A guide to traveling: Iconic Television Filming Locations

Have you been a long-time fan of a television show and one of your dreams is to see the locations where they shot the scenes? Well, in this article, we made a list of iconic television films that you might want to see in real life.

King’s Landing is in Dubrovnik, Croatia 

Are you a fan of GoT, also known as “Game of Thrones? Travel to Dubrovnik, Croatia, to see the fictional King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. You can walk into the city and see well-preserved walls. You can also explore the Pile Gate entrance or climb the Baroque Jesuit Staircase if you’re up for it. Going up there will seem like you’ve been transported to the world of Westeros. 

What’s beautiful about Dubrovnik is the Adriatic coast, where the waters are clear and orange-roofed houses can be seen. This will make you imagine the iconic scenes that have happened in the series, or you can simply take in the view of what you saw on television.

To get there, you have a lot of options to choose from. Some airlines offer direct flights to Dubrovnik Airport all over Europe and in some North American cities if you’re looking for the quickest way to get there. But if you’re an adventurous traveler, there are alternate routes you can explore. Once you get to Dubrovnik, some buses connect from there to other Croatian cities. You also have the option to drive if you want to experience going on a road trip there; however, keep in mind the border crossings in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Central Perk is in Manhattan, New York City 

Go on a trip to New York City and visit the corner of Bedford and Grove Streets! Why? Because this is where the exterior of the fictional Central Perk coffee shop is located in the series “Friends.” Although the familiar orange interior shots were filmed on a soundstage in Los Angeles, they brought back many memories of the cast’s funny moments. 

Imagine yourself as you’re going to see Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, Joey, Rachel, and Ross for a cup of Joe and have a good time.

There are several ways to get here. You can take a plane to three major airports, such as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. Once you’re there, you can take trains like Amtrak for comfortable travel to many East Coast cities. Traveling by bus is also an option if you want to be budget-friendly. You can also go on a road trip if you’re up for an adventure, but bear in mind the traffic you can run into. 

The Scottish Highlands will bring you to Outlander 

The broad landscape of the Scottish Highlands is where the historical drama “Outlander” was filmed. The standing stones, like Craigh na Dun, located near Dunfermline, were greatly featured in the series. As well as the village of Culross, which was the fictional Cranesmuir. 

If you travel through Glencoe, its valleys and rugged beauty will let you experience the raw wilderness that became the backdrop for the show’s time-traveling romance.

To get there quickly, you can take a flight to Inverness Airport (INV). When you arrive, trains are coming from major Scottish cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow. Taking buses can also be an option for those who are looking for budget-friendly transportation. Car rental is another option for those looking for an adventure. Just remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road if you’re not aware of the rules on the road.

Doctor Who is in Cardiff, Wales 

If you watch “Doctor Who,”  then you would want to visit Cardiff, Wales. This energetic city has been the primary filming location for the sci-fi series since it was revived in 2005. Cardiff Castle, the National Museum of Wales, and the Doctor Who Experience give fans a chance to explore the real-world settings that were seen in most episodes of the show. Furthermore, Cardiff Bay has a futuristic backdrop that usually stands in for alien landscapes.

The fastest way to get here is to travel to Cardiff Airport (CWL). There are direct flights from various locations in the UK and Europe. Taking a train from London, Birmingham, and Manchester is another option, and you will arrive at Cardiff Central Station. For budget-friendly options, the National Express coaches are available. An option to go on a road trip is also available.

A budget-friendly way to explore

If you’re looking into availing of organized tours, which is a better way to visit film locations, then that’s totally up to you. However, there is another way to explore these locations without having to spend a lot. If you look into the locations beforehand, you can create your itinerary and might even discover hidden places along the way. This way, it sounds more thrilling and exciting if you’re up for the adventure.

Traveling to film locations brings a deeper connection to the fans watching, especially if you’ve been an avid fan. Looking at and standing in the same place where the iconic moments took place allows you to reimagine those scenes and appreciate how they were brought to life. This experience can give you a sense of the meaning of the show, help you discuss it with fellow fans, and help you create lasting memories.

This article only mentions a few famous television locations that call for exploration. There are a lot of television and film locations to choose from that you can go to and experience what it’s like to be there. If you need more convincing, Slingo can tell you about other iconic television filming locations that weren’t mentioned here.