The 2006 romantic comedy The Holiday, directed by Nancy Meyers, is a beloved holiday classic. With its heartwarming story of two women, Iris (played by Kate Winslet) and Amanda (played by Cameron Diaz), who swap homes for the holidays, the film takes viewers to picturesque locations in both the United States and the United Kingdom. While many scenes were filmed in California, one of the most enchanting aspects of the movie is the quaint and charming countryside of Surrey, England, where Iris’s idyllic cottage is located. In this article, we will explore the beautiful filming locations in Surrey that helped make The Holiday Filming Location Survey such a memorable and visually stunning film.
The Story of The Holiday and Its Connection to Surrey
In The Holiday, Amanda Woods, a successful businesswoman from Los Angeles, and Iris Simpkins, a newspaper columnist from Surrey, decide to swap homes for the Christmas holiday to escape their respective romantic troubles. Amanda arrives in Iris’s charming cottage in the English countryside, while Iris takes a luxurious vacation in Amanda’s sprawling mansion in California.
Surrey, with its rolling hills, charming villages, and picturesque cottages, serves as the perfect setting for Iris’s cozy and romantic life. The serene and beautiful landscapes of this English county make it a natural fit for the film’s depiction of the idyllic countryside where Iris lives, filled with character and charm.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable filming locations in Surrey that were featured in the movie.
1. The Cottage in Godalming
Arguably the most famous and recognizable filming location in Surrey featured in The Holiday Filming Location Survey is the idyllic English cottage where Iris lives. The cottage is a central part of the story, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere as Iris begins to heal and reflect on her life.
The cottage in the film is located in the picturesque village of Godalming, a small town in the county of Surrey. The actual property used as the filming location is a private home, and its charming exterior has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. While the house itself isn’t open to the public, visitors can still explore Godalming and enjoy the village’s historic streets, traditional English architecture, and scenic surroundings.
Godalming is a wonderful place to experience the quintessential English countryside, with the River Wey running through the town and plenty of green spaces, making it an ideal destination for fans of the movie to explore the setting of Iris’s home.
2. Milford
Not far from Godalming lies the village of Milford, which features several scenes in the movie. This village is where Iris attends the Christmas party hosted by her ex-fiancé Jasper (played by Rufus Sewell). In the movie, the charming, cobbled streets and classic British pubs make for a picture-perfect backdrop, showcasing the warmth and charm of a traditional English village.
Milford is home to many beautiful buildings and historic landmarks, including the stunning St. John’s Church, which stands in the center of the village. The picturesque lanes and green spaces of Milford contribute to the ambiance of The Holiday, offering a true taste of rural England.
3. Farnham
Farnham, a town located in the northern part of Surrey, also makes an appearance in The Holiday. In the film, it serves as the backdrop for some of the surrounding landscapes, providing additional scenic vistas that capture the beauty of the English countryside.
The historic town of Farnham is home to many ancient buildings, including the magnificent Farnham Castle. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and take in stunning views over the town and the surrounding areas, which make it easy to see why this town was selected for its atmospheric and historical charm.
The surrounding countryside near Farnham, with its peaceful woods, streams, and hills, further highlights the serenity of the area, making it the perfect place for Iris to retreat and find solace.
4. The Swan Inn, Chiddingfold
In The Holiday, we see several scenes of Iris meeting up with her friends in a quaint pub. These pub scenes were filmed at The Swan Inn in the charming village of Chiddingfold, which is situated just a short drive from Godalming.
The Swan Inn is a quintessentially British pub, offering a cozy and welcoming atmosphere that perfectly complements the heartwarming feel of the movie. It is located in a picturesque village known for its medieval architecture and beautiful countryside. Fans of The Holiday can enjoy a drink at The Swan Inn, where they can truly step into the world of Iris and her friends.
Chiddingfold itself is an idyllic village with narrow lanes, thatched-roof cottages, and scenic walking trails. It is well worth a visit for anyone seeking to experience the tranquil beauty of Surrey’s countryside.
5. The Church in Tilford
In one of the most poignant moments of The Holiday, Iris walks along a beautiful country lane to visit a church. This scene was filmed at the Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Tilford, a small village near Farnham. The church, with its quaint architecture and serene location, serves as a perfect setting for Iris’s introspective moments in the film.
Tilford is a village known for its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings. The church is situated within a picturesque churchyard, making it an ideal place for fans of the movie to experience the beauty of the rural English countryside.
6. The Guildford Cathedral
Although Guildford is not directly featured in The Holiday Filming Location Surveya, the city itself serves as a notable backdrop for some of the landscapes and scenery in the film. Guildford, a large town in Surrey, is known for its beautiful cathedral and charming high street. The iconic Guildford Cathedral, with its impressive architecture and stunning views of the surrounding countryside, provides an evocative setting for the movie’s depiction of English life.
Guildford is also home to various historical landmarks and beautiful parks, making it a lovely destination for visitors looking to explore the area surrounding Iris’s cottage and other filming locations.
Why Surrey Was the Perfect Setting for The Holiday
Surrey’s rolling hills, picturesque villages, and classic English cottages make it an ideal location for films like The Holiday. The county’s charm and rural beauty provide the perfect contrast to the bustling city life of Los Angeles, where Amanda lives. Surrey’s timeless quality, with its cobbled streets and historical architecture, enhances the sense of peace and tranquility that Iris finds during her time away from the chaos of her personal life.
The stunning natural landscapes, including forests, rivers, and green meadows, provide an enchanting setting for the film’s romantic and heartwarming moments. Whether it’s the charming cottage in Godalming or the peaceful lanes of Chiddingfold, Surrey offers an unforgettable backdrop for the magic of The Holiday.
Conclusion
For fans of The Holiday Filming Location Survey, the filming locations in Surrey offer a delightful opportunity to step into the world of Iris and experience the serene beauty of rural England. From the iconic cottage in Godalming to the charming pubs and countryside lanes of villages like Milford and Chiddingfold, Surrey’s picturesque locations truly capture the essence of the film. Whether you’re planning a visit to retrace the steps of Iris and Amanda or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the area, Surrey remains a special destination for anyone enchanted by the film’s timeless charm.
