Movie Magic: Travel to 15 Iconic Filming Locations

There’s something truly magical about planting your feet on the same streets that our favorite screenwriters and actors once graced, too. It’s the closest we’ll ever get to stepping through our TV screens and joining the cast. 

Whether you’re a fan of the fantastical, like The Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, or like to let your hair down with our friends in Mamma Mia, any one of these filming locations are well worth the travel time that it takes to get there.  

Hobbiton, New Zealand

There are certain movies that can pluck us out of this world – even if only for an hour and a half – and place us in new and exciting realms. The Lord of the Rings series is the perfect example of this. 

Hobbiton, in Matamata, New Zealand, was created specifically for the films, but they’ve left the set intact, which draws in visitors from all across the globe, year after year. 

You have the pick of the litter, in terms of guided tours. But, whichever one you choose is likely to take you to popular spots like the Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Mill. 

London, England

Sticking with the theme of movies that transport us to other places and times, Harry Potter must be on a list such as this. While Edinburgh and parts of the Highlands are often associated with the series, there’s a very important starting point in London worth visiting: King’s Cross Station. 

This is the magical platform for the Hogwarts Express that allows Harry and the Weasley family to walk straight through a brick wall at platform number 9 ¾.  

Before Harry Potter fandom was a thing, there were no 9th and 10th platforms. But, since the epic series took over the world, the station actually put up a 9 and 10 sign to allow adventurers a little taste of magic. 

Edinburgh, Scotland

A train ride from London to Edinburgh is quite feasible – and very scenic. So, let’s continue the Harry Potter train for just a moment. 

If you make your way to Edinburgh, the ways to sense the magic of the films are endless. You’ll want to walk up and down Victoria Street, believed to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Then, there’s the National Museum of Scotland which houses something known as the Lewis Chess pieces, said to be the inspiration for Wizard Chess. 

To round things out, you could also see if The Elephant House is reopened for business. (It’s been closed for most of 2024 due to a fire). But, if it’s back on its feet, you can visit the cafe where Rowling did a large portion of her writing in the early days.  

For more on how to make the most of the magic that mists the streets of Edinburgh, here’s a unique guide to help you craft the perfect itinerary.  

Doune, Scotland

If you’re also a Monty Python fan, stick around in Scotland for just a little while longer. Located in the historic county of Perthshire, you’ll find Doune Castle, which was used as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail. 

Actually, it served as several filming locations for several castles in the film. The film crew was just astute enough to film it at different angles to make it appear as though it was a few different strongholds. 

If, perchance, you’re also an avid follower of the renowned book and television series, Outlander, you’ll also recognize Doune Castle – almost immediately.