Lovely Langdale is Location of the Month

A LOT of water has flowed under the little bridge at Great Langdale Beck since the famous final scenes of Brief Encounter were filmed there in 1945. But one thing that hasn’t changed, is the beautiful countryside surrounding this part of Cumbria’s Lake District.

That’s why, in June, regional screen agency Northwest Vision and Media has singled out the hidden gem of Langdale Valley, to become its filming Location of the Month.

“Although there has been lots of filming throughout the Lake District, and Langdale Valley has played host to some very memorable scenes, there’s still so much more to discover, so it’s my job to spread the word about its hidden delights,” explains Sue Bellarby, Cumbria Film Officer for Vision and Media.

Some of the recent filming to take place across Langdale has included Bollywood film Mr Bhatti on Chutti and Three and Out, starring Mackenzie Crook, Colm Meaney and Imelda Staunton. Street Doctors also made the most of Langdale’s spectacular backdrop when it visited Lakeland, and the well known AA television commercial was also filmed there.

“Having worked as a Location Manager in the Langdales I know how amazing and diverse the area is, which is why I hope I can open others’ eyes, or rather camera lens, to it!” says Sue. “There are many highlights in the area but the Old Roman Fort at the Eskdale end of Hardknott Pass is not only a thrilling drive, but boasts beautiful views, too.

“And Slater’s Bridge, in Little Langdale is another must-see location, a timeless image of the valley with a backdrop of the pikes and surrounding fells.”

Jackie Lancaster, Group and Conference Co-Ordinator of the award-winning 35-acre Langdale Estate, is supporting Sue Bellarby in her campaign to increase filming in the area. “Within the estate we operate a 57-bedroom hotel, together with 100 lodges, which have already played host to several production companies, including Hopping Mad, which made the feature film, Miss Potter.

“Our conference rooms have also been turned into make-shift production and editing offices, so we’re well used to accommodating the needs of production companies – but there’s so much more the Langdale Valley has to offer,” explains Jackie.

“We’d like to see film and TV companies using the Landgale Estate as a filming location, not simply using it as a convenient place to stay while they film in other parts of the Lakes.”

Several famous faces have already caught on to the delights of the Langdale Valley, with cast members from Coronation Street, athlete Jonathan Edwards and Take That’s Jason Orange among those who regularly visit the Langdale Valley, hotel and estate. The area’s even been visited by royalty.

“Prince Charles came here looking into low cost housing in the area, and he commented on the beauty of the landscape,” says Jackie. “We’re set in the heart of the Lake District, in a natural woodland haven with streams and tarns, and we’ve so many historic sites – all ideal locations for filming.”