…live the location
Why not find the perfect romantic location and treat yourselves to spa weekend. We've teamed up with LastMinute.com for a Valentines Day special offer on secret hotels with up to 50% discount sale.
We also have a selection of our recommended hotels at famous locations. Look out of hotels marked as 'Romantic' or 'Luxury' for that extra special weekend mini-break.
Tyrol | Sankt Anton am Arlberg | Austria
If there is ever an epic movie hike to do it's a skiing break – and the Chalet Girl resort set in Sankt Anton in Austria is a great place. As well as experiencing skiing or snowboarding, which ever you prefer, there are the breathtaking and life changing views to experience. Like Kim's stay in the film much of the accommodation is traditional wooden chalets where you can stop for the evening in the warmth and socialise and by day take to the bright snowy slopes with views across the Austrian mountains or stop for lunch at one of the local ski bars or restaurants.
If you are planning on visiting the location from the movie for a ski or snowboarding break and this is your first time, we highly recommend getting a set of lessons at your local dry slope or snow centre, in particular to be both confident with your skills and gain a ski/snowboard competance pass, which will make your break much more enjoyable. If you are planning on lessons at the resort then plan ahead and contact local tutors for costs and times. As with all holidays appropriate travel insurance is a must, in particular ensure you have the extra ski/snowboard cover. You should also look at Ski slope rescue insurance. While most ski holiday insurance covers injury they do not cover helicopter rescue costs from the slope should you have an accident. In our opinion we think this is a must. Lastly consider ski pass costs (for access to the ski slopes) and equipment and helmet hire.
* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.
Surrey | Shere | United Kingdom
The village scenes around Iris's home are set on-location at the village of Shere in Surrey, England. Sadly Iris's cottage in the film doesn't exist anymore. The exterior shots were made with a purpose built cottage in a field which has since been dismantled.
The small village of Shere is a quiet beautiful typical English village and has been used for many film sets due to it's historical feel. While this location will suit those who enjoy the country-side you also have access to Guilford town just 7 miles away.
You can find out more about Guildford at the Guildford Borough web site;
8 Bedale Street, Southwark | London | United Kingdom
Bridget's flat exterior is fictionally above The Globe Tavern, a corner pub in Bedale Street just across the road from Borough Market in the Southwark district of central London.
The area is just like you imagine from the film, gritty city urban with bustling business in the market and the restaurants and shops across the road, famous for the Mark Darcey (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) fight.
The pub still operates and is always busy after a hard working London day. This is a must visit for the Bridget Jones fan for a photo outside the famous black front door to a drink in this old London tavern. While this is on a public street it is advised that you respect the privacy of the occupants of the various buildings in this street.
Primrose Hill, Camden | London | United Kingdom
The iconic opening scene of the second movie as a parady of The Sound of Music with the background of the City of London rolling into the background. This is an amazing location set in the district of Camden close to Regents Park with a spectacular view of the city from end to end. The location is on top of Primrose Hill, a grass park with old trees which attracts many tourists just for the view.
While you're in the area you might wish to visit the near-by Regents park which contains a few cafe's, Camden Lock and London Zoo or a short car journey away Hampstead Heath with the beautiful Kenwood House, the backdrop for a Notting Hill location.
Primrose Hill has toilet facilities at the bottom of the hill at the south end. There is free on-street parking which is available at certain times of the week, check the on-street signs for times and day restrictions. The location can be reached by near-by tube stations, Chalk Farm or Swiss Cottage.
Vorarlberg | Lech | Austria
The famous ski mini-break scene in the second film, which takes Bridget, Mark Darcey and of course Rebecca Gillies to the amazing scenery of an Austrian ski resort in Lech. Movie hiking to a ski resort is a whole holiday in itself and ski resorts in Austria are some of the best with traditional wooden chalets set around the villiages and mountains. They say that a ski holiday is one of the top seven world experiences and Lech is a great place to start.
