Visit Young Sherlock and Dr Who filming locations in Bristol

Start your city adventure in pursuit of The Outlaws, Stephen Merchant’s hilarious BBC crime caper (2021–2024) which followed seven strangers on a community payback programme – starring Christopher Walken and Eleanor Tomlinson. It was shot throughout Bristol, and Film Bristol has produced a free walking trial of its key locations – the perfect introduction to the city, including St Werburghs City Farm and Sea Mills Community Centre. 

Delve into Bristol’s history at the M Shed museum, which tells the city’s story through vintage exhibits, photography and video. It’s set in a quirky 1950s dockside transit shed, which has served as a set for high-profile prouductions, such as Stan & Ollie (2019) and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) – so there’s plenty to admire over coffee and paninis at M Shed Café.  

It’s the spectacular costumes, the mighty stone architecture, the soaring rendition of “God Save the Queen”: Anne Boleyn’s coronation (played by Claire Foy) was one of the most memorable moments of Wolf Hall (BBC, 2015). Though it was set in Westminster Abbey, the scene was filmed in Bristol Cathedral – yours to explore on a guided tour, tower climb or self-guided trail. 

Fans of the cult BBC hit Mistresses (2008–2010) might recognise The Bristol Hotel – and its waterfront location – as one the show’s key locations. It’s your recommended hotel for tonight, so check in and marvel at its city views and plush décor, and grab a cocktail in Rick’s cocktail bar, Mistresses-style.  

The Granary Club is where one of Only Fools and Horses’ funniest moments was shot, when Del Boy and Trigger are scouting for love in a “yuppy” cocktail lounge (1989). You know the one: Del is working his magic, only to lean on the bar… which isn’t there. Head there tonight for dinner and cocktails – and “play it cool” over sourdough pizza, coconut negronis and sherry highballs. Fun fact: Thin Lizzy, Dire Straits and Status Quo have played here too. 

Wallace and Gromit were born in Bristol! Follow in their footsteps on the Gromit Unleashed walking trail (launching summer 2025) and test your puzzle-solving skills at Locked In A Room’s ‘Grand Way Out’ – the official Wallace and Gromit themed escape room.

As if Chez Marcel’s traditional Brittany crêpes weren’t impressive enough, this restaurant in Bristol’s Old City also appeared in the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who (2023) – starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate. For breakfast, take your pick from sweet and savoury options such as La B.E.C. (topped with eggs and Emmental cheese) and La Gourmande (honey and roasted almonds). There are lots of vegan and gluten free dishes too.  

Did you know that the BBC’s Sherlock (2010–2017) and E4’s Skins (2007–2013) were filmed in Bristol? This afternoon, check out their locations with Film Bristol’s free themed trails – seeing where the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman and Dev Patel worked. Sherlock fans should also head to Bristol’s Broad Street, which was transformed into an 1870s scene for Guy Ritchie’s Young Sherlock (Amazon Prime Video, TBC).  

Head deeper into the Whoniverse in Clifton, Bristol, where the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who (2023) was filmed – with Ncuti Gatwa and Millie Gibson spotted throughout the leafy Bristol village. The likes of Park Place, Bruton Place and Frederick Place featured in the show, and their road signs were replaced with fake London street signs. This afternoon, follow Visit Bristol’s guide to Doctor Who filming locations in Clifton. And did you know there’s also a Doctor Who-themed escape room at Escape Hunt, in Bristol’s city centre? It was reputedly successfully navigated by David Tennant and Catherine Tate post-filming… 

Designed in the 1800s by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Clifton Suspension Bridge isn’t just a mighty gorge-spanning feat of engineering – it’s also one of Bristol’s most popular filming locations. It has featured in everything from The Inbetweeners 2 (2014) to The Sense of an Ending (2017), starring Jim Broadbent and Michelle Dockery. You can walk across it free of charge or join a hard-hat tour on selected days from 2:30pm.  

While filming Down Cemetery Road in Bristol in 2024 (AppleTV+), Emma Thompson was seen dining in Clifton’s Fish Tales restaurant three times – so keep an eye out tonight! This favourite locals’ spot specialises in British seafood, such as lobster linguine, south-coast monkfish and moules marinière with toasted focaccia.