’t far, either.

Whether it’s the majestic peaks of Scotland or the enchanted woodlands in Wales, GO Outdoors have explored some of the UK’s most picturesque cinematic settings, uncovering the top regions that have brought stories to life.

The Peak District ranked second, and with the likes of Pride and Prejudice and Dr Who having been filmed there, we can see why. Gorgeous backdrops include Mam Tor, Castleton and Bakewell, many of which are practically untouched by time and provide second-to-none views.

Also not too far from Manchester is the most-filmed national park in the UK, the Lake District. Its striking landscapes have served as perfect backdrops for a variety of iconic scenes across film and TV, making it the UK’s most featured national park. One of the most memorable sets in the Lake District is Peter Rabbit (2018), starring James Corden. Windermere’s charming village location provided a picturesque setting for Peter and his friends’ mischievous antics – and of course, author Beatrix Potter was famously from the Lake District.

In ITV’s Deep Water (2022), Lake Windermere again plays a central role, alongside being a huge part of The Witcher (2019), helping to set the stage for epic battles and mystical scenes. If you fancy a spookier outing, visit the setting of 28 Days Later (2002) – the Lake District’s desolate and haunting landscapes helped create a terrifying backdrop to the post-apocalyptic world.

Other national parks included in the most-filmed list alongside the Peak District and Lake District were Snowdonia, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, all of which are reachable from Manchester. The likes of Dartmoor, Exmoor and The Broads represent the rest of the country, showing the beauty of the UK on our screens.

The most-filmed national parks in the UK (with combined number of movies and series) are:

1. Lake District: 94
2. Peak District: 36
3. Snowdonia: 36
4. Dartmoor: 30
5. North York Moors: 22
6. Yorkshire Dales: 19
7. Brecon Beacons: 18
8. Cairngorms: 14
9. Exmoor: 13
10. The Broads: 5