Fans of gothic romance dramas have already been eagerly awaiting the new adaptation of “Wuthering Heights,” starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. Directed by Emerald Fennell, the film brings Emily Brontë’s haunting classic to life against the windswept landscapes of northern England. While the story itself is filled with heartbreak, obsession and revenge, the filming locations are undeniably stunning, showcasing some of the most dramatic countryside in the United Kingdom.
The majority of “Wuthering Heights” was filmed throughout the Yorkshire Dales, where rolling green hills, rugged moorlands and isolated stone villages create the perfect backdrop for the story’s dark atmosphere. From the remote valleys of Swaledale and Arkengarthdale to historic bridges and sweeping open moors, the production embraces the raw beauty of rural Yorkshire in nearly every frame. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the major filming locations featured in “Wuthering Heights,” along with some of the best places to visit nearby, where to stay and a few cozy pubs and countryside hotels that make the Yorkshire Dales one of England’s most unforgettable destinations.
Swaledale Was The Perfect Location To Capture The Film’s Drama
Key Scenes: Swaledale was used for several of the film’s most dramatic moorland scenes. High On Films reports that these include Cathy and Heathcliff running across the windswept hills together and Catherine standing alone on the moors in her wedding dress after agreeing to marry Edgar Linton. Areas near Surrender Bridge and Bouldershaw Lane also appear during horseback and travel scenes later in the story, helping create the film’s sweeping gothic atmosphere, according to Town & Country.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Swaledale is between May and September, when the Yorkshire Dales are at their greenest and most scenic. Summer brings long daylight hours for hiking and exploring filming locations, while early autumn offers quieter landscapes and the misty moorland atmosphere that feels straight out of “Wuthering Heights.”
Transportation Options: Swaledale is best explored by car, as many of the Yorkshire Dales filming locations are spread across remote villages and moorland roads. Visitors can drive from nearby towns like Richmond or Skipton, while limited bus services also connect some villages during the warmer months. For travelers without a car, guided Yorkshire Dales tours and local taxi services are often the easiest way to reach more isolated spots like Surrender Bridge.
When asked what she found most “sexy” about Yorkshire in a Hits Radio interview, Margot Robbie said, “Sunrise and sunset in Yorkshire is a pretty dramatic experience… I honestly couldn’t believe it when I was out there – the landscape was stunning. The people are lovely, pubs are great.”
Things to Do: Swaledale is best known for its walks, waterfalls and traditional Yorkshire villages, with popular routes like the Muker hay meadows walk and riverside paths along the River Swale. Visitors often explore villages such as Reeth and Gunnerside, which are great for cafés, pubs and classic Dales scenery. The area is also famous for its waterfalls like Kisdon Force and historic remains from its old lead-mining past, which you can see while hiking. One of the most recommended experiences is driving or cycling the Buttertubs Pass, a dramatic moorland route with sweeping valley views often described as one of the best scenic drives in England.
Where to Eat: Swaledale offers several highly rated dining options, mostly traditional pubs and cafés that cater to walkers and visitors exploring the Yorkshire Dales. Popular choices include The Farmers Arms in Reeth, known for hearty pub meals and local ales, and The Game Cock Inn, which serves classic British dishes in a cozy country setting. In upper Swaledale, Keld Green Café is a favorite stop for hikers with homemade cakes and light meals, while nearby Keld Lodge Restaurant provides a more relaxed sit-down dining experience with evening meals.
Where to Stay: Many visitors choose villages like Reeth, Low Row or Keld, where you can stay in scenic inns such as The Burgoyne or The Punch Bowl, both known for comfortable rooms and strong reviews. For a more upscale city stay before or after exploring the Dales, The Grand, York offers a luxury hotel experience in nearby York.
Arkengarthdale Is Another Popular ‘Wuthering Heights’ Filming Location
Key Scenes: This remote Yorkshire valley served as the backdrop for emotional scenes between Catherine and Heathcliff, including windswept walks across the hills, dramatic solitary moments and expansive landscape shots that emphasize the story’s haunting isolation. Discover Britain reports that areas around Booze Moor and the tiny hamlet of Langthwaite were used to portray the wild beauty and rugged emotional intensity that define Emily Brontë’s classic novel.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Arkengarthdale is usually late spring through early autumn, especially from May to September, when the Yorkshire Dales are at their greenest and the weather is best for hiking and sightseeing. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and quieter trails, while summer offers long daylight hours and ideal conditions for exploring the moors around Langthwaite and Booze.
Transportation Options: Getting to Arkengarthdale requires some planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. Most visitors arrive by car, which is the easiest way to explore the remote Yorkshire Dales. If you are traveling by public transport, the closest mainline rail station is Darlington, while the Settle–Carlisle Railway offers a more scenic route into the Dales via Garsdale Station. From there, local services such as the Little White Bus connect visitors to villages throughout Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. However, buses can be infrequent and seasonal, so checking timetables in advance is essential.
Yorkshire has long been a favorite filming destination thanks to its mix of rugged moorland, historic towns and dramatic countryside. Beyond “Wuthering Heights,” the region has appeared in major productions like “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” which used the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for Hogwarts Express scenes, and “The Duke”, filmed in Leeds and across parts of Yorkshire. TV dramas such as “All Creatures Great and Small and Happy Valley” also showcase the Yorkshire Dales and nearby valleys, using real villages and landscapes to create an authentic rural backdrop.
Things to Do: Attractions near Arkengarthdale include the Dales Countryside Museum, where visitors can learn about Yorkshire Dales history and farming life, and Bolton Castle, a medieval fortress linked to Mary, Queen of Scots. Travelers also recommend Stang Forest for peaceful woodland walks and cycling, as well as Richmond Castle for its panoramic views and well-preserved Norman architecture.
Where to Eat: Visitors to Arkengarthdale also recommend several other well-rated places to eat throughout the Yorkshire Dales, including The CB Inn for traditional Yorkshire comfort food and countryside views. Nearby, The Copper Kettle Reeth Ltd is popular for breakfasts, lunches and homemade baking, while Tan Hill Inn (famously the highest pub in Britain) is known for its hearty meals and unique moorland setting. Travelers also highly rate The Buck for classic pub dining and a welcoming Dales atmosphere.
Where to Stay: Arkengarthdale and the surrounding Yorkshire Dales offer a range of highly rated places to stay, from atmospheric country inns to comfortable historic hotels. One of the most unique options is the Tan Hill Inn, famous for its remote moorland location and cozy rooms above the highest pub in Britain. Closer to town, The Kings Head Hotel provides a stylish stay in a historic building right in the center of Richmond, while the Frenchgate Hotel is known for its boutique feel and riverside views.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age gap between Heathcliff and Catherine?
In “Wuthering Heights,” Heathcliff is roughly one year older than Catherine Earnshaw. When Mr. Earnshaw first brings Heathcliff home to the estate, the foundling is estimated to be seven years old, while Catherine is six.
What is the most famous line from “Wuthering Heights”?
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” Spoken to her servant, Nelly Dean, Catherine seals this sentiment moments later with the equally iconic phrase, “I am Heathcliff!” This haunting admission perfectly captures the novel’s core theme – a love so fierce, obsessive and metaphysical that it completely dissolves the boundaries between two separate identities.
