Reading might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of film locations, but this Berkshire town has quietly made its mark on the screen. Whether you’re a fan of period dramas, sci-fi thrillers, or major blockbusters, there’s a cinematic connection hiding around every corner. Staying at PREMIER SUITES Reading puts you right in the heart of it all.
Here’s your guide to Reading’s most iconic film and TV locations:
1. Reading Abbey Ruins – The Da Vinci Code
Right in the centre of town, the historic Reading Abbey Ruins featured in scenes from The Da Vinci Code. These 12th-century ruins provided the perfect backdrop for the mystery thriller starring Tom Hanks. You can walk the grounds, take in the history, and imagine the dramatic plot twists unfolding.
2. Englefield House – X-Men: First Class and The King’s Speech
A short drive from Reading, Englefield House is a grand estate that’s played many roles:
- X-Men: First Class: The stately home became the mutant training facility run by Professor Charles Xavier.
- The King’s Speech: It also doubled as one of the royal residences in this Oscar-winning drama.
The house itself is not always open to the public, but the surrounding estate and gardens offer lovely walking routes and a taste of cinematic royalty.
3. Central Reading – Black Mirror: Playtest
You might not realise it strolling down Broad Street, but parts of the Black Mirror episode “Playtest” were filmed right in central Reading. The gritty, futuristic tone of the episode contrasts sharply with the everyday bustle of the town, but fans of the series will enjoy spotting familiar sights.
4. Basildon Park – Pride & Prejudice (2005)
If you love Jane Austen, this is a must. Just 25 minutes from Reading, Basildon Park stood in for Mr Bingley’s home, Netherfield, in the 2005 film Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. The connection is fitting: Austen herself was educated in Reading.
The National Trust property is open to visitors and gives you the chance to step into a scene straight from the Regency era.
5. Shinfield Studios – Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and The Acolyte
One of the most exciting developments in Reading’s film scene is the arrival of Shinfield Studios. This state-of-the-art film and TV production hub is quickly becoming a major player in the UK entertainment industry. Productions filmed here include:
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
- The Acolyte – the latest Disney+ addition to the Star Wars universe
- The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance – also used local exteriors for this fantasy epic
- Though the studios themselves aren’t open for public tours, their presence has put Reading firmly on the film map.
6. The Jane Austen Connection
A quick nod to Reading’s literary legacy, Jane Austen attended the Abbey School (once located on the site of Reading Abbey). Her novels have inspired countless film and TV adaptations, many of which have found a home in or around Reading.
Make a Film-Inspired Stay of It
Staying at PREMIER SUITES Reading gives you a stylish and comfortable base just minutes from the town’s key film locations. Visit Reading Museum and Reading Abbey on foot
- Take a short train or drive to Basildon Park or Englefield House
- Spot scenes from Black Mirror over a coffee in the town centre
- Keep an eye out for upcoming screenings or premieres linked to Shinfield Studios.
Book your stay at PREMIER SUITES Reading and step into the story. Film lovers, this one’s for you.
