On Location: Where Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights Was Filmed

On Location, our dedicated series, delves into the iconic backdrops that bring beloved films and television shows to life, pulling back the curtain on the magic of moviemaking. This installment shines a spotlight on one of literature’s most enduring and tempestuous tales, Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, specifically focusing on Emerald Fennell’s highly anticipated 2026 cinematic adaptation and its breathtaking Yorkshire filming locations.

Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, published in 1847 under the enigmatic male pseudonym Ellis Bell, unleashed a storm upon the Victorian literary landscape. Critics of the era, both in Britain and America, were stunned by its raw intensity, the untamed savagery of its characters, and the profound depravity of their passions. In a society that often constrained female voices, especially those venturing into serious literary criticism, Brontë’s novel was a defiant roar, its dark tones and unconventional narrative challenging every prevailing social and moral convention. It explored themes of class, revenge, nature versus nurture, and an all-consuming, destructive love that transcended societal norms, leaving an indelible mark on literary history and continuing to fascinate readers for generations.

The novel’s enduring power has naturally led to countless adaptations across various media. Among the most revered is William Wyler’s 1939 film, starring the legendary Laurence Olivier as Heathcliff and Merle Oberon as Catherine. This black-and-white masterpiece, renowned for its atmospheric cinematography and powerful performances, garnered eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor, cementing its place as a classic Hollywood rendition of the tragic romance. More contemporary interpretations have continued to explore Brontë’s dark vision, such as Andrea Arnold’s critically acclaimed 2011 film, which offered a stark, naturalistic, and visually arresting take on the narrative with Kaya Scodelario as Catherine. Another recent iteration, Bryan Ferriter’s 2022 version, further demonstrated the novel’s timeless appeal and adaptability.

However, few adaptations have generated the intense buzz and fervent speculation surrounding Emerald Fennell’s 2026 Wuthering Heights. Fennell, celebrated for her distinctive and often provocative directorial style seen in Oscar-winning films like Promising Young Woman and the recent sensation Saltburn, brings a fresh, audacious perspective to the classic. The casting of Hollywood darlings Margot Robbie as the fiery Catherine Earnshaw and Jacob Elordi as the brooding Heathcliff has only amplified the anticipation, promising a visually stunning and emotionally charged reimagining. Robbie, known for her versatility and commanding screen presence, and Elordi, with his intense charisma, are poised to bring a contemporary edge to these iconic, tormented lovers.

Speaking passionately at the Brontë Women’s Writing festival in September 2025, Emerald Fennell revealed the profound personal connection she has to the novel, describing how Brontë’s tragic tale "cracked [her] open" at the tender age of 14. This deep, formative experience, she elaborated, underscores her audacious approach to the adaptation. "It is an act of extreme masochism to try and make a film of something that means this much to you," she confessed, acknowledging the immense pressure and emotional investment. Fennell further delved into the novel’s inherent darkness, stating, "There’s an enormous amount of sadomasochism in this book. There’s a reason people were deeply shocked by it." This insight hints at a film that will not shy away from the novel’s brutal psychological and emotional landscapes, but rather amplify them through her signature lens of dark humour, social commentary, and boundary-pushing aesthetics.

In response to the inevitable critical scrutiny that accompanies any reinterpretation of a literary titan, Fennell remained resolute: "I can’t make something for everyone." This statement, characteristic of her uncompromising artistic vision, set the stage for a film designed to provoke and polarize. Indeed, when the embargo lifted a week ahead of its Valentine’s Day 2026 release, early reviews were a testament to this, creating a flurry of five-star raves alongside a scattering of one-star takedowns. This dramatic dichotomy left cinephiles in a delicious state of uncertainty, unsure whether to expect a masterpiece or a controversial misstep. Warner Bros. Pictures, in a move that validated Fennell’s approach, wisely marketed the movie as "Emerald’s take on a classic," preparing audiences for a radical departure rather than a faithful homage.

