England is becoming the top choice for film directors

In the last decade, National Trust locations have been used for over 50 feature films and are becoming the top choice for film directors.

National Trust-owned Antony house in Plymouth, which featured in Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland, has seen figures double since the film's release and they are set to triple by the end of the year.

Not only do these locations benefit the films but the filming helps the local economy too.

"Already this year we have doubled the amount of figures here last year at Antony House and of course whilst filming, Plymouth benefited from using actors from the area," said Harvey Edgington from the National Trust.

"And the crew stayed here in hotels, the hotel bill must have been enormous," he added.

The National Trust has provided locations for the films The Duchess at Kedleston Hall in Derbyshire, Pride And Prejudice in Lyme Park, Cheshire.

The recent remake of Robin Hood starring Russell Crowe was filmed at Freshwater West in Pembrokeshire, which is also set to appear in the upcoming Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows.

Mr Harvey says the reason UK locations are the top choice for directors is simple: "We are blessed in this country in the sense that we have historical properties and houses.

"The trust has 250 from every period of history and they are genuine. Yes, you can build a set but why when you have this already."

But he said turning a historic house into a film set is no easy task.

"It is a challenge. As well as the director, the vision and the script we've got the house and they don't always marry," explained Mr Harvey.

Around three film crews a year use National Trust locations every day of the year and the Trust has benefited to the tune of £5m from filming and shoots since 2003.

So, just bear in mind the next time you are watching a film on the big screen, it is likely you could be visiting those same locations one day.