filming

The beautiful national park boasts monkeys, jaguars and dense rainforest – and it may look familiar to Star Wars fans as it was a filming location in A New Hope

If you like monkeys as much as ancient history then Tikal National Park’s entrance fee may well just be the best £15 you spend on an adventure.

After around 10 minutes of walking with an umbrella in hand in the Guatemalan jungle, the forest opened up to the most important of 3,000 buildings spread over 16 square kilometres.

My imagination ran wild at each ruin we stumbled upon. I practically chanted ‘just one step after another’ as we trudged our way up an ancient pyramid for a view once reserved for Mayan royalty chasing the heavens. Whether it was taking the steps of the structure itself or an adjacent staircase fitted far more recently, the cardio to reward ratio was much the same – well worth it.

A bit further off the beaten track in Peten is Yaxha National Park, offering the same leg-burning pyramid climbs and awe-inspiring views with even fewer visitors for company. Close to the Belize border, Tikal and Yaxha are windows into the thriving cities of the Mayan people – a civilisation that stretched across central America, or as our guide Camillo called it, Meso-America.

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The respective sites date as far back as 900BC but most of the immense structures we saw in Tikal were built almost 2,000 years later making it the Mayan place to be. Then Tikal met its mysterious decline in the ninth century and the site was soon abandoned. Countless palaces and temples were swallowed up by jungle in the millennia that followed.

A government-backed expedition in 1848 set the wheels in motion to unearth the secrets and legends buried with the city in the forest floor.

The parks are now fascinating rainforests as rich in nature as they are history. A massive band of coatimundis fearlessly played around us on the ground as spider monkeys swung across some of the 200 tree species up above. More than a dozen jaguars even call Tikal home, our guide Camillo told us.

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I was quick to dismiss the Mayan belief that ascending such a structure brought their god-like rulers closer to their immortal peers in the sky. That was until I made the climb myself and I understood just how spiritual an experience such elevation must have been. Standing above a vast green canopy broken up only by the odd ancient tower was an otherworldly sight, amplified by the soundtrack of roaring howler monkeys.

Star Wars fans will recognise certain shots or Tikal from Episode IV: A New Hope as the UNESCO site set the scene for the Rebel Alliance base.

At the end of an hour’s rural drive from Flores, sheltered open-air gift shops and a model-sized version of the city welcome visitors, although rainy season meant the area felt eerily deserted.

To avoid the fleeting downpours we were caught up in, it is probably best to stick to the months between November and April…

For more information see visitguatemala.gt.

The cast spent two weeks in the former British colony to film the storyline involving harrowing scenes of death and destruction but also of love and hope

The Call the Midwife Christmas specials were nearly thrown off course by a force 10 typhoon during filming in Hong Kong. But while the cast were ordered to stay in their hotel rooms and not venture out for two days, the filming was completed and now viewers will have not one but two specials on BBC1, airing on Christmas Day ad Boxing Day.

In the plot, half of the Nonnatus House medics make a mercy dash to Hong Kong after the mission building collapses, causing fatalities and leaving the orphans and expectant mothers with nowhere to go.

There is further danger when the nuns have a run-in with gun-toting gangsters and are threatened by a triad leader who steals the keys to the new building they have just secured for the mission.

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Jenny Agutter, who has played head nun Sister Julienne since the series launched in 2012, said that filming in Hong Kong was hampered by a typhoon so severe they were ordered to stay inside their hotel rooms and not leave.

“The winds became really bad on the Saturday night, when we weren’t working but we were told to be careful because it was going to get bad. In the early hours of the morning, it really was stronger. On Sunday, they said not to open the curtains of the hotel in case anything hit the window. But we were facing the water so there was little chance. Of course, I had a jolly good look outside because it was rather amazing seeing all the water whipped up.”

Jenny, 72, said that the Christmas special felt “quite epic” for being set in two locations many thousands of miles apart. “Hong Kong is a very peculiar, complex place. It’s no longer cosy because in many ways, not unlike we are today with the changes that are happening, it feels a little dangerous. What makes it easier is this community that are cohesive and are actually supportive.”

Annabelle Apsion, who plays Poplar’s Mayor and haberdasher Violet Buckle, said the storm was thrilling. “Our hotel looked out over the sea and you could see things going down the streets, it was exciting. I was in Hong Kong 35 years ago for Soldier, Soldier so it was amazing to go back all these years later. It was boiling hot so we had fans on us all the time because otherwise the perspiration would have shown on camera.”

Cliff Parisi, who plays her husband Fred, said he hadn’t been keen to fly half way around the world – but was glad when he did. “Hong Kong was extraordinary, a real eye opener. I’ve never been that far east before. I’ve always wanted to go but I don’t like flying long-haul. Of course, I went because it was work. But I got there, and we had the most fabulous time.”

