Relive your childhood at these filming locations of Roald Dahl’s beloved BFG.
The year 2016 marks the centenary of Roald Dahl’s birth. For anyone who grew up reading Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and The BFG, you’ll be pretty chuffed to celebrate it with him.
From afternoon teas to picture exhibitions, events are happening throughout the year. But perhaps the most anticipated event is the release of the film The BFG. It’s out in Australian cinemas 30 June 2016 and is set to be a stunner, having been filmed on location in such arresting landscapes as the Isle of Skye and Bamburgh Beach.
Heading north post-Brexit? Here are the BFG filming locations you can visit to relive those childhood memories of yours.
1. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Used for “plate shots” (a type of background or scenic shot) of the Giant’s Land, the Isle of Skye is a destination worth visiting in its own right. Located on the west of Scotland, the immense island boasts a ruggedly beautiful terrain that’s speckled with lochs, moors, mountains and sea cliffs.
The land teems with history that can be seen in its prehistoric sites, battle sites and ancestral castles. Magic doesn’t even begin to describe it.
Image: Shiant Isles
2. Shiant Islands, Scotland
Scottish Gaelic for “charmed” or “enchanted isles”, the Shiant Islands were also used for plate shots of the Giant’s Land. Sitting just north of the Isle of Skye in the Minch, a strait in north-west Scotland, this small group of islands is privately owned but open to tourism.
It’s particularly renowned for being one of the biggest bird stations of the north, drawing puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags and great skuas to its shores during summer. Private boats leave to the island from Stornoway.
3. The Old Man of Hoy, Scotland
Look closely during the film and you may spy this natural icon in the background.
Part of the Orkney archipelago, it’s one of the tallest sea stacks in Britain and one of the most popular for adventurous types to climb.
4. Bamburgh Beach, Scotland
Visiting a beach might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Scotland but Bamburgh Beach is one of note – particularly for its dramatic setting.
On one side sits the brooding Bamburgh Castle, while on the other is the view of the Farne Islands – made famous by David Attenborough, who calls it his favourite place to see nature in the UK.
Image: Blenheim Palace
5. Blenheim Palace, England
While Scotland lays the scene for the dramatic landscapes in The BFG, England brings to life the cities and townships. Majestic interior and exterior shots of palaces abound, including Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England.
This country homestead is one of England’s largest and is still home to the Dukes of Marlborough. Certain areas, such as the palace, park and gardens are open to the public.
Image: Buckingham Palace
6. Buckingham Palace
Perhaps the most recognisable location of the film, Buckingham Palace is the Queen of England’s London residence.
As it is a working palace, it’s best to visit during the Summer Openings when the Queen is in Scotland, and when state and throne rooms are open up to the public. During this time, you may be able to view her invaluable collections of paintings by Rembrandt and Canaletto. Her Faberge Egg gifts may be on show as well.
Top buys and experiences for Roald Dahl fans
Matilda The Musical in London
Viator
The Roald Dahl Collection
Booktopia
The BFG paperback
The Book Depository
Travel deals to London and Scotland
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