The Serial Killer’s Wife (2023)

Annabel Scholey as Beth and Jack Farthing as Tom stand on a train station platform. Tom is clasping her hands and staring seriously into her eyes. Tom wears a navy-blue polo shirt and Beth wears a grey knitted jumper.

The Serial Killer’s Wife (2023) © BlackBox Multimedia / Clapperboard Studios / Paramount+

Writer: Suzanne Cowie, Alice Hunter (novel)
Starring:
Annabel Scholey, Jack Farthing, Luke Treadaway,
Production Company:
BlackBox Multimedia, Clapperboard Studios
Kent Locations Used:
Folkestone, Folkestone Harbour, The Warren Country Park, Saltwood, Sandgate, The Breaker’s Beach House, Knowlton Court, Abbot’s Cliff, South Foreland Lighthouse, The White Cliffs of Dover

Set in an idyllic English town, The Serial Killer’s Wife (2023) follows Beth Fairchild as her life is turned upside-down when her husband is arrested for murder. Initially believing him to be innocent, Beth soon discovers that her husband may not be who she thought he was.

Based on the book by Alice Hunter and adapted for the screen by Suzanne Cowie (The Good Ship Murder, The Dumping Ground), The Serial Killer’s Wife stars Annabel Scholey (Walking on Sunshine, Personal Affairs) as Beth Fairchild, Jack Farthing (Spencer, Poldark) as Tom Fairchild and Luke Treadaway (Attack the Block, A Street Cat Named Bob) as Adam, Tom’s childhood best friend.

The series filmed across East Kent. In Folkestone, locations featured include a private house on Church Road which doubles for Tom’s old house in Oxford and Mr Alderton’s house, a warehouse adjacent to The Valiant Sailor which doubles for the Vault nightclub, Christ Church CEP Academy, Folkestone Harbour and The Warren Country Park.

Filming also took place in the nearby village of Saltwood. A private house features as Adam’s house and the Hide and Fox Restaurant doubles as Beth’s café.

In Sandgate, The Breakers Beach House doubles as Ollie (Eben Figueiredo) and Libby’s (Elizabeth Roberts) house. Filming also took place on Sandgate beach for brief establishing shots.

Knowlton Court in Canterbury features as the home of Beth and Tom throughout the series. Additionally, roads on the estate were used for scenes of police cars speeding along, the woodland was used for the opening scene of a woman jogging, and the Church features in Episode 4 in a wedding scene.

Other filming locations include Abbot’s Cliff, South Foreland Lighthouse, The White Cliffs of Dover and Upper Road in Dover.

Folkestone is a seaside town with elegant clifftop promenade, lower coastal park, fishing harbour and Victorian cliff-top lifts. It is a popular filming location, with recent productions to film there including Who Is Erin Carter? (2023), Pistol (2022) and The Fight (2019).

Formerly a ferry port connecting the town to various destinations in France and Belgium, Folkestone Harbour Arm and the now non-operational train station have been recently restored and is now home to a growing collection of vibrant independent businesses. Other productions to have filmed there include Back to Life – Series 1 & 2 (2019-2021), Sex Education Season 3 (2021) and Seagull (2019).

The Warren Country Park is a coastal country park backed by cliffs incorporating woods, beach and concrete sea defences. Everyone’s Going to Die (2013) and Darling Buds of May (1991-1993) filmed at the Country Park.

Saltwood is located immediately to the north of Hythe on the high land looking over the Romney Marsh and surrounded by farm land. The parish includes Sandling which has a railway station on the mainline to London. It is the location of Saltwood Castle, once the home of MP Alan Clark and Sandling Park, a large estate which stretches around the village up to its second hamlet, Pedlinge. Previous productions that filmed in Saltwood Castle were The Alan Clark Diaries (2004) and My Week with Marilyn (2011).

The Breakers is a beach house in Sandgate. Set over three floors, the house has a terrace and two balconies offering uninterrupted sea views and direct access to the beach. Nestled between Folkestone and Hythe, the village of Sandgate has a shingle beach offering views over the Channel and a high street with antique shops, inns and restaurants.

