Nine Christmas Film Locations (That Yes, You Can Visit IRL)
After weeks of binge-watching our favourite festive films, we decided to hunt down the silver-screen winter wonderlands you can actually visit. Follow us as we take you behind the scenes of the locations set to satisfy your Christmas cravings.
24 December, 2021
- Words by
- Georgina Groom
It’s
It’s
that time of year when evenings invite nuzzling up by the
open fire with an extra-large mug of hot toddy, an array of sweet
treats within arm’s reach. Yes, the festive season is a time of
boozy celebrations, serious food comas and family get-togethers,
but it’s also a time to get cosy and re-watch those cult Christmas classics (a concerningly large number of
times).
This year we wanted to discover a little more about the
destinations that make our favourite holiday films so magical, so
we’ve hunted them down. From rural corners of verdant Surrey to the
hustle and bustle of New York sidewalks, these are the real-life
winter wonderlands you can actually visit. Popcorn at the
ready.
Behind the scenes: our nine favourite festive film
locations
hotel
Stoke Park
Bridget Jones’s Diary, 2001
Okay, so ranking Bridget Jones as a Christmas film is arguably
just as controversial as placing Jaffa Cakes in the biscuit aisle,
but nothing screams Christmas louder than an awkward Mr Darcy in an
ugly Christmas sweatshirt. Cut past the snowy scenes and twinkling
lights and head straight to Stoke Park – the exact estate Cleaver
whisked Jones to for a weekend getaway. The 49 rooms flaunt
four-poster beds, velvet-lined armchairs and the occasional
chandelier, so it’s no surprise that scenes for the likes of James
Bond film Goldfinger were filmed here. Don’t visit without renting
a canoe and recreating that infamous splash.
Address
Stoke Park Country Club, Spa and Hotel, Park Rd, Stoke Poges SL2 4PG
thingstodo
The Phoenix Garden
Last Christmas, 2019
This urban retreat makes for a patch of paradise in the centre
of town: home to wildflowers, exotic trees and woodland flora, it’s
hard to believe that it’s located between Soho and Covent Garden. To explore Tom’s secret garden yourself,
you’ll want to start at the Phoenix Theatre on Charing Cross Road,
then head to St Giles Passage, from where you’ll find its leafy
entrance. Though The Phoenix Garden is set to become our go-to
picnic plot, it’s a community-led project and receives no funding
from the local council. Visit its site to become a member for £12 a
year, or make a one-off donation.
restaurant
Empire Diner
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, 1992
A rustic diner probably isn’t the first place that springs to
mind when you’re sightseeing in New York, but hear us out. Originally constructed by
the Fodero Dining Car Company in 1946, Empire Diner has had its
fair share of highs and lows, a particularly dark moment being when
its doors closed in 2010. But, having undergone a major refurb,
it’s back and better than ever under the new ownership of Amanda
Freitag, who has made it her personal mission to return it to its
former glory. We’re talking open-brick walls, copper-coloured
leather seating and mirrored ceilings. It’s only right to do
exactly as Kevin would, so start by ordering the traditional New
York pastrami sandwich, before devouring a serving of strawberry
shortcake.
shopping
Selfridges
Love Actually, 2003
You’d be lying if you said that you didn’t know every sequence
of Hugh Grant’s dancing scene to The Pointer Sisters’ catchy Jump
lyrics. Either that, or Bill Nighy’s Christmas is All Around anthem
has been set as your ringtone a good handful of times – we’re not
judging. Though we can’t exactly wander the set for No.10, nor
start knocking on the doors of Wandsworth residents’ houses, we can
take a one-way trip to Selfridges. Recognised as the world’s best
department store, the place is virtually impossible to leave
without brimming bags. We’re making a beeline for the jewellery
counters to check out the exact spot that Harry became incredibly
flustered by Rufus’ gift-wrapping extravaganza – cinnamon sticks,
we’re looking at you.
thingstodo
Shere
The Holiday, 2006
Introducing Surrey’s sweet spot, Shere. If, like us, you’re
searching for your very own Jude Law, this is the best place to
stomp around until a successful candidate catches your eye. It
worked, after all, for Amanda Woods (aka Cameron Diaz). After
spending your morning strolling through the cobbled streets and
checking out its iconic church, you’ll want to head straight to the
village pub, The White Horse. Roast dinners aren’t
half-hearted here, so snag a table for a Sunday sharing feast and
expect plates piled high with Yorkshire puds the size of your
head.
thingstodo
Coventry Cathedral
Nativity!, 2009
When St Bernadette’s Catholic primary school took on nearby
private school Oakmoor for the crown of best school nativity play,
Coventry Cathedral took centre stage. So, after an entire decade of
blasting out The Brightest Star on repeat, we wanted to get in on
the action and take a look at where this chart-topper made its
debut. Dreamed up by architect Basil Spence in 1956, the landmark
is famed for being the city’s earliest cathedral. It’s open daily
and offers a range of events and workshops for guests. We’d
recommend setting aside at least a full day to soak up all its
historical splendour.
thingstodo
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Elf, 2003
We were all rooting for Buddy to nail his date with Jovie, but
it wasn’t until their first kiss under the vast Norway spruce at
Rockefeller Center that we became totally obsessed. With that in
mind, we’re heading straight to New York’s most legendary rink to
perfect our figure-of-eight and check out this year’s enormous
Christmas tree, which, FYI, is plastered with 50,000 colourful
lights. This is the ultimate place to twist and twirl to the sounds
of its fantastic festive soundtrack.
thingstodo
Charleville Castle
The Knight Before Christmas, 2019
Sitting on the outskirts of Tullamore, this gothic-style castle
overlooks the River Clodiagh. When medieval knight Sir Cole travels
through time and finds himself in the arms of Brooke, the snowy
backdrop of Charleville somehow steals the spotlight. Though we’re
all for thrill-seeking, this place is known as one of Europe’s most
haunted castles and often features on ghost-busting shows like Most
Haunted, so visit at your own risk, and don’t say we didn’t warn
you.
shopping
Fortnum & Mason
Boxing Day, 2021
You’d be hard pressed to find a bad angle of Fortnum &
Mason’s festive facade. Each year, as the Christmas countdown
begins, city dwellers gear up for the return of Fortnum’s giant
advent calendar. With each window representing numbered doors and
neon 2021 numbers stamped along the side of the building, this is
easily our favourite decorative display London has to offer. Though
Boxing Day is the newest holiday film on the block, it certainly
pays homage to its urban roots by taking a visit to this
311-year-old department store. Head here partly for its impressive
tea selection, but largely for its hampers stuffed with all kinds
of culinary delights.