From Indiana Jones to Harry Potter, discover some of the iconic landmarks as seen in your favourite movies. Not sure where they are? Sophie McGovern takes you on a global movie tour from the deserts of Jordan to the ski slopes of the USA.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
This stunning copper temple carved into rock may look like something from the realm of fantasy, but, in fact, it is a real life showpiece. It’s well known for being the place where Indiana searched for the Holy Grail – this magical masterpiece can be found in Petra, Jordan.
The Treasury, as it is known in the real world, is an ancient temple and modern UNESCO world heritage site. It was crafted out of rock by the Nabataeans in the 6th century BC, and is famous for the rosy hew of the stone which appears to glow in the desert sun.
Time to don that suede hat, crack your whip and smear a bit of sand on your face, methinks!
Well, ok, maybe don’t do that when you’re actually visiting Petra (some things should probably be reserved for private bedroom space).
The Shining
Possibly the most famous hotel in movie history, the hotel from The Shining is actually located in Oregon. The Timberline Lodge can be found on the south side of Mount Hood in a popular skiing area. On screen, it doubles up as the fictional Lookout Hotel.
It’s attractive location and movie fame has made it an extremely popular tourist attraction, and the lodge’s distinctive look is instantly recognisable from the opening scenes of the Shining.
The hedge maze from the film, though, won’t be found there. This was a mock-up created in a studio in England.
Take care that when looking for a hotel, search for somewhere a little less creepy, for peace of mind’s sake.
Stagecoach
One of the most celebrated Westerns ever made, Stagecoach, starring John Wayne, includes a classic scene in Monument Valley, which lies on the Arizona-Utah border in the USA.
The valley is so named due to the huge red rock formations that rise up from the desert ground.
The location has featured in a collection of other movies including several famous Westerns, Easy Rider, A Space Odyssey and Forrest Gump.
Harry Potter
Hogwarts academy may look like a make-believe mansion from the world of fantasy, but the film was actually set in Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. Scenes shot at the castle include the famous broomstick flying lesson in The Philosopher’s Stone!
The castle is a fantastic family place to visit and there are loads of activities for kids. As well as medieval craft sessions and dressing up, there are Potter themed broomstick lessons and chances to meet characters from the books.
On special weekends costumed characters stroll around the grounds, so you can come face to face with wizards and house elves…splendid.
Gladiator
This epic movie includes several stunning scenes, including the ones where Maximus (Crowe) is sold into slavery. Remember when the crowds are throwing red dye along the streets as the gladiators head to the arena?
This ancient, mud and sand built town is Ouarzazate in Morocco.
The town includes historic Kasbahs that provide the perfect backdrop for adventure films and historic tales. Lawrence of Arabia and The Mummy were also filmed there.
I would also like to mention that for about two seconds in 28 Days Later, you can see my London flat!
Look out for the garden gnome in the green hat and tastefully landscaped bamboo decking… there I am…
Sophie McGovern writes for Hotelopia, one of the best hotel booking sites out there. When booking hotels, search your desired area and compare prices with ease. As well as writing, Sophie enjoys travelling the world searching for beautiful destinations and interesting stories.
