Wednesday 17 June 2009

Movie Locations in the Cotswolds

By Anna Phillips

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.

It was publicly accepted in 1966 as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); it is one of the biggest of 40 AONBs in England and Wales because of its untouched surroundings. From the James Bond movies to Bridget Jones Diary, here are notable locations which have undergone some major changes inspired by Hollywood productions.

Bridget Jones' Diary (2000), which stars Funny lady Rennee Zellweger and Hugh Grant was filmed in the quiet village of Snowshill in Gloucestershire. Harry Potter scenes from the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry were shot in Gloucester Cathedral. Oxford University came alive on the big screen for most of the scenes at school. Oxford University took center stage on Bourne Ultimatum (2007) and the Madness of King George (1994).

Bourton-on-the-Water, widely known as the "little Venice" of the Cotswolds, became the location for the ice chase scenes of the action movie Die Another Day (2002). The unforgettable car chase scenes were filmed on the runway of the Royal Air Force aircraft at the Upper Rissington. Remains of the Day (1993) starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson made Badminton House and Dyrham Park near Chippenham the set of this movie. A number of scenes were taken in Corsham Court in Wiltshire.

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 extraordinary tale of Vanity Fair (2004) was filmed in Stanway House near Winchcombe in Bath. The Libertine (2004) starring Johnny Depp as the romantic Earl of Rochester was also filmed in the same location. Luckington Court near Chippenham in Wiltshire came alive on the big screen in Pride and Prejudice (2005).

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.

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