Herefordshire Hits the Big Screen: Explore the Hamnet Filming Locations From Your Holiday Base

This week sees the UK cinema release of Hamnet, the much-anticipated film adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel. And while the story centres on Shakespeare’s family, the scenery steals plenty of the spotlight too — because Hamnet was filmed right here in Herefordshire.

For visitors, this opens up a wonderfully immersive way to experience the county: stay in one of our large holiday homes, then spend your days exploring the towns, villages and landscapes that doubled as Tudor England on screen.

Why Hamnet Chose Herefordshire

Location scouts don’t fall in love easily. They’re looking for authenticity — places that don’t need much dressing to look centuries old. Herefordshire delivered that in spades.

Black-and-white villages like Weobley were transformed into Tudor Stratford-upon-Avon. Historic farmhouses, winding lanes and riverside clearings became backdrops for some of the film’s most intimate scenes. The result is a landscape that feels untouched, atmospheric and deeply rooted in history.

The best part? You don’t need a film crew or period costume to enjoy it. These places are all still very much alive — full of pubs, markets, galleries and places to linger.

A Hamnet-Inspired Day Out (or Three)

One of the joys of staying in Herefordshire is how easy it is to turn a relaxed break into something richer. From your holiday base, you can create your own Hamnet-inspired itinerary without rushing or over-planning.

Start with Hereford, where the iconic Black and White House Museum offers a glimpse into everyday Jacobean life. Wander the streets, stop for coffee, and imagine how little some corners have changed since Shakespeare’s time.

From there, head north towards Leominster, where Grange Court stands proudly in the market square — a striking reminder of Tudor craftsmanship. Pair it with a slow lunch and a browse through independent shops.

Village Wanders & Tudor Details

For film fans, Weobley is a must. Its perfectly preserved timber-framed buildings made it ideal for filming, and today it remains one of Herefordshire’s prettiest villages. Take your time here. This is a place for wandering, not ticking boxes.

In Ledbury, tucked away behind unassuming doors, the 16th Century Painted Room reveals astonishing Elizabethan wall paintings dating back to the 1560s. It’s the kind of quiet discovery that makes a holiday memorable.

Nature, Medicine & the River Wye

Hamnet places strong emphasis on nature, healing and the land — themes deeply tied to Herefordshire itself.

You’ll find that reflected in experiences like hedgerow medicine workshops, where traditional herbal knowledge brings the Tudor world to life, or riverside walks along the Wye, where scenes from the film were shot amid timeless scenery.

For something truly memorable, falconry experiences in the Wye Valley echo centuries-old countryside traditions, offering a rare chance to get close to birds that would have been part of everyday life in Shakespeare’s England.

Stay Central, Explore Freely

Staying in one of our large holiday homes allows you to enjoy all of this at your own pace. No packing up each day. No rigid schedules.

One day might be spent exploring market towns and historic houses. Another could be nothing more than a gentle walk, a pub lunch and an evening back at your house with friends or family, sharing stories from the day.

That’s the beauty of a Herefordshire break — history when you want it, peace when you need it.

From Screen to Stay

As Hamnet arrives in cinemas, Herefordshire quietly invites you to step inside its story. Not as a spectator, but as a guest.

Book your stay, explore the filming locations, and discover why this corner of the country continues to inspire writers, filmmakers and visitors alike.

Get in touch to book your whole house holiday stay:

Big House Holiday Lets:
www.bhhl.co.uk
e: enquiries@bhhl.co.uk
tel: 01600 732050