James Bond is one of the most successful – and most quintessentially British – film franchises of all time.
To coincide with the long-awaited release of the latest instalment in the series – No Time to Die – we’ve rounded up the most recognisable UK-based James Bond film locations.
From Bond classics such as Goldfinger to the fast-paced Skyfall, Bond films have a long-standing presence here in the UK.
Check out these filming locations from famous Bond scenes!
Where was No Time to Die filmed?
As well as shooting in international destinations such as Norway, Italy and Jamaica, No Time to Die filming locations included classic British places like the Scotland countryside and London city centre. Here are two of the most recognisable places from the film.
Cairngorms National Park, Aviemore, Scotland
- As seen in: No Time to Die (2021)
If the trailer is anything to go by, in the 25th Bond instalment, we can expect to see a thrilling car chase on the banks of Loch Laggan in the Cairngorms National Park. Scotland serves as the backdrop for many Bond movies, and many other blockbuster films too, and it’s great to see this tradition carrying on in No Time to Die.
If you want to walk in the footsteps of Bond on your next holiday, take a look at our guide to the Caingorms National Park.
Whitehall, London, England
- As seen in: No Time to Die (2021)
As quintessentially British as Bond himself, Whitehall’s streets are paved with government departments and ministries – making it a perfect filming location for a Bond film. In No Time to Die, Bond is seen walking and driving through these streets, no doubt visiting the nearby Ministry of Defence.
Where was Skyfall filmed?
Skyfall’s drama-filled action is enhanced by the numerous evocative settings of the film. Skyfall filming locations in the UK included London and Scotland, while international settings included Turkey, Japan and China. Here are three locations you may recognise from the film.
Vauxhall Cross SIS Building, London, England
- As seen in: GoldenEye (1995), The World Is Not Enough (1999), Die Another Day (2002), Skyfall (2012) and Spectre (2015)
The real-life MI6 building and HQ of British Secret Intelligence Service, the Vauxhall Cross SIS building is one of the most iconic James Bond locations. The building is used post-1995, as this is when the real-life MI6 moved into the building, and it certainly suffers its fair share of destruction, including being attacked by a terrorist organisation in Skyfall and being demolished in Spectre.
Glen Coe, Scottish Highlands, Scotland
- As seen in: Skyfall (2012)
Bond creator Ian Fleming was apparently so impressed by Sean Connery’s portrayal of the iconic spy in Dr No that he gave Bond Scottish heritage! Glen Coe is where Bond’s family estate is located and explored throughout Skyfall, and this beautiful, misty backdrop is featured at the forefront of some of the movie’s most pivotal scenes, including the death of Judi Dench’s beloved M. Its atmospheric appeal is evident throughout the film, and it's one of our favourite places to visit for a moody winter walk.
Buachaille Etive Mor, Scotland
- As seen in: Skyfall (2012)
The spectacular scenes of Bond and M driving the Aston Martin DB5 through Scotland was filmed on the A82, near Buachaille Etive Mor - one of Scotland's most iconic mountains.
Other James Bond filming locations
Gare Loch, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
- As seen in: The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)
Gare Loch, one of the most beautiful lochs in Scotland, is the setting of one of the most important moments in The Spy Who Loved Me. Roger Moore’s Bond unravels a sinister plan devised by Karl Stromberg as the cause of a huge loss of British submarines right on the banks of the Loch, so is a pivotal backdrop to the events of the film.
Eden Project, Cornwall
- As seen in: Die Another Day (2002)
The Eden Project in Cornwall was used to film the interior of Gustav Graves’ ice palace in Die Another Day. Halle Berry’s stunt double climbed down the real attraction for the film. While you can't replicate her death-defying stunts in real life, you can visit the Eden Project on holiday - it's one of the top attractions in Cornwall.
Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds
- As seen in: Die Another Day (2002)
Bourton on the Water is one of the best-loved villages in the Cotswolds, with its sleepy atmosphere luring visitors in from all over the world. This unlikely location was used to film part of the car chase on ice in Die Another Day. The ex-RAF aircraft runway was also used in Upper Rissington. Bond was chased across the car park in his Aston Martin, with the runway covered in artificial snow.
Elveden Hall, Suffolk
- As seen in: The Living Daylights (1987)
The extravagant interior of Elveden Hall was used as the location for General Pushkin’s assassination in The Living Daylights.
Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland
- As seen in: The World is Not Enough (1999)
Set in Scotland's Western Highlands, Eilean Donan Castle is an iconic historical structure and one of the prettiest castles in the country. It was used to portray Castle Thane in The World is Not Enough.
Les Ambassadeurs, London
Les Ambassadeurs was used to portray Le Cercle Casino in Dr No, Bond’s first appearance on the silver screen.
Old War Office Building, London
- As seen in: Octopussy (1983), A View to a Kill (1985), and License to Kill (1989)
This iconic building was used to portray the MI6 HQ in three Bond epics, Octopussy, License to Kill and A View to a Kill.
Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire
- As seen in: Goldfinger (1964)
Stoke Park features in the famous golf scene in Goldfinger, in which Oddjob decapitates a statue with his hat during a round of golf between Bond and Goldfinger.
Classic British holidays
If you're hoping to explore some of these iconic filming locations on your next break, why not enjoy a holiday that's as classically British as the Bond films?
We have a wide range of holiday accommodation for your eyes only, close to these famous destinations. Click the button below to find the perfect HQ for your next staycation.
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