“I do my own research so I became very immersed in the world of Chinese-Hong Kong organised crime,” Heidi, 63, explained. “I had to make up names of gangsters and gangs and when I handed the script over to our Triad advisor – which we’ve never had before – I got the message back that the names I’d chosen were so realistic that I’d have to change them or we’d all be in trouble. I was quite pleased with myself.”

Next year will see the hugely popular series take a break, while a prequel set in 1939 is made, featuring young versions of Sister Julienne (Jenny Agutter), the late Sister Evangeline (Pam Ferris) and Sister Monica Joan (Judy Parfitt).

But ahead of that comes the dramatic two-part Christmas special followed by and the 15th series set in Poplar, where the year has reached 1971.

At Christmas, the younger nurses left behind in London make the most of their freedom by throwing a party in Nonnatus House involving cocktails, cross-dressing and a cramped game of sardines.

Helen George, who plays Trixie Aylward, said she didn’t mind not going to Hong Kong. “I get to wear an angel costume to the carnvial. It’s probably the favourite costume I’ve ever worn. It’s got a 1970s twist. It’s a beautiful white coat with a fur trim and angel wings coming out of the back, and then these really cool glittery stars. For me, it was a lot of fun dressing up.”

But Laura Main, who plays Shelagh Turner, said she had loved every second of filming abroad. “It was just a life highlight, if I’m honest. All the places I’ve been over the past 15 years – South Africa, the Outer Hebrides, and now Hong Kong. What this show has allowed me to be part of is just amazing and I’m so grateful for it.”

– Call the Midwife, BBC1, Christmas Day and Boxing Day

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WHO doesn’t love a Christmas film? They’re cosy, uplifting and of course, full of festivities.

If you want to take your viewing a step further, Trainline has given us the lowdown on journeys to make this season from chocolate-box style village to spots in the capital where famous faces created some of your favourite festive movies.

Love Actually

Telling epic, and sometimes brutal, love stories is the Christmas classic, Love Actually.

Most fans will know that lots of this film starring Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and Keira Knightley was shot largely in London.

Some iconic spots from the film include Borough Market, and finding the spot where Liam Neeson’s character Daniel has a heart-to-heart with his son Sam (played by Thomas Brodie-Sangster).

The bench is at at Queen’s Walk on Gabriel’s Wharf which looks over the Thames and has independent boutiques, galleries, street food, and restaurants.

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City Hall is where Bill Nighy’s record label was founded, and don’t forget to visit Somerset House.

If you head to Oxford Street you’ll spy Selfridges – the department store where Harry attempts to buy Mia a necklace only to be thwarted by Rowan Atkinson.

You only get a glimpse of it during the film, but it’s a fab festive visit.

At the moment, visitors can step onto the ice with Virgin Skate with tickets from £27.50.

How to get there: Take a train into Waterloo or Blackfriars station and Gabriel’s Wharf is a 10-minute walk.

For City Hall, head to London Bridge station and from there it’s a 10-minute walk. Somerset House is about 15 minutes’ walk from Waterloo station. 

Nativity!

Back in 2009 Nativity! was released and the cast and crew made a big impact in Coventry.

Most notably, the grand finale of the film takes place in the huge Coventry Cathedral.

You can visit the old Coventry Cathedral for free – although they do ask for donations for the upkeep of the historical site.

Also in the city you can visit the Blitz Museum, New Cathedral and incredible Tower Climb up 180 steps.

How to get there: Take a train direct to Coventry station where the ruins are just 15 minutes’ walk away.

The Snowman

It might be an illustrated film, but The Snowman is a classic and there’s some obvious locations throughout the film – particularly in the south.

James and The Snowman fly over the very recognisable Royal Pavilion and Palace Pier.

As most Brits know, Brighton is absolutely thriving with restaurants, cafes, independent shops and plenty to do like visiting Sea Life, LaserZone and the Upside Down House.

How to get tehre: Nearest station: Brighton which has direct trains from London Victoria, Blackfriars and London Bridge.

The Palace Pier is just over 15 minutes’ walk (or a short bus ride) and the Royal Pavilion is just 11 minutes’ walk.

The Holiday

Kate Winslet’s cosy English cottage is a Christmas dream staycation for most of us – but sadly, it doesn’t exist.

However, there are places in the film that you can actually visit if you head to Shere, a village in Surrey.

The picture perfect spot has one church, two pubs, a café – with The White Horse pub which was where Graham (played by Jude Law) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz) had their cosy date.

Guests have raved about the pub, praising both the staff and the food.