If you are planning on visiting the location from the movie for a ski or snowboarding break and this is your first time, we highly recommend getting a set of lessons at your local dry slope or snow centre, in particular to be both confident with your skills and gain a ski/snowboard competance pass, which will make your break much more enjoyable. If you are planning on lessons at the resort then plan ahead and contact local tutors for costs and times. As with all holidays appropriate travel insurance is a must, in particular ensure you have the extra ski/snowboard cover. You should also look at Ski slope rescue insurance. While most ski holiday insurance covers injury they do not cover helicopter rescue costs from the slope should you have an accident. In our opinion we think this is a must. Lastly consider ski pass costs (for access to the ski slopes) and equipment and helmet hire.
* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.
The Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, The Serpentine, Hyde Park | London | United Kingdom
In the second Bridget Jones movie we see the second fight between Daniel Clever (Hugh Grant) and Mark Darcey (Colin Firth) at The Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park. Mark asks Daniel, "Are you going to step outside or am I going to have to drag you?" Daniel simply replies "I think you're going to have to drag me." before the scene cutting to outside and the pair bursting through the doors. The fight takes place around Kensington Gardens in Hyde Park, starting at The Serpentine Gallery and ending at the Italian Gardens.
Hyde park is a wonderful place to visit while you're in London whether on a hot sunny summers day or to take in the glorious golden brown trees and leaves during Autumn. Hyde Park is open to the public. The Serpentine Gallery, supported by the Arts Council England, is open on certain days of the week, full details including opening times are available on their website;
8 Bedale Street, Southwark | London | United Kingdom
Bridget's flat exterior is fictionally above The Globe Tavern, a corner pub in Bedale Street just across the road from Borough Market in the Southwark district of central London.
The area is just like you imagine from the film, gritty city urban with bustling business in the market and the restaurants and shops across the road, famous for the Mark Darcey (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) fight.
The pub still operates and is always busy after a hard working London day. This is a must visit for the Bridget Jones fan for a photo outside the famous black front door to a drink in this old London tavern. While this is on a public street it is advised that you respect the privacy of the occupants of the various buildings in this street.
Primrose Hill, Camden | London | United Kingdom
The iconic opening scene of the second movie as a parady of The Sound of Music with the background of the City of London rolling into the background. This is an amazing location set in the district of Camden close to Regents Park with a spectacular view of the city from end to end. The location is on top of Primrose Hill, a grass park with old trees which attracts many tourists just for the view.
While you're in the area you might wish to visit the near-by Regents park which contains a few cafe's, Camden Lock and London Zoo or a short car journey away Hampstead Heath with the beautiful Kenwood House, the backdrop for a Notting Hill location.
Primrose Hill has toilet facilities at the bottom of the hill at the south end. There is free on-street parking which is available at certain times of the week, check the on-street signs for times and day restrictions. The location can be reached by near-by tube stations, Chalk Farm or Swiss Cottage.
Vorarlberg | Lech | Austria
The famous ski mini-break scene in the second film, which takes Bridget, Mark Darcey and of course Rebecca Gillies to the amazing scenery of an Austrian ski resort in Lech. Movie hiking to a ski resort is a whole holiday in itself and ski resorts in Austria are some of the best with traditional wooden chalets set around the villiages and mountains. They say that a ski holiday is one of the top seven world experiences and Lech is a great place to start.
If you are planning on visiting the location from the movie for a ski or snowboarding break and this is your first time, we highly recommend getting a set of lessons at your local dry slope or snow centre, in particular to be both confident with your skills and gain a ski/snowboard competance pass, which will make your break much more enjoyable. If you are planning on lessons at the resort then plan ahead and contact local tutors for costs and times. As with all holidays appropriate travel insurance is a must, in particular ensure you have the extra ski/snowboard cover. You should also look at Ski slope rescue insurance. While most ski holiday insurance covers injury they do not cover helicopter rescue costs from the slope should you have an accident. In our opinion we think this is a must. Lastly consider ski pass costs (for access to the ski slopes) and equipment and helmet hire.
* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.
The Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Gardens, The Serpentine, Hyde Park | London | United Kingdom
In the second Bridget Jones movie we see the second fight between Daniel Clever (Hugh Grant) and Mark Darcey (Colin Firth) at The Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park. Mark asks Daniel, "Are you going to step outside or am I going to have to drag you?" Daniel simply replies "I think you're going to have to drag me." before the scene cutting to outside and the pair bursting through the doors. The fight takes place around Kensington Gardens in Hyde Park, starting at The Serpentine Gallery and ending at the Italian Gardens.
Hyde park is a wonderful place to visit while you're in London whether on a hot sunny summers day or to take in the glorious golden brown trees and leaves during Autumn. Hyde Park is open to the public. The Serpentine Gallery, supported by the Arts Council England, is open on certain days of the week, full details including opening times are available on their website;
Westbourne Park Road | Nottinghill | United Kingdom
Probably the most memorable location in this film is the blue door to William Thacker's home. Based in the heart of Notting Hill, just a few yards from the street market, the original door was eventually auctioned and sold, replaced with a black door.
A blue door has now been put back in place and still attracts visitors even today having photos and selfies outside. The building is a private residence and so it is recommended that should you visit not to intrude on their privacy but many people are happy to have a photo on the pavement and respect the residents.
The interior of the building in the film was on-set at the studios and so the interior of the building doesn't bare any resemblance to the film but the iconic door is definitely a must-visit.
13 Blenheim Crescent | Notting Hill | United Kingdom
The real travel bookshop was the inspiration behind the travel bookshop in the film. While the interior of the bookshop in the movie was filmed on a studio set, the real bookshop appears in many ways almost identical. The shop didn't appear in the film but it is worth tracking down the shop which is still trading and frequently busy.
The Notting Hill Bookshop is just a short walk from Portobello Road and many of the other locations. They have a large stock of relevant new travel books and a selection of Notting Hill related gifts.
Hampstead Heath | London | United Kingdom
One of the most beautiful and memorable scenes in the movie is when William (Hugh Grant) visits Kenwood House and grounds in Hampstead Heath to visit Anna (Julia Roberts) who is filming, on William's unrealised advice, a Henry James production.
The ground themselves are open to the public and makes a great day when the sun is shining. The building itself, Kenwood House, holds a world-class art collection and is free to enter during opening hours in the day. Hampstead Heath is a short trip from the Notting Hill area by transport.
214 Westbourne Park Road and Portobello Road, Notting Hill | London | United Kingdom
One of the first early well known scenes in the film where Will (Hugh Grant) and Anna (Julia Roberts) bump into each other with Will spilling cups of orange juice down Anna's top. This corner scene is based right outside what is now a well known coffee shop chain cafe.
Right on the corner of the famous Portobello Road and Westbourne Park Road this is a great time to grab a coffee and watch the very busy Portbello Road hustle and bustle of residents, workers, tourists and some amazing buskers. Take in the gritty life style while you're visiting the heart of Notting Hill.
Dorset | Highcliffe Castle, Highcliffe | United Kingdom
At the height of Harry Selfridge's success he rented Highcliffe Castle in Dorset as his family home. He had dreams of building his own castle that was set to be the largest in the world but this never came to fruition and instead, in true Harry Selfridge style, spent £25,000 on improvments to the castle in 1925 despite being a tenant.
Filming for the show took place at the real Highcliffe Castle set in stunning grounds in Highcliffe. The castle is rich in history including many famous royal visitors. There are many events held at the castle, it has it's own gift shop and guided tours are available provided by voluteers. Highcliffe Castle is a great place for a full day out as well as visiting some of the local attractions of Christchurch and Bournmouth which is a short drive or train ride away.
For further details including events, history, opening dates and times visit the official Highcliffe Castle website;
http://www.highcliffecastle.co.uk
The nearest railway station is Hinton Admiral Station which is around a 20 minute walk. Trains are available from London Waterloo. Regular buses run from the station and around Highcliffe, see; https://www.bybus.co.uk/routes/
Image kindly supplied by and copyright Highcliffe Castle.
