Dorset has been named Britain's leading coastal filming destination after a new nationwide study found it hosted more major film, television and streaming productions than any other UK coastal region from 2006 to 2026.

The county topped the UK Coastal Screen Index 2026 with 39 confirmed productions, ahead of Norfolk (35), Kent (32), Cornwall and Sussex (30 each), and the Bristol & Gloucestershire Estuary (29).

Commissioned by the luxury holiday cottage company Curated Cottages (https://www.curatedcottages.co.uk/) the research analysed 638 confirmed feature films, television dramas and streaming productions filmed in coastal regions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Over the past two decades, Dorset has hosted productions including Wonka, Dunkirk, Broadchurch, The Rings of Power, Andor, Bad Sisters, The Sandman, Project Hail Mary, Marvel's Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Woman in Cabin 10, and the forthcoming Netflix film A Matter of Time, starring Ben Stiller.

Ian Bates, Founder of Curated Cottages, said:

"Few places offer filmmakers such a wide range of locations within such a short distance. In less than an hour, you can travel from dramatic Jurassic Coast cliffs and natural sea arches to medieval castles, historic harbours, sweeping beaches and rolling countryside.

Every major production introduces Dorset to millions of new viewers around the world and inspires them to visit the places they have seen on screen."

The UK's Top 10 Coastal Filming Regions

Rank / Coastal region / Nation / Productions

1 / Dorset / England / 39

2 / Norfolk / England / 35

2 / Kent / England / 32

2 / Cornwall / England / 30

2 / Sussex / England / 30

6 / Bristol & Gloucestershire Estuary / England / 29

7 / Hampshire / England / 27

8 / Devon / England / 22

8 / Somerset / England / 22

10 / Edinburgh & Lothian Coast / Scotland / 20

Dorset was home to six Netflix productions and four Amazon productions.

The findings also come as Dorset continues to attract major international productions. The recent filming of the forthcoming Netflix feature A Matter of Time delivered wider economic benefits. According to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, as reported by BBC News, the production is estimated to have generated £225,125 for the local economy through spending on accommodation, catering, transport and other services.

Beyond the immediate boost to local businesses, the long-term tourism impact of screen productions can be even greater. Interest in screen tourism, often known as set-jetting, continues to grow. VisitBritain research found that seven in ten recent visitors to the UK had visited a film or television location, and nine in ten prospective visitors expressed interest in doing so.

Expedia Group's Unpack '26 research found that 53% of global travellers said their desire to take a set-jetting trip had increased over the previous year, while 81% of Gen Z and Millennial travellers looked to films and television for travel inspiration.

The research also coincides with a landmark year for Dorset, as the Jurassic Coast marks the 25th anniversary of its designation as England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The full findings, methodology and regional rankings are available at the following link:

https://www.curatedcottages.co.uk/uk-coastal-screen-index-2026/

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