Exploring Famous Filming Locations: A Journey Through Cinema

When I was a kid, my parents decided to take my siblings and me to visit Kanab, Utah. This little out-of-the-way western town is the filming location for more than 100 movies and TV shows, including such notables as The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. My siblings and I pushed open the doors of famous saloons, wandered down broad western-style streets, and explored the surrounding natural landscape. We had a blast reenacting our favorite movie scenes. This trip was truly memorable.

The Joy of Visiting Movie Sets

As I grew older and began to travel more, I decided it would be fun to continue visiting movie sets around the world. There’s something uniquely exciting about seeing the real-world places behind the magic of film, especially when a single location has been transformed for different genres or stories. Below are a few of my favorite filming locations I’ve visited. I’ll also share some tips for making the most of your own cinematic adventures.

5 Plaza de España in María Luisa Park (Seville, Spain)

Films: Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Dictator

My sister and I stumbled across the Plaza de España one morning during our exploration of Seville, Spain. The Plaza was originally constructed for the Ibero-American Exposition of 1929. The architects designed the Plaza in a Moorish paradisiacal style, featuring tiled fountains, pavilions, walls, ponds, native trees, and thoughtfully arranged flower beds.

Today, the plaza serves mainly as offices for various government agencies, along with a few museums. Tourists can easily access the plaza without an entrance fee. It is a beautiful place to explore, ideal for memorable photos. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit, especially since it’s close to other notable landmarks in Seville, including Seville’s Cathedral and the Alcazar.

Plaza de Espana

4 Isle of Man (Located in the Northern Irish Sea)

Films: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Waking Ned Devine, and many others

The Isle of Man is something of a hidden gem—especially for Americans, many of whom don’t even know it exists. Measuring just 32 miles long and 14 miles wide, this small island has served as the backdrop for nearly 100 films and TV shows. With a rich cultural history, it even has its own native language, Manx, alongside English.

Local legends add to the island’s mystique. When crossing the Fairy Bridge, it's customary to wish the fairies a good day to avoid bad luck. Peel Castle is another highlight, thought by some to be a candidate for King Arthur’s Avalon.

As a British Crown Dependency, the Isle of Man follows UK passport and visa policies. Most visitors stay in Douglas, the main city, but getting around the island is easy. It’s worth a detour if you're traveling through the British Isles.

3 Wadi Rum (A Desert in Jordan)

Films: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Lawrence of Arabia, Dune, Prometheus, and Aladdin

Wadi Rum is located in Southern Jordan near the border of Saudi Arabia. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is celebrated for its diverse landforms and iconic desert landscapes. The area boasts a significant amount of rock art, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence, showcasing its historical importance.

Tourists can opt for a variety of tours in Wadi Rum. Some offer visitors the chance to "glamp" in a Bedouin camp, while others provide jeep tours to explore the vast expanses of the Wadi with local guides. If you’re planning a visit to Jordan, Wadi Rum should be on your bucket list.

Wadi Rum

2 Lacock, UK

Films: Beauty and the Beast, Downton Abbey, Wolf Hall, Pride and Prejudice (1995), Cranford, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Lacock is a quaint village about 30 minutes from Bath, where many other movies have also been filmed. The village is mainly owned by the National Trust, which has taken great care to maintain its historical appearance. This effort makes Lacock an ideal location for many films.

Lacock is both accessible and easy to navigate, making it worth a stop on your way to Bath.

1 Matamata, New Zealand (And Really, All of New Zealand)

Films: Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit

Matamata, New Zealand, is home to Hobbiton. This full-scale set was originally intended to be non-permanent, situated on a sheep farm. However, with the decision to film The Hobbit trilogy, the set became permanent. Now, LOTR enthusiasts can visit the real Hobbition.

Visiting Hobbiton is a magical adventure where guests immerse themselves in the LOTR experience. Highlighted attractions include visiting Baggins, the Party Tree, and enjoying a pint at the Green Dragon Inn. Hobbiton tours are very popular; pre-booking tickets is recommended, especially during peak season.

While Matamata is showcased here, many filming sites across New Zealand are worth visiting. Some sites offer full-scale tours, and you can catch a movie in Wellington, where many films premiered.

Hobbiton, Matamata, New Zealand

Closing Thoughts: Creating Lasting Memories

Visiting filming locations is a fun and easy activity with a little research. Oftentimes, you might find yourself in a filming location without even realizing it at the time (such as my experience in Seville). Other movie locations are so popular that pre-booking is essential, a common case for the LOTR sets in New Zealand.

In planning your next vacation, consider looking up what movies were filmed in the area you are visiting. If these films interest you, make a trip to see the locations. You never know how much fun you might have or what memories you could create!

This adventure may inspire you to share your experience with others. Embrace the magic of cinema!

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