Set in a nineteen-hundred-acre estate and surrounded by beautiful parkland, Knowlton Court is a magnificent historic home with a Great Hall, French and Flemish tapestries and a carved stone fireplace. Other productions to have filmed there include Jagame Thandhiram (2021), The Tunnel: Sabotage (2016) and Upstairs, Downstairs – The Sudden Storm (1974).

Abbot’s Cliff has a WWII sound mirror and isolated single lane track on top of white cliffs and is situated between Folkestone and Dover. King of Thieves (2018) and Back to Life – Series 1 & 2 (2019-2021).

A Victorian lighthouse on the White Cliffs of Dover, South Foreland Lighthouse was the first lighthouse powered by electricity and the site of the first international radio transmission. Managed by the National Trust, the site has previously played host to Rogue Agent (2022), Rustom (2016) and Mr Selfridge (2013-2016).

The famous White Cliffs of Dover offer views of Dover Castle, the Port and the English Channel. It is one of England’s most iconic locations and is therefore very popular for filming, having recently featured Whitstable Pearl (2021-2022) and The Tunnel (2013).

The Serial Killer’s Wife (2023) was released on Paramount+ on Friday 15th December 2023.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.


Secret Britain (2016)

Secret Britain,Chris Hollins on North Kent Marshes (RSPB & Dickens stories)

Secret Britain,Chris Hollins on North Kent Marshes (RSPB & Dickens stories) © BBC/James Harrison

Production Company: BBC

Kent Locations: Sheldwich, Bonnington, Little Chart, Tonbridge, Rochester, The White Cliffs of Dover, Cooling and North Kent Marshes, St Thomas Becket in Fairfield, Thanet

Secret Britain is a BBC series which explores the hidden corners of the UK in search of the best landscapes in the country.

Now in its third series, the production visited Kent between September and October 2015 to explore some of what Kent’s glorious countryside has to offer.

Presenters Ellie Harrison, Chris Hollins and Denise Lewis filmed at a variety of Kent locations including Sheldwich, Bonnington, Little Chart, Tonbridge, Rochester, Cooling and North Kent Marshes, The White Cliffs of Dover, Fairfield and Thanet Offshore Wind Farm.

Denise Lewis, Will Tebbutt (L-R) abseiling for rock samphire off the White Cliffs of Dover

Denise Lewis, Will Tebbutt (L-R) abseiling for rock samphire off the White Cliffs of Dover © BBC/James Harrison

The village of Sheldwich lies south of Faversham and is on the edge of the beautiful Kent Downs. The Faversham area has been used as a film location for A Taste of Britain (2014), Southcliffe (2013) and Great Expectations (2012).

In the Ashford district of Kent is the village of Bonnington with the The Royal Military Canal running through it as well as Little Chart which is home to the Ruins of St Mary’s Church. The Ashford area  has previously been used as a film location by such The Apprentice (2015), as Emma (2009) and the infamous Kentish series, The Darling Buds of May (1991 – 1993).

The West Kent market town of Tonbridge has a rich cultural heritage and spectacular scenery with beautiful countryside, castles, stately homes, gardens, farms, as well as sports and leisure facilities. Productions that have previously filmed in the area include Great British Railway Journeys (2014) and BBC drama Missing (2010).

In the Medway district is the historic town of Rochester and village of Cooling which overlooks the gorgeous North Kent Marshes. The Medway area has previously been seen on screen in Jekyll and Hyde (2015), The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012) and Sherlock Holmes (2009).

The world famous White Cliffs of Dover offers spectacular views of the English Channel and Dover Castle. This location has previously featured in Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows (2011), On A Clear Day (2005) and Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965).

St Thomas Becket in Fairfield is an isolated historic church in the middle of the Romney Marsh which dates back to 1200. The Romney Marsh area has been used as a film location for projects such as The Honourable Woman (2014), Parades End (2012) and Dr Syn: The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh (1964).

The Thanet Offshore Wind Farm consists of 100 wind turbines which stretches for seven miles. The Thanet area has previously featured on screen in productions such as The Lady in the Van (2015) and Eastenders (2015).

Don’t miss the Kent episode of Secret Britain which will air on Wednesday 6th April 2016 at 21:00 on BBC One.

