🎬 Where Was The Holiday Filmed? Complete Southern California & Surrey Location Guide
Swap lives, find love! Explore the enchanting real-world locations of The Holiday, from snowy English villages to sunny L.A. mansions.
About 🎬 Where Was The Holiday Filmed? Complete Southern California & Surrey Location Guide
🎬 Where Was The Holiday Filmed? Complete Southern California & Surrey Location Guide
Ever dreamt of swapping your life for a completely different one, especially during the holidays? That's the magical premise of Nancy Meyers' beloved 2006 film, "The Holiday," where two heartbroken women, Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz), swap homes between a charming English village and a sprawling L.A. mansion.
Beyond the heartwarming story and incredible cast, the true stars of "The Holiday" are its breathtaking filming locations. They're not just backdrops; they're characters, reflecting the vastly different worlds Iris and Amanda inhabit and ultimately helping them find love and self-discovery.
From Quintessentially English pubs and villages to the sun-drenched grandeur of Hollywood, these places are real, and largely just as enchanting in person as they are on screen. Get ready to teleport yourself into your favorite rom-com!
Join us as we explore the exact spots where the magic unfolded. We’ll guide you through each iconic location, tell you how it appeared in the film, and give you practical tips for your own cinematic adventure. Let's make your holiday dreams a reality!
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🗺️ Major Filming Locations
🎬 1883 Orlando Road, San Marino, California, USA - Amanda's Dreamy L.A. Mansion 🌴
🏛️ The Location
This stunning Mediterranean Revival mansion, built in 1928, served as Amanda Woods' extravagant Los Angeles home. Located in the affluent San Marino neighborhood, it perfectly embodies the high-flying, successful life Amanda leads. While the exterior is real, many interior shots were actually filmed on a soundstage.
🎥 In the Film
This is where Iris initially arrives, overwhelmed by its sheer size and luxury compared to her cozy English cottage. It's the setting for countless scenes involving Amanda's high-stress career and her eventual transformation, from her initial breakdown to her discovery of love and a more balanced life.
📍 Visitor Info
💡 Pro Tip: While you can't walk through the house, you can drive by (respectfully!) to catch a glimpse of the iconic exterior. The tranquil, tree-lined streets of San Marino are beautiful for an afternoon drive.
🎬 Fun Fact: The house boasts 7 bedrooms, a swimming pool, and a tennis court, which Iris hilariously struggles to navigate upon her arrival.
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🎬 The White Horse Pub, The Street, Shere, Surrey, England - Iris's Cozy Local 🍻
🏛️ The Location
Nestled in the picturesque village of Shere, Surrey, The White Horse Pub is a genuine 15th-century establishment brimming with history and charm. It's a quintessential English country pub, featuring low beams, a roaring fire, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it a favorite amongst locals and visitors alike.
🎥 In the Film
This is the very pub where Amanda shares a memorable drink with Graham (Jude Law) and receives an unexpected visit from her ex-boyfriend Jasper. The pub's exterior and interior both feature prominently, truly capturing the idyllic village life that Amanda experiences in England.
📍 Visitor Info
💡 Pro Tip: Shere is incredibly quaint, so arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a table at the pub and explore the village without too many crowds. Try their traditional Sunday roast!
🎬 Fun Fact: While Rosehill Cottage was a temporary set, The White Horse Pub is the real deal, allowing fans to truly step into the film's world.
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🎬 Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, California, USA - Where Movie Magic Truly Happens ✨
🏛️ The Location
Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank is one of the most iconic film studios in the world, responsible for countless cinematic masterpieces. It's a sprawling complex of soundstages, backlots, and production facilities where everything from classic films to modern blockbusters comes to life through intricate set design and advanced filmmaking techniques.
🎥 In the Film
While "The Holiday" utilizes real-world locations, much of the interior filming for both Amanda's L.A. mansion and Iris's Rosehill Cottage was meticulously constructed and shot on soundstages at Warner Bros. Studios. This provided the crew with complete control over lighting, angles, and practical effects.
