introduction [Ultimate Fan Guide]
Are you ready to step into the world of your favorite movies and TV shows? Welcome to the ultimate set-jetting guide, where fantasy meets reality!
Imagine walking through the enchanted forests of Middle-earth, exploring the mystical halls of Hogwarts, or standing atop the ancient walls of King's Landing. Set-jetting, the growing trend of visiting iconic filming locations, offers you the chance to do just that.
In this guide, we'll take you on an epic journey to 14 must-visit movie and TV locations that have captured the hearts of millions. From the rolling hills of New Zealand's Hobbiton to the historic streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia, we'll reveal:
• The most iconic filming locations across the globe
• Insider tips for planning your set-jetting adventure
• How to capture the perfect photos at these legendary sites
• The impact of set-jetting on local communities
Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious traveler, get ready to embark on the ultimate cinematic adventure!
Set-Jetting: The Ultimate Fan's Guide to Movie and TV Locations
Ever dreamed of walking in the footsteps of your favorite characters? Welcome to the world of set-jetting!
This new travel trend is taking fans by storm, allowing them to step into the real-life locations of their beloved movies and TV shows.
Imagine sipping coffee at Central Perk from Friends or battling White Walkers in Westeros. Set-jetting makes these fantasies a reality.
From the rolling hills of New Zealand's Hobbiton to the bustling streets of New York City, filming locations are becoming major tourist attractions.
In recent years, the accessibility of streaming platforms has fueled this growing trend. Fans can now binge-watch entire series, then plan trips to see the iconic settings in person.
Whether you're a Potterhead, a Thronie, or a Marvel fanatic, there's a set-jetting adventure waiting for you.
Ready to embark on your own cinematic journey? Let's explore the magic of set-jetting and discover some of the most epic film and television locations around the globe.
💡 Key Takeaways: Set-jetting is an exciting new travel trend that allows fans to visit real-life locations from their favorite movies and TV shows, creating unforgettable experiences for film and television enthusiasts.
What is Set-Jetting?
Set-jetting is the art of traveling to destinations featured in popular movies and TV shows. It's a unique way to blend your love for entertainment with your passion for exploration.
This growing trend was coined by New York Post journalist Gretchen Wilson in 2008. Since then, it has exploded in popularity.
Set-jetting goes beyond mere sightseeing. It's about immersing yourself in the atmosphere of your favorite stories.
Imagine walking through the real Jurassic Park gates or having a picnic in the same spot as your beloved rom-com characters.
For fans, it's a chance to step into the world of their favorite films and shows. It's an opportunity to create memories that blend fiction with reality.
💡 Key Takeaways: Set-jetting is a travel trend that allows fans to visit and experience real-life locations featured in movies and TV shows, offering a unique way to connect with favorite stories and characters.
Why Set-Jetting is Becoming Popular
Set-jetting is skyrocketing in popularity, and it's not hard to see why. Let's dive into the reasons behind this exciting trend.
Streaming Revolution
The rise of streaming platforms has made countless shows and movies accessible at our fingertips. We can binge entire series in a weekend, fueling our desire to see these magical places in real life.
Social Media Influence
Instagram and TikTok are filled with stunning photos and videos of film locations. These posts inspire wanderlust and a desire to recreate iconic scenes.
Unique Travel Experiences
In a world where traditional tourism can feel overdone, set-jetting offers a fresh and personal approach to travel. It's a chance to create your own adventure story.
Emotional Connection
Visiting a filming location allows fans to feel closer to their favorite characters and stories. It's an emotional experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing.
Local Tourism Boost
Many locations have become major tourist attractions, boosting local economies. This has led to more places embracing their on-screen fame and catering to set-jetters.
Set-jetting transforms ordinary travel into extraordinary adventures. It's not just about seeing new places; it's about living out our cinematic dreams.
💡 Key Takeaways: Set-jetting's popularity stems from increased accessibility to content, social media influence, the desire for unique travel experiences, emotional connections to stories, and the economic benefits for filming locations.