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 


Will (2011)

 

Will running onto a football pitch with empu stands in front

Will screenshot © Strangelove Films/Galatafilm

Director: Ellen Perry

Writers: Zack Anderson and Ellen Perry

Starring: Damien Lewis, Bob Hoskins, Perry Eggleton

Production Company:Strangelove Films, Galatafilm

Kent Locations Used: The Port of Ramsgate, The Port Of Dover and The White Cliffs of Dover

Will is a feature film about a recently orphaned 11-year-old boy on his journey to Istanbul to watch his favourite football team play in the Champions League Final. Along the way, he overcomes many challenges and meets some interesting people who help him through his journey.

The film is directed by Ellen Perry (P.O.V, The Fall of Fujimori, Great Wall Across the Yangtze) who also co-wrote the script along with Zack Anderson (Pig Hunt, P.O.V, The Fall of Fujimori).

Will is played by Perry Eggleton in his first role in a feature film, starring alongside Damien Lewis (Homeland, Band of Brothers, The Escapist) and Bob Hoskins (Mona Lisa, Hook, Enemy at the Gates).

The production filmed in Kent in May 2010 at The Port of Ramsgate, The Port Of Dover and The White Cliffs of Dover. The locations feature in the film at the start of Will’s journey to Istanbul, as he smuggles himself onto a freight lorry in order to cross the sea to France.

The White Cliffs of Dover at night with a ferry in the sea in front

Will screenshot at The White Cliffs of Dover © Strangelove Films/Galatafilm

The Port of Dover drone shot at night

Will screenshot of The Port of Dover © Strangelove Films/Galatafilm

The The Port of Ramsgate is set on 32 acres of dedicated port land, and is owned and operated by Thanet District Council. Ramsgate itself is a popular historic town and boasts England’s only Royal Harbour. The area has previously been seen on screen in productions such as Eastenders (2015), Not Going Out (2013) and Ruby Blue (2008).

The White Cliffs of Dover are a natural icon of England and they form part of the English coastline facing the Strait of Dover and France. The Port Of Dover is the UK’s busiest passenger Port. The Dover area has featured in productions such as The Tunnel (2013), Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows (2011) and On a Clear Day (2005).

Will was released November 2011 and you can buy it to watch on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 


Missing (2009)

Pauline Quirke and Mark Wingett looking through a white wooden window, the sea can be seen behind them

Pauline Quirke and Mark Wingett in Missing © BBC

Director: Laurence Wilson 

Writers: Roy Boulter, Matt Leys, Ann-Marie Di Mambro, Karen McLachlan

Starring: Pauline Quirke, Felix Scott, Pooja Shah, Mark Wingett, Adjoa Andoh

Production Companies: Leopard Films

Kent Filming Locations: Maidstone and Dover Port and White Cliffs.

Mark Wingett, Pauline Quirke, Pooja Shah and Felix Scott near the Port of Dover with signs and a bridge behind them

Mark Wingett, Pauline Quirke, Pooja Shah and Felix Scott near the Port of Dover © BBC

Missing is a new daytime crime about a small and under-sourced Missing Persons Unit (MPU) based in Dover which is headed up by DS Mary Jane Croft.

The 5 part drama was made to accompany the second series of

Missing: Live 

which examines real life cases and attempts to reunite people with their love ones.

Starring Pauline Quirke (Broadchurch, Birds of a Feather), Felix Scott (Inception, Blitz Blitz), Pooja Shah (EastEnders, Bend It Like Beckham), Mark Wingett (The Bill, Snow White and the Huntsman) and Adjoa Andoh (Invictus, Casualty).

The production visited Kent where they transformed the old Maidstone Borough Council offices on the London Road into their Police Headquarters. The programme also filmed at various locations in and around Maidstone as well as visiting Dover including the Port and White Cliffs.

The county town of Kent, Maidstone boasts shopping areas, bars and restaurants and is home to The Maidstone Studios which is the UK’s largest independent High Definition TV studio facility. Productions which have filmed in the area include Children in Need – The Rickshaw Challenge (2015)Later… with Jools Holland (2015) and Couples Come Dine With Me (2014).

Dover is best known for the world famous White Cliffs of Dover along with the Port of Dover and Dover Castle. The Dover area has previously featured on screen in The Tunnel: Sabotage (2016), Wolf Hall (2015) and Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (2011).

