Surrey has been the setting for some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters, thanks to its rolling hills and ancient castles, as well as its beautiful woodlands and high-end studios. The area quickly became a filming hotspot due to its picturesque settings, stunning views, and reliable transportation links. But did you know many films were shot in the woodlands of Surrey?
Gladiator, Band of Brothers, Children of Men, Thor, and Coldplay’s The Scientist were all filmed in the same Surrey woodlands.
The Film History in Surrey
Walton-on-Thames-based director, producer, and screenwriter Cecil Hepworth was a founding member of the British film industry. He made the first film adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s children’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Alice in Wonderland, in 1903. He continued making films at his Walton Studios into the 1920s (now the location of Walton Playhouse theatre).
Surrey’s showreel includes the iconic Guildford Cathedral, which was used in the first Omen (1977); the heathlands of Chobham Common, which welcomed Lawrence of Arabia (1962); the ancient woodland of Bourne Wood near Farnham, which has appeared in blockbusters such as Gladiator (2000), Robin Hood (2010), The Golden Compass (2007), and Jack and the Giant Killer (2012); Virginia Water, which has appeared in several Harry Potter films; and Waverley Abbey.
Several James Bond films have also been filmed in Surrey, with Dame Judi Dench among our county’s most famous residents. Skyfall (2012), for example, featured the construction of a Scottish manor house and helicopter attacks on Hankley Common.
Surrey is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, so it’s no surprise that it’s frequently used as a filming location. One of them is the cult classic Harry Potter film. This Harry Potter filming location is in Surrey. In addition to the Harry Potter films, Into the Woods, starring Anna Kendrick, chose Surrey as one of its filming locations. (Source: Local Trade Ads)
Where Can You Find the Oldest Museum?
Loseley Park, located in Surrey, is the world’s oldest green park. The More Molyneaux family built the green park surrounding this old building about 500 years ago. If you are ever in England, you must go to Loseley Park.
One of the world’s oldest museums is located in Surrey. The Museum was constructed at the request of Queen Elizabeth I, who reigned from 1558 to 1603. This Museum in Loseley Park’s center houses many historical collections, including paintings, furniture, and ancient tapestries. So, if you visit the UK, you should go to Loseley Park. (Source: Local Trade Ads)
Surrey Golf and Racing Arena
Golf and horse racing are two of the most popular sports in the United Kingdom. There is a golf course and a racetrack in Surrey. Every year, there are golf tournaments and horse races attended by participants from both within and outside the country.
This is the place to be if you enjoy golf or horse racing. So, you can try to participate in annual tournaments held around Virginia Lake, which is located on the southern side of Windsor Great Park, Runnymede. (Source: Local Trade Ads)
Image from Flickr