If you love watching movies or TV shows, you might want to visit the real places where they were filmed. Set-jetting lets you travel to locations that make these stories feel real, giving you a new way to enjoy your favorite stories.
Popular shows and films often use real cities, towns, and landmarks to create their worlds. You can explore these spots in person and see what made the scenes come to life.
This guide will help you find famous filming locations and tell you how to visit them, so your next trip can bring your favorite shows and movies into reality.
Set-Jetting Explained: Why Movie & TV Destinations Matter
Traveling to real movie and TV locations gives you a chance to connect with your favorite stories in a unique way. These spots let you see the exact places where scenes were filmed, making the experience feel more vivid and personal. Understanding why these places attract visitors helps you appreciate their value.
What Is Set-Jetting?
Set-jetting means visiting the real places where movies or TV shows were filmed. Instead of just watching on a screen, you explore the actual streets, buildings, or landscapes used in the story. This type of travel turns the settings from fiction into real locations you can walk around and photograph.
For example, if you loved Harry Potter, you might visit King’s Cross Station in London or the Alnwick Castle which stood in for Hogwarts. Set-jetting gives fans a way to step inside their favorite fictional worlds.
Reasons Fans Visit Film Locations
People visit filming spots for different reasons. Some want to relive famous scenes or take photos in iconic settings. Others enjoy learning about how the movie or show was made, discovering behind-the-scenes facts.
Visiting these places also helps bring stories to life. Being where the action happened deepens your connection to the characters and plot. Plus, it is a unique way to explore new cities or countries while doing something fun.
Impact on Local Culture and Tourism
Film locations often see more tourists after a popular show or movie appears there. This can boost local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and shops. Communities sometimes create tours, museums, or events to celebrate the film connection.
On the other hand, sudden crowds may change how locals live or use their spaces. Some places take steps to balance tourism with preserving the area’s everyday character. Set-jetting can affect both the economy and culture of a town or city where filming took place.
Iconic Movie & TV Filming Locations to Visit
You can explore real places that bring your favorite scenes to life. These locations let you walk where characters stood and see the landscapes that shaped the stories.
Game of Thrones Filming Sites
If you want to visit the world of Westeros, many spots in Northern Ireland, Croatia, and Spain were key filming areas. In Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges is famous as the Kingsroad. You can also visit Ballintoy Harbour, which stood in for the Iron Islands.
In Croatia, Dubrovnik represents King’s Landing with its old city walls and forts. It’s a great place to stroll through narrow streets that feel like a medieval kingdom.
Spain’s Alcázar of Seville was used as the Water Gardens of Dorne. The architecture and gardens there give a real sense of the show’s exotic areas.
The Lord of the Rings Landscapes
New Zealand is the heart of Middle-earth. You can visit Hobbiton, the colorful movie set with round doors and green hills near Matamata. The set looks just like it did in the films.
Tongariro National Park was used for Mount Doom and other volcanic landscapes. Its rugged terrain matches the dark scenes in the story.
Other places like Fiordland National Park show the stunning fjords and lakes seen in many shots. Driving through these areas gives you a feeling of the vast world Tolkien imagined.
Breaking Bad’s Albuquerque
Albuquerque, New Mexico, is the actual city where Breaking Bad was filmed. You can visit the car wash where Walter White worked, still open for business.
The iconic “Superlab” scenes were shot in industrial parts of the city. You can also find Saul Goodman’s law office, a nail salon in real life.
Walking the streets where key scenes happened helps you see the show’s gritty, desert setting. Local tours offer guided visits to many of these spots.
Harry Potter Landmarks
The Harry Potter films used several sites in the UK. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour near London shows sets like the Great Hall and Diagon Alley. You can see original costumes and props there.
Alnwick Castle in England was used for Hogwarts’ outdoor scenes. Climbing walls and walking the grounds bring you closer to Hogwarts life.
Gloucester Cathedral also served as a Hogwarts corridor for many scenes. The old stone walls and narrow hallways match the magical school’s style.
You can also visit King’s Cross Station in London. The famous Platform 9¾ has a cart embedded in the wall for photos.
