May 26, 2023
10 min. read
Most of us will never be able to live like Hollywood stars, but we can live like the characters they play – if only for a short while. We’ve compiled a list of places where some popular movies and TV series were filmed. Read on for ideas about where to go to star in your own adventure.
Follow Emily in Paris to Paris, France.
There’s so much to love about Emily in Paris, not the least of which are its glamorous filming locations throughout the city of lights. In the show we meet Emily, a somewhat naive American who has been relocated to her company’s marketing agency in Paris. You can retrace Emily’s footsteps across Paris by following her jogging route along the Jardin du Luxembourg, then wander around the Pantheon, and the Palais Royale and the Trocadéro. Before jetting home, be sure to treat yourself to something mouth-watering off the menu at the Michelin-starred Le Grand Vefour restaurant, like Emily did.
Relive the magic of Harry Potter in Oxford, England.
The Harry Potter series has been whisking Muggles off on magical adventures since 2001. While all of the movies are set in fictional Britain, many of the scenes were filmed throughout the UK. To get your magic fix jet across the pond and take an organized tour with London Walks or Visit England. Prefer to venture out on your own? Visit London Zoo’s Reptile House where Harry discovers his wizard powers, the magical Platform 9 ¾ and Borough Market, where the exterior of “The Leaky Cauldron” was filmed. Don’t miss Bath’s Gloucester Cathedral and Oxford’s Christ Church Cathedral, which were both backdrops for much of the series. With locations in Ireland and Scotland too, you may need some magical powers to see it all in one trip.
Fly with The Flight Attendant to Rome, Bangkok and Dubai.
The Flight attendant follows a flight attendant who tries to unravel her part in a mystery involving a handsome passenger, after spending the night with him. The eight-episode series whisks you off to exotic locales as Cassie Bowden’s story unfolds. If you’re a more budget-conscious fan, visit all the U.S. filming locations while following in Cassie’s footsteps through New York City. Those with bigger budgets can travel to Bangkok and stay at the exotic Anantara Siam Bangkok hotel, as Cassie did. Then, fly to romantic Rome, rent a Vespa to explore Piazza Navona and lunch at Brocca e Tazzo. Finally, jet off to spectacular Dubai, UAE and discover where some of the film’s most gorgeous backdrops were located.
Let Mamma Mia whisk you off to Skiathos, Greece and Vis, Croatia.
Looking for a reason to escape to the Mediterranean? Pack your swimsuit and head to where Mamma Mia and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again! were filmed. The whitewashed homes and sweeping ocean views of Skiathos Town and the unspoiled Greek island of Skopelos were the backdrops for the original musical. To visit where the sequel was filmed, set your compass for the little-known Croatian island of Vis. Many of the scenes were shot along the harbour, right where you will disembark from the ferry. Rent a car or take a boat to get to Barjoska Beach, where many other scenes were shot. Don’t miss Dionis Pizzeria and Pansion which the movie crew transformed into a local market or lunching at Jastozera – the setting for the Greek tavern scene.
Have a cuppa near Downton Abbey in Highclere, Hampshire.
There won’t be a staff of 15 to serve you a “cuppa’’ when you visit Highclere Castle in West Berkshire. But a trip to the grand location where Downtown Abbey was filmed is still well worthwhile. While the castle is the residence of the Earl of Grantham and his family on the show, today it’s home to Lord and Lady Carnarvon. Other visit-worthy destinations for fans include Lacock Village, Alnwick Castle and Wentworth Woodhouse in Yorkshire, where the ballroom scenes were filmed. You can climb aboard the luxury British Pullman and travel from London to inside Highclere, or book the Great Homes, Gardens & Gin tour on the Rhine Viking Cruise, to visit the castle.
Get a Sex and the City tour of New York City.
While most of us will never have a shoe collection the size of Carrie Bradshaw’s, we can see what it’s like to be in her shoes for a little while. If you’re a big Sex and the City fan, plan a trip to The Big Apple and visit Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte’s hot spots. Spend the night at The Plaza Hotel, where Carrie had her famous run-in with her former lover. Visit the iconic stoop outside Carrie’s apartment at 66 Perry Street in Greenwich Village and the Meatpacking District, where the ladies spent most of their time. Lunch at The Loeb Boathouse like Carrie and Mr. Big did, or grab a slice of pizza at Two Boots just like Miranda and Carrie did. There are so many locations to see, you may want to plan out your route.
Fall in love with Bridgerton locations in London, Yorkshire and Herfordshire.
Netflix’s hugely popular drama Bridgerton will sweep you away with its plot and locations. The captivating story follows Daphne Bridgerton’s quest to find love and escape her destiny of an arranged marriage. To get a real feel for Regency London, visit the series’ locations throughout the UK. Make your way to Yorkshire’s Castle Howard to see the exterior of Bridgerton’s fictional Clyvedon Castle. Then, visit where the interior scenes were filmed at North Mymms Park in Hertfordshire; it’s actually a posh event venue. Fans can also visit the Bridgertons’ house – Rangers’ House in London – and the Featherington's house – filmed at Hatfield House and No1. Crescent in Bath.
Each of these featured destinations has so much more to offer than just the fan locations listed here. Be sure to visit each area’s famous attractions too. When you’re ready, CAA Travel can help get you wherever you want to go.
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