From TV Shows And Movies
Have you ever wanted to step into the world of your favorite TV shows and movies? Those medieval castles or tropical resorts? These real-life filming locations have become must-visit spots for fans. Get ready to explore 44 breathtaking places that brought iconic scenes to life!
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui In Thailand (The White Lotus)
Set for season three of HBO’s The White Lotus, this Thai resort has private villas and ocean views. Fans can visit its luxury setting and experience the same paradise that enthralled audiences. It is a dream destination for relaxation.
Dubrovnik In Croatia (Game Of Thrones)
Dubrovnik, the real-life King’s Landing, offers medieval walls and coastal beauty. Fans walk Cersei’s “Walk of Shame” stairs or explore Lovrijenac Fortress. The city’s rich history makes it an unmissable destination beyond its Game of Thrones fame.
Snug Cove In Bowen Island (Virgin River)
Bowen Island’s Snug Cove doubles as Virgin River’s idyllic small-town setting. Visitors recognize the library, main streets, and waterside views from Netflix’s hit show. It is a peaceful escape, perfect for those seeking scenic places and charming town vibes.
Virgin River | Official Trailer | Netflix by Netflix
Northern Ireland (Game Of Thrones)
Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, and Castle Ward transformed into Westeros. Fans can explore these filming spots, reliving their favorite moments from Game of Thrones. Northern Ireland’s dramatic terrains ensure an unforgettable journey into fantasy and real-world beauty.
Wadi Rum In Jordan (Lawrence Of Arabia)
Nicknamed the “Valley of the Moon,” Wadi Rum’s surreal desert appeared in Lawrence of Arabia. Tourists admire vast red sands, towering cliffs, and ancient petroglyphs, making it a breathtaking location for film lovers and adventurers alike.
Malta (Game Of Thrones)
Malta’s ancient fortresses and honey-colored streets stood in for King’s Landing in season one. Mdina’s gates, the Azure Window (since collapsed), and Fort Ricasoli remain key attractions, which draw visitors eager to walk in the footsteps of Westerosi legends.
Chicago In Illinois (The Bear)
FX’s The Bear showcases real Chicago restaurants, including Mr Beef, inspiring food lovers worldwide. Fans flock to these eateries, immersing themselves in the show’s authentic culinary atmosphere. Chicago’s vibrant food scene continues to thrive thanks to the series’s success.
Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA on Wikimedia
Petra City In Jordan (Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade)
The ancient city of Petra famously portrayed the Temple of the Sun. Carved into rose-red cliffs, its mysterious beauty leaves travelers awe-struck. Movie buffs and history enthusiasts alike visit this UNESCO Heritage site for a memorable adventure.
Highclere Castle In England (Downton Abbey)
This Hampshire estate is Downton Abbey’s real-life filming location. Visitors tour its grand halls and lush grounds to step into aristocratic drama. The castle’s rich history and breathtaking architecture make it a favorite for period drama lovers worldwide.
West Bay In Dorset, England (Broadchurch)
West Bay’s towering cliffs and beaches served as the haunting backdrop for Broadchurch. The picturesque but eerie coastal scenery became iconic throughout the crime drama. Visitors can explore filming locations, which include the harbor and dramatic sandstone cliffs.
Andrew Bone from Weymouth, England on Wikimedia
High River In Alberta, Canada (Heartland)
The charming town of High River doubles as Hudson in Heartland. Fans visit Maggie’s Diner, the ranch, and surrounding areas. This Canadian town embraces its connection to the show, offering tours for visitors seeking an authentic Heartland experience.
Oheka Castle In New York (Gotham)
Oheka Castle, a lavish Long Island estate, stood in as young Bruce Wayne’s mansion in Gotham. The grand halls and sprawling grounds provide a glimpse into the billionaire’s life. Guests can even stay overnight at this historic chateau.
The Blue Pub In Methven, New Zealand (Top Of The Lake)
The Blue Pub, a rustic New Zealand tavern, was heavily featured in Top of the Lake. This small-town spot is recognizable to fans and welcomes visitors who want to relive the intense mystery drama set against breathtaking mountain scenery.
Chateau De Pierrefonds, Penshurst Place, And Chislehurst Caves In France & UK (Merlin)
Merlin was filmed in stunning locations across the UK and France. Chateau de Pierrefonds became the iconic Camelot, while Wales provided breathtaking vistas. Penshurst Place’s Barons Hall and Chislehurst Caves in Kent added medieval depth. Saint-Suliac, a charming Breton village, enhanced the series’s mystical atmosphere with its historic stone streets.
Capilano Suspension Bridge In Canada (The X-Files)
Towering above a lush rainforest, the bridge appeared in multiple episodes of The X-Files. The Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver provided a spine-chilling atmosphere in the show. Visitors walk the swaying pathway, retracing the steps of Mulder and Scully.
