In recent years, “set-jetting” – traveling to destinations featured in popular movies and TV shows – has become a global phenomenon. From the sun-drenched shores of Sicily to the medieval castles of Northern Ireland, here’s your comprehensive guide to the world’s most iconic filming locations that you can actually visit.
1. The White Lotus: Exotic Splendor
HBO’s hit series “The White Lotus” Season 1 transported viewers to Hawaii, with filming primarily taking place at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea. This luxurious oceanfront property served as the fictional White Lotus resort. Nearby locations like Wailea Beach also featured prominently.
Season 2 shifted to the breathtaking shores of Sicily, primarily filming at the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel in Taormina. Nearby, charming fishing villages like Cefalù (where several beach scenes were filmed) provide the perfect Sicilian escape.
Season 3 brought the series to Thailand, with the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui serving as the primary filming location. Additional filming took place around Koh Samui and Bangkok, including sacred temples, vibrant markets, and the iconic Chao Phraya River.
2. The Crown: Royal Retreats
Netflix’s royal drama “The Crown” showcases Britain’s most regal locations. Lancaster House and Wilton House often double as Buckingham Palace interiors, while magnificent Belvoir Castle stands in for Windsor Castle.
For true royal enthusiasts, a visit to Ely Cathedral (which portrays Westminster Abbey) and the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich (featured in numerous scenes) offers a glimpse into the majestic settings of the monarchy.
3. Game of Thrones: The Seven Kingdoms
Perhaps no show has influenced tourism more dramatically than HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” Northern Ireland serves as the heart of Westeros, with the Dark Hedges (the Kingsroad), Cushendun Caves (where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow creature), and Castle Ward (Winterfell) drawing thousands of fans annually.
In Croatia, Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls became King’s Landing, while Spain’s Alcázar of Seville transformed into Dorne’s Water Gardens. Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes north of the Wall and Malta’s various historic sites complete the epic journey through the Seven Kingdoms.
4. Downton Abbey: Aristocratic England
The global phenomenon “Downton Abbey” centered around Highclere Castle in Hampshire, England – the real-life setting for the fictional Yorkshire estate. Visitors can tour the castle’s opulent state rooms, explore the Egyptian Exhibition (reflecting the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s connection to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb), and stroll through gardens designed by Capability Brown.
The charming village scenes were filmed in Bampton, Oxfordshire, where fans recognize St. Mary’s Church and the cottage that served as Isobel Crawley’s home.
5. Emily in Paris: The City of Light
Netflix’s “Emily in Paris” showcases the French capital in all its romantic glory. Fans can see the exterior of Emily’s apartment building in Place de l’Estrapade, enjoy coffee at Terra Nera (which doubles as “Les Deux Compères”), and stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg where several pivotal scenes take place.
The show also highlights Parisian landmarks like the Palais Garnier, Pont Alexandre III, and the picturesque Canal Saint-Martin.
6. James Bond: Espionage Escapes
The 007 franchise has taken viewers on a global tour of exotic locations across its 60-year history. Bond enthusiasts can visit GoldenEye resort in Jamaica, where Ian Fleming wrote the original novels, or ski the slopes of Mürren, Switzerland, featured in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.”
Other Bond movies have showcased Matera, Italy (“No Time to Die”), the Austrian Alps (“Spectre”), and Thailand’s stunning Phang Nga Bay (“The Man with the Golden Gun”). For classic Bond locations, London sites like Rules Restaurant (appearing in “Spectre”) and the Foreign Office (doubling as MI6 in several films) offer urban set-jetting opportunities.
7. Lord of the Rings: Middle-earth Adventures
New Zealand remains synonymous with Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” trilogies. Matamata transformed into Hobbiton, now a permanent attraction where visitors can explore Bag End and enjoy a pint at the Green Dragon Inn. Mount Ngauruhoe became Mount Doom, while the Kaitoke Regional Park near Wellington served as Rivendell.
For comprehensive LOTR experiences, guided tours take fans to over 150 locations across both New Zealand islands, from the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park to the majestic fjords of Milford Sound.
