According to the UK Coastal Screen Index 2026, the county has featured in 39 major film, television, and streaming productions between 2006 and 2026—11 more than any other UK coastal area. The research was commissioned by Dorset-based Curated Cottages and analysed filming activity across coastal regions in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Ian Bates, founder of Curated Cottages, said: "People often assume Cornwall is Britain's best-known filming destination, but our research shows that Dorset has quietly become the UK's biggest screen star. New research shows that Dorset has featured in more major films, television dramas and streaming productions than any other UK coastal region over the past 20 years. The full research can be found at the Curated Cottages website.