A little rain never hurt anyone, especially not a camera crew. When it comes to movies set in gloomy countrysides or storybook villages, the UK is the only place that could make these tales come to life on the big screen. That’s why so many of your favorite shows have been filmed there!
Take a trip with us to Wales where witches fly or across the universe in an alien adventure, all while never leaving London far behind.
"Friends"
What better way to finish the fourth season of America's favorite TV show than with a finale set in London? "The One with Ross's Wedding" takes the gang through the streets of the city and in key locations like the Grosvenor Square and St. John's Church, Wapping. Fun fact: there was a scene where Joey and Chandler take an open-top London bus over Tower Bridge, but it was ultimately cut from the final episode. Studying abroad in London is the perfect opportunity to recreate this scene, so grab a friend and run to the nearest double decker!
Eternals
The Marvel Universe feels a whole lot smaller once you arrive to London because so many iconic scenes from 2021's Eternals were filmed here. Marvel fans will remember that most scenes are focused around Sersi, Sprite and Dane as they encounter deviants across the city. However, don't equate London with alien warfare, filming locations like Belsize Lane, Camden High Street and Regent's Canal Towpath are all typically quiet tourist destinations that are worth your while. Be sure to stop by the Natural History Museum and Piccadilly Circus for a full tour of the Eternals London set.
Black Mirror
For those who asked how technology will influence our society, Black Mirror gives an answer in its dystopian drama series that twists tech in macabre ways. As the center of innovation and theater for centuries, London was the obvious choice to host many of the show's scenes.
Imagine yourself in a futuristic TV series by traveling to filming sites like City of Westminster College and the Hammersmith Apollo in London, both of which are easily accessible on a study abroad program in Central London. Remember that Black Mirror episodes are all stand-alone dramas, so as different as all the stories are, London is the only place where they could all happen.
Batman Series
Batman has a British director and British leads, so why not a British set, too? Gotham is spread out all over the UK with filming sites from Glasgow to London, making a visit well-worth it for fans of this movie. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of the classics with Christian Bale, Twilight lovers will come out of the woodwork to see Robert Patterson in 2022’s “The Batman”. Be sure to stop by Barnes, a neighborhood in London’s Richmond borough, where Rob was born and raised while you’re there!
Notting Hill
No study abroad blog about movies would be complete without at least one reference to Julia Roberts, especially when she’s the star of one of London’s most famous films! Notting Hill is a romance about two people from different worlds who try to make things work despite their difficulties. Alongside Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts spent a year filming in and around West London bringing the city to life on the big screen. Of course, one filming location was the iconic Notting Hill neighborhood where the movie got its namesake. Take the train past Paddington and you’ll be swept away into the same romantic streets that captured the hearts of the film’s creators!