14 Epic Movie and TV Locations You Must Visit
1. Hobbiton, New Zealand - The Lord of the Rings
Welcome to Middle-earth! Nestled in the lush Waikato region of New Zealand, Hobbiton brings the world of your favorite film to life.
This 12-acre movie set is a permanent fixture, featuring 44 hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Party Tree.
Wander through the Shire, just like Frodo and Bilbo. You can even enjoy a pint of ale at the Green Dragon!
The attention to detail is astounding. From the smoke rising from chimneys to the perfectly manicured gardens, it's a true slice of hobbit life.
Don't forget to pose for a photo in front of Bag End, Bilbo's iconic home.
💡 Key Takeaways: Hobbiton offers an immersive experience into the world of The Lord of the Rings, allowing fans to step directly into the Shire and live out their Middle-earth fantasies.
2. King's Cross Station, London - Harry Potter
Muggles and wizards alike flock to King's Cross Station in London to find the famous Platform 9¾.
This iconic location from the Harry Potter series has become a pilgrimage site for fans worldwide.
At the real King's Cross, you'll find a trolley seemingly disappearing into the wall between platforms 9 and 10.
Don't miss the chance to pose for a photo, complete with a Hogwarts scarf and wand!
The nearby Harry Potter shop is perfect for stocking up on magical merchandise.
Fun fact: The actual filming location for the Hogwarts Express scenes was platforms 4 and 5, dressed up to look like 9¾.
💡 Key Takeaways: King's Cross Station offers Harry Potter fans a chance to recreate the magical moment of crossing to Platform 9¾, complete with photo opportunities and a themed shop.
3. Dubrovnik, Croatia - Game of Thrones
Step into the world of Westeros in the stunning city of Dubrovnik, Croatia.
This historic landmark served as the primary filming location for King's Landing in the hit television series Game of Thrones.
Walk the city walls and imagine the epic battles and political intrigues that unfolded here.
Visit Lovrijenac Fortress, the real-life Red Keep, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Stroll down the iconic stairs where Cersei took her Walk of Shame.
Don't miss the chance to sit on a replica of the Iron Throne at the Game of Thrones museum.
Dubrovnik's beauty goes beyond the show, offering a perfect blend of history and fantasy.
💡 Key Takeaways: Dubrovnik provides Game of Thrones fans with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Westeros while exploring a stunning historic city.
4. Petra, Jordan - Indiana Jones
Journey to the ancient city of Petra, Jordan, and relive the excitement of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
This UNESCO World Heritage site served as the backdrop for the film's thrilling finale.
Walk through the narrow Siq, a mile-long gorge, and feel the anticipation build as you approach the Treasury.
The Treasury, or Al-Khazneh, is the iconic façade that served as the entrance to the temple housing the Holy Grail.
While you can't ride a horse through the Siq like Indy, you can take a camel ride for a truly authentic experience.
Explore the vast archaeological park, filled with tombs, temples, and a 3000-seat theatre carved into the rock face.
Remember, Petra is more than just a movie set - it's a window into an ancient civilization.
💡 Key Takeaways: Visiting Petra allows Indiana Jones fans to experience the thrill of discovery while exploring one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites.
5. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland - Harry Potter
All aboard the Hogwarts Express! The Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans.
This stunning railway bridge is where the Hogwarts Express makes its journey to the famed School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Time your visit right, and you might see the Jacobite steam train (the real-life Hogwarts Express) crossing the viaduct.
For the best view, hike up to the nearby viewpoint. It's the perfect spot to capture that iconic shot.
The surrounding landscape is pure magic, with misty mountains and the shimmering Loch Shiel nearby.
Visit the Glenfinnan Monument while you're there, a tribute to the Jacobite Rising of 1745.
Pro tip: Book a ride on the Jacobite steam train for the full Harry Potter experience!
💡 Key Takeaways: The Glenfinnan Viaduct offers Harry Potter fans a chance to see the Hogwarts Express in action, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
6. New York City - Various Films and TV Shows
Welcome to the Big Apple, a star in its own right! New York City has been the backdrop for countless films and TV shows.
Start your tour at the Friends apartment building in the West Village. While you can't go inside, the exterior is perfect for a photo op.
