FROM snowy countrysides to festive city spots, Christmas movies have taken inspiration from a variety of UK locations.
And while the North Pole may be far out of the way, you can get into the spirit by visiting these iconic film spots a little closer to home.
Before you snuggle up to watch your go-to Christmas classics, why not go one step further and visit the exact spot where it was filmed this festive season?
A variety of festive favourites were shot on-site here in the UK, from the star-studded Love Actually to Christmas comedy Nativity!
If you find yourself near any of these famous film locations, celebrate the Christmas season by stepping into the shoes of your favourite festive characters.
Shere, Surrey
This picturesque village hit the big screen when it was featured in The Holiday back in 2006.
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The quaint area consists of historic timber-framed buildings and medieval charm, nestled in the idyllic Tillingbourne Valley.
It played home to Kate Winslet’s Iris who famously swaps homes with Los Angeles resident Amanda, played by Cameron Diaz.
Shere provides the romantic backdrop for Diaz as she finds love with Jude Law during her festive getaway.
And the village also featured in the Bridget Jones franchise, which is often considered another Christmas classic for Brits.
Snowshill, Cotswolds
The quintessential Cotswolds village also featured in Bridget Jones Diary, the first installment of the hit series.
In fact, the film and the entire franchise opens with with Bridget turning up at her parent’s house in Snowshill on a wintry New Year’s Day.
And it is in the same town where the quirky protagonist has her first on-screen encounter with her eventual husband Mark Darcy.
Due to the film’s success and the idyllic scenery, many people now stop for a photo outside the village church or one of the quaint houses that appear in the film.
As a result, Snowshill has established itself as one of Britain’s most popular Christmas film locations.
Brighton Pier
While the iconic seaside attraction may be associated with summer fun, it also has ties to the festive season.
Fans of the animated film The Snowman may recognise the historic pier from the famous Walking In The Air scene.
The main characters can be seen flying over the historic pier as they make their way to the North Pole.
While the sequence may be brief, it is perhaps one of the most famous associated with the beloved classic.
Hogwarts Great Hall
Another children’s classic is of course Harry Potter, a film series often associated with and watched around Christmas.
And while witches and wizards may be akin Halloween characters, the cosy grounds of Hogwarts are perhaps the most enticing when they are decked out for the festive season.
Now fans of the film can step into the magic by visiting the Warner Brothers Studio in Watford.
A quick trip from London, this studio tour offers a stunningly detailed look into the making of the movies, and what better time to visit than in the lead up to Christmas when the Great Hall set is adorned with decorations?
Covent Garden
And in the heart of London is of course the famous Covent Garden, which many argue is the home to the city’s best Christmas tree.
While it is already on most tourist lists, the festive season marks the best time to visit this popular spot.
With a famous Christmas market and choir performances, there’s plenty to get you in the spirit at this time of year.
And fans of the 2019 rom-com Last Christmas are sure to spot many filming spots inside this famous square, which feature heavily in the film.
Emilia Clarke’s Kate works as an Elf in a fictional year-round Christmas shop at this location, while the famous karaoke scene was shot at nearby pub The Harp.
St Luke’s Mews, Notting Hill
And if you’re a fan of Christmas rom-coms, you’ll want to pop over to Notting Hill too.
The beautiful cobbled street of St Luke’s Mews plays the backdrop to arguably the most famous scene from the festive flick Love Actually.
Whether you lap up Mark’s (Andrew Lincoln) cue card love confession to his friend’s new wife, played by Kiera Knightly, or cringe at the iconic scene, you’re sure to recognise this famous street.
While this street it located just off Portobello Road, home to the world’s largest antique market, it is still a residential area so remember to be respectful when visiting.
Coventry Cathedral Ruins
Another British Christmas classic is of course Nativity!, which primary school teacher Mr Maddens, played by Martin Freeman, as he attempts to stage a production of the Nativity.
After telling a white lie to impress his ex, Maddens soon finds himself in the midst of a media storm surrounding the school play.
The mayor even allows the class to perform the highly-anticipated show at the historic ruins of Coventry cathedral in an atmospheric climax to the film.
Paddington Station
And who can talk about beloved British festive flicks without mentioning Paddington?
The iconic bear famously made his way from Peru to the Paddington area of London, after which he was named.
Visitors can visit a statue of the bear at his namesake station, which provided the backdrop for one of the most important scenes in the 2014 film.
Elm Hill, Norwich
The picturesque area of Elm Hill in Norwich features heavily in Netflix’s Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.
Snowy scenery provides a backdrop for the adventure of an old toy maker and his granddaughter.
The cobbled streets, multi-coloured houses, and quaint shops of the town provide the perfect setting for movie magic.
And they also ensure the perfect shot on Instagram, whether you’re a fan of the film or not.
Birdsall House
And finally, this Malton mansion plays home to the Christmas family in 2021’s Father Christmas Is Back.
Kelsey Grammer plays James, the father of Joanna, played by Elizabeth Hurley, who he abandoned years ago.
The festive family flick follows them as they attempt to navigate Christmas together, with many scenes set at the stunning Birdsall House.
This beautiful country house is surrounded by glorious Yorkshire countryside and is a popular wedding venue, with private guided tours of the property are available.