Just like a scene from the movies . . .

Blockbuster movies part-filmed in the UK are expected to boost "location vacation" tourism in 2012. Castle Combe, in Wiltshire, prominent in Steven Spielberg's War Horse, and Layer Marney Tower near Colchester, used in The Woman in Black, are two locations hoping for a boom in visitors.

Around summer 2012, Jack the Giant Killer, starring Bill Nighy and Ewan McGregor, will be released. Locations include Hampton Court Palace in south west London and at Norwich Cathedral.

Films that came out at the tail end of 2011 are also expected to lead to an influx of tourists to locations.

Madonna's film of Wallis Simpson - WE - had scenes shot at Hughenden Manor and West Wycombe Park in Buckinghamshire. Hughenden was home to Victorian prime minister Benjamin Disraeli.

The recently-released film Wuthering Heights has showcased the Yorkshire Moors and included scenes shot at 17th century country house Cotescue Park.

Also expected to show off a number of English locations is Great Expectations, a new film based on the Charles Dickens' classic whose stars include Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltrane, David Walliams and Helena Bonham Carter.

The film is expected to be in cinemas some time during 2012.

PA