Hatley Castle In British Columbia, Canada (Smallville)
Hatley Castle portrayed Lex Luthor’s mansion in Smallville, as well as locations in Arrow and X-Men. This grand, ivy-covered estate draws superhero fans eager to explore its stately corridors and expansive gardens, bringing their favorite scenes to life.
Brandon Godfrey from Victoria B.C, Canada on Wikimedia
Glenfinnan Viaduct In Scotland (Outlander)
This curved railway bridge, set against Scotland’s highlands, offers breathtaking views. The Glenfinnan Viaduct is famous for the Harry Potter films, but it also appeared in Outlander. Tourists can ride the Jacobite steam train just like in the show.
Juvet Landscape Hotel In Norway (Succession)
This ultra-modern retreat in Norway provided the setting for Kendall Roy’s dramatic scenes in Succession. The hotel’s sleek design blends into the breathtaking fjords, attracting fans and architecture lovers alike who seek an unforgettable Scandinavian escape.
Fredrik Linge from Århus, Denmark on Wikimedia
Point Dume In California, USA (Planet Of The Apes & Baywatch)
Point Dume’s iconic cliffs and sandy beaches served as a filming location for Baywatch and the final scene of Planet of the Apes. Visitors enjoy scenic hikes and breathtaking ocean views while reliving cinematic history.
Richmond In London, England (Ted Lasso)
Richmond, a charming riverside district in London, serves as the hometown of AFC Richmond in Ted Lasso. Key filming spots include The Prince’s Head pub, which doubles as the team’s local hangout, and Richmond Green, where fan-favorite scenes were shot.
Matamata In New Zealand (The Lord Of The Rings & The Hobbit)
The permanent movie set includes Bag End, the Green Dragon Inn, and 44 hobbit holes. Matamata’s rolling hills became Hobbiton for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Daily tours provide access to this meticulously maintained filming location.
Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan on Wikimedia
Bodega Bay In California, USA (The Birds)
Bodega Bay’s coastal area was the eerie setting for Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. Key locations include The Potter Schoolhouse and the Tides Wharf restaurant. Despite film alterations, visitors can still explore the town’s recognizable structures from the classic horror film.
Villa Del Balbianello In Italy (Star Wars & Casino Royale)
This stunning villa on Lake Como appeared in Star Wars: Episode II as Padme and Anakin’s retreat and later in Casino Royale. Built in the 18th century, it features panoramic lake views, terraced gardens, and lavish interiors, attracting film and architecture enthusiasts.
2019 © FAI - Fondo Ambiente Italiano on Wikimedia
Orava Castle In Slovakia (Nosferatu)
This 13th-century Gothic castle in Slovakia portrayed Count Orlok’s eerie fortress in Nosferatu (1922). Towering above the Orava River, it remains one of Central Europe’s best-preserved medieval castles. Visitors can explore its dungeons, halls, and exhibition rooms.
Timberline Lodge In Oregon, USA (The Shining)
Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood was utilized for Overlook Hotel’s exterior shots in Stanley Kubrick’s film The Shining. Built in 1937, it remains an active ski lodge. Interior scenes were filmed elsewhere, but visitors recognize the lodge’s facade from the horror classic.
Mt. Hood Territory on Wikimedia
Castle Howard In England (Brideshead Revisited)
This 18th-century stately home, with its Baroque architecture and expansive gardens, remains one of England’s most visited country estates. Castle Howard in North Yorkshire served as Brideshead in the 1981 miniseries and 2008 film adaptation of Brideshead Revisited.
Pwojdacz (talk). Original uploader was Pwojdacz at en.wikipedia on Wikimedia
CSIC In Madrid, Spain (Money Heist)
The exterior scenes of the Royal Mint in Money Heist were filmed at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in Madrid; however, the interior scenes were shot in sets in the city. The CSIC is the largest public research establishment in Spain and is the third-largest research organization in Europe.
Luis García (Zaqarbal) on Wikimedia
Baltic Centre For Contemporary Art In England (Get Carter)
This brutalist car park in Gateshead was a central location in Get Carter (1971). Though demolished in 2010, it remains a significant site in British film history. The multi-level concrete structure symbolized 1970s urban decay, intensifying the film’s gritty atmosphere.
The Old Royal Naval College In England (The Crown & Pirates Of The Caribbean)
This historic site in Greenwich has appeared in The Crown, Les Miserables, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Made in the 17th century, its baroque architecture replicates Buckingham Palace and 18th-century London, making it a frequent filming location for period dramas.
