Welcome to your go-to list for movie holiday destinations. We’ve picked five stunning locations, home to some of the most awe-inspiring classics of the film industry. Not only you can enjoy the natural beauty of each place, but you can also relive some of your favorite on-screen moments with your loved ones. Ready? Lights, Camera, Action!
Timberline Lodge, Oregon, USA
Whilst the Stanley Hotel in Colorado was the inspiration for the Shining’s Overlook Hotel, much of the actual shooting and filming took place in the Timberline Lodge. Buckle up as this place is sure to give you chills and flashbacks to the film.
After you triple-lock your doors and if you manage to get a night’s sleep (!), make sure to enjoy the ski resort in Lodge’s grounds! It has the longest skiing season in the U.S., and is open for all 12 months of the year. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, and climbing.
Here's a fun fact. Rumor has it the staff and owners of Timberline Lodge were concerned guests would be reluctant to stay in Room 217 - the room number used in The Shining - so the management requested the room number be changed to the fictional Room 237.
Various Locations, Oxford, UK
At only an hour’s trip from London, this is certainly one of the most accessible places on this list, and is certainly worth a trip in its own right!
Once you arrive in Oxford, you’ll get why so many movies are filmed here. This is one of the oldest and most aesthetic University towns in the world with stunning architecture and cobbled streets.
It will come as no surprise that this is the setting of some of the most iconic film franchises of all time, with scenes featured in Harry Potter, The Italian Job, Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again! as well as smaller British productions such the Riot Club and The History Boys, and not to mention the upcoming releases of Wonka and Bridgerton!
Perhaps the most iconic feature of the city is the Bridge of Sighs, which neighbors New College Lane. If you see any film characters running in Oxford, it is almost certainly along here! Other iconic venues worth visiting are Magdalen College, Duke Humfrey’s Library and the Sheldonian Theater.
Matamata, New Zealand
This one is an absolute must-see for fans of the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit! The set of Hobbiton has been transformed into a living tourist attraction for people coming from all around the globe. This mythical location was opened to the public in 2002, and since has become one of the most visited attractions on the two islands, garnering around 300,000 visitors every year.
You can even visit some of the iconic establishments in the films, such as the Green Dragon Inn, where you can sample the Hobbit ales! If that isn’t enough fun, then there are also interactive guided tours to fulfill your every LOTR need!
As a trip to New Zealand can be a long one, make sure not to miss out on all the rest of the stunning scenery the country has to offer. All around the set you can visit huge mountains, gorgeous beaches and magical lakes.
If by some strange twist of fate you are not a Lord of the Rings fan, At only two hours south of Auckland on New Zealand’s North Island, Matamata is home to so much more! The region is famous for its nature-based tourism and underground mysteries. And nearby towns have developed into a surfing hub in recent years but are also famous for its black sand beaches and incredible coastline.
Görlitz, Germany
This location is among the less-known gems on our list. The town itself is incredibly aesthetic, full of classic German charm and home to world-renowned pilsners! However, it is also the setting for Wes Anderson’s award-winning film, the Grand Budapest Hotel.
The interior of the Grand Budapest Hotel is in fact an old department store. Although the exterior was rarely used in the film, the oranges and pinks of the surrounding buildings fit perfectly with the vibe of the movie. Interestingly, the store is now back up and running thanks to Wes Anderson and his team!
Inside, the sweeping staircases from the chase scenes are instantly recognizable and are among some of the fan favorites.
Monument Valley, Arizona, USA
Monument Valley is a true titan of the film industry. For years this vast expanse of American desert was the backbone of cinema, featuring as the central location in many early classic movies, such as Stagecoach, My Darling Clementine and The Searchers. Real movie buffs will know about the relationship between this setting, director John Ford and iconic actor John Wayne, as they collaborated on a staggering nine films in this location!
More recently, Monument Valley has seen scenes from Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 film Space Odyssey and of course, Forrest Gump! If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can take horseback trails through the desert to embody your inner cowboy spirit. Unless you’re a marathon runner, though, we don’t recommend trying to emulate Forrest Gump’s legacy!
They say you’re not a true cinephile until you’ve seen the settings for your favorite movies in the flesh. Well, here’s your chance! These locations not only feature some of the most iconic films in existence, but also offer an expanded holiday, all to complement your film pilgrimage! Discover these amazing destinations and recreate some of your favorite scenes on screen on Martee.
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