From Screen to Street: European Filming Locations from BBC & Disney+ Shows You Can Visit

From screen to street: where BBC and Disney+ EMEA are sending cameras in 2026 — and how you can visit

Fans want authentic, up-to-date guidance: where exactly was that cliff shot filmed? Can I walk the same cobbled street? With the BBC’s 2026 pivot toward YouTube content and Disney+ doubling down on local EMEA commissions, on-screen destinations are shifting fast. This guide gives you a practical, mapped plan to visit the real places behind recent and likely-upcoming BBC and Disney+ productions across Europe — with transport, seasons, tours and insider tips so your trip runs smooth.

“The BBC is in talks to produce content for YouTube… a deal expected to be announced in mid‑January 2026.” — Variety, Jan 16, 2026

Quick takeaways — what to pack in your planning checklist

• Make a custom map (Google My Maps or Maps.me) before you travel; cluster filming sites by region to save transit time.
• Check permissions — many grand estates and private castles allow exterior visits but restrict interiors or filming.
• Go off-season for photos (late spring or early autumn) to avoid tour groups and summer filming blocks.
• Book local guides — a one-hour fan-led tour often reveals background stories not in the credits.
• Expect change — BBC’s new YouTube-first content and Disney+ EMEA’s 2025–26 commissions are pushing production into new urban locations and coastal Mediterranean towns.

Why 2026 matters for screen tourism

Two connected trends are reshaping where fans go in Europe in 2026.

1. BBC–YouTube content: The BBC’s move to create bespoke shows for YouTube (reported January 2026) means more short-form, youth-focused productions filmed in city neighbourhoods, pop-culture hubs and micro-locations that are easier for visitors to access than huge closed studio sets.
2. Disney+ EMEA expansion: Since 2024–25 Disney+ has been promoting EMEA commissioners and commissioning more local scripted originals. That equals increased shoots in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Central/Eastern Europe — often in towns with strong tax incentives and scenic value.

Together, these shifts create more opportunities for fans to visit filming sites that are accessible, walkable and often close to public transport — a big win for screen tourism.

How to use this guide

This is a practical map and travel-playbook, organised by region. For each entry you'll find: what show(s) it's linked to (confirmed or likely), why it's on our list in 2026, how to get there, best season, what to combine it with, and insider tips to avoid the crowds.

United Kingdom & Ireland — the evergreen screen playground

1. Scottish Highlands — The Traitors (BBC) and new reality/content shoots

Why it matters: The BBC reality series The Traitors used atmospheric Highland estates in recent seasons; with BBC’s YouTube push, expect more short-series and behind-the-scenes filmed across accessible Highland locations that offer dramatic landscape shots on a budget.

• Getting there: Fly to Inverness (INV) or Glasgow (GLA) then rent a car; public buses link to towns like Tain, Fort William and Mallaig.
• Best season: May–June or September for long light and fewer midges.
• Top tips: Many estates are private; photography from public rights-of-way is usually allowed but check estate notices. Book an official guided estate walk if you want inside access.

2. Doune Castle & Stirling area — accessible castle experiences

Why it matters: Popular for historical and period productions because of visitor facilities, Doune and nearby Stirling make a compact itinerary for fans who want a castle day with good transport links to Glasgow and Edinburgh.

• Getting there: Train from Glasgow to Doune via Stirling; buses and short taxi rides available.
• Combine with: Historic Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument; local film museums in Stirling often run small exhibitions on location shoots.

England — urban sets and period drama backdrops

3. Liverpool & Manchester — high-density urban filmscapes

Why it matters: BBC and Disney+ EMEA commissions favour these cities for contemporary dramas, youth series and studio-linked shoots. Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter and Manchester’s industrial docks are frequently redeployed in different roles on screen.

• Getting there: Major rail hubs with easy domestic connections; multiple low-cost flights from Europe.
• Fan activities: Book a local film-location walking tour; check community noticeboards for pop-up set tours after production wrap.

