Dorset named top coastal filming destination in Britain
County leads UK Coastal Screen Index with 39 major productions
Last updated 30th Jul 2026
Dorset has been crowned Britain's premier coastal filming destination following a comprehensive study revealing it hosted more major film, television, and streaming productions than any other UK coastal region over the past two decades.
Leading the UK Coastal Screen Index 2026 with 39 confirmed productions, Dorset outperformed regions such as Norfolk, Kent, Cornwall, and Sussex.
Commissioned by Curated Cottages, the research assessed 638 confirmed productions filmed across coastal locations in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Dorset's filmography includes high-profile titles such as Wonka, Dunkirk, Broadchurch, The Rings of Power, Andor, and the upcoming Netflix film A Matter of Time, among others.
Ian Bates, Founder of Curated Cottages, cited Dorset's diverse landscapes—from the dramatic Jurassic Coast to historic harbours—as key attractions for filmmakers, simultaneously introducing millions to the picturesque county.
The recent Netflix production A Matter of Time exemplifies Dorset's appeal, with projections indicating £225,125 generated for the local economy through related spending.
Beyond immediate economic benefits, screen tourism or "set-jetting" continues to grow, with VisitBritain research showing a robust interest in visiting film and television locations among UK visitors.
Data suggests increasing desires for set-jetting trips, with 81% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers drawing travel inspiration from films and television.
These findings align with Dorset's significant milestone as the Jurassic Coast celebrates 25 years as England’s sole natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, enhancing the county's allure for international productions.