Sure, we rewatch our favourite films and shows for the rollercoaster of a plot and the lovable characters.
Source: Unsplash.com – @Vadim SherbakovBut we have to admit that we often form an attachment with the places featured in our go-to movies and drama series. It’s almost as though we vicariously frequent the café the characters hang out at in every episode.
The beautiful cinematics never fails to elevate the quality of movies and leave us wanting more. Sometimes you just want to escape reality and live in those magical worlds instead. Astonishingly, this idea is not all that crazy. Some filming sets are actual places that can be accessed by the general public; Here are some of them.
1. Oxford University in London, England from “Harry Potter”
This is for the Potterheads! If you grew up with the Harry Potter franchise, Hogwarts was almost definitely your dream school. Speaking of which, we’re all still waiting for our letter. But whether you received your letter or not, you could still visit Hogwarts. Well, not exactly, but it’s the next best thing.
Most of the Hogwarts scenes were shot in New College, Christ Church College, and Bodleian Library. It is said that the Dining Hall of Christ Church College is the Great Hall where the students have meals and get their houses sorted. And most importantly, of course, you’ll be walking the halls where Harry, Ron, and Hermoine grew up in. So, this is a great time to strike a pose in the infamous hallways or maybe even recreate scenes from the movie and take memorable vintage-looking pictures with a Polaroid camera.
2. Hobbiton in Matamata, Waikato, New Zealand from “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”
Source: Unsplash.com – @Thomas SchweighoferThis is straight out of Tolkien’s books! The set crafted for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies was left untouched after the filming was wrapped up. So now, we get to enjoy a touch of fantasy but also, quite contrarily, the quiet, simple lives of the Hobbits.
Not only can you visit the Hobbit holes, but you also have the option of going on a guided tour; you’ll be brought to places like the Old Mill and the Green Dragon Inn. Exploring the cute little Shire is something you want to experience, especially if you’re a fan of the movies. After all, it is listed as one of the reasons to visit New Zealand.
3. Mokule’ia Beach in Oahu, Hawaii from “Lost”
You saw the crash landing of Oceanic Flight 815, but did you know that you can go there too? Well, you can. You can see the filming sites where scenes of the survivor camps were shot. Moreover, the cluster of banyan trees in several scenes is located near Turtle Bay Resort. Additionally, you can book a horseback riding trip in the Kaa’a’awa Valley, where not only Lost but also top-tier movies like Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Godzilla, and Pearl Harbor were filmed.
Although some parts of the beach are limited as paid tourist attractions, you can always explore the beach as it is. As a small tip, you might want to pack some sunblock beforehand to avoid getting a sunburn while you lounge around the beach. Overall, Mokule’ia Beach is the perfect well-rounded summer trip for fans of the Lost series.
4. King Cross Station in London, England from “Harry Potter”
Platform 9 and Three Quarters, the spot where Harry first made acquaintance with the Weasley family, not knowing about all the adventures he has yet to embark on. Always wanted to run into the wall yourself? Great news! You’ll be glad to know that you can actually fulfil that childhood dream of yours.
You just have to hop on the next train to King Cross Station to get there. According to Historic UK, there is no admission fee to visit this iconic part of the station. But there’s a plot twist. If you’re looking for a brick wall in between Platform 9 and Platform 10, you won’t find it because it is actually located between Platforms 8 and 9 to accommodate the brick wall on the main building alongside the existing architectural plans.
5. Skellig Michael in County of Kerry, Ireland from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Star Wars: The Last Jedi
This secluded island in Ireland was the scenery for the Island Sanctuary scenes in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. We then get to savour the same view again in The Last Jedi. Do you know that Skellig Michael was named after the archangel Michael and the splinter-like stone structures on the island? It overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is also a UNESCO World Heritage. Fun fact, if you go birdwatching, you could spot birds that served as inspiration for porgs in the Star Wars franchise.
6. Skópelos in Greece from “Mamma Mia!”
You can’t resist singing along or at least bopping your head to the absolutely wonderful Mamma Mia soundtrack. How does singing the Dancing Queen on the very island that Donna sang it sound to you? Like a dream.
What we know as Kalokairi is actually Glisteri Beach in Skópelos. This is the location we see when Sophie leaves for her wedding on a donkey, and Donna, Rosie, and Tanya run and hug each other when they meet at the beginning of the movie. This picturesque Greek island comprises the clear blue water, the infamous white Greek structures, and the beautiful mountainous cape; You don’t want to miss getting a photo of this view on your Xiaomi phone.
7. Cathy’s Corner in Mount Hollywood Drive, Los Angeles from “La La Land”
This award-winning musical is famous for that one scene where Mia wears the yellow dress and tap shoes as she dances with Sebastian under the night sky. It was even chosen as the album cover for the soundtrack. The song in question, A Lovely Night, was performed at Cathy’s Corner, which is in the ever-so-popular Mullholand Drive.
If you’re a fan of this track, here’s where you can get the full experience of their tap dance routine. Unfortunately, you may not be able to get in at night due to safety regulations. It’s also sad to say that the iconic bench and lamppost were purely props for the set.
You might have clicked on this page as an avid fan looking for details of a certain filming location you can visit. But you may also be leaving this article curious about the other aesthetically pleasing spots or historical wonders featured in movies you never watched. I guess it’s soon time to get off the couch and go explore all the places you’ve seen on the big screen!
