The £3.3 million project will open in December 2026 as part of Elstree Film Studios' centenary celebrations, showcasing the area’s rich television and film heritage. The council-owned studio has been home to British screen favourites such as EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing, as well as blockbuster productions including Wicked, Star Wars and Alfred Hitchcock's Blackmail.
This permanent, multi-sensory experience will be Hertsmere’s first major screen tourism attraction. Alongside the ‘Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter’ in Leavesden, iconic filming locations including Knebworth House and Hatfield House, and the new Universal Studios theme park in development in neighbouring Bedfordshire, the region is fast becoming a hotspot for screen tourism.
The project is backed by £2 million from the Community Infrastructure Levy and £1.3 million in external investment, with Hertfordshire Futures and Hertfordshire Film Office working closely with Hertsmere Borough Council to bring the vision to life.
Cllr. Jeremy Newmark, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “The Elstree Immersive Experience will educate people about our film industry, inspire more people to get involved, and bring economic growth to our borough by attracting visitors to the area, supporting local businesses and our communities.”
Screen tourism is booming in the UK and worldwide, driving visitor numbers and economic growth. VisitBritain reports that 7 in 10 visitors explore film or TV locations during their travels, and interest is rising. With inbound tourism forecast to reach £33.7 billion in 2025, the Elstree Immersive Experience will tap into this trend, cementing Hertfordshire as a must-visit destination for film and TV fans and showcasing the county’s status as an internationally renowned hub for filmmaking.
To find out more about screen tourism in Hertfordshire, contact Visit Herts.
Learn more about Hertfordshire Film Office.
Learn more about Elstree Studios.
The Elstree Immersive Experience will educate people about our film industry, inspire more people to get involved, and bring economic growth to our borough by attracting visitors to the area, supporting local businesses and our communities.
The Elstree Immersive Experience will educate people about our film industry, inspire more people to get involved, and bring economic growth to our borough by attracting visitors to the area, supporting local businesses and our communities.