KENTSTAYCATION
LIGHTS , CAMERA , STAYCATION CONT .
Empire of Light is not the first feature to be filmed in Margate . The seaside town has seen a plethora of movie action for over a century now . A location loved by the Victorians who were the first Britons to cast their eyes upon moving images , the seaside town has played the part of stage for award winning TV series , including Killing Eve ( 2022 ), True Love ( 2012 ) and Only Fools and Horses ( 1981-2003 ), as well as other big screen movies such as King of Thieves ( 2018 ) with Michael Caine and Charlie Fox , based on the Hatton Garden jewel heist carried out by an ageing gang of crooks in April 2015 .
Margate is not the only Kentish seaside town that has successfully captured the imaginations of directors and the hearts of audiences . Netflix ’ s hugely popular Back to Life starring Daisy Haggard as wrongly convicted and loveable Miri , returns to her hometown of Hythe , embarking on an awkward — and often comical — campaign to reconnect with the community after 18 years behind bars . Back to Life captures the quintessential quaintness of Hythe and its sweet high street as well as the desolate and surreal seascape of Dungeness . In certain scenes , characters are filmed eating fish and chips on the beach while looking longingly out to the roaring ocean , an experience that visitors can themselves experience at The Pilot ( www . thepilotdungeness . co . uk ). Sitting on the edge of the shore , The Pilot is famous for its delectable fish served traditionally battered with chips and garden or mushy peas , new potatoes , mash or salad .
Some of Back to Life ’ s most dramatic scenes are filmed on Abbot ’ s Cliff in Folkestone , next to the alien-like landmark of the sound mirror - once used in conjunction with radar in World War II , effectively a ‘ listening ear ’ for enemy planes . Explorers can hike to witness this spectacular scene from the cliffs and even stay here at La Vue ( www . bloomstays . com / property / la-vue /), said to be one of the closest houses to France . This converted Airstream has been beautifully renovated to provide a luxurious and quirky space for couples , with amazing views across the Channel . The Airstream has a sumptuous kingsize bed and your very own viewing deck to sit and watch the boats go by . Close to Folkestone ’ s Harbour Arm , which also featured in Back to Life , indulge in trendy eateries , cute cafés and wonderful wine bars , complete with sea views that sparkle against chalky white cliffs .
As well as Netflix , Disney identified the magic of the Kent Coast choosing to frame the next spot along from Abbot ’ s Cliff : Dover ’ s Shakespeare Beach in Christopher Robin ( 2018 ). A short film for the end credits was shot on this sandy spot in Dover , but the transformation of the cruise terminal really took centre stage . Over a period of four weeks , production transformed the entire historic Grade II listed Dover Marine Station , an old Victorian railway station at the Dover Cruise Terminal into a London railway station , including running trains , shops and almost 400 local extras providing the background of a busy London terminal for a few days .
© Bloom Stays
LA VUE
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