8. Jane Austen’s England: Period Drama Perfection
Jane Austen adaptations have showcased England’s most picturesque Georgian and Regency locations. Lyme Park in Cheshire famously appeared as Pemberley in the BBC’s 1995 “Pride and Prejudice” (featuring Colin Firth’s legendary lake scene). Chatsworth House took the role in the 2005 film version.
Bath, where Austen herself lived, features prominently in “Persuasion” adaptations, and the Royal Crescent appears in numerous period productions. The charming village of Lacock in Wiltshire, seemingly frozen in time, has provided the backdrop for scenes in “Pride and Prejudice” and “Emma.”
9. Star Wars: Galactic Getaways
The “Star Wars” universe spans our planet’s most dramatic landscapes. Tunisia’s desert locations, including Hotel Sidi Driss (Luke Skywalker’s home), have drawn fans since the original trilogy. The skeletal “moisture vaporators” still stand in the salt flats of Chott el Jerid.
More recent locations include Skellig Michael in Ireland (Luke’s hideaway in the sequel trilogy), the stunning plains of Mývatn, Iceland (featured as planet Mando), and the otherworldly landscapes of Wadi Rum, Jordan (portraying Pasaana in “The Rise of Skywalker”).
10. Harry Potter: Magical Destinations
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes alive across Britain. The Jacobite Steam Train crosses the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, instantly recognizable as the Hogwarts Express route. Oxford University’s Christ Church College provided inspiration for Hogwarts’ Great Hall, while Durham Cathedral’s cloisters became the school’s corridors.
In London, Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station (complete with a trolley disappearing into the wall) and the Leadenhall Market (the exterior of the Leaky Cauldron) offer urban Potter pilgrimages. For the ultimate fan experience, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour near London showcases original sets, costumes, and props.
11. Bridgerton: Regency Romance
Netflix’s “Bridgerton” showcases some of England’s most elegant Georgian architecture. Bath’s Royal Crescent appears as the exterior of the Featherington home, while the stunning Ranger’s House in Greenwich serves as the Bridgerton family residence.
Castle Howard in Yorkshire transforms into the Duke of Hastings’ Clyvedon Castle. The stunning Holburne Museum in Bath becomes the exterior of Lady Danbury’s residence.
12. Yellowstone: American West
For those drawn to rugged American landscapes, the Paramount series “Yellowstone” offers breathtaking locations primarily in Montana and Utah. The iconic Dutton Ranch is actually the Chief Joseph Ranch near Darby, Montana. This working cattle ranch offers cabin rentals when not filming.
The series also showcases the natural beauty of Paradise Valley and the historic architecture of the region. Montana State Capitol stands in for the Governor’s Office.
13. Breaking Bad: Albuquerque Adventures
AMC’s groundbreaking “Breaking Bad” put Albuquerque, New Mexico, on the set-jetting map. Fans can visit Los Pollos Hermanos (actually Twisters restaurant), Walter White’s house (a private residence, best viewed respectfully from a distance), and A1A Car Wash.
Several companies offer dedicated tours covering dozens of locations from both “Breaking Bad” and its prequel “Better Call Saul.”
Set-Jetting Tips for the Ultimate Film Fan Experience
- Research before you go: Many filming locations are private property or have restricted access. Check official websites for visiting hours and requirements.
- Consider organized tours: Specialized film location tours often provide behind-the-scenes information and access to sites that might be difficult to find independently.
- Be respectful: Remember that many iconic locations are residential homes or working businesses. Observe boundaries and follow local guidelines.
- Pack appropriately: Film locations often look different in person than on screen—and many scenes involve special effects or are filmed across multiple locations. Bring a sense of adventure and realistic expectations.
- Document your visit: Create your own cinematic memories by photographing yourself at these iconic spots, but be mindful of other visitors wanting the same experience.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan following in the footsteps of your favorite characters or simply seeking beautiful destinations with cultural significance, set-jetting offers a unique way to experience the world through the lens of beloved films and television shows.
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