Recently updated on October 6th, 2022 at 03:05 pm
There’s nothing like the excitement of seeing ‘Hollywood’ come to life.
From following in the footsteps of our most-loved characters to touring the filming locations made famous by our favourite stories, many of us are inspired by what we see on the big screen.
In fact, more than one in five of us book our holidays just days after watching a film.
Offering the ability to pair our passion for pop culture with our love of travel, it’s little wonder that film-inspired holidays are the ‘next big thing’.
Set the scene for your upcoming break and join us as we explore the filming locations that form the backdrop for some of the world’s most iconic films.
WADI RUM, JORDAN
The colour-shifting sands of the Wadi Rum desert have played to host to a number of Hollywood blockbusters including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and The Martian, with Matt Damon. When you’re not channelling Harrison Ford, admire the country’s beautifully-preserved Greco-Roman city of Amman, the ‘rose-red’ Petra ruins and the dramatic gorges.
Experience the magic on the: Jordan Experience
DUBROVNIK, CROATIA
With its fortified city walls and surrounding azure sea, it’s no surprise filmmakers are inspired by Dubrovnik. Join a local guide (and passionate film buff) to sate your appetite for all things James Bond, Game of Thrones and Star Wars, which were all filmed in the popular Croatian holiday destination. Spoiler alert: you can even hunt down the Iron Throne in a gift shop off the Old Town’s main street to have your most steely glare captured in a photo!
Experience the magic on the: Balkan Delight
COUNTY KERRY, IRELAND
It was lights, camera and action in picturesque County Kerry as the Star Wars franchise rolled into town for The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. The films broke box office records and brought the magnificent scenery of Skellig Michael and the Wild Atlantic Way to the attention of millions of people around the globe. But that’s not all – Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince fans will also recognise Kerry’s spectacular scenery from when Harry and Dumbledore appear on the famous Lemon Rock.
Experience the magic on the: Wonders of Britain and Ireland
OUARZAZATE, MOROCCO
Home to the largest studio in the world, Ouarzazate is a film lover’s paradise. From Lawrence of Arabia to The Mummy and Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, the list of blockbusters that have used this desert-based site is endless. A guided tour will allow you to see the massive prop jet plane used in 1985’s Jewel of the Nile, while the ‘Colosseum’ where Russel Crowe fought in Gladiator is there for all to emulate the Oscar-winning performance (BYO Roman sandals and fake sword).
Experience the magic on the: Best of Morocco
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
The hills are alive with Sound of Music fans (over 300,000 each year!) who come to Salzburg to follow the footsteps of the Trapp family. From the horse fountain on the Residenz Square to the Mozartsteg footbridge across the River Salzach, the city boasts a wealth of famous sites that see eager visitors re-enact key scenes on a daily basis (much to the locals’ entertainment). Hot tip: head straight for the Mirabell Gardens to try out your best ‘Do-Re-Mi’ sequence.
Experience the magic on the: Sound of Music
GLENCOE, SCOTLAND
With its hulking highlands, rolling hills and villages shrouded in urban myths, Scotland is made for movie magic. From the Bond film, Skyfall to Mel Gibson’s 1995 epic, Braveheart, the picturesque village in western Scotland, Glencoe, has hosted a myriad of blockbuster films – as well as some very famous stars. In fact, Braveheart is generally credited with generating a boom in Scottish tourism, especially thanks to Gibson’s battle scenes depicted in the film.
Experience the magic on the: Best of Scotland
LONDON, ENGLAND
If over 8 million people think London is charming enough to call ‘home’, there’s no wonder plenty of filmmakers see its appeal as a top-notch movie location. Every genre from thrillers and dramas to romantic comedies have been acted out on the capital’s streets, including Alfie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Four Weddings and Funeral, with the city’s iconic skyline and leafy boroughs the main stars. If you keep your eyes peeled for long enough, you might even catch a film being made on your next morning stroll…Â
Experience the magic on the: Real Britain
Keen to visit some of the world’s most epic film locations? Head to trafalgar.com to find the perfect blockbuster trip for you. Where have you seen a big-budget film being made? Let us know below!