Have you ever wondered where your favourite movies were filmed? Think about being able to visit those locations — feeling the magic of the places. No, it’s not just a dream; there are lots of movie filming locations to walk on and enjoy. From the great Hogwarts of the Harry Potter movies and the charm of the Pride and Prejudice movie locations to the exotic beaches in the location of Mamma Mia movie, real-life movie sets have tons of tales to tell, appealing to cinephiles and travel enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a Potterhead or a romantic comedy fanatic, this guide to iconic film locations around the world will grant you access to the behind-the-scenes of the magic of the screen. Whatever your favourite movie genre is, this list has it all.
Alnwick Castle, England: step into Hogwarts from ‘Harry Potter’
Do you love Harry Potter? That means you most likely have dreamed of experiencing what it feels like to be a Hogwarts student. No need to cast a spell — just head to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, England. Over 1,000 years old, this medieval castle served as Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets.
Take broomstick flying lessons where Harry had his first, and explore the castle’s striking architecture, vast gardens, and nearby woodlands. Alnwick Castle isn’t just a Harry Potter set tour; it’s a historic site with much to offer. In fact, movie locations in London are too many. Its towering walls and grand stonework bring the magic of Hogwarts to life.
The impressive scenery that surrounds it also helps in the experience. You can take the time to explore to enjoy a perfect mix of classic charm and British history inspirations. One of the best ways to enjoy this experience is to join an organised group trip to London and exploring famous British film locations — from Skyfall to Love Actually to the charming spots of Notting Hill. And that’s just a glimpse of what England has to offer!
Corfu, Greece: From Sissi’s Palace to James Bond’s ‘For Your Eyes Only’
Located in the Ionian Sea, Corfu is home to beautiful places, which have made the island a popular filming location for many movies. One of them is the 12th James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only (1981). In the movie, Achilleion Palace, also known as the Sissi’s Palace, plays a major role in pretty much everything since the filming location involves the stunning architecture of the Palace and its panoramic views.
The town has narrow alleys and Venetian-looking architecture for Bond’s chase, making everything look real and relatable. The green forests, crystal clear waters and rocky beaches are also ideal for any movie to be filmed, especially if it is a destination-themed movie. Corfu and the nearby islands were filming locations for other movies like The Durrells and Mediterraneo. While it was not the Mamma Mia movie shooting location, the movie was shot in Greece so you can see why the country is popular with filmmakers.
Corfu isn’t just a popular filming spot — it’s a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Why just imagine the perfect escape when you can walk through real film sets? If you love cinema and history, join an organised trip to Corfu: visit Sissi’s Palace, chasing Bond’s footsteps, and wander the charming alleys once captured on screen.
The Cotswolds, England: wander through the charming villages of ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’
The Cotswolds, also known as “The heart of England”, is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a popular filming location. Its charming villages and rolling hills make it ideal for romantic comedies like Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001). This movie is just one of the titles among the many movies set in the pretty villages and the rolling hills of this countryside. Whether you’re strolling through the countryside or visiting Bourton-on-the-Water, the Cotswolds offer a peaceful escape that feels worlds away from everyday life.
You may even feel like you’re on the set of a movie! Its beautiful countryside landscape manages to capture the spirit of rural England. If you like to see where they filmed Downton Abbey, you’ll have a blast. The movie cannot be compared to any because of its beauty. Every lover of the series can testify to how charming the set was, apart from the excellent cast and interpretation of roles. The series makes you want to live in the countryside.
From Bourton on the water to the rolling fields, you can embark on a self-discovery and romantic journey just like Bridget did. Since the film is one of the many period dramas, movies and series filmed in that area, it can be a place to search for a Bridget Jones-like manifestation if you want love and romance in your life. For a peaceful, movie-like escape, an organised trip to the Cotswolds lets you explore the film locations that have charmed audience for decades. You can even add a Hot Fuzz movie location to make it diverse.
New York City, USA: the ultimate movie metropolis
New York City is one of the most filmed cities in the world, as scenes from many famous movies showcase its varied sites. As a global hub of culture and development, it’s a natural backdrop for film and TV. From Spider-Man and The Avengers to the timeless romance of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, NYC is home to some of cinema’s most famous locations.
Walk through Central Park and you’ll stumble upon familiar locations from When Harry Met Sally and Home Alone 2. Visit the Ghostbusters firehouse and take a stroll through Times Square, featured in Vanilla Sky and Sex and the City. With the city’s juxtaposition of skyscrapers, classic buildings and bustling streets, New York movie locations are unlike others. The city has made its mark as a city well loved by filmmakers and is a must-see city for all film lovers.