The first episode aired on BBC One on the 16th March 2009 at 14:15.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 


On a Clear Day (2005)

Frank (Peter Mullan) looking out at the sea with mountains in the background

On A Clear Day © Icon Film Distribution

Director: Gaby Dellal

Writer: Alex Rose

Starring: Peter Mullan, Brenda Blethyn, Jamie Sives, Billy Boyd, Sean McGinley, Ron Cook, Jodhi May, Benedict Wong

Production Company: Baker Street, Forthcoming Productions, Glasgow Film Finance, InFilm Productions, Isle of Man Film, Scottish Screen, Take Film Partnerships 

Kent Locations Used: The White Cliffs of Dover, the Port of Dover                                

On a Clear Day is the story of a middle-aged Glasgow shipbuilder, Frank (Peter MullanTrainspotting, Tyrannosaur) who is suddenly made redundant and starts to feel lost. When his friend jokes that he could swim the Channel on a clear day, Frank decides to take the challenge on, unbeknown to his family. Will Frank be successful and will he be able to repair his strained relationships? 

Alongside Peter Mullan stars Brenda Blethyn (Pride and Prejudice, Atonement), Jamie Sives (Clash of the Titans, Get Him to the Greek), Billy Boyd (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy The, Forger), Sean McGinley (Braveheart, Love/Hate), Ron Cook (Chocolat, Hot Fuzz), Jodhi May (Defiance, Ginger and Rosa) and Benedict Wong (Prometheus, Kick Ass 2).

Frank (Peter Mullan) at the foot of the White Cliffs of Dover with his friends preparing for the swim

On A Clear Day © Icon Film Distribution

The production visited Kent to shoot at the foot of the White Cliffs of Dover where Frank (Peter Mullan) starts his swim of the English Channel and the famous cliffs can also be seen in the background throughout his challenge.

The Port of Dover was used for the scenes where Frank’s family and friends race to meet him in France at the end of his swim.

Dover is a busy town that boasts the historic Dover Castle as well as the famous White Cliffs of Dover. It is also home to Europe’s busiest passenger port, facing France across the narrowest part of the English Channel.

Productions that have previously filmed in the Dover area include Sherlock Holmes – A Game of Shadows (2011), The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) and Johnny English (2003).

On Clear Day was released in cinemas in September 2005 and is now available on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 


Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965)

Dover beach huts on the pebbles, men and women are waiting outside

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines screenshot of Dover Beach © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Director: Ken Annakin
Writer: Jack Davies, Ken Annakin
Starring: Stuart Whitman, Sarah Miles, James Fox, Robert Morley, Jean-Pierre Cassel
Production Company: Twentieth Century-Fox Productions
Kent Locations Used: Dover Seafront, The White Cliffs of Dover

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965) is a British comedy set in 1910 about a newspaper mogul who offers a large cash prize to the first pilot who can successfully fly over the English Channel. Aviation experts from around the world attend the race and some compete not only for the prize, but the affections of Lord Rawnsley’s daughter.

Directed by Ken Annakin (The Longest Day, The Pirate Movie) who also co-write alongside Jack Davies (Doctor at Sea, North Sea Hijack) the film stars Stuart Whitman (The Comancheros, Night of the Lepus), Sarah Miles (Ryan’s Daughter, Hope and Glory), James Fox (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sherlock Holmes), Robert Morley (The African Queen, Too Many Chefs) and Jean-Pierre Cassel (Murder on the Orient Express, The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie).

Dover seafront was used for the scenes where the competitors have some seaside fun before the race. The White Cliffs of Dover also feature in the film where the contestants fly cross the Channel.

Long shot of dover cliffs and sea

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines screenshot of Dover © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Dover beach and sea, people paddling in the sea and sunbathing on deck chairs

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines screenshot of Dover beach © Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Dover is a coastal town in East Kent home to The White Cliffs of Dover as well as Europe’s busiest passenger port. The area has been used for many filming projects such as Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), The Boats That Made Britain: A Time Team Special (2014) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008).

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965) was released on Wednesday 16th June 1965 and is available to purchase on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.