Surrey becomes the scene of blossoming romances in these films…
1. The Holiday (2006) – Shere, near Dorking
Cameron Diaz and Jude Law were among a host of stars who descended on Shere for the filming of the romantic comedy The Holiday. Several shops and the 15th-century pub, The White Horse, appear in the film. Scenes were also shot in Godalming.
2. Carrington (1995) – Winkworth Arboretum, near Godalming
The story of the relationship between painter Dora Carrington and author Lytton Strachey in World War One England, starring Emma Thompson, featured scenes shot at the Surrey beauty spot.
3. Close my Eyes (1991) – Newark Priory, Pyrford
Starring Alan Rickman and a picnic scene at Newark Priory, Pyrford, the cast then take a stroll along the Wey to Newark Lock. The grand party that is the stage for the film’s climax was shot at Polesden Lacey, Great Bookham.
4. A Little Chaos (2014) - Ham House, Richmond
Actress Kate Winslet filmed for the Alan Rickman directed A Little Chaos at the National Trust’s Ham House near Richmond. The film depicts a pair of landscape gardeners competing to design a fountain at Versailles for Louis XIV.
5. Howard’s End (1992) – Royal Holloway, Egham
This film stars Vanessa Redgrave, Helena Bonham Carter and Emma Thompson, as well as the stunning Founder’s Building at Royal Holloway.
6. The Invisible Woman (2013) – Devil’s Punchbowl, Hindhead
Ralph Fiennes’ latest film about Charles Dickens, sees Hampstead Heath being represented by the Devil’s Punch Bowl in Hindhead. Filming also took place at Southside House in Wimbledon.
7.Iris (2001) – River Wey Navigation
The true story of the lifelong romance between novelist Iris Murdoch and her husband John Bayley, Iris stars Dame Judi Dench, Kate Winslet, Jim Broadbent - and the River Wey.
8.Love Actually (2003) – Epsom Downs Racecourse
Everyone’s favourite scene in Love Actually - the bit where they show the arrivals hall at Heathrow Airport - was actually shot at Epsom Downs Racecourse. Another airport in the film was actually Sandown Park in Esher, which was transformed into Milwaukee International Airport – apparently, if you freeze-frame as Colin is coming out of the doors of the airport, you can see the Sandown Park logo on the doors.
9. Maybe Baby (2000) – Epsom Downs Racecourse
On this occasion, the distinctive Queen’s Stand doubled as the BBC’s offices in the Ben Elton directed film, Maybe Baby. In his own life, the director has links to the towns of Godalming and Guildford.
10. Reunion at Fairborough (1985) – Shere
World War Two vets travel to England for a reunion at their old base. Once there, one rekindles an old romance with an old flame. One of Surrey’s most picturesque villages, Shere, makes an appearance alongside Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr.
11. W.E. (2011) – Coverwood Lakes, Ewhurst
Pop star turned director Madonna filmed scenes for her two-tiered romantic drama at these privately owned lakes. The action focuses on the affair between King Edward VIII and American divorcée Wallis Simpson.
12. Women in Love (1969) – Broome Hall, Coldharbour
The home of actor Oliver Reed in the sixties, Broome Hall was used to shoot scenes for the Ken Russell film of DH Lawrence’s controversial Women in Love. Reed himself starred alongside Glenda Jackson and Alan Bates.
13.Never Let Me Go (2011) – Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey
Andrew Garfield (raised in Epsom and taking the lead role in Spiderman 3), Carey Mulligan (Oscar-nominated former Woldingham School pupil) and a certain Keira Knightley (who attended Esher College) star. Scenes were also shot at Ham House in Richmond.
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