Lights, camera, action!
Peterborough, particularly the Nene Valley Railway, has served as a backdrop for numerous prestigious film and television productions over the decades. The area's versatile landscapes and historic railway have made it especially attractive to filmmakers.
GoldenEye and Octopussy - James Bond productions
The Nene Valley Railway has played a significant role in multiple James Bond films. In "Octopussy" (1983), the railway and surrounding areas were extensively featured, with Wansford Station doubling as Karl Marx Station. The film utilised several local locations, including Orton Mere (where Agent 009's death scene was filmed), Ferry Meadows, and various railway sections for scenes featuring circus animals aboard trains.
In 1995, the production team returned to film "GoldenEye," Pierce Brosnan's debut as James Bond. The railway featured prominently in action sequences, while the British Sugar Factory in Peterborough provided the backdrop for the climactic tank chase scene. Ironically Brosnan was already familiar with the location, having filmed a Diet Coke commercial there in 1988.
Other major film productions
"Atonement" (2007), the acclaimed drama starring Keira Knightley, filmed several sequences in the Peterborough area. The production team transformed the Ouse and Nene Washes Nature Reserves into 1930s French countryside, while Eldernell Lane near Coates and Gedney Drove End provided settings for rural and coastal scenes.
"The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission" (1985), a World War II action film, also chose the Nene Valley Railway for several key sequences, taking advantage of the location's ability to double as wartime Europe.
"Top Secret" (1984), a comedy parodying World War II spy films starring Val Kilmer, utilized the Nene Valley Railway for several scenes. The railway's period features made it an ideal setting for this vintage-styled production.
Television productions
Nene Valley Railway has also hosted numerous television productions, including episodes of "Poirot" and "The Mystery of the Blue Train," demonstrating its versatility as a filming location.
Music videos
The Nene Valley Railway gained additional fame when Queen filmed their music video for "Breakthru" there, featuring the band performing atop a moving train.
Contemporary productions
More recent productions include the 2016 film "Zombies in Tha Hood," which utilised various modern Peterborough locations including Queensgate, Orton, Railworld, and Palmerstone Road.
Burghley House, with its magnificent Tudor architecture, has also served as a filming location for various productions, though it's often used for period dramas and historical documentaries.
The Nene Valley Railway continues to attract filmmakers due to its well-preserved infrastructure and ability to represent different historical periods authentically. Its contribution to British cinema history, particularly through the James Bond franchise, has cemented Peterborough's place in film history.
Contact the Peterborough Film Office
Email: filmoffice@peterborough.gov.uk
Please get in touch with us if you have any enquiries about filming in Peterborough. We can advise on finding your perfect location, help you with permits and permissions, and more.