The charming English countryside, quirky characters, and heartwarming humor of The Vicar of Dibley made it one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms. But for fans who’ve ever wondered, “Where was Vicar of Dibley filmed?”, the answer lies in a real English village that brought the fictional Dibley to life.
In this article, we explore the filming locations of The Vicar of Dibley, share travel tips for visiting, and reveal how this real-life setting played a key role in the show’s charm and enduring legacy.
What Is The Vicar of Dibley?
The Vicar of Dibley is a classic British sitcom created by Richard Curtis, starring Dawn French as Geraldine Granger, the first female vicar assigned to the sleepy rural parish of Dibley. The show originally aired from 1994 to 2007, with special episodes airing through 2020.
Beloved for its humor, heart, and progressive themes, the show remains a staple of British TV culture.
So, Where Was Vicar of Dibley Filmed?
Turville, Buckinghamshire, England
The primary filming location for The Vicar of Dibley was Turville, a picturesque village located in the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire, southeast England.
Key Filming Spots in Turville:
- St Mary the Virgin Church – This is the iconic church featured in almost every episode, representing Dibley’s parish church.
- Village Green – Used for numerous scenes, including fetes and village meetings.
- Cottages and Lanes – Featured in exterior shots of the vicarage, David Horton’s home, and other villagers’ homes.
- The Bull & Butcher Pub – A real working pub in Turville, although not the interior shown in the series.
Turville’s unspoiled charm made it the ideal backdrop for the fictional village of Dibley.
Why Turville Was Chosen
- Traditional stone cottages
- Rolling countryside scenery
- Quiet, traffic-free atmosphere
- Classic “quintessential English village” aesthetic
Turville had previously been used for other productions, including Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Midsomer Murders, making it a favorite filming destination.
How to Visit the Filming Location of The Vicar of Dibley
Getting There:
- By Car: Turville is about 1 hour from London by car.
- By Train: Travel to High Wycombe or Henley-on-Thames, then take a taxi or bus.
- Walking Trails: The area is popular for walking and hiking routes.
Tips for Visitors:
- Be respectful—Turville is a residential village.
- Visit St Mary’s Church (with permission) and take photos of the village green.
- Stop at the Bull & Butcher pub for a traditional meal and local ales.
Other Shows Filmed in Turville
Turville has starred in several other British TV shows and movies, such as:
- Goodnight Mr. Tom
- Foyle’s War
- Midsomer Murders
- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
- Kavanagh QC
Its timeless charm makes it a go-to filming location for period and rural dramas.
Conclusion
If you’ve ever asked, “Where was The Vicar of Dibley filmed?”, now you know—the beautiful village of Turville in Buckinghamshire. The show may be fictional, but its real-world setting is entirely visitable, bringing fans closer to the beloved series and its iconic scenes.
Whether you’re a fan of British comedy or a lover of scenic countryside villages, Turville offers a unique glimpse into one of the UK’s most cherished television sets.
FAQs
1. Where was The Vicar of Dibley filmed?
The show was filmed in Turville, a village in Buckinghamshire, England.
2. Can I visit the Vicar of Dibley filming locations?
Yes! Turville is open to the public and welcomes respectful visitors.
3. Is the church in Vicar of Dibley real?
Yes, it’s St Mary the Virgin Church in Turville, featured in nearly every episode.
4. Was the interior of the vicarage filmed in Turville?
Exterior shots were filmed in Turville, but interior scenes were likely shot on a studio set.
5. What else has been filmed in Turville?
Turville has appeared in Midsomer Murders, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and other British classics.