Hollywood came to a quintessentially English village in the summer of 2024, transforming its historic streets into a cinematic Tudor world. The award-winning film Hamnet, telling the story of William Shakespeare and the death of his young son, chose the picturesque village of Weobley in Herefordshire as a key filming location.
Lights, Camera, Action in a Historic Setting
In an operation that brought a touch of Tinseltown to rural England, over 300 cast and crew members descended on Weobley to shoot scenes for the poignant drama. The village, pronounced 'Weblee', provided the perfect atmospheric backdrop with its wealth of historic architecture. Its collection of cruck cottages, Wealden houses, and timber-framed buildings effortlessly doubled for 16th-century Stratford-upon-Avon.
Visitors can now spot specific landmarks featured in the movie, including a distinctive cottage with a bell above its door and a notable pink and black house. The film's stars, including Paul Mescal as Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife Anne (also known as Agnes), were filmed in these authentic surroundings. Key scenes captured in the village include an emotional embrace between Shakespeare and Agnes with their children, and a moment where Agnes strolls through the settlement with her brother Bartholomew, played by Joe Alwyn.
Follow in the Footsteps of the Stars
To help fans explore the cinematic spots, a new walking trail has been created. This route guides visitors to the exact locations where the cameras rolled. For a more structured tour, Visit Herefordshire's 'Through Tudor Landscapes Guide' is available as a downloadable pocket guide, leading enthusiasts through the county's film hotspots.
Beyond its film fame, Weobley offers plenty for a day out. There are charming places to eat and drink, such as The Unicorn pub, The Green Bean cafe, Ye Olde Salutation Inn, Jules Restaurant, and the newer Wobbly Badger cafe. Cultural visitors can also enjoy the 'Hamnet Behind the Scenes' photography exhibition at the local library, explore the remains of a castle, and see the parish church with its impressive 185-foot-high spire.
A Timeless Village Ready for its Close-Up
The decision to film in Weobley highlights the enduring appeal of Britain's well-preserved historic villages. The project not only brought a temporary economic boost but has also cemented the village's status as a destination for film tourism and history lovers alike. Its timeless beauty, captured in these fifteen photos, proves that some of the best film sets aren't built in studios, but have been standing for centuries.
The fusion of high-profile filmmaking with deep local heritage showcases how rural communities can play a starring role on the global stage, inviting a new wave of visitors to appreciate their unique charm and history.