Head to the New York Public Library to recreate scenes from Ghostbusters or The Day After Tomorrow.
Visit the Empire State Building, featured in classics like King Kong and Sleepless in Seattle.
Take a stroll through Central Park, spotting locations from Home Alone 2, When Harry Met Sally, and Elf.
Gossip Girl fans can't miss the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Blair Waldorf's favorite lunch spot.
End your day with a slice of pizza at Joe's Pizza in Greenwich Village, as seen in Spider-Man 2.
Remember, in New York, you're always walking in the footsteps of movie stars!
💡 Key Takeaways: New York City offers a diverse range of iconic filming locations from various movies and TV shows, allowing fans to experience multiple set-jetting adventures in one vibrant city.
7. Doune Castle, Scotland - Monty Python and Outlander
Doune Castle, nestled in the heart of Scotland, is a time-traveling marvel for film and TV enthusiasts.
This 14th-century fortress gained fame as a key location in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Python fans can recreate the "French Taunting" scene or search for the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch.
More recently, Doune Castle transformed into Castle Leoch for the hit series Outlander.
Walk through the same courtyard where Claire first arrived in the 18th century.
The great hall, used in both productions, offers a glimpse into medieval Scottish life.
Don't miss the audio tour narrated by Monty Python's Terry Jones for some extra laughs.
The surrounding European landscape is a photographer's dream, with rolling hills and the River Teith nearby.
💡 Key Takeaways: Doune Castle offers a unique blend of comedy and drama, allowing fans to experience both the hilarity of Monty Python and the romance of Outlander in one historic location.
8. Villa del Balbianello, Italy - Star Wars
Transport yourself to a galaxy far, far away at Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como, Italy.
This stunning lakeside villa served as the backdrop for Anakin and Padmé's wedding in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.
The terrace where the secret ceremony took place offers breathtaking views of Lake Como.
Explore the lush gardens, imagining you're strolling through the planet Naboo.
The villa's interior is just as impressive, filled with art and artifacts from around the world.
Don't miss the loggia, with its panoramic arches framing the lake - it's a favorite spot for photos.
The vibrant colors of the villa and surrounding landscape make it easy to see why it was chosen as an otherworldly location.
Fun fact: The villa has also appeared in other films, including Casino Royale.
💡 Key Takeaways: Villa del Balbianello offers Star Wars fans a chance to experience the romance of Naboo while enjoying the real-life beauty of Italy's Lake Como.
9. Hatley Castle, Canada - X-Men
Welcome to Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters! Hatley Castle in British Columbia, Canada, is a mutant marvel.
This Edwardian castle has served as the X-Mansion in multiple X-Men films and the Deadpool movies.
Explore the castle's exterior, recognizable from numerous scenes featuring the young mutants in training.
The surrounding Hatley Park is perfect for a stroll, imagining you might bump into Wolverine or Storm.
While the interior wasn't used for filming, tours of the castle offer a glimpse into early 20th-century luxury.
The castle's diverse architecture made it ideal for portraying different parts of the school across various films.
Keep an eye out for other familiar sights - the castle has appeared in several other TV shows and movies.
Hatley Castle proves that sometimes, the most extraordinary locations are hiding in plain sight!
💡 Key Takeaways: Hatley Castle offers X-Men fans a chance to explore the real-life Xavier's School, combining superhero fantasy with real-world history and architecture.
10. Ice Q, Austria - James Bond
Ascend to new heights at Ice Q, the futuristic restaurant that became Hoffler Klinik in the James Bond film Spectre.
Perched atop the Gaislachkogl Mountain in Sölden, Austria, this glass cube offers panoramic views of the Ötztal Alps.
Channel your inner 007 as you ride the gondola up to the restaurant, just like Daniel Craig did in the film.
The sleek, modern design of Ice Q made it the perfect setting for a villain's lair.
Enjoy a gourmet meal while taking in the breathtaking alpine scenery.
For the full Bond experience, visit in winter and hit the ski slopes featured in the movie's chase scene.
Don't miss the 007 Elements, a cinematic installation nearby that offers an immersive Bond experience.
