Our little corner of Surrey has much to boast about. Not only do we have Hampton Court Palace and many beautiful gardens and National Trusts, but we also play host to the second biggest film studio in the world, Shepperton Studios – and it’s right around the corner from Craven House.
Being a short hop from London meant that the film studios around Teddington and Shepperton became bustling hubs for cinematic innovation. Many iconic movies and TV shows have been filmed in the Pinewood studios, Shepperton Studios, across the Surrey Hills and in historic filming locations across the county. Read on for more about the film studios and locations in and around Hampton Court.
Pinewood Studios and Shepperton Studios
One of the most renowned film studios in the UK, Pinewood has played a pivotal role in both British and international cinema. Along with Shepperton Studios, also part of the Pinewood group, the filming locations boast 60 stages, as well a permanently filled underwater filming stage and one of the largest tanks in Europe. Founded in 1931, Pinewood is known for its state-of-the-art sound stages, and continues to be a hub for major film and television projects, like 2012’s The Avengers and Roald Dahl’s Matilda. Access to nearby natural and historic filming locations, plus the post-production and lighting departments make these studios a favourite choice amongst directors and filmmakers. Not to mention the close proximity to Heathrow Airport which is not to be underestimated in a busy film industry.
Teddington Studios
Teddington Studios was closed for redevelopment in 2014, but had a rich and varied history before that. Founded in the 19th Century along the banks of the Thames, Teddington Studios was purchased by Warner Bros in 1934, rebuilt in the 1940s after being destroyed in the war and then sold to ABC Television in 1958. Thames Television was based at the studios for 25 years and saw the creation of many of England’s most popular TV shows.
The Star of The Show: Hampton Court Palace
The beauty of the palace has earned it a starring role in many film and TV productions. Productions like The Favourite (2018), which earned Olivia Colman an Oscar for her portrayal of Queen Anne, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) have used Hampton Court’s grand interiors and gardens. Not to mention Netflix’s Bridgerton which has made extensive use of the grounds and interiors of the Palace as the home of Queen Charlotte.
The Rolling Hills of Surrey
The area surrounding Craven House is beautiful and picturesque. We’re not just saying that either. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, many films, TV shows and commercials have been filmed around here. Films like Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) and Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) took advantage of these stunning backdrops.
The Gardens and National Trusts Of Surrey
Claremont Gardens, a short drive from Craven House in Esher, is a famous 18th-century landscape garden, often used as a filming location for period films and TV shows. Watch an episode of Bridgerton and you’re sure to see the manicured lawns and beautiful lake.
Watch Films at Pinewood and Shepperton Studios
Believe it or not, you can actually watch a film at both Pinewood and Shepperton Studios, in their on-site cinemas. They’re open to the public and easy to book online. So if you fancy yourself a bit of a movie-fan, why not give it a go? It’s a real treat to experience cinema in the home of some of the best of British cinema and you’ll get a little sneak peek behind the scenes
There is so much to keep you entertained when visiting us at Craven House in Hampton Court or Claygate. Surrey really does have a vast variety of things to pique your interest. If there’s anything we can help with ahead of your stay with us please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll do our best to help. Until then, we look forward to seeing you.
