Setjetting, or visiting filming locations from popular movies and TV shows, has become a major travel trend in recent years. Here are some of the top setjetting destinations for travelers from the UK, featuring iconic locations that have starred in film and television:
1. Iceland – “Game of Thrones”
- Why Go: Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes were used for many scenes in the hit series Game of Thrones. From the towering glaciers to volcanic terrains, you can visit locations such as Thingvellir National Park (home to scenes of the “Wall” and North of the Wall), Lake Myvatn, and Grjótagjá cave.
- Top Spots: Þingvellir National Park, Kirkjufell Mountain (Arrowhead Mountain), and Reynisfjara Beach.
2. New Zealand – “The Lord of the Rings” / “The Hobbit”
- Why Go: New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes were transformed into Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. The country is renowned for its sweeping mountains, lush forests, and rolling green hills.
- Top Spots: Hobbiton (Matamata), Tongariro National Park (Mordor), and Fiordland National Park (Fangorn Forest).
3. Scotland – “Outlander”
- Why Go: Outlander’s fans flock to Scotland to visit its historic castles, rugged landscapes, and romantic locations. The series features many of the country’s iconic spots, blending fact with fiction.
- Top Spots: Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), Culross, and Glencoe.
4. Northern Ireland – “Game of Thrones”
- Why Go: Northern Ireland hosted much of the filming for Game of Thrones, with locations representing everything from Winterfell to King’s Landing. You can tour castles, cliffs, and historic forests that appeared in the series.
- Top Spots: Dark Hedges (Kingsroad), Ballintoy (Iron Islands), and Castle Ward (Winterfell).
5. Croatia – “Game of Thrones” / “Star Wars”
- Why Go: Dubrovnik is a major setjetting destination, most famous for being King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. It also appeared in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
- Top Spots: Dubrovnik (King’s Landing), Lokrum Island, and Fort Lovrijenac.
6. Skellig Michael, Ireland – “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” / “The Last Jedi”
- Why Go: This UNESCO World Heritage site off the coast of Ireland became famous as Luke Skywalker’s hideaway in Star Wars. The rugged island with its ancient monasteries is a dream location for both Star Wars fans and nature lovers.
- Top Spots: Skellig Michael itself, but the surrounding Ring of Kerry is also a beautiful area to explore.
7. New York City, USA – “Friends” / “Sex and the City”
- Why Go: NYC is a dream destination for setjetters, offering countless film and TV locations. From the brownstone apartments in Friends to the fashionable spots featured in Sex and the City, visitors can immerse themselves in their favorite shows.
- Top Spots: Central Park, the Friends apartment building (Greenwich Village), and Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment (Perry Street).
8. Paris, France – “Emily in Paris” / “Midnight in Paris”
- Why Go: Paris has long been a romantic setjetting destination, recently popularized by Netflix’s Emily in Paris. Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris also brought a new wave of tourists eager to explore the city’s iconic streets.
- Top Spots: Place de l’Estrapade (Emily’s apartment), Pont Alexandre III, and Café de Flore.
9. Hawaii, USA – “Jurassic Park” / “Lost”
- Why Go: The islands of Hawaii provide lush jungles and dramatic cliffs that served as backdrops for Jurassic Park and Lost. Fans of adventure films and TV series will love exploring this natural paradise.
- Top Spots: Kualoa Ranch (Oahu), Nā Pali Coast (Kauai), and Manoa Falls (Oahu).
10. Italy – “The Godfather” / “Call Me by Your Name”
- Why Go: Sicily is synonymous with The Godfather, where visitors can explore the towns and countryside that featured in the iconic film. More recently, northern Italy became a popular destination thanks to Call Me by Your Name.
- Top Spots: Savoca and Forza d’Agrò (Sicily for The Godfather), Crema and Bergamo (for Call Me by Your Name).
