Suffolk’s locations featured in films and television shows, from James Bond to Harry Potter

From James Bond to Harry Potter, Suffolk has been the backdrop for many films and television shows over the years.

With Richard Curtis’ new animated film ‘That Christmas’ arriving on Netflix and set in the fictional Wellington-on-Sea, a town inspired by Southwold, Aldeburgh and Felixstowe — we thought it would be the perfect time to explore some of the county’s real-life filming locations.

Here are 16 films and television shows you might not know were shot in Suffolk, listed in chronological order of their release dates:

Witchfinder General (1966) - This cult horror film was shot in various Suffolk locations, including Lavenham and the Dunwich Heath area, for its atmospheric portrayal of 17th-century England.

Dad’s Army (1968-77) - The sitcom was primarily filmed in Thetford, where the town’s distinctive flint buildings doubled as the streets of the fictional Walmington-on-Sea. Filming also took place in Suffolk locations including Bury and Lowestoft.

Barry Lyndon (1975) - Lavenham Guildhall served as the 18th century inn where Ryan O'Neal's character, Barry Lyndon, recovers after a duel.

Lovejoy (1986 to 1994) - The classic BBC series, featuring Ian McShane as the antiques dealer and part-time detective Lovejoy, prominently showcases Suffolk as the show’s backdrop. Bury St Edmunds appears alongside other towns including Sudbury and Lavenham.

The Living Daylights (1987) - The 15th James Bond film, starring Timothy Dalton as 007, used Elveden Hall as the villain Brad Whitaker’s luxurious residence.

The Fourth Protocol (1987) - In this Cold War thriller starring Michael Caine, there is a car chase scene set in Ipswich as well as a scene where a formation of SAS helicopters fly through the legs of the Orwell Bridge before landing at Ipswich's Wet Dock.

Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) – RAF Lakenheath served as the filming location for scenes set at a US airbase in the South China Sea in this James Bond classic starring Pierce Brosnan. The film also utilised a MH-53J helicopter from RAF Mildenhall.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) - Stanley Kubrick's final film brought mysterious masked figures to Elveden Hall, with scenes featuring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) - Elveden Hall transformed into Croft Towers, serving as the grand home of archaeologist and adventurer Lara Croft, portrayed by Angelina Jolie.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (2010) - De Vere House, in Lavenham, doubled as Harry Potter's parents' home in the fictional Godric's Hollow.

Detectorists (2014-2017) - This BAFTA-winning TV series was filmed in Framlingham and other Suffolk areas, with scenes capturing the charm of the countryside where the characters search for buried treasure.

All the Money in the World (2017) - Ridley Scott’s crime thriller used Elveden Hall to depict a Moroccan palace in flashback sequences, after a week of filming took place at the stately home.

Yesterday (2019) - Danny Boyle’s romantic comedy features scenes filmed in Halesworth, Dunwich and Shingle Street.

The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019) - This modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, starring Dev Patel, showed Bury in several scenes. Filming took place around Angel Hill and the Theatre Royal.

The Dig (2021) - The Netflix drama based on the discovery of the Sutton Hoo treasure was filmed on location — including the actual Sutton Hoo site near Woodbridge.

Heart of Stone (2023) - Netflix’s action thriller, starring Gal Gadot as spy Rachel Stone, also included scenes shot at Elveden Hall.