📍 Visitor Info
💡 Pro Tip: Take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour! You might not see a specific "Holiday" exhibit, but you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at how films are made, walk through famous backlots, and see actual sets used in other iconic movies and TV shows.
🎬 Fun Fact: Director Nancy Meyers is known for her detailed storyboards and meticulous set design, making studio filming essential for achieving her signature aesthetic.
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🎬 California Market Center, Los Angeles, California, USA - Amanda's Bustling Work Hub 🏙️
🏛️ The Location
The California Market Center (CMC) is a massive wholesale fashion and creative campus located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. It's a bustling hub for the design, fashion, and entertainment industries, featuring showrooms, event spaces, and offices. Its modern, industrial aesthetic makes it a popular filming location for productions needing an urban, professional backdrop.
🎥 In the Film
The interior of the California Market Center was used for several scenes involving Amanda's high-pressure job editing film trailers. You'll recognize its distinctive architecture and dynamic environment as Amanda navigates her professional life before her life-changing house swap.
📍 Visitor Info
💡 Pro Tip: If you're passionate about fashion or design, check their website for public events or sample sales that might be happening. Otherwise, it's a great spot to see where Hollywood's industry hums.
🎬 Fun Fact: Downtown L.A. offers a stark contrast to the quiet, residential feel of San Marino, effectively highlighting the two different facets of Amanda's life.
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🎬 Cornwell Manor, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England - Graham's Stately Home 🌲
🏛️ The Location
Cornwell Manor is a magnificent Georgian country house nestled in the idyllic Cotswolds region of Oxfordshire. Surrounded by stunning parkland, gardens, and a quaint village, it exudes classic English grandeur and rustic charm. It's a sought-after venue for weddings, events, and, of course, film productions.
🎥 In the Film
This stately home was used as the exterior for Graham's (Jude Law) family home. While the interiors were filmed on a soundstage, Cornwell Manor's picturesque facade and grounds provided the perfect backdrop for the family home of the mysterious book editor, adding to the film's fairytale quality.
📍 Visitor Info
💡 Pro Tip: While you can't typically tour the manor, the surrounding Cotswolds villages like Chipping Norton or Stow-on-the-Wold offer incredible charm, quaint shops, and scenic walks that are perfect for experiencing the film's English atmosphere.
🎬 Fun Fact: The rolling hills and charming architecture of the Cotswolds are often featured in British films, providing an authentic slice of rural English life.
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🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
"The Holiday" isn't just about swapping lives; it's a masterclass in how locations can shape a story and its characters. Dive into some of the fascinating tidbits from behind the camera that brought this beloved rom-com to life!
🎭 Director's Vision
🎪 Production Highlights
🌟 Cast & Crew Stories
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🗺️ Plan Your Visit
Ready to follow in Amanda and Iris's footsteps? Planning a trip to see these iconic "Holiday" locations is an adventure in itself! Here’s how you can make the most of your cinematic journey.
🏨 Where to Stay
🚗 Getting Around
📸 Photo Tips
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❓ Quick Answers
🎬 Is this based on a true story?No, "The Holiday" is a fictional story, but the concept of a "home swap" like the one seen in the film is a real practice, inspiring the plot's central premise.
🗺️ Can I visit all locations in one day?
Absolutely not! The film spans two continents. You'll need separate trips to Southern California and the English counties of Surrey and Oxfordshire to see all the major locations.
💰 How much should I budget?
A trip covering both the L.A. and UK locations would be significant. Budget roughly $1,500-$3,000+ per person for flights and accommodation alone, depending on duration and luxury, plus daily expenses.
📱 Are there guided tours?
While there isn't a specific "Holiday" guided tour that covers all locations, you can book a Warner Bros. Studio Tour in L.A. and consider a general Cotswolds tour from London that might include villages like Shere.
🎭 When was this filmed?
