The historical castles and stunning landscapes of Powis Estates have served as the ideal backdrops to numerous productions in recent years. If you’re looking for somewhere to shoot your own film, TV series or documentary, or you’re keen to experience scenes from your favourite drama, keep reading to discover the places on Powis Estates that have featured on the Big Screen.
1. Ludlow Castle
A masterpiece in medieval architecture, Ludlow Castle makes an ideal filming location in Shropshire with its picturesque style and expansive views over breathtaking landscapes.
Situated in the heart of the bustling market town of Ludlow, the Castle’s earliest surviving remains can be dated back to the 11th Century. So grand it was deemed fit to house numerous royal family members throughout the 1400s and 1500s, it was eventually bought by the Earl of Powis in 1811.
Today, the Castle’s rich history, charm and style have continued to attract visitors from all over, including artists for various events like Within the Walls and filming productions like Catherine Called Birdy. You can learn more about filming at Ludlow Castle here.
Catherine Called Birdy, Amazon Prime
When US writer, actress and director Lena Dunham was scouting for historical locations to shoot Catherine Called Birdy, Ludlow Castle provided the perfect backdrop for multiple scenes in this medieval comedy film.
Portrayed by Bella Ramsey, this adaptation of Karen Cushman’s 1994 young adult classic follows the story of Birdy, a spirited 14-year-old who prefers sword-fighting over traditional ladylike pursuits. Andrew Scott takes on the role of her father who, burdened with family debt, tries to marry her off to secure a dowry. Birdy continues to resist while navigating the challenges of being a young woman in 13th-century medieval England, putting her relationships to the test.
Watch Catherine Called Birdy on Amazon Prime.
Lucy Worsley Investigates, BBC iPlayer
In episode 3 of this popular series, British historian and author Lucy Worsley looks into the mysterious disappearance of princes Edward and Richard during the War of the Roses in 1483. Centuries of speculation lead her to Ludlow Castle, where the young Prince Edward grew up, having been sent away from his noble house of York to prepare for his eventual rise to the throne.
Inside the atmospheric walls of the castle, she tells the story of Edward’s unusual upbringing, interspersed with dramatised scenes that bring the story to life. Lucy also meets with a fellow historian in the Castle to delve deeper into Edward’s daily routines during his time at Ludlow, and unearth the potential roles his closest relatives had to play in his disappearance.
Watch Lucy Worsley Investigates, Princes in the Tower on BBC iPlayer.
Castles That Made Britain, History Hit
Made for subscription TV channel History Hit, the Castles That Made Britain series features some of the country’s most iconic castles and we were thrilled to have Ludlow Castle included on the list.
In Episode 2 of this three-part series, presenter Mike Lewis explores the rich tapestry of Ludlow Castle’s history. From its role in the War of the Roses and housing royal residents to the Castle’s connection with the local community, this series uncovers every aspect behind the stone walls of this iconic castle.
Watch Episode 2 of Castles That Made Britain on History Hit.
The Completely Made-Up Adventures Of Dick Turpin, Apple TV
Set to star Noel Fielding as the rogue highwayman Dick Turpin, this brand-new series from Apple TV has been commissioned for a pilot episode featuring Ludlow Castle. The British Bake Off and Mighty Boosh star will be joined by Hugh Bonneville of Downton Abbey, for a raucous comedy adventure series that sees the legendary historical villain turned on his head – defined less by his crimes and more by his charm and flamboyant style. The supporting cast is made up of much-loved British actors including Asim Chaudhry, Tamsin Greig, Mark Heap, Joe Wilkinson, Marc Wootton and Ellie White.
Coming soon to Apple TV.
2. Powis Estates
Held by the Herbert Family for nearly 500 years, Powis Estates is an impressive slice of British history. Comprising over 14,000 acres of land across South Shropshire and Montgomeryshire, the land managed by Powis Estates includes enchanting woodland, heritage walking trails, and enigmatic ruins, all of which make for a fantastic filming backdrop.
