Entertainment and culture - Inspirational locations

It should be no surprise to learn of England’s popularity with filmmakers when searching for that special and inspirational location for the latest blockbuster.

Hot Fuzz

Hot Fuzz was made by the same team behind the smash hit comedy, Shaun of the Dead. Top London cop, PC Nicholas Angel (played by Simon Pegg), finds himself reassigned to the sleepy village of Sandford.

With garden fetes and neighbourhood watch meetings replacing the action of the city, Angel struggles to adapt to his situation and finds himself partnered with Danny Butterman (Nick Frost); an oafish but well meaning young Constable. Just as all seems lost, a series of grisly accidents motivates Angel into action. Convinced of foul play, Angel realises that Sandford may not be as idyllic as it seems.

Hot Fuzz was filmed in around England's smallest city of Wells, Somerset. Keep an eye out for local pub The Crown at Wells, which became The Crown at Sandford and features in many of the background shots, as well as the Bishop's Palace which doubled for Sandford Castle.

Notes on a Scandal

Starring award-winning actresses, Cate Blanchett and Dame Judi Dench, Notes on a Scandal, based on the best-selling novel by Zoe Heller, is a gripping tale of love, loyalty and envy.

Two women caught up in a drama of need and betrayal are at the heart of this psychological thriller. The twists and turns of the story are noted in the acerbic diary of Barbara Covett (Dame Judi Dench), a domineering and solitary teacher who rules with an iron fist over her classroom at a decaying state-run secondary school in London.

Notes on a Scandal was shot on location in Islington, London and Eastbourne in Sussex.

The Holiday

The locations of The Holiday feature both the excitement and charisma of London city living and the romantic beauty and magnetic charm of English country life.

Filmed around the renowned Westminster area, with the iconic backdrop of Big Ben and the London Eye, the film displays a London that appeals to every one. During the holiday season London really comes to life, whether it’s cheering the celebrities turning on the Christmas lights or mastering your ice skating at Somerset House (www.somerset-house.org.uk/), there’s 100s of fun ways to keep warm.

Quaint shops and welcoming charm envelop you in the picturesque village of Shere in Surrey. Stroll down Shere’s main road, Middle Street, as you admire the attractive antique stores and tea shops that set the scene for Cameron Diaz’s vacation home in The Holiday. Discover the vibrant history of the village as you make your way over to the Old Prison House, one of the most picturesque 17th century properties in Shere. Treat yourself to tea and relaxation at the elegant Burrows Lea Country House (www.burrowslea.co.uk/), a hotel and renowned spiritual healing centre. Unwind in the tranquility of the Burrows Lea gardens that overlook the rolling countryside.

Another lovely Surrey town and filming location for The Holiday is Godalming (www.godalming-tc.gov.uk/), tucked midway between London and the south coast. The ancient and historic buildings that line Godalming’s narrow streets provide wonderful destinations for romantic strolls. Begin your town centre walk at the Georgian Brook House, birthplace of noted Godalming historian, Percy Woods, in 1842. A turn down the High Street brings you to Goldalming’s characteristic landmark - the Old Town Hall. Affectionately termed "The Pepperpot," this unique landmark dates from 1814. Just a few steps away, The Kings Arms Royal Hotel beckons you for a beer, a bite, and a bed - the royal treatment. Built in 1793, this inn housed many dignified visitors en route from London to Portsmouth.

On the trail of Harry Potter

Used as the location for Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter films, Alnwick Castle (www.alnwickcastle.com/) is England’s second largest inhabited castle - home to the Percys, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland since 1309.

The castle was used for many of the outdoor scenes in the film of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - remember the bit with the Quidditch lessons? That's on the castle green!

Hogwarts Express terminus Goatland Station situated in the Yorkshire Moors has barely changed since it opened in 1865. The wild, rugged landscapes and dramatic, green valleys make this perfect for a spot of magic or a leisurely walk.

The Reptile House where Harry discovered he could speak to snakes is at London Zoo (www.zsl.org/london-zoo/). Hiss a few words of snake yourself. Then enjoy the gardens, lake, herons and wildfowl, children's playgrounds and open-air theatre of Regent's Park (www.royalparks.gov.uk/parks/regents_park/).

Book London Zoo Tickets (www.enjoyenglanddirect.com/detail.aspx?ID=338)

Wimbledon, the movie

Wimbledon (www.wimbledonmovie.com) sees a British tennis player, played by Paul Bettany, who is considered to be on his last legs as a professional player, get one last chance to win both the tournament... and the heart of rising star Lizzie Bradbury, played by Kirsten Dunst.
 
The movie features many key scenes which were filmed predominantly at The Dorchester and Wimbledon. The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum tour gives access to the movie locations used during filming and areas which are normally out-of-bounds during The Championships: highlights include Centre Court, No. 1 Court, The Water Gardens, The Millenium Building and the Press Interview Room.

Lights, camera, action!

James Bond fans have plenty of places to pay a visit. The opening shots from The Living Daylights were filmed at Beachy Head and the Historic Dockyard. Chatham was one of the locations in The World is not Enough, while the old chalk pits at Amberley Museum (www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/) in the South East were used in scenes in A View to a Kill starring Roger Moore and Grace Jones.

The historic setting of Oxford is often used in major productions. The film Shadowlands about author CS Lewis was also filmed in Oxford, with Magdalen College and the Randolph Hotel featuring prominently.

Osborne House on the Isle of Wight was used in the making of Mrs Brown starring Dame Judi Dench and Billy Connolly, while Arundel Castle (www.arundelcastle.org/) was the double for Windsor Castle in The Madness of King George.

Kevin Costner's Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves found a perfect role for Old Wardour Castle, situated in Wiltshire, as a replacement for the medieval Locksley Castle.