"The Holiday" was filmed primarily from January to June 2006, ensuring diverse weather conditions for the contrasting L.A. sunshine and English winter scenes.
🌍 Is Southern California (L.A.) and Surrey (England) safe for tourists?
Yes, both regions are generally very safe for tourists. As with any travel, be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy urban areas or at night, and take standard precautions.
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🎬 Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?
"The Holiday" reminds us that sometimes, all we need is a change of scenery to find ourselves. Whether you're drawn to the sun-kissed glamour of Los Angeles or the quaint, cozy charm of the English countryside, the real-world locations of this beloved film are waiting to inspire your next adventure.
Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to step into a winter wonderland (or a sunny paradise!) straight out of the movies. It’s more than just a trip; it’s an opportunity to embrace the magic of cinema and perhaps even find your own fairytale ending.
Don't wait for your own house swap to explore these incredible places. Start planning your "Holiday" tour today, and uncover the beauty that made this film a timeless classic. Happy travels, film fanatics!
Year Released
2006
Director
Nancy Meyers
Filming Locations
5 locations
Behind the Scenes
Nancy Meyers' vision for 'The Holiday' was to explore how a change of scenery can transform one's life. She meticulously designed every detail, from the grand L.A. mansion to the cozy English cottage, to act as a character in itself. This deliberate location scouting and set design not only elevated the storytelling but also made the film a masterclass in cinematic architecture.
- Iris's iconic Rosehill Cottage was actually a purpose-built exterior set on a vacant field in Shere, Surrey, designed to perfectly embody a fairytale English home.
- Amanda's glamorous L.A. mansion was a real private residence, but its interiors were mostly replicated and filmed on soundstages to allow for complex camera movements and lighting.
- Director Nancy Meyers is renowned for her distinctive 'Nancy Meyers aesthetic' in her films, often featuring impeccably designed and aspirational homes.
- The role of Graham, played by Jude Law, was initially considered for Keanu Reeves, showcasing a different initial vision for the character.
- Many of the film's interior scenes, including those inside Rosehill Cottage and Amanda's L.A. home, were shot on soundstages at Sony Pictures Studios and Warner Bros. Studios.
- The memorable 'Mr. Napkin Head' scene, where Graham entertains his daughters, was largely improvised by Jude Law on set, adding genuine warmth to the film.
- The film's score by Hans Zimmer masterfully blends traditional Christmas carols with original compositions, creating its unique festive yet poignant atmosphere.
- Cameron Diaz found the experience of learning to drive on the left side of the road for the film quite challenging but amusing.
- The movie's screenplay was famously penned by Nancy Meyers in a remarkably short period, reportedly just six days.
- While the film is a festive classic, it wasn't exclusively filmed during winter; the crew used artificial snow and strategic planting for the Christmas feel.
- Jack Black's casting as Miles was a deliberate choice by Meyers to bring a different comedic energy to the romantic comedy genre.
- The film has significantly boosted tourism to Surrey, with fans seeking out the real-life locations and experiencing the village charm.
Location Gallery
1883 Orlando Road, San Marino, California, USA
The White Horse Pub, Shere, Surrey, England
Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, California, USA
California Market Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
Cornwell Manor, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England
Travel Tips
Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover 1883 Orlando Road, San Marino, California, USA, The White Horse Pub, Shere, Surrey, England, Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, California, USA in one day.
Filming Locations
Discover all 5 locations where 🎬 Where Was The Holiday Filmed? Complete Southern California & Surrey Location Guide was filmed
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Filming Locations
1883 Orlando Road, San Marino, California, USA
Amanda Woods' stunning L.A. mansion.
The White Horse Pub, Shere, Surrey, England
The charming village pub from Iris's storyline.
Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank, California, USA
Where many of the film's interior sets were built and filmed.
California Market Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
Featured in Amanda's film trailer editing scenes.
Cornwell Manor, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, England
Used for some of Graham's stately home scenes.
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