How to Plan Your Set-Jetting Adventure
You need to decide where to go, when to visit, how much money to spend, and whether to join a tour or explore on your own. Each choice affects your experience and how close you get to the filming locations.
Researching Authentic Locations
Start by finding reliable sources about where movies and shows were filmed. Use official websites, fan pages, and social media groups dedicated to set-jetting. Websites like IMDb often list filming locations for popular titles.
Look for spots that are open to the public or easily accessible. Note any restrictions, such as private property or closed sets. Check maps for exact locations and nearby amenities like parking, food, and restrooms.
You can also read blog posts or watch videos from other travelers to get tips and avoid common mistakes. Knowing exactly where and what to expect saves time and improves your visit.
Best Times to Visit Film Sets
Plan your trip during off-peak seasons to avoid crowds. Film sites in popular cities can get very busy during holidays or summer. Visiting in early spring or fall often gives you better weather and fewer visitors.
Check if the location is used for current filming. Closed sets won’t let tourists visit. Sometimes, sets reopen as tourist attractions years after filming ends, so verify the status before booking.
Morning visits usually offer better lighting for photos and quieter experiences. Also, check local events or festivals that might affect access or increase prices nearby.
Budgeting for Set-Jetting Trips
Set-jetting costs vary depending on location, travel, and activities. Start by listing your expected expenses: transportation, accommodation, food, entrance fees, and souvenirs.
Look for deals on flights and hotels. Consider staying outside major cities to save money but balance this with transportation costs to the filming sites.
Set aside extra money for guided tours or special experiences like museum visits or themed restaurants. Free attractions may include walking tours or public parks used in filming.
Track your spending using an app or notebook to avoid overspending. Prioritize must-see locations and adjust your plans if budgets tighten.
Guided Tours Versus Independent Travel
Guided tours offer expert insight and easy transportation between sites. They save you time planning and often include behind-the-scenes stories or access to private locations. However, tours may follow strict schedules and have less flexibility.
Independent travel lets you explore at your own pace. You can customize stops based on your interests and time. You’ll need to do more research and manage logistics like transportation and entry tickets.
Choose based on your comfort with planning and desired experience. Some cities offer self-guided audio tours as a middle ground between the two options.
Maximizing Your Set-Jetting Experience
To get the most from visiting movie and TV filming spots, focus on how you capture the moment, connect with others who share your interest, and act responsibly around locals. These actions will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Photography Tips for Movie Locations
Use natural light whenever possible. Early morning or late afternoon offers soft lighting that enhances photos. Avoid harsh midday sun to prevent strong shadows.
Bring a wide-angle lens if you have a camera. It helps capture more of the scenery, which is important for showing the location in context. If using a phone, explore panorama mode.
Respect any rules about photography. Some places ban tripods or drones. Always ask before taking close-up photos of people or private property.
Try to find angles shown in the film. Look for key landmarks or set details. This can make your photos more authentic and fun.
Connecting With Fellow Fans
Join online groups or social media pages dedicated to your favorite shows or films. These communities often share tips about visiting locations you might not find on your own.
Attend local tours or fan meet-ups if available. You’ll meet people who know the story behind the scenes and can give you insider advice.
Share your photos and experiences online. Use hashtags related to the show or movie to reach others who appreciate the same content.
Talking with others can deepen your understanding of the stories connected to the places you visit.
Respecting Local Communities
Always follow local laws and posted signs, especially around private property and protected areas. Stick to marked paths and avoid restricted zones.
Be polite when interacting with residents. Remember, you are a visitor in their neighborhood. Excess noise or littering can cause problems.
Support the community by buying local products or using local services. This helps maintain the area and shows appreciation for the host.
Leave the place as you found it. Your actions affect whether filming locations stay open to fans in the future.
Conclusion
Set-jetting isn’t just another travel trend—it’s a way to turn your love for movies and TV into real-life adventures. There’s something oddly satisfying about standing where your favorite characters once stood, or seeing a landscape you’ve only known through a screen.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a fresh way to explore the world, visiting these filming locations adds a new layer of excitement to travel. So, why not let your next trip be inspired by the stories you love? Go ahead—step into the scene and see what happens.
