It’s a fantasy world that of the movies. Characters and people that you’ve never met grace the screen for our entertainment. Often the places are entirely created with CGI special effects, other times locations have been scouted out especially for the film. In the UK, we certainly have our fair share of film locations, London probably being the most densely populated of all. Lest we not forget though how beautiful our scenery is and how it often becomes the backdrop of films that we have seen, even if we don’t realise it. What makes the locations in this article unique, is that, as well as being quite natural open spaces, they are also free to visit.
1. Ockham Common
An oddity in the midst of the Surrey countryside, this abandoned old air strip is a great place for walks. From satellite imagery, the airstrip, converted to tarmac in 1952, runs for 1,900 metres (6,200 ft) like a ghostly road to nowhere. It has been used during filming of the great American-British War drama ‘War Horse’.
Park in the carpark just off the A3, where the Ockham Bites Café serves drinks and snacks to lorry drivers and commuters, and walk any number of pathways across the main road and you will emerge from the trees into a vast open space. Glance up, keeping your eyes peeled for birds of prey that circulate high above, hoping to catch any unsuspecting creature that drifts onto the tarmac area. Currently, its future looks uncertain as planning permission has been sought to develop the area for housing, schools, offices, visitors centre, shops and recreational facilities.
2. Waverley Abbey
Owned by English Heritage, this original monastery inhabited by a small group of monks in 1128, has been the set for films such as ‘28 Days Later’, ‘Elizabeth’ and Disney’s ‘Into the Woods’. A short stroll from the car park, the ruins sit close to the flowing River Wey and opposite the grand Waverley Abbey House a grade II listed Georgian mansion. This magnificent stretch of riverbank, with views over the mansion’s sweeping lawns have quite an ethereal feel, especially on an autumnal morning with the mists rising from the river. The peace and tranquility that seem to flow with the river, are also echoed in the ruins themselves, where one can imagine the history absorbed in the stone walls. There is an audio tour available on the website which can be downloaded to i-Pods, mobiles or other MP3 players and begins at the car park. The site can also be accessed by bike via the National Cycle Network.
3. Virginia Water
This great lake, with its 4.5 mile (7.2 km) circumference plays host to a great number of walks, that also zigzag into the vegetation, and waterfalls that surround the vast body of water. With its 10 metre (32 ft) cascade, Roman ruins and totem pole, this unique landscape edges Windsor Great Park and Savill Garden. Also close to the famous Wentworth golf course, where the Ryder Cup has been played, Virginia Water has also dabbled in the movie world, with its scenery having featured in films such as ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’, 'Tarzan’ and 'Robin Hood’ with Russell Crowe to name but a few. Although free to enter, parking fees apply. You can easily while away the hours here, especially in the summer. With its own architect designed café, built in 2013, the visitors centre, with its huge glass panels and wood clad exterior, are the perfect place to grab a bite come rain or shine, although picnic tables are dotted around if you prefer snacking al fresco. Perhaps spend some time choosing a spot near the 30 metre (100 foot) totem pole or the obelisk, for that special eating experience.
4. Bourne Wood
Bourne Wood has, out of the locations mentioned here, been used the most for filming. ‘Harry Potter’, 'Gladiator’ and 'War Horse’ are among many that have trodden the wooded paths around this location. This may be due to its isolation and, as Surrey is England’s most wooded county, if you’re looking for woods then Bourne Wood fits the bill. A large percentage of Surrey’s woodland is ancient woodland, so it’s no wonder that those scouting for wooded film locations would also search here, and it seems Bourne obviously has a reputation for being a great place for such movie scenery. Explore some of the footpaths and decide for yourself. Is one wood like any other or does Bourne Wood have that magical spell that draws directors back.
5. Frensham Ponds
Frensham Pond and Common are managed by the National Trust and cover an area of 1,000 acres (400 hectares). They include a variety of different environments such as heathland, pine and mixed woodland and the lakes themselves. If the water conditions are right (these are monitored regularly) then swimming is allowed, although beware the lake is also used for sailing and angling. Like a mini inland beach, the ponds are banked by sand and can become incredibly busy during the summer months as families descend here to make sand castles, walk, spot wildlife and take part in many other activities. There’s even a 4-star hotel overlooking the Great Pond, so why not while away the hours at this unusual little spot near Farnham in Surrey. Perhaps you can work out where scenes from ‘The Huntsman’, ‘Pride and Predjudice and Zombies’ and ‘Thor’ were filmed.
The best things in life are free
Woodland, pond, lake or common, all are freely accessible and, apart from parking, free to use. These wild places inspire, they are creative, adaptable and thought provoking places, where the magic of movies also happens. These are the chosen ones, the places plucked from our green and pleasant land to be lit up on screen, so get out there and enjoy them in all their splendour, even the fresh air is free.
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