* Please note that some recommended accommodation may be in the neighbouring town of Bournemouth.
* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.
Kensington Gore, Kensington | London | United Kingdom
The exterior shots for the fictional version of the Selfridge's London home is set at the gloriously detailed building, once belonging to Royal College of Organist's, just opposite the The Royal Albert Hall in Kensington, Central London. This really is a must see location given all the buildings in the area. If you're planning on visiting the real Selfridges then you can take a walk through Hyde Park over to Oxford Street which is around a 30 minute walk or splash out on a black cab and arrive in style in just a few minutes. You may also wish to visit the Royal Albert Hall which houses many iconic and world famous live music and orchestral productions throughout the year.
You can find out more information about the building and filming at this location on the Royal Albert Hall website where you can find an interesting account of the history of the building and filming;
The film location building is on a public road which is open at all times except during any road closures but please note that the building is now a private house of residence and we encourage people to respect the privacy and environment. There is no access to the interior which bares no connection to the series. Filming of the interior took place at the studios.
The nearest underground railway stations are South Kensington and Gloucester Road, and a little further Knightsbridge and High Street Kensington.
Oxford Street | London | United Kingdom
While in London we recommend that fans of the show visit the real Selfridges. Based in the busy shopping area of central London's Oxford Street the building still stands as a firm and domineering building amongst the regular high street retailers.
The store itself contains many everyday fashion retail consessions but also boasts an excellent foodhalls and a jewerlers with diamond encrusted mobile phones. Mr Selfridge brought into the twenty first century.
Plage du Miramar, Biarritz | Aquitaine, Basque Country | France
In the final series we see Mr Selfridge in south-western France to promote his latest financial venture. In one scene we see Harry and Mae on the beach with the dramatic background of the Atlantic Ocean.
This stunning location was filmed in Biarritz in France not far from the border with Spain. Biarritz includes some great history and architecture including the Asiatica Museum of art, the Museum of the Sea with 24 aquaria of Sharks and Seals and the Museum of Chocolate. It is also home to the annual Biarritz Surf Festival long board event with waves reliably supplied by the Atlantic Ocean.
In true Selfridge style Biarritz also houses two casinos the Barrière and the Bellevue.
The 'Plage du Miramar' beach is publicly accessible. Bathers should be aware of the currents in the water. Swimming to the rock, seen in the background of the Mr Selfridge beach scene, is not permitted due to the rock being a bird sanctuary. Surfing on this particular beach is not allowed but bodyboarding is, other beaches for surfing are available. Lifeguards are in operation during the summer season during core hours of the day.
The climate is mild with busy summer seasons and winter offering much more dramatic weather.
Biarritz is accessible by the highspeed TGV train from Paris and routes also run to Nice. The nearest airport is Biarritz Pays Basque Airport.
Aldwych Disused Station | London | United Kingdom
The scenes at a London underground tube station in Mr Selfridge are all filmed on-location at the disused Aldwych Station (formerly Strand) in London. This station is actually used in many films and television programmes and as such it's well maintained. While the station is quite a long walk from the real Selfridges store it does have some interesting history including sections of corridors and stairwells that were never finished or put into use as well as its use as a shelter during world war II.
Tours of the disused Aldwych Underground Station are available on certain dates. Note that accessibility is resticted due to staircase only access and lifts are permanently out of service. Appropriate footware is needed and opening times may be restricted during on-location filming periods.
Tours can be booked via Transport for London Museum. These are very popular with limited dates so plan well in advance.
http://www.ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on/hidden-london/aldwych
Photograph kindly supplied by the London Transport Museum and copyright Toby Madden.
* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.
Kent | Chatham Historic Dockyard, Chatham | United Kingdom
The exterior filming of the Selfridges store, while extremely convincing, is not filmed at the real Oxford Street location due to it's always-busy nature. Instead the exterior shots are filmed at Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent, also home to many other filming locations such as Downton Abbey, Call the Midwife, Jekyll and Hyde and Grantchester.