New York City offers much more in the movie stakes than being a backdrop for scenes. It is a city that has a sense of cinema in every corner of Fifth Avenue through to the serenity of Brooklyn Bridge. New York City seems like one big movie set. For travelling cinephiles who really want to take in the massive and boisterous city in all its cinematic splendour, a group tour to New York delivers a trip tailor-made for the city’s most famous movie locations.
Monument Valley, USA: the legendary landscape of classic Westerns
Monument Valley is a land of towering sandstone buttes and wide-open desert vistas. The place has been thrilling audiences with its dramatic scenery since the golden age of Hollywood. Films like Stagecoach (1939) and The Searchers (1956) did more than just capture the stark beauty of the American Southwest — they turned it into an indelible part of everyone’s collective imagination. In other words, if you’re looking to recreate the magic of the Wild West, you’ve come to the right place.
This incredible landscape isn’t just a thing of the past – recent blockbusters like The Lone Ranger (2013) have kept it in the spotlight for a new generation of movie fans. We know the movie lovers of decades past are no longer here to appreciate the beauty of these locations. Without constant reminders, they may be forgotten for the beauty and history they represent. Of course, you can still take a guided tour of the valley and see all the famous filming locations, like John Ford’s Point (named after the groundbreaking director).
In fact, some visitors would say this sweeping natural wonder is even more awe-inspiring in reality than on camera. Washing Parks, mind-blowing desert views and endless blue skies are just a few of the wonders to see and enjoy. After all, isn’t that the stuff of dreams? If you want to experience all that and more, there’s no better option than an organised group trip to the far West so you’ll see Monument Valley as well as all the other famous locations that make the American Southwest such a pillar of movie history.
Miami and the Florida Keys, USA: from ‘Scarface’ to ‘Bad Boys’
Florida is home to some of the world’s most famous film locations. If you have never visited that state, you will not know what you are missing out on. It is truly beautiful, some cities more than others. Think Miami in Scarface (1983) and Bad Boys (1995), where the neon-soaked streets are dazzling and dangerous at the same time. Also, think about the Florida Keys, where Will Smith and Martin Lawrence led large-scale car chases and staged explosive stunts in Bad Boys II.
These two Florida destinations are simply must-visits for film fans. Spend some time in Miami, which is home to more than 1,000 imposing neon-soaked buildings, including Tony Montana’s mansion from Scarface and hit the road to take in the bridge leading to the stunning Florida Keys, an area of unrivalled natural beauty that has been thrilling cinema fans for generations. Anyone who has driven on the Seven Mile Bridge will know just how exhilarating the drive can be!
Film fans with a real love for their favourite movies and a particular interest in action and drama will find plenty to inspire them in Florida. Along with the heavy-hitting classics, several cult fiction and 1980s TV series were filmed in the city. It really is a treasure trove for movie fans! Do you love the idea of a trip to Miami? Book an organised trip to Florida and discover the steamy streets and heart-stopping film locations of your favourite film scenes.
Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand: the exotic setting of ‘The Hangover Part II’ and ‘The Beach’
Thailand’s awe-inspiring scenery has provided the backdrop for many films over the years. Perhaps, the most famous of them all is The Beach (2000), a movie that stars Leonardo DiCaprio, whose search for utopia led him to Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands, which is The Beach movie location. With their powder-soft beaches, turquoise waters and soaring cliffs, they were the perfect setting for Danny Boyle’s on-screen paradise. Meanwhile, The Hangover Part II (2011) introduced us to Bangkok’s pulsing streets and a riotous reminder of the city’s nightlife and fascinating culture.
While Thailand has long been a well-known destination for adventure and relaxation, with tranquil beaches, bustling cities and heritage sights, it has a whole host of film locations for you to enjoy too. Whether you’re visiting the Phi Phi islands or strolling through the streets of Bangkok, you’re guaranteed to leave these Thailand film locations in awe.
Beyond its on-screen credentials lies a destination of diverse appeal. Thailand’s beaches in Koh Samui and Phuket are enticing because relaxation comes easily there. To experience the full movie magic, an organised trip to explore Thailand will take you to the spectacular places where some of the most iconic movies were shot.
Set the scene for your dream adventure
Designing your own reel-worthy escapade is the ultimate way to indulge your twin passions of film and travel. From the heady spires of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts at Alnwick Castle to the shimmering shores of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands, the planet is awash with famous film locations. Whether you’ve got a penchant for fantasy, romance or high-octane action, these derived-from-real-life sets provide a tantalising opportunity to step into the onscreen worlds you’ve grown to love.
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to journey into the realms of celluloid make-believe, history and natural beauty as we guide you around Earth’s most unforgettable film-by-association settings. This is the holiday of your life. Simply roll the tape!
