Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and anyone who has yet to make plans, love this way. We’ve collated a list of famous filming spots down South that you’ll really enjoy. Book train tickets to visit any of these locations at www.nationalrail.com.
Notting Hill
When Hollywood superstar Anna, played by Julia Roberts, returns a book to Hugh Grant’s character, Will, she delivers the ‘Just a girl’ line in the bookstore. You can visit this very store with your significant other at 142 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London.
There are a lot more filming locations in the Notting Hill area that were used in this film. These include Will’s flat with the famous blue door on Westbourne Park Road, the Coronet cinema at 103 Notting Hill Gate, and house number 91 on Lansdowne Road, which is where Will brings his superstar guest to a friend’s birthday party.
Take the train to Paddington Station and take a nice stroll or short tube ride to any of the locations above.
Love Actually
There are some special places to visit that were used to film Love Actually. Liam Neeson’s heart-to-heart takes place in Gabriel’s Wharf, South Bank (London Waterloo East is the nearest station). Plus, the South Bank of the River Thames is a great shopping area with independent restaurants, shops, bars, and cafes to visit over Valentine’s Day.
Love will certainly be in the atmosphere at Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair (buy your train ticket to Victoria Station) where the wedding was filmed.
If you’re looking to splurge money in London, Oxford Street is the place for you. Alan Rickman bought the necklace from Selfridge’s – perhaps you could pay it a visit (Paddington Station is a 15-minute walk away)!
About Time
This film is funny and quirky, full of the awkward bits of love that we can all relate to. The awkward blind date scene, where Tim first meets Mary, is filmed on Newbury Street in Soho at the restaurant ‘Dans le noir?’ Dining in total darkness, it’s said to be a “sensory experience” that will “[awaken] your senses”. So if you’re looking for a unique way to spend Valentine’s Day, why not book a table? Farringdon train station is only a five-minute walk away.
Catch the train to St Austell, away from the thick air of London, to one of the most picturesque places to visit on Valentine’s Day, Vault Beach in Cornwall. The location is below Tim’s family home where he grew up. Cold though it might be at this time of year, no doubt, walks on the beach scream romance.
Another wedding, this time filmed in Cornwall, is at St Michael Penkevel Parish Church. Again, we’re all about sharing the love on Valentine’s Day, and if you’re on the set of where Tim and Mary’s wedding was filmed, you are in for your share of romance. Step off the train at Truro to visit the historic building.
Don’t wait! Book cheap train tickets online at www.nationalrail.com!
