Culture

The Most Scenic Film & TV Locations in the World

The Most Scenic Film & TV Locations in the World

We love a good binge. There, we said it. Whether it's an overload of baklava brought back from beautiful Greece, or a night of non-stop Netflix, once you start indulging it can be hard to know when to put the breaks on. While a movie marathon may be wonderfully tempting on a wet day, we're hungry for more; we want to live, breathe and taste the experiences of our favourite characters, and immerse ourselves fully without the aid of 3D glasses (and no, we aren't talking about '4D' cinema either). Our list of the most beautiful film and TV locations around the world should inspire you to put down the popcorn, and pick up your passport...

 

Dubrovnik, Croatia - Game Of Thrones

Lord Byron described Dubrovnik as the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', but Game Of Thrones fans will know it as 'Kings Landing'. One of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world, Dubrovnik's impressive defensive wall and rugged fortresses make it easy for you to transport yourself to a fantasy land of dragons and debauchery. The majestic Old Town's labyrinth of cobbled alleyways make it the perfect place for you to seek out your own adventures, as you discover secret corners and hidden 16th century graffiti. We recommend visiting Minceta Tower, the highest point of the city's medieval defence system, where you can gaze out over the iconic tangerine rooftops. Just keep an eye out for diving dragons...

 

North Island, New Zealand - Lord Of The Rings

Rolling emerald hills, ominous active volcanos and snow-capped mountains plunging down to serene expanses of lake - New Zealand was arguably the most perfect country to stage Tolkien's fantasy Lord Of The Rings trilogy, thanks to its fantastical and dramatic landscapes. Once you've decided who's Frodo and who's Sam (Frodo was taller, so that should solve any arguments), make like the hobbits and bravely venture towards the imposing Mount Doom - otherwise known as Mount Ngauruhoe, on North Island. Make your way to Matamata - home of Hobbiton - for some movie magic with a guided tour of the film set, where you can duck into Bag End and grab a pint at the Prancing Pony. Once you've had your fill of The Shire, take your trip to the next level with a helicopter tour over the landscapes of New Zealand's South Island which provided the filming locations for numerous scenes.

 

Egypt - Death On The Nile (1978)

Get your moustache comb ready, because we're putting on our detective hats Poirot-style and heading to Egypt. From the awe-inspiring Great Pyramids to the underground Valley of the Kings and Queens, Egypt showcases a huge array of mankind's history and achievements. Death On The Nile (1978) provides you with a highlights reel of what the country has to offer, but why watch it on a screen when you could take a trip on the very boat that inspired Agatha Christie herself when she stayed on it in 1933 - the Steam Ship Sudan. Originally built in 1885, the boat harks back to an age of elegant Edwardian travel, and has been restored to retain its unique and glamorous period features. Travel between Luxor and Aswan, visiting the most majestic temples and tombs, before lounging around on the top deck watching herons fish against a backdrop of swaying palm trees.

 

Canadian Rockies, Canada - The Revenant (2015)

If you want Oscar-winning scenery, Canada has got its acceptance speech ready. After deploying scouts to find the wildest and most remote filming locations, The Revenant's film's producers settled on Alberta in the Canadian Rockies to capture the rugged, beautiful and cruel splendour of nature (despite the fact the film is set in South Dakota). We aren't expecting you to trek up by foot and sleep in a horse carcass (you'd probably be wanting your money back if we were), but instead go on a seriously scenic road trip to take in the stunning ice blue lakes, mountains and glaciers. Still thirsty for adventure? We suggest kayaking down the Moraine Lake, white water rafting in the Athabasca Valley, or taking a helicopter tour over the 9,000ft Cline Pass. All in a day's work for Leo, right?

 

Park Hyatt Hotel, Tokyo - Lost In Translation (2003)

Tokyo's most colourful and vibrant districts, Shinjuku and Shibuya, provide the backdrop for the classic romcom Lost In Translation. The film's locations were vital metaphors in representing the characters different personalities, with the calm ambience of the Park Hyatt contrasting with the energetic and vibrant streets below. This glamorous hotel is central to the film, as it is where the two main characters meet, and it provides stunning views over the city and Mount Fuji. Obviously, we aren't going to suggest you stay in the hotel all day, especially with so much weird and wonderful stuff happening on the streets, but it's a pretty cool place to rest your head after a day's exploring. If you're feeling brave, enjoy some karaoke at the Shibuya branch of Karaoke-kan, which features in the film, or pop down to Tsukiji Fish Market where you can see locals bartering during the early morning tuna auction and sample some delectable dishes for yourself. Fresh sea urchin with a side of eel, anyone?