Port Isaac In England (Doc Martin)
Port Isaac, a historic Cornish fishing village, doubles as the fictional Portwenn in Doc Martin. Its winding streets, 18th-century cottages, and coastal scenery remain unchanged, and it attracts fans to iconic spots like the doctor’s surgery and the Golden Lion pub.
Lacock In England (Downton Abbey & Pride And Prejudice)
The National Trust village of Lacock appears in Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice. Its preserved medieval streets and stone cottages make it ideal for period dramas. Lacock Abbey also doubled as Hogwarts in Harry Potter, which adds to its cinematic legacy.
Asheville In North Carolina, USA (The Gilded Age)
The Biltmore Estate, America’s largest private home, stood in for Newport mansions in HBO’s The Gilded Age. Built in 1895, its opulent halls and 8,000-acre grounds provided an authentic backdrop for the lavish high-society drama set in the late 1800s.
Cannery Row In California, USA (Big Little Lies)
HBO’s Big Little Lies used Cannery Row and nearby Bixby Bridge to capture Monterey’s stunning coastal beauty. Visitors recognize locations like Del Monte Beach, Paluca Trattoria, and Lovers Point Park, all featured in scenes of the high-stakes drama series.
Cristofer Maximilian on Unsplash
Garrison In New York, USA (The Sopranos)
Tony Soprano’s unforgettable trip to the Adirondacks was actually filmed at a private estate in Garrison, New York. Fans visit the Hudson Valley town for scenic hikes, historic sites, and glimpses of locations seen in The Sopranos’s later seasons.
Soprano Home Movies Ending by Ben Bruser
Charlestown In Cornwall, England (Poldark)
Charlestown’s Georgian harbor stood in for 18th-century Cornwall in Poldark. With its tall ships and unspoiled coastal views, this UNESCO-listed site remains nearly unchanged from the show. Visitors explore its shipwreck museum and waterfront pubs, reliving Ross Poldark’s world.
Bo-Kaap In Cape Town, South Africa (Black Mirror)
The vibrant, pastel-colored houses of Bo-Kaap were a striking backdrop in Black Mirror’s "Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too" episode. This historic Cape Malay neighborhood, known for its cobblestone streets and cultural heritage, attracts tourists who are fascinated by its unique architecture and scenic setting.
Tollymore Forest Park In Northern Ireland (Game Of Thrones)
Tollymore Forest Park was the eerie Haunted Forest in Game of Thrones, where the Night’s Watch first encountered White Walkers. This sprawling woodland features ancient redwoods, stone bridges, and hidden caves, which makes it a favorite spot for hikers and fans alike.
Oxford In England (His Dark Materials)
Oxford’s historic colleges appear in His Dark Materials, such as Jordan College, Lyra’s home. While Jordan College is fictional, filming took place at Exeter College and the Bodleian Library. The city’s scholarly atmosphere enhances the show’s magical and philosophical themes.
Oamaru In New Zealand (Sweet Tooth)
Victorian limestone buildings of Oamaru were turned into the eerie, abandoned town in Netflix’s Sweet Tooth. This South Island town, famous for its steampunk aesthetic, offers visitors a glimpse into the series’s post-apocalyptic world while also celebrating its rich architectural history.
Paraty In Brazil (The Sandman)
The colonial town of Paraty provided mystical places for Netflix’s The Sandman, particularly scenes depicting Dream’s ethereal world. Its preserved 17th-century streets, lush rainforest surroundings, and stunning coastal views make it an otherworldly yet very real travel destination.
Bruges In Belgium (The Serpent Queen)
Bruges’s medieval streets and canals doubled as 16th-century France in The Serpent Queen. The UNESCO-listed city, with its well-preserved Gothic architecture, provided an authentic backdrop for Catherine de’ Medici’s political intrigue, which makes it a key filming site for the historical drama.
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas on Wikimedia
Fort Manoel In Malta (Game Of Thrones)
An 18th-century star-shaped fortress, Fort Manoel, was where King’s Landing’s Great Sept stood in Game of Thrones. This is where Ned Stark met his fate. Located on Manoel Island, the fort remains open for visitors exploring its historical and cinematic significance.
Myvatn In Iceland (Game Of Thrones)
Myvatn’s volcanic area in Iceland was transformed into Mance Rayder’s Wildling camp in Game of Thrones. Surrounded by steaming lava fields and frozen lakes, the region’s rugged beauty offers fans an immersive glimpse into the show’s northern territories beyond the Wall.
Skellig Michael In Ireland (Star Wars Films)
The remote, rocky island off Ireland’s coast, Skellig Michael, is famed for its ancient monastic settlement dating back to the 6th century. A UNESCO-listed site, it gained cinematic fame in Star Wars films. The island is home to Atlantic puffins, who nest there each year from April to early August.