Remember, Ice Q is the sort of place a Bond villain would love - but the views are for everyone's eyes only!
💡 Key Takeaways: Ice Q offers James Bond fans a chance to experience the glamour and excitement of 007's world, combined with stunning Alpine views and gourmet dining.
11. Juvet Landscape Hotel, Norway - Ex Machina
Step into the world of artificial intelligence at the Juvet Landscape Hotel, the setting for the sci-fi thriller Ex Machina.
This minimalist hotel in the Norwegian wilderness perfectly captured the film's blend of nature and technology.
Each room is a glass cube, offering panoramic views of the stunning landscape - just like in the movie.
Take a hike through the surrounding forest, where key scenes from the film were shot.
The hotel's spa area doubled as the AI lab in the movie - you can relax in the same spots!
Fun fact: The hotel was designed to have minimal impact on its environment, mirroring themes from the film.
While you won't find any androids, the futuristic design and isolated location make it easy to imagine high-tech secrets lurking around every corner.
Don't miss the chance to take a dip in the river - it's the same one featured in several scenes.
💡 Key Takeaways: The Juvet Landscape Hotel offers Ex Machina fans a chance to immerse themselves in the film's atmosphere while enjoying a unique, nature-focused hotel experience.
12. Amityville House, New York - The Amityville Horror
Dare to visit one of America's most infamous homes - the Amityville House on Ocean Avenue, New York.
This Dutch Colonial-style house gained notoriety as the setting for The Amityville Horror, based on the story of the Lutz family.
While you can't tour the interior, the exterior is instantly recognizable with its distinctive eye-like windows.
The house has undergone renovations and address changes to deter uninvited visitors, but it remains a pilgrimage site for horror fans.
Learn about the real-life events that inspired the book and subsequent films at the local historical society.
Ghost hunters claim to have encountered spirits of the victims of Ronald DeFeo Jr., whose crimes preceded the Lutz family's stay.
Remember, the current residents value their privacy, so be respectful when visiting.
For a less intrusive experience, visit the nearby Amityville Historical Society to learn more about the town's history.
💡 Key Takeaways: The Amityville House offers horror fans a chance to see a real-life haunted house, while also exploring the line between fact and fiction in one of America's most famous ghost stories.
13. Oxford University, England - Harry Potter
Step into the magical world of Harry Potter at the prestigious Oxford University in England.
Several locations around the university became parts of Hogwarts in the film series.
Visit the Bodleian Library, whose Divinity School doubled as the Hogwarts infirmary.
Explore Christ Church College, where the grand staircase and Great Hall inspired Hogwarts' iconic dining hall.
New College's cloisters served as Hogwarts corridors in The Goblet of Fire.
Duke Humfrey's Library became the Restricted Section of the Hogwarts library.
Take a guided Harry Potter tour to catch all the magical details and behind-the-scenes stories.
Don't miss the chance to dine in the Great Hall at Christ Church - it's the next best thing to a Hogwarts feast!
Remember, Oxford is a working university, so be respectful of students and staff during your visit.
💡 Key Takeaways: Oxford University offers Harry Potter fans a chance to experience real-life Hogwarts locations while exploring one of the world's most prestigious educational institutions.
14. St Abbs, Scotland - Marvel's Avengers
Journey to New Asgard at the charming fishing village of St Ab
Conclusion
As we wrap up our cinematic journey through these 14 epic movie and TV locations, it's clear that set-jetting offers an unparalleled way to experience the magic of our favorite films and shows. From the enchanting Hobbiton in New Zealand to the historic streets of Dubrovnik, each destination promises a unique adventure for fans and travelers alike.
By visiting these iconic filming locations, you're not just sightseeing – you're stepping into the worlds that have captivated our imaginations. Whether you're a die-hard Harry Potter fan or a James Bond enthusiast, there's a real-life movie set waiting for you to explore.
Remember, set-jetting is more than just ticking off locations from a list. It's about immersing yourself in the atmosphere, connecting with fellow fans, and creating lasting memories. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to star in your own travel adventure. The world of cinema awaits – and it's even more magical in person!