4. London — micro-locations and studio tie-ins

Why it matters: With BBC’s digital-first drive, expect a surge in micro-location shoots across London — markets, underground stations, neighbourhood parks and coffee shops that are easy to visit. Disney+ also films in London for EMEA projects when production needs urban interiors and studio space.

• Pro tip: Use Transport for London live alerts to plan around night shoots; popular spots get rope-offs during filming.
• Must-do: Book a guided “TV London” walking tour that includes specific BBC and Disney+ shoot sites (many tours update their routes seasonally).

Iberia & France — Mediterranean looks and festival backdrops

5. Seville, Spain — sunlit period streets and palaces

Why it matters: Spain’s tax incentives and built heritage make Seville a magnet for Disney+ EMEA commissions looking for historic urban sets. Expect more Disney+ dramas and limited-series shoots across Andalusia in 2026.

• Getting there: Fly into Seville (SVQ) or use high-speed rail from Madrid and Córdoba.
• Best season: March–May or October–November for cooler weather and clearer skies.
• Insider: Book early if you want a private guided walk through Alcázar gardens used for period shoots.

6. Marseille & Provence — coastal towns for streaming dramas

Why it matters: Provençal towns double as Mediterranean stand-ins for productions across EMEA. Disney+ EMEA’s local commissions are increasingly choosing Southern France for a balance of scenery and production infrastructure.

Italy & Malta — cinematic architecture and island backdrops

7. Matera & Puglia — ancient streets and cinematic cliffs

Why it matters: Italy’s unique towns like Matera are recurring attractions for productions needing timeless urban textures. Expect heritage-driven Disney+ projects or BBC co-productions that highlight regional history and food culture.

• Getting there: Bari or Brindisi airports, then a regional bus or car hire.
• Combine with: A food-and-location day tour focused on Apulian cuisine and film spots.

8. Malta — compact island studios

Why it matters: Malta’s sound stages and coastline are popular for period and fantasy shoots. Its compact geography suits shorter Disney+ EMEA projects and YouTube-format shoots where quick location changes are needed.

• Pro tip: Malta Film Commission posts shooting permits and visitor notices; check ahead to avoid disrupted plans.

Central & Eastern Europe — value and variety

9. Prague, Czech Republic — a perennial European double

Why it matters: Prague’s architecture can represent many eras and cities. With production incentives, expect more Disney+ EMEA and BBC co-productions to use Prague as a cost-effective stand-in for Western Europe.

• Getting there: Václav Havel Airport (PRG) with excellent rail and bus links into the city center.
• Visitor tip: Join a film-locations night walk that highlights the city’s twin roles on screen.

10. Dubrovnik & Croatia’s coastal towns — fortress cities and islands

Why it matters: Croatia’s popularity for fantasy and historical shows makes it an ongoing favorite; Disney+ EMEA commissions looking for dramatic coastal backdrops often choose Dubrovnik or nearby islands.

Nordics — scenics for mood-led dramas

11. Iceland & Norway fjords — dramatic natural locations

Why it matters: Northern landscapes are in vogue for atmospheric limited series and documentaries. BBC’s natural-history teams and Disney+ drama units both use Icelandic and Norwegian locations for striking aerial and night-sky sequences.

• Getting there: Reykjavik (KEF) for Iceland; Bergen or Oslo for Norwegian fjord access.
• Seasons: Winter offers aurora photography; summer gives midnight sun landscapes.

Practical maps, tours and how to build a visitable itinerary

Step 1 — Make a custom map: Use Google My Maps to pin sites, add notes (e.g., “private, exterior only”), and group by travel day.

1. Create a new map in Google My Maps.
2. Drop pins for the exact filming sites you want (use episode timestamps and online fan wikis to verify coordinates).
3. Add layers by day/region; share with travel companions for collaborative planning.

Step 2 — Prioritise by access: Choose sites that are open to the public or have official tours first. Private estates can be beautiful from outside, but interior access is rare and often season-limited.

Step 3 — Use local guides: Fan-led and official film-location tours exist in hubs like London, Prague, Dubrovnik and Seville. These guides often have contacts and can alert you to post-production open days or charity set tours.

