The county’s film office has launched a new movie map to encourage film buffs and tourists to visit top TV and film locations.
Ever wondered what the big trucks are parked up in a disused carpark? Or why there are people in Hi-Viz jackets directing traffic when there aren’t any road works? It is more than likely that you are witnessing a little bit of movie magic being made.
Essex has long been a destination of choice of film and TV productions looking for the perfect location to shoot their latest movie or show.
On screen, Essex has been host to spies, superheroes and gothic romances and has been the location for TV shows which have inspired social change. The county has welcomed some of the biggest names in film and TV, including Tom Cruise, Cate Blanchett, Tom Holland, Claire Danes and Tom Hiddleston.
This summer the Essex film office has teamed up with Visit Essex to launch an interactive movie map which allows users to view where top films and TV shows were made and to follow in the footsteps of their favourite actors and superheroes.
A new campaign ‘Starring Essex’ has revealed the top spots across the county that have hit the screen. From the gritty streets of the ever-popular spy thriller series ‘Slow Horses’ to the star-studded historical romance of ‘The Essex Serpent’, Essex has taken centre stage.
Screen tourism is growing; the latest figures reveal 7 in 10 UK visitors have sought out a film or TV location¹. Over recent years Essex has also seen an exponential growth in TV and film productions. In 2024/25 the Essex Film Office recorded over £3m in economic impact from film and TV production activity in Essex. Due to these figures, the tourism sector is now looking forward to benefit.
Thanks to the launch of the new movie map, film fans can follow in the footsteps of their favourite actors and superheroes. The map includes locations for ‘The Crown’, which was filmed in Chelmsford at Hylands House. Visitors can recreate a pose from ‘Wonderwoman’ at Tilbury Fort, or imagine being Lady Mary from ‘Downton New Era’ at the Electric Palace, Harwich. It also details locations for much-loved historic TV shows, such as Porridge, which was filmed in Chelmsford prison. The city was also the backdrop for one of the UK’s biggest groundbreaking dramas, ‘Mr Bates vs The Post Office’, which was filmed at Chelmsford’s Shire Hall. Tom Hiddleston and Claire Danes’ fans can retrace their steps by following The Essex Serpent trail.
Since 2021, the Essex Film Office has been helping production crews find their perfect filming locations, promoting the county’s natural and urban landscapes and securing permits for private and commercial locations, ensuring that Essex is a film -friendly county.
Councillor Mark Durham, Cabinet Member for The Arts, Heritage and Culture, is excited about the opportunities film tourism offers. He says: “Over recent years Essex has seen a boom in TV and film productions, it has shone a light on our stunning woodlands, coast and unique buildings. From Killing Eve to Downton Abbey, Essex has made an appearance on so many well-known TV shows and blockbuster films.”
He continued: “We’re looking forward to welcoming more people to Essex! The county has so much to offer. We’re keen to showcase somewhere different, but somewhere that has become iconic on both big and small screens”
To follow in the footsteps of Tom Cruise, Helena Bonham Carter, Lady Mary and more, view the movie map at:
