Wonka's stunning filming locations in the UK from beautiful Bath to Oxford
New film Wonka may be set in 1930s London but its atmospheric filming locations can really be found all over the south of England.
The much-anticipated Christmas flick stars Timothée Chalamet in the role of the famous chocolatier, telling the original story of Willy Wonka. Hugh Grant plays an Oompa-Loompa and Olivia Colman takes on the role of the mean Mrs Scrubbit.
The musical fantasy aims to show us how Wonka's life evolved before he opened his famous factory, with the candymaker portrayed as a wistful young dreamer who arrives in London after seven years sailing around the globe to find a host of new delicacies. From the University of Oxford to the home of Bridgerton, here are five real-life locations to look out for when you head to the cinema...
Bath
Timothée Chalamet is seen filming on Bath's Pultney Bridge (GC Images)The home of Netflix's hit series Bridgerton, the beautiful city of Bath is perfect for giving an authentic period feel. Wonka was filmed at Bath Abbey, the last Gothic church in England, using artificial snow to transform the Parade Gardens, Orange Grove and Colannades. In one scene, the chocolatier uses a phone box at the Abbey's walls. The movie also features Pultney Bridge, an atmospheric crossing lined with shops which made a memorable turn in 2012's Les Miserables.
Oxford
University spires dominate the skyline of Oxford (Getty Images/iStockphoto)The beautiful city of Oxford and specifically its historic university buildings take a star turn in Wonka, with the Bridge Of Sighs, the Bodleian Library, the Radcliffe Camera and the Sheldonian Theatre all on show. Fake snow was used on historic streets including Merton Road to add to the film's atmospheric feel. Down the road, the village of Mapledurham makes an appearance too - this was famously the location for the 1976 classic war film The Eagle Has Landed.
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
St Albans
St Albans Cathedral sits majestically behind Verulamium Park (Getty Images)Scenes between Wonka and his friend Noodle, a young orphan played by Calah Lane, were filmed in the town's Verulamium Park, which is overlooked by St Albans Cathedral. The 100-acre parkland was transformed using snow, bright lights and a sprinkling of CGI magic with its lake, which was constructed in the 1930s and bandstand both on view. Pretty Abbey Mill Lane, close to the town's cathedral, can be seen in the movie too.
Lyme Regis
The Lydia Eva steam drifter stars in Wonka (Getty Images)A picturesque part of the Dorset coastal town known as The Cobb, which curves around its harbour, was used for filming, being transformed into a snow scene with vintage cars and a boat called Lydia Eva. The 1930s steamdrifter is a former fishing boat brought down from Great Yarmouth for the job, which sees Wonka disembark from the vessel following his travels around the world. Lyme Regis also features in the 2022 adaption of Jane Austen's Persuasion and the 1981 Oscar-nominated film The French Lieutenant's Woman.
London
The Rivoli Ballroom is the only intact 1950s ballroom remaining in London (In Pictures via Getty Images)One of the stunning capital locations chosen for Wonka is no stranger to film and television. Art Deco mansion Eltham Palace in South London has been in 2018 film Stan & Ollie, smash hit TV series The Crown and was used in 2008's Brideshead Revisited.
Another London venue, which is used for an all-singing, all-dancing showstopper, is equally starry. Brockley's Rivoli Ballroom, was converted from a cinema to a dance hall in the 1950s and has remained virtually unchanged since then. The ballroom is loved for its red velvet and chandeliers, featuring in films The Avengers (2012) and Legend (2015), appearing in TV series Killing Eve and being used in video shoots for Elton John and Tina Turner.
* Watch Wonka in cinemas from Friday, December 8
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