Five train journeys to make this Christmas to see filming locations from Love Actually to The Holiday
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.
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.
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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.
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.
Trainline’s tips on how to save money on your train journeys this Christmas…
Don’t forget to use Railcards for savings
It’s a myth that the Family and Friends railcard is only for a family of 3+.
It gives 1/3 off adult fares and 60% off kids’ tickets.
Got kids aged 16+? There’s more than one option – the 16-17 Saver provides 50 per cent off adult fares, or the 16-25 Railcard provides a third off – with a 3-year option available at a discounted rate of £80.
GroupSave perks
If you are travelling in a group of three-to-nine you can save up to 1/3 on tickets when you book together.
One person just needs to book for the whole group to unlock GroupSave – for eligible journeys a pop-up message in the Trainline app will prompt you to “Apply discount”.
