England
East Sussex
This awards season, Sussex cast its spell over Hollywood. Wicked: Part One scooped up nominations at all the major film awards, winning Best Costume Design and Best Production Design at the Oscars® and BAFTAs, as well as Cinematic and Box Office Achievement at the Golden Globes. East Sussex grabs the limelight, starring alongside the film’s award-winning performances and show-stopping visuals. The county’s Seven Sisters Country Park, part of the Sussex Heritage Coast, sets the scene for one of the film’s most enchanting moments. As Glinda makes her grand entrance at Shiz University, she drifts along the Cuckmere River in a pink sailboat, framed by the park’s white chalk cliffs with sweeping views of the English Channel. For visitors inspired by the film’s magical landscapes, the Seven Sisters are one of many attractions to experience during a visit to East Sussex. A walk along the cliff-top trails offers a cinematic perspective of the coastline, while a paddle along the Cuckmere River recreates Glinda’s graceful arrival – no magic required. Beyond outdoor adventures, East Sussex shines as a destination brimming with culture and history – from the medieval streets of Lewes to the artistic hub of Brighton. And with its newfound Hollywood status, it’s no longer just a hidden gem – it’s a blockbuster in its own right.
Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire stars as another one of Britain’s top filming locations, also appearing in Wicked: Part One. The village of Ivinghoe, near Luton, was transformed into the heart of Munchkinland, with its rustic cottages and winding lanes setting the scene for the magical world of Oz – complete with the iconic Yellow Brick Road. Ivinghoe has plenty to offer visitors beyond its connection to the film. A walk up Ivinghoe Beacon, a part of the Chiltern Hills, offers stunning panoramic views and marks the start of the Ridgeway National Trail. For an extra dose of grandeur, head to Waddesdon Manor, a French Renaissance-style château just a short drive from Ivinghoe. Step inside its lavishly decorated rooms, explore its world-class art collection – including works by rival painters Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds – and wander through its beautifully landscaped gardens, which have starred in The Crown, Queen Charlotte, and Cinderella (2021).
Norfolk
Norfolk also basked in the Hollywood spotlight this award season, its colourful tulip fields playing a starring role in Wicked’s vibrant landscape of Munchkinland. Belmont Nurseries, one of the UK’s largest tulip growers, cultivated nine million tulips specifically for the film. Each spring, visitors can step into this cinematic scene, strolling through the fields and exploring the 20-acre nursery, which boasts more than 100 different tulip varieties. The floral displays are open for a limited time before the tulips are harvested for sale. Beyond the tulip fields, Norfolk’s storybook landscapes continue to inspire, proving that Britain’s natural beauty is every bit as magical as the world of Oz, from the sweeping beaches and cascading dunes of the Deep History Coast to the winding waterways of the Norfolk Broads. Hire a boat and set sail through these picturesque waterways, Britain’s largest protected wetland area, to see the sights from a different perspective. The historic city of Norwich, with its blend of medieval architecture and modern culture, sits in the heart of the Broads. Offering a wealth of opportunities for exploration, discover the 11th-century Norwich Castle, complete with a Roman hoard and remains of a temple, or hunt for gems of a different kind in the Creative Quarter’s independent shops.
Bristol
As Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl secures its place among the year’s most celebrated films with numerous nominations and two BAFTA wins for Best Animated Film and Best Children’s and Family Film, its true home – Bristol – takes a well-deserved spotlight. The city has long been the creative hub for Aardman Animations, and in this latest adventure, Bristol’s charm and creativity shine through once more. Fans of the beloved duo can immerse themselves in their world by following the upcoming Gromit Unleashed 3 Trail this summer, where larger-than-life sculptures of the iconic dog will pop up across the city. For those seeking a challenge, A Grand Way Out, the first-ever Wallace and Gromit escape room, offers a thrilling chance to step inside their universe. Animation enthusiasts can also head to We The Curious, where hands-on exhibits celebrate the magic of stop-motion filmmaking. Beyond its animated fame, Bristol boasts a rich film and TV legacy, with its streets and historic landmarks starring in productions like Sherlock and His Dark Materials.
