What TV Shows are Filmed in Kent?
Kent has quietly become one of the UK’s most important filming regions. Known for its mix of historic architecture, countryside landscapes, and modern infrastructure, the county offers an incredibly versatile backdrop for television production. From period dramas to entertainment shows, more and more productions are choosing Kent as their filming base.
But where exactly are TV shows filmed in Kent, and why is the region so popular with producers?
Famous TV Productions Filmed in Kent
Over the years, Kent has hosted a wide range of well-known TV productions. Its ability to double as everything from rural England to European settings makes it highly desirable for location managers.
Some notable productions filmed in Kent include:
- Supermarket Sweep – A family favourite, filmed in Studio 1 at The Maidstone Studios
- Call the Midwife – Filmed in parts of historic dockyards and period streets
- The Crown – Used Kent locations for various royal and countryside scenes
- EastEnders – Has filmed outside scenes in Kent locations
These productions highlight Kent’s versatility, not just for scripted drama, but also for large-scale live entertainment shows.
Popular Filming Locations Across Kent
One of Kent’s biggest strengths is its diversity of filming locations. Within a relatively small geographic area, production teams can access a wide variety of settings.
Historic & Period Locations
Kent is rich in heritage sites that are perfect for period dramas:
- Castles, manor houses, and stately homes
- Cobbled streets and preserved historic towns
- Dockyards and maritime settings
These locations are often used to recreate historical London or European cities.
Countryside & Coastal Settings
Kent’s nickname, “The Garden of England,” reflects its scenic countryside. Productions often use:
- Rolling hills and farmland
- Coastal cliffs and seaside towns
- Woodland and rural villages
These environments are ideal for dramas, documentaries, and lifestyle programming.
Studio Facilities in Kent
While location filming is important, many productions rely on purpose-built studio spaces for controlled environments, live audiences, and complex sets. This is where Kent really stands out.
Maidstone Studios
At the heart of Kent’s TV production scene is Maidstone Studios, one of the UK’s leading television studio facilities.
The studios have been home to major productions including:
- Catchphrase and Deal or No Deal
- Live entertainment shows
- Daytime television
- Studio-based productions with large audiences
What makes Maidstone Studios particularly attractive is its combination of:
- Large, fully equipped studio spaces
- High-spec broadcast and production facilities
- On-site production offices
- Easy access from London
For many production companies, having both studio space and office facilities in one location is a major advantage. Teams can manage everything from pre-production planning to live filming and post-production workflows in a single, connected environment.
Why Productions Choose Kent
Kent continues to grow as a filming destination for several key reasons:
Proximity to London
Production teams can access London easily while benefiting from lower costs and more space.
Variety of Locations
From historic landmarks to modern urban settings, Kent offers a wide range of backdrops.
Established Production Infrastructure
Facilities like Maidstone Studios provide the professional infrastructure needed for high-quality TV production.
Cost Efficiency
Compared to central London, Kent offers more cost-effective options for both filming and office space.
Bringing It All Together
So, where are TV shows filmed in Kent?
The answer is: almost everywhere, from historic dockyards and countryside villages to modern towns and fully equipped studio facilities.
However, for many productions, the centre of activity is Maidstone Studios, where studio space, production offices, and industry infrastructure come together in one place.
As demand for filming locations continues to grow across the UK, Kent is only becoming more prominent. For production companies looking for flexibility, accessibility, and professional facilities, it’s easy to see why the county has become such a popular choice.