And a departure it is. Gone are several characters central to the original novel and previous screen adaptations, suggesting a streamlined narrative focused intensely on Catherine and Heathcliff’s dynamic. In their place, Fennell has woven in audacious, anachronistic elements that are unmistakably hers: "red latex, al fresco finger sucking, close encounters with gastropods." These provocative inclusions, while shocking to some, are indicative of Fennell’s desire to peel back the layers of Victorian restraint and expose the raw, animalistic passion and transgression that lie at the heart of Brontë’s narrative. The choice of Charli XCX to curate the soundtrack further underscores this modern, defiant spirit, blending a contemporary pop sensibility with the gothic grandeur of the moors, creating a sonic landscape as unconventional as the visuals. This bold fusion of classical literature with modern, subversive sensibilities is precisely what makes Fennell’s Wuthering Heights such a hotly debated and anticipated event.

In an age increasingly dominated by "TikTok travel," where screen time profoundly influences real-world adventures, audiences are now looking to the world of Wuthering Heights to inspire their 2026 trips – even if Heathcliff and Catherine’s tumultuous tale is one that might make a holiday feel more like a haunting. The film’s imminent release has already triggered a significant surge in interest for its primary setting. Ahead of unveiling their immersive activation in Yorkshire, Airbnb reported a remarkable spike in searches for "West Yorkshire Valentine’s getaways," with a staggering 67% increase among UK Gen Z travelers and a 59% rise globally. This data vividly illustrates the powerful phenomenon of screen tourism, where cinematic landscapes become aspirational destinations.

With interest spiking and Yorkshire leading the way as the staycation destination of choice for brooding travelers eager to wile away afternoons on the breezy moors, the question on everyone’s lips is: where exactly was this audacious Wuthering Heights filmed? From the sublime natural beauty of Swaledale to the rugged, untamed lands of Arkengarthdale, via resplendent country houses, these are the authentic filming locations that brought Emerald Fennell’s vision to life in the 2026 movie everyone is talking about.

Old Gang Lead Mines, Swaledale, Yorkshire Dales National Park

The earliest glimpses of the film showcase a horse-drawn carriage trundling through a narrow valley, defined by a curving bridleway. To one side, the haunting ruins of buildings and a tall chimney stand as sentinels of a bygone era. In other clips, Robbie and Elordi, cloaked in mist, traverse this evocative landscape. These are the poignant remains of Yorkshire’s thriving early 19th-century lead mining industry, specifically the historic Old Gang Smelt Mill. Sarah Whiteley, Senior Historic Environment Officer at Yorkshire Dales National Park, played a crucial role in overseeing the cast and crew’s sensitive interaction with this ancient, protected site during filming in March. "The locations team wanted to put an installation of a sort of cliff face type prop, so we decided which was the least damaging place to put that," she explained, highlighting the meticulous care taken to preserve the archaeological integrity of the site.

Before the cast’s arrival, the area was temporarily closed to the public as the crew transformed the already atmospheric locale into an otherworldly film set. This involved assembling and painting props and carefully incorporating additional vegetation to enhance its wild, desolate beauty. Over ten days of filming, often in the early mornings to capture the ethereal light and mist, Robbie and Elordi, alongside young actors Owen Cooper and Charlotte Mellington (playing adolescent Cathy and Heathcliff), worked amidst the archaeological ruins. Whiteley vividly recalls the scene: "There were some fantastic costumes, absolutely beautiful. [The production crew] used dry ice quite a lot to get a foggy kind of look. There was just this fantastic atmosphere of everybody working towards a common goal." For visitors drawn by the film’s allure, park staff strongly advise against touching the ruins or removing anything from the area, emphasizing the site’s historical significance. They also caution that access is challenging; Mark Sadler, the National Park’s communications manager, notes, "There is no public transit or car park to reach the start of a one-mile walk into the site; it requires a bit of planning and forethought."

Bouldershaw Lane, Swaledale, Yorkshire Dales National Park

Among the earliest released clips, a striking image shows Margot Robbie trudging through a vast, open field, a bouquet clutched in her hands, her figure dramatically framed by a billowing white wedding veil and gown. This poignant scene was captured not far from the Old Gang site. A road ascending north towards Langthwaite village and the expansive moorland above it holds the key. "About a mile along that road on the right-hand side in a field," Sadler confirms, is where this powerful moment unfolded. "There’s an old farm building which was also used." While the field itself is private property and inaccessible to the public, the scene remains visible from the public road. For avid hikers, Sadler points out, "If you were doing the five-and-a-half-mile circular walk from Surrender Bridge through Old Gang and round Reeth High Moor, you’d be walking past it," offering a chance to glimpse this cinematic backdrop.

