Ever wondered where your favourite films are set? Weâll tell you so you can add them to your next trip away.
Planning a student holiday? Or are you just naturally curious where a film was set around the world? Production companies film in some of the most glorious locations all over, and itâs totally possible for you to tour them during a getaway.
From the Amityville Horror House to Mehrangarh Fort, below are some seriously insane filming locations you can visit in real life (tons are in the UK too!).
1. Notting Hill â London
Film: Notting Hill
Letâs kick off our movie locations list with a super famous place in London. The film Notting Hill, also based in Londonâs Notting Hill, stars the gorgeous Julia Roberts and the heartthrob that is Hugh Grant. Itâs a film about secrecy, contrasting lifestyles but most of all, love.
Notting Hill is well worth the visit for its ice cream coloured houses and of course, Portobello Road Market. Simply hop off the Notting Hill Gate tube stop on the central line.
2. Glenfinnan Viaduct â Scotland
Film: Harry Potter franchise
This insanely breathtaking viaduct was used to film various scenes in the Harry Potter franchise. Itâs possible to ride the steam train that runs a scenic service between Fort William, near Ben Nevis, and Mallaig in summer. Just be sure to book it months in advance, as for obvious reasons, it sells out super fast.
3. Hatfield House â Hertfordshire
Film: The Crown
So they couldnât quite land Buckingham Palace as a film location, but Hatfield House in Hertfordshire was certainly a breath-taking alternative.
Set as the scene for The Crown, itâs located an hourâs drive from London. The area is where Elizabeth I, for real, spent her childhood. On-screen, it was used as the home of Queen Mary, Elizabeth IIâs widowed grandmother.
The manor is temporarily closed for the moment, however, the Park & Woodland Walks are open each day of The Easter Holidays, except April 15. The Gardens are open each Thursday to Sunday with The East Garden only open on Thursdays. The architecture and scenery is well worth observing if youâre in the area anyway, regardless of if itâs shut.
4. Katz's Delicatessen â New York
Film: When Harry Met Sally
Katzâs isnât just an iconic deli in New York, it was also a filming location for When Harry Met Sally. Marvel at this NY landmark and have a spot of lunch while youâre at it!
There are tons of ways to get to Manhattanâs famous deli. Get the F subway from Sheep Meadow and exit at Allen St and Houston St SW. Then itâs just a 2-min walk. Easy peasy.
5. Amityville Horror House â Toms River, New Jersey, and Salem, Wisconsin
Film: The Amityville Horror (1979 and 2005)
Located at 112 Ocean Avenue Amityville, NY. The Amityville Horror house is known as one of the most haunted places. Unsurprisingly, The Amityville Horror was filmed in none other than the Amityville Horror House. Talk about authenticityâŠ
In case you need the backstory, itâs where a young man killed six of his family members in the 70s. The film has since had several sequels and should be on your must-watch list if youâre a horror enthusiast. To keep your facts right, the Amityville Horror House was the location for the 1979 film. The 2005 remake was, interestingly, featured at 27618 Silver Lake Road in Salem, Wisconsin instead.
6. Christ Church Cathedral â Oxford, England
Film: Harry Potter franchise
One of the prettiest cathedrals in the whole of the UK, this 16th century building was the scene for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You can get a walking tour when you visit, which also takes you through the Great Hall and the iconic staircase often featured when students first arrive at Hogwarts school.
7. The McCallisters' House â Winnetka, Illinois
Film: Home Alone
Who doesnât love Home Alone? You can visit The McCallistersâ House for real in Winnetka, Illinois. You canât actually go in as thereâs been residents there since 2012, but you can certainly view it from a distance and check out the Home Alone interior images online.
8. Contra Dam â Switzerland
Film: GoldenEye
Goldeneye was not only an iconic film in the 007 series, but it was also a hit for retro gamers. You can really visit the location known as Contra Dam in Switzerland.
But thatâs not all, you can give the iconic bungee jumping scene a go for yourself if you really must. But youâre looking at roughly ÂŁ200+. If youâre a serious thrill-seeker then itâs worth it. Probably.
9. Mehrangarh Fort â Jodhpur, India
Film: The Dark Knight Rises
Based in Jodhpur 400 feet above the city (we canât believe it either), is the Mehrangarh Fort. Itâs the place Bruce Wayne sees after escaping the underground prison in the film The Dark Knight Rises. Not only is it an insane filming location, but itâs also ââhome to several places known for their intricate carvings and expansive courtyards, as well as a museum housing various relics.
Definitely one for Batman and history fans.
10. Matamata, Hobbiton Set â Matamata, New Zealand
Films: Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Hobbit
The Hobbiton Set showcases the Shire and Hobbiton set itself and is based in the North Island of Matamata. Thereâs 44 hobbit holes (thatâs not a typo!) and itâs open for tours.
They have tons of tours, including the standard Hobbiton tour, Evening Banquet tour and Second Breakfast tour. We low key want to do all three of these, but thereâs tons more to choose from too. Youâre looking at a starting price of $89 New Zealand Dollars (around ÂŁ50), which in all honesty, isnât too bad. Check out the Hobbiton Set official site and other tours they have to offer.
11. Plaza de España â Seville, Spain
Film: Star Wars Episode II â Attack of the Clones
Are you a Star Wars fan and donât want to travel *too* far? Seville should be your next destination because Plaza de España is where part of Episode II was filmed. More specifically, it was the backdrop for Naboo's Theed Palace.
Little to no CGI was used here, so you can see for yourself just how breathtaking this film location really is.
12. Hatley Castle â British Columbia, Canada
Film: X-Men franchise
Hatley Castle was featured in X-Men, X2: X-Men United and X-Men: The Last Stand. Its exterior was used for Xavierâs School for Gifted Youngsters, while its interiors were filmed in LA.
And if you havenât heard of Hatley Castle before, it has some history which you may find interesting while planning your visit to British Columbia. It was previously used as a dormitory and mess hall for cadets and staff officers at Royal Roads Military College. Now itâs an administrative centre, housing the President, Vice-President, the Managers of Finance and Facilities, and the administrative support staff for Royal Roads University.
13. Various Oregon locations â Oregon, USA
Film: The Twilight Saga
Despite being set in the very real-life town of Forks, the directors filmed it elsewhere. Oregon was a commonplace to film the Twilight Saga and included places like St. Helenâs, Kalama (Forks High School), and Indian Beach (the location for La Push beach).
14. CafĂ© des Deux Moulins â Paris, France
Film: Amélie
AmĂ©lie worked as a real waitress in this cute iconic cafe, ââone-minute walk from the Relais Montmartre, on the charming rue Lepic. This authentic Parisian cafe has been around since the 20th century too, so itâs got quite the history, as well as decently priced coffees and meals, too (considering itâs a real landmark).
We hope we fed your curiosity about some of the worldsâ most stunning filming locations.