One person called it a “quaint old pub full of character” another said they had their “best meal all year”.

You’ll feel the inspiration of Iris’ cottage in the chocolate-box village too and there are plenty of cute places to stop in like the Dabbling Duck tearoom, and sweetshop called Shere Delights.

You can also stop by the town of Godalming which has pretty cobbled lanes and narrow road where Amanda attempts to drive around.

How to get there: The nearest station for Shere is Gomshall, and from there it’s a 15 minute walk to Shere village.

Strolling back to Gomshall, you can take another train onwards to Godalming, which is connected on the London Waterloo line.

Jingle, Jangle: A Christmas Journey

Called a ‘Christmas underdog’ Jingle, Jangle: A Christmas Journey only came out five years ago – but has some great spots to visit in the UK.

The musical adventure follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle and many of the key scenes were shot in Norwich.

The fictional town of Cobbleton had the backdrop of Elm Hill – a historic, cobbled street known for its medieval half-timbered buildings.

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For a double whammy, and fans of the 2007 film Stardust should known that this film was also filmed in Elm Hill.

How to get there: Take a train to Norwich station, and the picturesque street of Elm Hill is just 14 minutes’ walk away.

Dick and Angel Strawbridge shared an exciting filming update as fans react to how grown up their children Arthur and Dorothy look in new pictures

The Strawbridge clan have shared an exciting filming development.

Dick and Angel Strawbridge are recognised for featuring on the restoration programme, which debuted in 2016 following the pair’s acquisition of a French château in 2015.

The reality TV series documented Dick, Angel and their brood as they purchased and refurbished the 19th-century estate in France, whilst bringing up two youngsters and launching a venture hosting nuptials and various occasions.

Throughout the years, audiences adored witnessing the household transform the residence to their taste.

Supporters were thrilled last month when it was revealed the programme would be making a return with series 10 currently being produced, reports the Liverpool Echo.

A fresh development has been shared by the household ahead of the upcoming instalments.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday (November 23), the official profile of the Strawbridge family posted a photograph of Dick and Angel positioned in the snow, before their French residence and additional images of their offspring, Arthur and Dorothy.

The post was captioned: “Hello to you on this Super Sunday! Christmas came early this weekend at the Chateau…Not only did it snow and Arthur and Dorothy got to catch snowflakes with their tongues.

“We got to film something rather special with the perfect weather conditions! We can’t wait to share it with you. Have a lovely evening!”

Viewers of the Channel 4 programme shared comments and demonstrated their backing for the family. Numerous fans were astonished by how mature the children had become, having first graced our screens as youngsters.

One viewer remarked: “Oh my goodness how grown up are the kids now” whilst another contributed “Such beautiful pictures, Arthur and Dorothy are growing up so quick.”

An additional response quipped “Are you two shrinking, or are these kids getting real grown up” while others penned “Your family is growing up. Happy Holidays” and “Cannot wait to watch the Strawbridge Family Christmas magic again! ! ! Thank you so much for coming back to us!”.

Revealing the news of series 10 last month, the family declared: “We are delighted to announce that we are officially back in production for Escape to the Chateau, Series 10!”.

“It’s been wonderful welcoming back our Escape filming family – the unsung heroes behind the cameras. Since we first fell in love with the Chateau in 2014, it has taken us on the journey of a lifetime.

“In 2022, we made the important decision to take a break from filming and concluded Series 9 with the most incredible and magical celebration we could have ever imagined.”

The announcement shared by the family continued: “Now, as a family, we’ve stepped into a new era. With Arthur and Dorothy happily settled into college, Series 10 brings more change and growth than the Chateau has ever seen!

“We promised that when the time was right for our family, we’d invite the cameras back in to give you an update – and maybe even a Christmas Special…and that time is now! Thank you for being part of our story – we can’t wait to share this next magical chapter with you.”

Dick and Angel along with their two youngsters, Arthur and Dorothy, have called the estate home for over 10 years and continue to make their mark on the magnificent property. The pair frequently post pictures of their breathtaking grounds on social media and offer glimpses into parts of the château that viewers seldom saw during the programme.

Escape to the Chateau is available to stream on Channel 4 online

Claudia Winkleman, praised recently for her work on The Celebrity Traitors, was supposed to start filming The Piano at King’s Cross Station in London last weekend

The Christmas special of The Piano has reportedly had to be canned because of the stabbing attack on a London-bound train last weekend.

Filming for the festive episode was supposed to start this week at London King’s Cross Station, where the ill-fated service was due to terminate on Saturday night. Claudia Winkleman and her crew had to halt their plans, though, as heightened security created problems for access in the station.

