It’s officially film awards season, which means all eyes are on movies like “Darkest Hour,” “Paddington 2” and “Victoria & Abdul” as they receive nominations for the BAFTA Awards and the prestigious Academy Awards.
And movie-loving travelers are in luck: Many of the year’s top noms shot extensively in Britain’s most scenic spots, making 2018 the perfect year for a trip starring all your favorite film locales.
See below for the real-life locations behind this year’s award contenders.
PADDINGTON 2
Nominated for Outstanding British Film, Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay at the BAFTA Awards
Paddington Station, London
Paddington Bear’s namesake railway station makes an appearance in this sequel film. You can find a cute bronze statue of Paddington on Platform One, and there’s a shop dedicated to all things Paddington in the station.
Portobello Road, London
Paddington goes shopping on Portobello Road, the world’s largest antiques market. Hunt for your own vintage clothing, classic records and old-timey trinkets among the street’s colorful storefronts.
Little Venice, London
Paddington and his doggy sidekick endure a high-speed chase along the canal towpath in Little Venice, a London neighborhood known for its charming cafes and pubs. Take a stroll by the water, and catch a show on the Puppet Barge, a floating theater.
VICTORIA & ABDUL
Nominated for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup & Hairstyling at both the Academy Awards and the BAFTA Awards
Balmoral Castle, Scotland
In the film, Queen Victoria visits this royal retreat in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, which she purchased in 1852. The British Royal Family still vacations at the estate today, and visitors are welcome to tour it from April through July.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
In the movie, Queen Victoria has a picnic with her servant Abdul here, in Scotland’s Central Highlands. Expect to see wildlife, mountains and tranquil lakes during your visit.
Isle of Wight, England
The film prominently features Osbourne House, Queen Victoria’s family home where she first meets Abdul. The home – which is open to visitors – sits on the gorgeous Isle of Wight, whose other highlights include award-winning beaches, stunning rock formations and a family-run zoo.
DARKEST HOUR
Nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture and nine BAFTA Awards including Best Film
Manchester Town Hall in Manchester, England
This Neo-Gothic landmark serves as a haven for Winston Churchill in the film. The hall is closed for refurbishment until 2024, but you can still take in its stunning architecture during a walking tour of the city.
Houses of Parliament, London
The production designer for Darkest Hour speculates there are secret tunnels leading into the Houses of Parliament, where parts of the film were shot. Tunnels or none, visitors can see the stunning Central Lobby and more on a guided tour.
Greenwich, London
The University of Greenwich served as a backdrop for notable scenes in the film. Visitors can tour the university grounds and explore Greenwich’s other wonders like the Old Royal Navy College, National Maritime Museum and the Prime Meridian line.
PHANTOM THREAD
Nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture and four BAFTA Awards including Best Actor
Robin Hood’s Bay, North Yorkshire, England
Film crews took over this historic smugglers’ village to shoot what Bon Appétit calls the “best food scene” of the year. Sip coffee, dine on seafood, and try the local beer during your stay.
Blackpool Tower Ballroom in Lancashire, England
Phantom Thread features an over-the-top party scene shot in Blackpool Tower Ballroom, an elegant venue dating back to 1894. You can have tea, hit the dance floor or listen to the ballroom’s classic organ when you stop by.
DUNKIRK
Nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and eight BAFTA Awards including Best Film
Weymouth, Dorset, England
In the movie, the Royal Navy’s civilian fleet sets sail from Weymouth Harbour. Today’s visitors can enjoy a harborside walk before heading to Weymouth’s golden-sand beaches.
Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England
The film features a panoramic shot of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset when a ship returns home. Spanning 95 miles of coastline, the Jurassic Coast displays 185 million years of natural history in the form of deserts, forests and beaches.