Mini itinerary (case study): 5 days — BBC & Disney+ locations in Scotland

This sample trip is optimised for public transport and short drives, ideal for fans who want a dramatic, compact Scotland screen-tour.

1. Day 1 — Edinburgh arrival: Film-walking tour in Old Town; evening at a BBC event or panel (check listings).
2. Day 2 — Train to Stirling: Visit Doune Castle and Stirling Castle; overnight in Stirling.
3. Day 3 — Drive to Highlands: Head north to a filmed estate (check which Traitors filming estate is accepting visitors) and book a guided estate walk.
4. Day 4 — Glen Coe day: Scenic drive and short hikes to recognizable landscapes; photography at golden hour.
5. Day 5 — Return to Glasgow: Spend a studio-side morning at a museum or small-screen exhibition before departure.

Legal, ethical and practical rules for visiting filming locations

• Respect private property: Just because a castle appears in a show does not mean the production opened it to fans.
• Follow local rules: Many estates have strict drone rules, photography policies and restricted paths for conservation.
• Don’t interfere with active shoots: If you find filming in progress, keep a distance and follow crew directions — they’ll often allow respectful photos from set boundaries.
• Support local economies: Book through local guides, eat locally and stay in small hotels where possible — many production teams source local vendors and your spending keeps locations viable for future shoots.

2026 trends and predictions for screen tourism

• More city micro-locations: BBC’s content for YouTube will increase shoots in accessible neighbourhoods, making short urban pilgrimages the new screen tourism staple.
• Regional boom in Southern Europe: Disney+ EMEA commissioning locally means more productions in Spain, Italy and Portugal, so expect new “discoverable” sites off the usual tourist loop.
• Fan experiences diversify: Beyond location visits we’ll see pop-up exhibitions, immersive short-run experiences and curated studio backlots tied to streaming releases.

Where to get verified filming updates in 2026

• Official broadcaster channels (BBC Newsroom, Disney+ press releases)
• Local film commissions (e.g., Screen Scotland, Film London, Malta Film Commission)
• Fan-run wikis and location blogs (use them to cross-check coordinates and episode timestamps)

Final actionable checklist before you travel

• Create your Google My Map and group visits by transport mode.
• Contact local tourist boards and film commissions to confirm access rules.
• Reserve guided tours or estate visits at least 4–6 weeks ahead in high season.
• Pack responsibly: layers, waterproofs, a lightweight tripod for low-light shots, and a charged powerbank for long mapping days.
• Stay flexible — production schedules can create exciting unexpected opportunities (sometimes productions run fan open-days or charity set tours).

Parting note from a local guide

Screen tourism is about more than copying a camera move — it’s an invitation to discover landscapes, local histories and small communities that make those shots sing on-screen. With the BBC’s YouTube strategy and Disney+ EMEA’s commissioning plans reshaping filming maps in 2026, now is a great time to plan a trip that mixes famous locations with fresh finds.

Ready to build your map? Start by pinning three locations you absolutely don’t want to miss, check local access on official sites, and then book one local guided tour per destination. Share your map with friends and tweak it as commissions and filming updates appear — 2026 will be a dynamic year for on-screen destinations.

Call to action

Want a custom map for your next Europe trip based on a show or streaming service? Send a note with your top three titles and travel dates — I’ll build a travel-ready map and 3-day itinerary you can use on your phone. Hit the contact link at the top of the page to get started.

Related Reading

• Alternative Streaming Platforms: Opportunities for Niche Lyric Discovery and Long-Tail Artists
• Email Crisis Playbook: What Creators Should Do Right Now After Google’s Gmail Decision
• Halal Body Care: Choosing Lotions and Body Fragrances That Respect Prayer and Modest Wear
• Travel Like a Hockey Fan: Top 17 Destinations for 2026 — Gameday Editions
• Use Gemini Guided Learning to Build a Resume in 30 Days: A Planner for Marketers and Non-Marketers