Visiting Movie Set Locations: How to Do It
Have you ever imagined stepping into the world of your favorite movies? You’re not alone! Exploring famous movie set locations is an experience like no other, bringing the magic of the big screen to real life. Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings adventurer, a Marvel superfan, or a dedicated Harry Potter enthusiast, this guide will help you plan the perfect movie-inspired trip.
From stunning landscapes to detailed sets, these places allow you to walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters. Let’s dive into why visiting film locations is such an unforgettable experience, how to plan your trip, and the best ways to make the most of your journey.
Why Visit Movie Set Locations?
Experience the Magic in Real Life
There’s something incredible about standing in the exact spot where an iconic movie scene was filmed. Imagine wandering through the halls of Hogwarts, standing at the gates of Jurassic Park, or gazing across the rolling hills of the Shire. Seeing these places in real life makes the fantasy feel real.
Take Incredible Photos and Videos
If you love capturing travel memories, movie locations make for some of the best backdrops. Whether you’re recreating a scene from Star Wars on Skellig Michael or striking a superhero pose in New York City, these locations are perfect for stunning photos and videos.
Appreciate the Art of Filmmaking
Seeing a filming location in person gives you a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into bringing a movie to life. Many locations look completely different from what you see on screen due to CGI, set design, and clever camera angles. Visiting them helps you understand the creativity and effort behind your favorite films.
Feel More Connected to Your Favorite Movies
Once you’ve visited a filming location, rewatching the movie feels different. You’ll recognize key landmarks, recall your own experience there, and feel an even stronger connection to the story. It’s almost like stepping inside the movie itself.
How to Plan Your Movie-Themed Adventure to Movie Set Locations
Step 1: Choose Your Movie or TV Series Focus
Before you start booking flights, decide which movies or shows you want to explore. Some franchises have multiple filming locations across the world, so narrowing it down will make planning easier.
Here are some popular movie locations:
Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit – New Zealand (Matamata, Tongariro National Park, and more)
Harry Potter – UK (Warner Bros. Studio London, Alnwick Castle, Oxford)
Game of Thrones – Northern Ireland, Spain, Croatia, Iceland
Star Wars – Ireland (Skellig Michael), Tunisia (Tatooine), Death Valley (USA)
Marvel Cinematic Universe – New York City, Atlanta, Edinburgh
The Matrix – Sydney, Australia
The Sound of Music – Salzburg, Austria
Jurassic Park – Hawaii (Kualoa Ranch, Kauai)
La La Land – Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
Step 2: Research the Locations
Not all filming locations are the same—some are preserved as tourist attractions, while others are real-world places you can visit freely.
Here are the types of locations you might find:
Permanent Sets: Some movie sets have been preserved for visitors, like Hobbiton in New Zealand or Warner Bros. Studio in London, where you can explore the magic of Harry Potter.
Real-World Locations: Many films use actual locations as backdrops for famous scenes. Dubrovnik in Croatia became King’s Landing in Game of Thrones, while Alnwick Castle in England served as Hogwarts in Harry Potter.
Restricted or Guided Tour Locations: Some filming locations require special access, like the Star Wars sites in Death Valley or the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland (the train bridge from Harry Potter).
Step 3: Consider a Guided Tour
Many filming locations offer guided tours with behind-the-scenes insights and fun extras.
In New Zealand, the Hobbiton Tour takes you through the Shire and even lets you enjoy a drink at The Green Dragon pub.
In Dubrovnik, you can walk through King’s Landing on a Game of Thrones tour.
In New York City, superhero fans can take a tour of filming locations from Spider-Man, The Avengers, and Batman.
Guided tours are a great way to learn more about the filming process and access areas you might not be able to visit on your own.
Step 4: Plan Your Travel and Budget
Some filming locations require extra planning, so keep these things in mind:
Flights & Transportation: Some locations, like Skellig Michael (Star Wars), require a boat trip, while others may need a rental car.
Accommodation: To make the experience even more immersive, consider staying in themed hotels, boutique stays, or even castles.
Tickets & Entry Fees: Some popular locations, like Hobbiton or Warner Bros. Studios, require advance booking, so make sure to secure your tickets early.
Step 5: Pack for the Ultimate Experience
To make the most of your trip, here are a few essentials:
A camera and extra batteries to capture every moment
Comfortable shoes since you’ll be doing a lot of walking
Movie-inspired outfits for fun photos or just to add to the excitement
A journal or notebook to document your adventure
Tips for the Best Experience
Visit During Off-Peak Seasons – Traveling outside peak times means fewer crowds and better photo opportunities. Visiting Hobbiton in the winter or Dubrovnik in the shoulder season will give you a more relaxed experience.
Rewatch the Movie Before You Go – This helps you spot familiar locations instantly, making the visit even more exciting.
Look for Hidden Easter Eggs – Some locations have small details left by filmmakers, like Star Wars symbols on Skellig Michael or subtle Game of Thrones references in Dubrovnik.
Respect the Locations – Many filming sites are historical landmarks or natural wonders, so always follow local rules and leave no trace.
Connect with Other Fans – Join online communities on Reddit, Facebook, or Discord to get extra tips and recommendations from fellow superfans.
Hidden Gem Movie Locations Worth Visiting
Not all the best filming spots are mainstream attractions. Here are a few underrated gems:
Puzzlewood, England – A magical forest used in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Doctor Who.
Matamata’s Rolling Hills, New Zealand – Beautiful landscapes beyond just Hobbiton, used in The Lord of the Rings.
St. Abbs, Scotland – The real-life New Asgard from Avengers: Endgame.
Castle Ward, Northern Ireland – The original Winterfell from Game of Thrones.
Final Thoughts
Visiting movie locations isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about stepping into the worlds you love. Whether you’re walking through the lush hills of the Shire, standing on the cliffs featured in Harry Potter, or snapping a selfie at the gates of Jurassic Park, these experiences create memories that last a lifetime.
So, grab your camera, book your trip, and start your own movie-inspired adventure. If you could visit any film location in the world, where would you go? Let’s chat in the comments!
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