Garddio a Mwy, S4C
In one episode of Garddio a Mwy (Gardening and More) that aired on June 12, 2023, the team visited Powis Estates, where presenter Iwan took to the Estate grounds to investigate some of the oak tree species native to Great Britain.
Here, he was able to find prime examples of both the sessile and common oak, which have been left to grow and establish their own ecosystems for hundreds of years. Strolling in the dappled shadow of these natural giants, he went on to explain the crucial roles of the oak tree in supporting native wildlife, as well as the Welsh myth and folklore surrounding these ‘Gods of the forest’.
Watch Garddio a Mwy on S4C. English subtitles available.
3. Offa’s Dyke
Since our Estate borders England and Wales along the Shropshire-Powys border, we are also proud to protect areas of the historical Offa’s Dyke. King Offa ordered this Dyke, an impressive wall and ditch made of earth, to be built in the 8th Century as a way of separating his kingdom of Mercia from rival kingdoms in Wales.
As for the Offa’s Dyke Path, this was opened in 1971 and provides a spectacular 177-mile (285 km) long walking trail from Sedbury Cliffs near Chepstow to the coastal town of Prestatyn. The path often follows the Dyke, hence its name, and passes through several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty along the way, including the Shropshire Hills.
Sections of this path can also be found within the Estate around Montgomery, along with a few at Buttington near Welshpool, providing around 6.5 miles (10.5 km) for hikers and walkers to explore. Interested in visiting this historical part of Powis Estates? Learn more on our Visit Us page.
Wonders of the Border, ITVX
A six-part ITVX series, Wonders of the Border follows presenter Sean Fletcher along the England-Wales border as he follows the 177-mile Offa’s Dyke Path. In Episode Four, Sean takes a scenic stroll along a section of the trail located at the heart of Powis Estates, before meeting some of the local community, including a farmer who feeds his cows beer.
Watch Series One, Episode 4 of Wonders of the Border on ITVX.
Choose Powis Estates for your next production
Spanning medieval castles, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and sites of historic and scientific interest, Powis Estates is home to some truly captivating sites that are sure to inspire more films, dramas and documentaries to come. The landscape and iconic buildings within our Estate lend themselves perfectly to filming opportunities, and if you would like to enquire about your next production, please get in touch to find out how we can help.
Just looking for a fun day out to relive your favourite scenes? Find out which of our sites are open to the public and come Visit Us.
Another Filming Location Linked to Powis Estates
Owned by the National Trust but located within the sprawling acreage of Powis Estates, we are intimately linked with Powis Castle and Gardens, which also makes for an atmospheric filming location. While the castle is not technically part of Powis Estates, we are co-located and often work in partnership to preserve this pocket of British history.
Powis Castle and Gardens
A home to the Herbert family since the 1570s, Powis Castle and Gardens was bequeathed to the National Trust by the family in 1952. Powis Castle and Gardens is a charming 13th-century medieval fortress offering an array of breathtaking backdrops to explore.
Each room throughout the castle reflects Elizabethan and Edwardian décor, furnished with an extensive art collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture and tapestries collected from around the world. Outside, you can explore world-famous gardens featuring 17th-century Italianate terraces, rose beds, 30ft clipped yew trees and an Edwardian formal garden.
With the incredible views across the Severn Valley, it’s easy to see why Powis Castle and Gardens has also graced our screens on multiple occasions.
Antiques Roadshow, BBC One
In July 2022, three episodes of BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow were filmed at Powis Castle. During this, thousands of people descended on the grounds to get their curios valued, and for the first time in the show’s 45-year history, fans were asked to apply for tickets to ensure they could get in.
During these episodes, the team were also granted special access to film several items from Powis Castle’s own world-class collection, which you can explore online via the National Trust Collections website. The current Chair of the Powis Estates, Jonathan, Viscount Clive, was also delighted to show them a private collection of satchels from the Estate Office that were once used to collect rent, which you can see in Episode 14.
Watch Series 45, Episode 11, Episode 14 and Episode 18 of the Antiques Roadshow on BBC iPlayer.
With easy access from both Manchester and Birmingham, our locations in Shropshire and Powys are alreadypopular filming locationsfor a variety of television and films.