The dockyard is full of cobbled streets and buildings from the Georgian and Victorian era to explore. Features include The Railway Workshop picnic and play, The Victorian Ropery, Steam, Steel and Submarines dockyard story, Dockyard Shop, Wheelwright's Restaurant, RNLI Lifeboat Collection as well as the many events that are available such as the Call the Midwife filming location tours.
You can find more information including opening times and dates at the official Chatham Historic Dockyard website;
We suggest getting in touch to find out what filming tours are available which run at certain times. The nearest railway station is Chatham Station with a connecting bus available to and from the Dockyard. See the official site for detailed information.
The photo for this location shows the construction of the set for Mr Selfridge used throughout the series. The photograph is kindly supplied by and copyright Chatham Historic Dockyard.
* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.
Highclere Castle, Hampshire | Highclere | United Kingdom
While Downton Abbey is fictionally based in Yorkshire the actual location of the real Highclere Castle is in southern England just south of Newbury, Hampshire. Probably the most iconic setting in the series and of recent costume British dramas. Highclere Castle is open to the public during timetabled opening times though certain parts of the year it is closed for the film crew of the show. As the show itself is drawing to an end with it's final series there should be more opportunities to visit. Put aside a whole day and enjoy both the grounds and the castle.
Opening times, events and a wealth of information can be found on the official Highclere Castle website.
http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/visiting-us/opening-times.html
Image kindly supplied by and copyright Highclere Castle
* Please note this location is based in the countryside. Recommended accommodation is likely to require road transport due to distance.
* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.
West Sussex | Horsted Keynes | United Kingdom
The fictional Downton Abbey railway station was filmed at the stunning Horsted Keynes railway station which is part of the Bluebell Railway. Originally built in 1882 and restored to it's 1920s period the station is a great place to visit for those who wish to experience the heritage railway and for enthusiastic Downton fans. There are facilities including the Carriage Works viewing gallery and Tea, Coffee and snacks refreshment room which is open when the trains are running. There is also the near-by Horsted Keynes village with two traditional pubs.
You can get full details including opening times, railway time tables and special events on the official Bluebell Railway website;
http://www.bluebell-railway.com/horsted-keynes-station/
Photograph kindly supplied by and copyright, Derek Hayward.
* Please note this location is based in the countryside. Recommended accommodation is likely to require road transport due to distance.
* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.
Inveraray Castle, Inveraray | Argyll, Scotland | United Kingdom
During the Christmas Special 2012 episode the Grathams travelled north to the fictional home of their cousins at Duneagle Castle. The filming location was actually set in the beautiful Inveraray Castle in western Scotland. This is a must-visit for the most avid Downton fan who like to travel. As well as the castle there is access to the stunning Loch Fyne and the surrounding countryside that Scotland is most famous for. To get a full appreciation of the area we recommend having access to a car.
Inveraray is accessible by car or bus from Glasgow in around 1hr 40 minutes. There are no trains to Inveraray.
Information on opening times can be found on the Inveraray Castle official web site;
http://www.inveraray-castle.com/home.html
* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.
Northumberland | Alnwick Castle, Alnwick | United Kingdom
Appearing in the 2014 Christmas Special the fictional Brancaster Castle was filmed at the real Alnwick Castle. Filming included the beautiful State Rooms as well as the castle grounds and is also famous for it's use in the first two Harry Potter films featured as Hogwarts, Robin Hood Price of Thieves and many others. Set in the beautiful countryside of Northumbria there will be plenty to see for both the most avid movie set hiker and Downton fan.
Opening times are seasonal. Details including opening times, events and facilities can be found on the official Alnwick Castle website;
Photograph kindly supplied by and copyright Alnwick Castle.
* Please note this location is based in the countryside. Recommended accommodation is likely to require road transport due to distance.
* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.
