Movies and TV series have a unique way of whisking us away to breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cities. As spring arrives and travel becomes more enticing, why not let these fictional worlds inspire your next adventure?
From recent blockbusters and ongoing hits to timeless classics, cult favorites, and epic series, here are ten iconic cinematic locations to spark your wanderlust and guide your travel plans.
Game of Thrones: The Upcoming Prequel, Northern Ireland
As the eighth and final season of the immensely popular series Game of Thrones draws to a close, fans can look forward to an array of spinoffs. Among these is a prequel series, tentatively titled The Long Night by George R. R. Martin, which is reportedly set to begin production primarily in Northern Ireland.
Set thousands of years before the events depicted in Game of Thrones, this prequel will explore “the world’s descent from the golden age of heroes into its darkest hours,” according to HBO’s synopsis. It promises to uncover the chilling secrets of Westeros’s history, the true origin of the White Walkers, the enigmatic mysteries of the East, and the legendary Starks. “It’s not the story we think we know,” HBO teases.
Though a release date has yet to be announced, filming locations are expected to include Belfast and its picturesque coastal roads, ancient castles, and expansive glens—familiar backdrops to many iconic scenes from Westeros. These sites are already major tourist attractions, drawing fans from around the world.
Notable locations in the Game of Thrones territory include Winterfell (Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down), Castle Black (Magheramorne quarry, County Antrim), and the Linen Mills Studios in Banbridge, which will showcase displays of costumes, props, and weapons. Additional sites include Titanic Studios in Belfast, Cushendun Caves, Murlough Bay, the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Tollymore Forest, Larrybane, the Antrim Plateau, Inch Abbey, and Downhill Strand. All these locations are easily accessible from Belfast.
The impact of Game of Thrones on Northern Ireland’s tourism has been likened to that of Lord of the Rings on New Zealand in the late 1990s, highlighting the series’ significant influence on the region’s travel industry.
Harry Potter And The Many Places Where It Happens
From London to Porto, Portugal, with stops in Northumberland, Gloucester, Oxford, and Edinburgh, the Harry Potter series has masterfully showcased an array of stunning film locations.
London’s old-world charm and architectural gems provided the perfect backdrop for the magical world of witches and wizards in training. Many iconic scenes were filmed at the Warner Brothers Studio in Hertfordshire, which offers tours for fans. Additionally, various locations around London, such as King’s Cross Station with the legendary Platform 9¾, St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel, and Leadenhall Market, featured prominently in the series.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is brought to life through a combination of locations outside London, including Christ Church College and Cathedral and Duke Humfrey’s Library in Oxford, Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, Lacock Abbey near Chippenham in Wiltshire, and Gloucester Cathedral, which provided the exterior shots of the school.
For those wanting to experience the iconic Hogwarts Express, a trip to the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Lochaber, Scotland, is a must. This picturesque location has been used in numerous films, including the Harry Potter series.
Mary Poppins, Aladdin and Dumbo, London
London has been a prominent setting for numerous blockbuster films, and Disney has chosen some of the most significant British film studios for its new live-action remakes of beloved classics.
“Mary Poppins Returns,” the sequel to the 1964 classic starring Julie Andrews, naturally takes place in London. The city itself becomes a central character, with iconic landmarks featured as backdrops in key scenes.
The exterior of the Bank of England serves as the office for the villainous banker portrayed by Colin Firth. Many of the musical numbers unfold in front of Buckingham Palace, and the movie’s climactic finale takes place at the Big Ben clock tower.
Other upcoming Disney films recently shot in Britain include Tim Burton’s “Dumbo,” primarily filmed at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire and Cardington Studios in Bedford, set to be released at the end of March. Additionally, Guy Ritchie’s remake of “Aladdin,” filmed at Longcross Studios in Surrey, is scheduled to premiere in May.
The French Dispatch – Angoulême, Southwestern France
American director Wes Anderson, currently residing in Paris, is in the midst of filming his latest project in Angoulême, located in southwestern France. Local French newspapers have been abuzz with reported sightings from the set.
Titled “The French Dispatch,” Anderson’s upcoming film boasts a stellar cast featuring Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Tilda Swinton, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Frances McDormand, Saoirse Ronan, and others. Scheduled for release next year, the movie is a homage to journalists, unfolding at an American newspaper’s branch in 20th-century Paris. It intricately weaves together three distinct storylines.
Midnight In Paris, Paris, France
In Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris,” the city of lights takes center stage as Owen Wilson’s character, a struggling writer, joins his fiancée, Rachel McAdams, on a business trip. Every midnight, he finds himself magically transported to 1920s Paris. From iconic landmarks like the Church of Saint Etienne du Mont and Notre Dame Cathedral to picturesque spots such as the Pont Neuf bridge and the Arc de Triomphe, the film captures Paris in its full cinematic glory. Beyond these renowned sites, the film beautifully portrays the city’s enchanting gardens, bustling cafes, lively markets, and charming cobblestone streets, cementing Paris as the quintessential backdrop for cinematic storytelling.
Downton Abbey – Highclere Castle, Hampshire, England
After captivating audiences with its PBS television series, the story of the Crawley family and their devoted servants in early 20th century England continues in an eagerly awaited movie set for release in September.
While the storyline unfolds in Yorkshire, filming, much like the series, predominantly took place at Highclere Castle in Hampshire. This stunning 17th-century Jacobean castle boasts meticulously landscaped grounds and offers tours and traditional afternoon teas.
Scenes depicting the fictional village of Downton were also shot in Bampton, Oxfordshire, home to the historic 11th-century St Mary’s Church. Additionally, picturesque Lacock in Wiltshire served as a backdrop, its quaint historical cottages and abbey having graced the screens of other notable films like Pride and Prejudice and Harry Potter.
Those Mammas Mias – Vis Island, Croatia And Skopelos Island, Greece
Vis, a gem in Croatia’s Adriatic Sea, stands out as one of the world’s most stunning islands. Its crystal-clear aquamarine waters, pristine beaches, and 17th-century Venetian architecture create a picturesque backdrop that captured hearts as a Greek resort in the filming of Mamma Mia 2, the beloved sequel to Mamma Mia.
The island, constructed by Venetians in the 17th century, remains blissfully off the typical tourist path. A leisurely 20-minute stroll around its harbor reveals its historic charm. Most of the filming took place in Komiza, a quaint village to the island’s west, renowned for its authentic Mamma Mia ambiance. Additionally, some memorable scenes were shot at Stiniva, one of the island’s famed southern beaches.
The Silence Of The Lambs, Florence, Italy
In the world of cinema, Florence holds a cinematic allure akin to Paris. In “The Silence of the Lambs,” the city serves as a pivotal backdrop in the life of Hannibal Lecter, a figure of refined artistic sensibilities.
According to The Guardian, even as Lecter muses about dining on “liver with fava beans,” he plans to complement his meal with a glass of “excellent chianti,” a wine native to the region.
Among Florence’s remarkable landmarks, Palazzo Vecchio stands out where Lecter operates under the guise of Dr. Fell. Additionally, the cloister of Santa Croce convent and the illustrious Santa Maria Novella Pharmacy, where Lecter purchases a gift for Clarice Starling, feature prominently in the film.