Melbecks Moor, Swaledale, Yorkshire Dales National Park

Several evocative shots released so far depict Robbie and Elordi, or their younger counterparts Cooper and Mellington, wandering across the vast, untamed moors or seated, gazing out over the dramatic dales. One such breathtaking location is believed to be Melbecks Moor, where Sadler confirmed additional filming took place. This incredibly remote and exposed high moor, situated in upper Swaledale – a valley renowned for hosting Britain’s highest pub, the iconic Tan Hill Inn – is a landscape steeped in history. Like Old Gang, it is strewn with remnants of centuries-old lead mining operations: disused buildings, ancient roads, and formidable spoil heaps. One particular ruined building was utilized, Sadler shared, noting that "in some of these locations, props were brought in, special effects were added to fill the landscape out. If you go there now, it’s pretty much open moorland with a more than five-mile walk to get to the area."

This region is characterized by its unpredictable climate. "In this part of the National Park," Sadler explains, "you can have four seasons in one day at any time of the year." He emphasizes the importance of responsible tourism, reminding visitors that "it’s land that’s in private ownership, so it’s about making sure that anybody walking in those areas is respecting the land and the community that works there and being aware that they’re quite lengthy walks into very, very remote moorland where there is nothing there." The raw, untamed beauty and challenging conditions of Melbecks Moor perfectly encapsulate the wild, elemental spirit of Brontë’s novel and Fennell’s adaptation.

Booze Moor, Arkengarthdale, Yorkshire Dales National Park

Arkengarthdale, one of the many picturesque dales that lend their name to the National Park, is its northernmost valley, known for its particularly rugged and remote beauty. The cast and crew established a base in Langthwaite, one of the valley’s few charming villages, home to the historic Red Lion Inn – a traditional pub that has itself featured in numerous films and TV series, adding to the region’s cinematic pedigree. From Langthwaite, the production team could access a bridleway leading up and across Booze Moor to expansive open moorland, where further remnants of ancient mineworks lie scattered across the landscape. More scenes were filmed here, Sadler confirms, although the specific sequences remain undisclosed, adding another layer of mystery to the film’s striking visuals. The name "Booze Moor" itself, evocative and slightly whimsical, adds to the unique character of these dramatic Dales locations.

Simonstone Hall, Hawes, Yorkshire Dales

For approximately two and a half weeks during the intense filming schedule, Emerald Fennell, her cast, and crew completely reserved all 20 rooms of the exquisite country house hotel, Simonstone Hall. Owner Jake Dinsdale shared fascinating insights into their stay, revealing that stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi occupied the hotel’s Principal rooms – Elordi notably opting for a dog-friendly suite, adding a touch of domesticity to the high-stakes production. Beyond providing luxurious accommodation, Simonstone Hall became a hub of creative activity. Cast and crew ran through scripts, fine-tuned performances, and even conducted post-production interviews on-site during the day, capitalizing on the hotel’s elegant interiors and serene atmosphere.

Dinsdale highlighted the convenience of the location: "The [filming] location is very, very close to Simonstone Hall," making it an ideal base for the demanding shoots on the moors. The team also embraced the hotel’s hospitality, enjoying "afternoon tea," hearty "Sunday roasts," and engaging in communal activities. "We did some walks with them, and they enjoyed the outdoor fire pits on our terrace late into the night, chatting and laughing," Dinsdale recounted, painting a picture of camaraderie and relaxation amidst the intense work. The presence of resident pigs, chickens, and peacocks offered the Hollywood contingent "a flavor of the countryside," enriching their immersive Yorkshire experience. Capitalizing on this star-studded association, Simonstone Hall plans to offer exclusive Wuthering Heights-themed stays during February and March 2026, allowing guests to experience the same charm and hospitality as the cast. "I think that the packages we put together with candlelit dinners, cosy nights, gorgeous views, nice interiors, and open fires aim to offer that same experience," Dinsdale explained, promising visitors a taste of the gothic romance and rugged luxury that defined the production’s time in the Dales.

This journey through the cinematic and geographical landscapes of Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights underscores the enduring allure of Brontë’s novel and the breathtaking beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. It is a testament to how a bold artistic vision, coupled with the raw power of nature, can breathe new life into a timeless tale, captivating both film critics and adventurous travelers alike.

A version of this story originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller UK.