From Notting Hill to Mamma Mia, there have been countless movies that have been captured in places around the world. Film-enthusiasts, here are some places to consider visiting next time you travel. 

Notting Hill (1999) 

The Notting Hill neighbourhood quickly became one of the most popular tourist destinations in London continuing the release of Notting Hill (1999) starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. 

The travel bookshop is a must-see for fans of the romantic comedy, being the place where William Thacker (Hugh Grant) meets Hollywood actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts). Although the original bookshop which featured in the film closed down in 2011, The Notting Hill Bookshop was opened as its real-life counterpart, located at 13 Blenheim Crescent. 

The Portobello Market is another iconic spot in the film, full of vibrancy and culture. It is packed with antique, clothing and food stalls, with a history spanning 150 years. Just a short walk away is the famous Blue Door which features in the film as the entrance to William’s flat. Located at 280 Westbourne Park Road, it’s a great photo opportunity for admirers of the movie. 

Anyone But You (2023) 

This romantic comedy was filmed in parts of Australia, featuring spectacular beaches and cliffs. Director Will Gluck adored the film set, which involved flying helicopters all over the city of Sydney to capture its beauty. The Sydney Opera House features as a stunning backdrop for the final scene, where Glen Powell’s character Ben runs after Bea, played by Sydney Sweeney. This multi-venue performing arts centre is celebrated for its unique 20th century architecture, holding over 40 shows each week. 

Palm Beach is also worth a mention, another one of director Will Gluck’s favourite shooting locations for the film. The beach is located in New South Wales, at the end of a long peninsula. It is perfect for swimming, surfing and sailing, with additional opportunities for ferry rides and hiking. 

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) and Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) 

As the new Bridget Jones film is out this month, here are a few locations from the first and second films in the franchise to reminisce over! 

Bridget Jones’s apartment can be found at 8 Bedale Steet in Southwark, above The Globe Tavern pub, just a short walk from London Bridge station. Borough Market is right next door, which is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with weekdays being the quietest if you wish to avoid the crowds. 

At the end of the first film, Bridget and Mark Darcy have their first kiss outside the No. 11 Royal Exchange Buildings. Although it was opened by Queen Victoria in 1844 for trading, the Royal Exchange Building was remodeled into a luxury shopping centre in 2001, with several restaurants and bars. 

In the second film, Mark Darcy confronts Daniel Weaver in Kensington Gardens, around The Serpentine Gallery and Italian Garden. Kensington Gardens is one of London’s eight royal parks, covering 265 acres of green space. The park was closed to the general public for most of the 1700s, but it later opened to everyone in 1841. 

Mamma Mia! (2008) 

You’ve probably seen this one before, but it can never be rewatched too many times! Although Mamma Mia was set on the fictional island of Kalokairi, it was predominantly filmed on the Greek islands of Skopelos and Skiathos. Skopelos, the main filming location, is an island in the Aegean Sea, which stands out for its gorgeous coasts and picturesque villages. The Agios Ioannis Chapel is a place that must be visited if you are in Skopelos, as its the chapel where Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) gets married and Donna (Meryl Streep), sings the iconic song ‘The Winner Takes It All’. 

Kastani Beach, also located on the island of Skopelos, is where Sky (Dominic Cooper) and Sophie sing ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’’. Additionally, it is the setting for the beach bar in the ‘Does Your Mother Know?’ performance. It is the sandiest beach on the island, famous for its clear waters and beauty. As Skopelos is known as the greenest island in Greece, the beach is surrounded by a lush pine forest. 

Photo credit: Anthony Bressy on Unsplash