Lancashire
The creative legacy of Aardman Animations also brings a new spotlight to Lancashire. The county’s industrial heritage and rolling countryside provide the backdrop for the latest adventure of the inventor-and-dog duo. Preston, the hometown of Wallace’s creator, Nick Park, makes a fitting return, with nods to its historic mills and railway heritage woven into the film’s design. But for fans eager to step into the world of Wallace and Gromit, Lancashire offers more than just cinematic connections – it’s a dream destination for foodies, too. Wallace’s well-documented love of cheese makes Lancashire a fitting setting, given the county’s rich dairy heritage. The Ribble Valley, home to some of the country’s finest cheesemakers, offers a chance to sample traditional crumbly Lancashire cheese straight from the source. Pair it with a visit to the Courtyard Dairy near Settle, where visitors can discover award-winning British cheeses, or embark on a Lancashire Cheese Trail. For those looking for a more refined experience, Moor Hall in Aughton, Lancashire’s first-ever Michelin three-star restaurant (plus Michelin Green Star), serves up a menu celebrating the best of the region’s produce.
London
London emerges as another winner, its iconic streets, landmarks and hidden gems starring in one of the year’s most celebrated dramas, Baby Reindeer – winner of Best Television Limited Series and Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television at the Golden Globes. Follow anti-hero Donny’s cinematic pub (and club) crawl through England’s capital, stopping at the Army and Navy pub in Stoke Newington, where Donny’s Edinburgh gigs were actually filmed, or visit the Comedy Store in Leicester Square where Donny hits the stage in the final episode. The Regent’s Canal in North London, near Haggerston Park, is the setting for Donny’s late-night encounter with Martha on his way home from a date with Teri. Go for a stroll there on a Sunday and check out the bustling stalls of Columbia Road Flower Market, brimming with colourful blooms and street food stalls.
Scotland
Edinburgh
Edinburgh takes centre stage in Baby Reindeer too, the gripping drama that dominated this year’s television awards. The Scottish capital’s buzzing cultural scene provides the backdrop for Donny’s turbulent journey, from his ill-fated gig at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to late-night encounters on its atmospheric streets. Adding to the drama’s cinematic appeal is Arthur’s Seat, the towering extinct volcano that looms over the city. A climb to the summit rewards visitors with panoramic views across Edinburgh and beyond. Meanwhile, the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile also make an appearance, while The Hoppy Pub in Meadowbank steps into the spotlight as the stand-in for the venue of Donny’s disastrous comedy performance. For fans eager to walk in his footsteps, Edinburgh offers a vibrant nightlife and comedy scene, from the legendary Stand Comedy Club to countless bars and venues that keep the Fringe spirit going year-round.
Wales
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Wrexham
With Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl capturing critical acclaim, Wales earns its own cinematic moment, with scenes inspired by the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in the duo’s latest adventure. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in north Wales provides the setting for one of Wallace and Gromit’s daring escapades. Spanning the River Dee at a height of 38 metres, this 19th-century engineering marvel becomes the backdrop for a thrilling chase sequence. The aqueduct’s arches and sweeping views of the Welsh countryside add a spectacular sense of scale, blending the charm of stop-motion animation with the grandeur of real-world locations. For visitors inspired to follow in their footsteps, a canoe trip across the aqueduct offers the chance to soak in the views, similar to those shown on screen. Meanwhile, the surrounding Dee Valley, with its rolling hills and walking trails, provides plenty of opportunities for Wallace and Gromit-style adventures. Take it all in while chugging along on the Llangollen Railway, a heritage steam train following the River Dee.
And it’s not just stop-motion magic putting north Wales in the spotlight. Football fans will already know the region well from Welcome to Wrexham, the hit documentary series following the fortunes of Wrexham AFC under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. With the next series tipped for release soon, it is time to experience this rising star of the TV world.
