If you've ever wanted to walk the halls of Downton Abbey or through Panem's District 12, lucky for you, you can do just that. We've rounded up destinations -- from New Zealand to North Carolina -- that let you experience the sites from your favorite films and shows.
By Aimee Hirsch, CNTraveler.com
movie sets
(01 of07)
THE HUNGER GAMESNorth Carolina, U.S.A. The world of Panem may seem like an unfamiliar dystopian world, but The Hunger Games was actually filmed entirely in North Carolina. Between the DuPont State Recreational Forest, the location for the game itself, and Henry River Mill Village, which served as the site of District 12, there is plenty for fans to see.Henry River Mill Village is remarkably true-to-life: filmmakers had to do little more than paint a few signs on buildings to give it the look they wanted. Visitors have the option to explore both locations on their own or with a tour. There is no admission charge at either site.
(02 of07)
THE SOUND OF MUSICSalzburg, Austria In the city of Salzburg, Austria, you can see many of the iconic sites where scenes from the classic film The Sound of Music were filmed. Frohnburg Castle is now a dormitory and concert venue, but you may recognize it instead as the von Trapp house. Mirabell Gardens is the location where the “Do-Re-Mi” scene takes place, and visitors can also see the Pegasus fountain from the same scene here. Leopoldskron Castle was used to film other scenes, including the boating scene, and can also be visited. The Von Trapp gazebo, used in Sixteen Going on Seventeen, is not in its original location (at Leopoldskron Castle) but can be visited at Hellbrunn Palace in the southern part of the city. Most sites are outdoors and have no admission cost, except for the gazebo, which costs EUR 10.50. Tourists can guide themselves to the sites, but many guided tours are also available.
(03 of07)
HARRY POTTERWarner Bros. Studios, London Who ever told you Hogwarts wasn’t real? Ok, maybe it doesn’t exist exactly as it does in the Harry Potter movies, but you’ll feel like it does when you tour the sets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London. Here you can enter the Hogwarts Great Hall and walk in the paths of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the place where they were all sorted as Gryffindors.You can also traverse the streets of Diagon Alley—a set that has never been the same twice, as walls and buildings there are constantly moving. In Dumbledore’s office, you will see the details of the set come through. The office set contains 48 portraits of Hogwart’s headmasters and in the golden memory cabinet there are over 800 vials, all hand-labeled. Most of the experience is self-guided. Tickets must be booked in advance and are £29 for adults, £21.50 for children and £85 for a family of four.
(04 of07)
DOWNTON ABBEYHighclere Castle, England If you’re a Downton Abbey fan then Highclere Castle is the perfect destination for you. Located about an hour and a half from London, Highclere Castle serves as the main filming location for the popular PBS show. Both the interior and exterior of Highclere are used as the site of Downton Abbey.Many of the rooms are easily recognizable since the furniture from the castle is part of the set. In the drawing room it’s easy to picture scenes where the Dowager Countess holds court with the other women of the household. Visitors are free to roam around the castle and view other rooms that have provided a backdrop for the show. While there are no guided tours, each room has someone available to answer questions. Highclere Castle is only open certain times of year, so check the website to make sure it’s open for your visit. Admission to the castle starts at £11.00 for adults.
(05 of07)
LORD OF THE RINGS/THE HOBBITMatamata, New Zealand The Shire is one of the most iconic locations from The Lord of the Rings, and is featured in its newer prequel The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. New Zealand visitors have the opportunity to walk in the village of Hobbiton, where Frodo and Bilbo’s respective journeys began. The set in Matamata, New Zealand, sprawls over 12 acres and features 44 hobbit holes, including Bilbo’s, which is known as Bag End. Visitors can also visit the pub the hobbits frequent, The Green Dragon Inn –and get a drink there.Since December, The Green Dragon has been open for business, and while it is not where the filming of those scenes was done, it is an exact replica of the location. The set is open every day except Christmas and with the next installment of The Hobbit hitting theaters this December, there’s never been a better time to see the Hobbiton set. Visitors must be on a tour to see the location, and many tours are available at a range of prices.
(06 of07)
A CHRISTMAS STORYOhio, U.S.A. Relive a Christmas classic any time of year in Cleveland, Ohio, where the house used in A Christmas Story is located. Across the street from the house visitors will find A Christmas Story House Museum, which shows off original props and costumes from the movie, like Randy’s snowsuit and the family car.Here visitors can also see behind-the-scenes pictures, including images of crews putting down fake snow (instant potato flakes) for the filming. In addition to visiting the museum, the house can also be toured. Self-guided tours are available when the house gets busy, but for a more personal experience (and additional fun movie facts) guided tours are also offered. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children 7-12, and free for anyone younger.
(07 of07)
GAME OF THRONESBallintoy Harbour, Ireland Plagued with death, war, and violence, the land of Westeros from Game of Thrones may not be a great place to live, but fans can dive into the fictional world for a visit by taking a trip to Northern Ireland. Much of the filming for the popular HBO show is done in Northern Ireland, which provides a versatile backdrop for a range of the show’s fantastic locations.Fans will recognize Ballintoy Harbour as the Iron Islands, where Theon Greyjoy had his homecoming in season two. Scenes of Arya’s journey from King’s Landing on the King’s Road were filmed at The Dark Hedges, which are just as eerie in real life as they are in the show. Northern Ireland is also home to Castle Ward, which was used as the exterior of Winterfell. Currently there is a self-guided itinerary available from Causeway Coast and Glens tourism that lists sites used during filming, many of which are free, outdoor locations.
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