UK’s Elstree Studios to Open Groundbreaking Immersive Experience Showcasing Film and TV Heritage

Published on December 12, 2025

Elstree Studios, located in the heart of Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, is one of the UK’s most famous film and television production facilities. For more than a century, studios have played an important role in the entertainment industry. Elstree has hosted some of the most significant moments in film history, including beloved films like Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Shining, and James Bond.

In addition to its cinematic heritage, Elstree Studios has produced a number of popular television shows, including EastEnders, The Crown, Strictly Come Dancing, and The Chase. These studios, which span more than 95,000 square feet of stage space, have served as the epicentre of groundbreaking production work, contributing to the UK’s prominence in global film and TV culture.

Despite its historical and ongoing importance to the entertainment industry, Elstree Studios has largely remained a restricted site, with only a few people granted access to tour the facilities. As a working production facility, public tours are limited, preventing the general public from fully experiencing the magic behind the scenes. However, this is about to change with the creation of an exciting new visitor attraction that promises to bring the Elstree Studios story to life like never before.

The Elstree Immersive Experience: A Glimpse Into the Magic of Filmmaking

The Elstree Immersive Experience is set to be a major new visitor attraction that will open in December 2026, provided it is approved. The £3.3 million project, which has been backed by Hertsmere Borough Council, will offer a thrilling and interactive experience for film and television fans of all ages.

Unlike traditional museums or static exhibitions, the Elstree Immersive Experience will harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI), holographics, and cutting-edge storytelling tools to provide an unparalleled, interactive experience. The attraction will take visitors on an exciting journey through the history of Elstree Studios, showcasing its past, present, and future.

Visitors will be transported through time, starting with the studios’ early days in the 1920s, when it was home to the first British talking film, Alfred Hitchcock’s Blackmail. They will witness firsthand the innovations that made Elstree a pioneering facility, including the use of electric lighting in studios—an innovation that revolutionized film production.

The experience will also highlight the role Elstree Studios has played in shaping the modern film industry. Using AI and immersive technologies, visitors will be able to explore iconic sets, interact with the tools used by film and TV professionals, and even try their hand at filmmaking. This will include opportunities to use studio cameras and other equipment to create their own content, engaging visitors in a creative process that brings them closer to their favourite films and shows.

Bringing Iconic Film and TV Brands to Life

While the details of the brands and shows featured in the immersive experience are yet to be fully revealed, creators have confirmed that they are in talks to incorporate some of the most exciting and fan-favourite TV and film brands. The Elstree Immersive Experience is expected to bring popular franchises to life, allowing visitors to step into the worlds of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, The Crown, and EastEnders, among others. These partnerships will be central to the attraction, offering fans a chance to interact with and learn about the production processes behind the scenes of their favourite screen moments.

The creators envision a dynamic and colourful experience, where visitors are not just spectators but active participants in the storytelling. This will not only make the history of Elstree more accessible but will also provide an exciting and engaging way to learn about the art of filmmaking.

A Rich History of Innovation and Heritage

Elstree Studios’ history dates back to the early 20th century, when it was originally known as Neptune Studios. It became one of the first locations in the UK to use dark studios with electric lighting, a significant technological breakthrough that shaped the future of filmmaking. Since then, the site has been the birthplace of some of the most iconic films and TV shows in cinematic history.

The studios became internationally famous when Star Wars began filming there in 1976, cementing Elstree’s status as a landmark in film history. The Star Wars connection continues to attract film enthusiasts to the studios, as it remains one of the most significant productions ever filmed on British soil.

Elstree has also been home to major productions from the James Bond series, Indiana Jones, The Shining, and many others, making it a cornerstone of Hollywood filmmaking in the UK. These legendary productions, alongside TV shows like EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing, have made the studios an integral part of British popular culture.

Economic Impact and Community Benefits

The introduction of the Elstree Immersive Experience will have far-reaching benefits for the local community. The £3.3 million investment is expected to generate significant economic impact, drawing large numbers of tourists to the Borehamwood area. With its proximity to London, Elstree is well-placed to attract international visitors, making it a prime location for a cultural attraction of this scale.

Moreover, the project is expected to create numerous new jobs, from guiding visitors through the immersive experience to technical roles related to the operation of advanced digital technologies. The studios aim to inspire the next generation of filmmakers, offering educational opportunities and career pathways for young people interested in pursuing a career in film and television production.

Looking to the Future

The Elstree Immersive Experience represents more than just a new tourist attraction; it’s an opportunity to celebrate and preserve the rich history of one of the most important film and TV studios in the world. By combining AI technology with storytelling, the attraction promises to offer a fresh perspective on the filmmaking process and highlight the innovative spirit that has defined Elstree Studios for over 100 years.

As the project progresses toward its scheduled opening in December 2026, excitement is building around what promises to be a transformative addition to the UK’s cultural landscape. With the backing of Hertsmere Borough Council and the creative minds behind the project, the Elstree Immersive Experience is poised to become a must-visit destination for film buffs, tourists, and anyone interested in the magic of movie-making.

Conclusion

Elstree Studios has long been a shining example of British filmmaking, and the upcoming Elstree Immersive Experience will allow fans to connect with its rich history in new and exciting ways. By combining technology and heritage, the attraction will provide a unique glimpse into the world of film and television production, inspiring both new generations of filmmakers and visitors eager to learn about the magic that happens behind the scenes.