And it was decided to abandon the one-off, hour-long Christmas special this year, it is understood. The team, it is believed, behind The Piano felt it was inappropriate to make the cosy show in the neighbouring St Pancras Station while the horrors affected passengers on the train from Peterborough to the capital.

Claudia, who also presents The Traitors and The Celebrity Traitors, was due to be joined by The Piano mentors Jon Baptiste and Mika on the train concourses, which are regularly filled with amateurs tinkling on the ivories.

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The Piano has enjoyed three seasons since it started in February 2023. Last year, the festive special aired on Christmas Day itself on Channel 4, but it was unclear when 2025’s episode was due to air.

But, according to The Sun, a full series of The Piano, hosted by Claudia once more, will return in 2026 with a fourth series, which will start filming in the spring and air later in the year.

During last Christmas’ episode, Claudia and her team reunited with some of the stand-out players from series two, performing seasonal favourites including Walking in the Air, O Holy Night and Joni Mitchell’s River. Brad Kella, who won Series two, puts on a moving performance of his first single. Mika and Lang Lang performed a duet of a Beatles classic too.

And, during the third series in the spring, Claudia, 53, wept during performances at other locations, including Heathrow Airport. She had said: “The people who make the show make it beautifully. There are no lights. There is no tripod. They’re just in the station and they’re documentary makers at heart. It’s not like any other TV show. The people who make it are the stars.”

More than 12 million people typically tuned in for The Celebrity Traitors each episode this year, a show also hosted by mother-of-three Claudia. Audiences for the first four episodes of the tense BBC One game show averaged 12.6 million, according to official seven-day consolidated figures published by the research body Barb.

The ultimate game of deception and trust draws to a close tonight on BBC One.

A charming UK town has been transformed into the Wizarding World as a location for the new Harry Potter TV series on HBO and it needs to be on your staycation radar

Harry Potter fans around the world are waiting for the arrival of the 2027 HBO TV series. With a whole new cast and reportedly some big changes from the movies, it’s set to be a huge TV event.

Once released, one local town is likely to become a must-visit destination for Potterheads, in the same way Kings Cross Station’s Platform 3/4 and Alnwick Castle are now. So, if you’re a die-hard fan, it might be worth making a trip before the crowds descend.

Looe in Cornwall is no stranger to film crews. Fans of the BBC series Beyond Paradise will recognise many of the filming locations including The Looe Guildhall which was used as the local police station, and Looe Bridge.

Recently, celebrities including John Lithgow, who’ll be playing Dumbledore, were spotted locally filming scenes for the show.

Looe already has a must-visit attraction for Potter fans, a quirky-themed shop called Henrietta Pyewacket, which is full of merchandise from the Wizarding World. It’s just one of the charming independent stores you’ll find in the town, with narrow streets that slope gently down towards the coast. Wander around the cobbled roads and find souvenir shops, boutiques, and historic pubs.

Looe Beach sits in a sandy cove, with shallow spots for swimming. It’s often busy in the summer months, with surfers and windsailing on the water. If you’d like a quieter spot, head to the rocky cove of Talland Bay, which is set in an Area of Outstanding Beauty. While rocky, there are spots for swimming, but look out for flags. It’s also a great spot for a brisk coastal walk, followed by a cup of tea in the beach cafe.

According to Cornwall Live, there are two other spots where film crews have been seen in the county. The small fishing village of Cadgwith Cove, which sits on the Lizard peninsula, has also become a location for the Harry Potter TV show.

Cadgwith Cove has a traditional Cornish vibe, with small fishing boats on the beach bringing in local crabs, which you can sample in one of the small beachfront cafes. There’s also shingle beach which is popular for swimming and snorkelling, and you’ll often see kids with nets exploring the rock pools. This cute village has lots of cosy cottages and is the perfect place to escape the crowds in high season.

Kynance Cove has also been used for filming the show, and this spectacular beach is famous for having white sands and turquoise seas that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. Actor John Lithgow was recently spotted walking on the beach in his Dumbledore robes as he filmed a scene. The National Trust-run area also has beautiful rock stacks and clifftop walks, as well as sea caves that can be explored at low tide. Visitors should be cautious about entering the caves, as a sudden high tide can cut you off. Be sure to find out the tide times and follow any warning signs.

And if visiting the filming locations wasn’t enough, Harry Potter fans can even stay in a themed AirBnb. The Wizards Cauldron in Lewannick is a cosy cabin that has been decked in Potter decor, with one reviewer saying: “If you’re a Harry Potter fan this is a must try because the attention to detail is incredible”. It’s the perfect spot to watch the movies after a day of exploring Cornwall’s Harry Potter locations.

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