Herefordshire Council’s Location Services, part of the Economic Development team, has developed a dedicated, specialist approach, making life easy for TV and film production companies - and paving the way for income and marketing opportunities from Hamnet.

Together with the Herefordshire County Business Improvement District (HCBID), staff worked closely with the production team over many months. They brought together various Council services and activities to make filming smooth and successful. Hamnet’s 300-strong crew was on site for six weeks, contributing directly to local businesses, particularly accommodation, food and drink.

HCBID is maximising the film’s profile, launching a creative marketing campaign under the Visit Herefordshire brand, as the UK 9 January 2026 release date approaches, with content including: Through Tudor Landscapes -  A Herefordshire Journey Inspired by Hamnet on the Visit Herefordshire website

Council support covered complicated traffic management, including temporary traffic orders, road closures, public rights of way closures, rerouting scheduled bus routes, and temporary relocation of bus stops. Detailed advance planning including multiple site visits with the production company ensured the Council could arrange ongoing engagement and liaison with residents and transport operators, listed building filming consents, parking, and more.

Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Growth Cllr Graham Biggs said:

“Weobley and the wider county proved a brilliant location, and underpins why film tourism can be such a strong part of our powerhouse £773 million visitor economy.

“It was a great team effort across our Location Services, Herefordshire County BID, and local residents, to give the crew a great experience and make filming go so smoothly.

“Together, we’re looking to build on this and promote Herefordshire wider to production companies as a great location, welcoming environment and expert support to make films and shows. Seeing our historic and beautiful county on screen is in itself a fantastic showcase to attract visitors, and the BID team is further building on this platform with a series of impressive and innovation marketing campaigns.”

Hamnet filming took place in:

• Weobley, based around Broad Street, Bell Square and Church Road
• Various locations along the River Wye
• Cwmmau Farmhouse

The film stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal star as Agnes and William Shakespeare, who struggle to go on after the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. Eventually, Shakespeare transformed his pain into possibly his most celebrated work, Hamlet. The film was directed by Chloé Zhao, an Oscar winner for Nomadland). It is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel of the same name, and also stars Emily Watson, Bodhi Rae Breathnach, and Joe Alwyn.

In recent years, Herefordshire has also featured prominently in high profile productions including Succession, Sex Education and Shadowlands.

Herefordshire County BID working alongside the council have developed the Herefordshire Film Office.