Discover Your Favourite Movie Locations In The Cotswolds
Have you ever wondered where those memorable scenes and picturesque locations of famous movies were filmed? An avid movie fan like me would love spotting famous movie locations in this scenic place in west-central England, also referred to as the “Heart of England”. It comes as no surprise that a lot of real life and fantasy cinema films such as Bridget Jones’s Diary, Pride and Prejudice, James Bond’s Die Another Day, Vanity Fair and the widely popular Harry Potter Adventures were shot in the Cotswolds. Let me give you a brief background of this intriguing place.
The Cotswolds is totally enclosed in natural beauty; this ancient district of England is generally recognized for its history and legacy. Experienced travelers will be happy to see the wonderful sights like sleepy villages, bustling market places and old-world surroundings.
The Cotswolds was formally recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1966; it is one of the prime regions of 40 AONBs in England and Wales due to its natural splendour. Now let us bring to light some significant locations which have enjoyed a Hollywood makeover from the James Bond film franchise to the Bridget Jones series.
Bridget Jones’ Diary (2000) a comedy starring Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant was filmed on location in the charming village of Snowshill in Gloucestershire. The setting of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry of the Harry Potter movies was filmed on Gloucester Cathedral. Most of the school scenes took place at the prestigious Oxford University. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007), The Madness of King George (1994) were also filmed on location in Oxford City.
The action packed ice chase scenes from Die Another Day (2002) were shot in the car park at Bourton-on-the-Water which was described as the “little Venice” of the Cotswolds. Some car chase scenes were filmed on the runway of the Royal Air Force aircraft at Upper Rissington. Remains of the Day (1993) which displayed the talents of Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson was filmed on location in Badminton House and Dyrham Park near Chippenham. Film production also took place in Wiltshire particularly in Corsham Court.
Notable movies that were filmed in the Cotswolds include the box office hit Stardust (2007) shot in Bibury which featured Michelle Pfeiffer and Robert de Niro. The Other Boleyn Girl, starring Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson featured the grandeur of Berkeley Castle. Bath City was the cinematic inspiration behind The Duchess starring Keira Knightley.
The wondrous tale Vanity Fair (2004) promoted the Stanway House near Winchcombe in Bath. Character actor Johnny Depp played the role of the passionate Earl of Rochester, also filmed in the same place. Pride and Prejudice (2005) featured Luckington Court near Chippenham in Wiltshire.
This medieval community was celebrated in a number of classic movies. The Cotswolds offers a unique blend of incredible movie locations and some quiet scenery which would delight any seasoned traveller looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure.
