Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs in The Salt Path, filmed across Somerset

Somerset stars alongside Gillian Anderson in upcoming movie The Salt Path

Paul JonesApril 16, 20250 Comment5

TOURISM chiefs in Somerset are hopeful of seeing a boost in visitor numbers as the county features in an upcoming film.

Minehead, Porlock, Porlock Weir and stretches of the Exmoor coast all feature heavily in the film adaptation of Raynor Winn’s best-selling memoir The Salt Path, which is released in UK cinemas on May 30.

Minehead, Culvercliffe Walk, North Hill, Bossington Hill and more are set to star alongside Gillian Anderson, of X-Files fame, and Jason Isaacs, who has starred in the Harry Potter franchise.

Somerset appears on screen after filming took place in 2023 with the help of Screen Somerset, Somerset Council’s film office.

The Salt Path tells the true story of Raynor (Anderson) and her husband Moth (Isaacs), who embarked on an epic 630-mile walk along the South West Coast Path from Somerset to Dorset after learning Moth was terminally ill and losing their home and livelihood.

The book has sold more than a million copies and the big-screen version will showcase the path and the surrounding area to a national and international audience.

Screen tourism – when people visit locations from their favourite films and TV shows – has been shown to be a big draw for visitors, boosting visitor revenue by nearly £900m in 2019, according to the British Film Institute.

Cllr Mike Rigby, lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said: “Filming is great for the economy. Productions spend money locally when they are here and attract visitors to the places seen on screen.

“Having a film like this providing a shop window for our beautiful county to many new potential visitors is a fantastic opportunity for the area.”

Screen Somerset is working with the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), Exmoor National Park, Visit Exmoor and Visit Somerset to help the county make the most of the opportunity.

Visit Exmoor and SWPCA have online information about the Somerset and Exmoor locations featuring in the film, along with information about accommodation for all budgets along the route and beyond.

First Bus’s popular EX1 service, previously known as the Exmoor Coaster, will also run throughout the summer with the support of Somerset Council, starting on May 26.

Emma Thomasson, chief executive of Visit Exmoor, said: “The Salt Path highlights some of Exmoor’s most stunning locations, and the film’s release offers a unique opportunity to showcase our diverse coastal landscapes and nearby vibrant communities.

“This presents an exciting prospect to reach an even broader audience, guiding and inspiring visitors from the UK and abroad to plan visits all year round, especially during non-peak times.”

Julian Gray, director of the South West Coast Path Association, said: “The Salt Path has already sold well over 1 million copies and is inspiring people to walk the South West Coast Path.

“As a film, it will now showcase the trail to new audiences and raise awareness nationally and internationally not only of the amazing beauty of the South West coast, but also the transformative power of walking.

“It’s expected that most visiting film sightseers will stay at local hotels and B&Bs and eat at local restaurants and pubs, so the film will be beneficial for the regional visitor economy.

“For the charity, I see the film as an opportunity to engage with people on how they can make a difference to protect and enhance this world class trail.”

And enterprise and communications manager for Exmoor National Park Authority, Dan James, said: “It’s really exciting to have these beautiful Exmoor spots featured in the Salt Path.

“We’re delighted to be working with our partners to help maximise the associated tourism benefits of its release, while minimising impact on this very special landscape.

“We want to welcome new visitors to Exmoor and help them enjoy a safe, sustainable experience.”