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Top 10 film-inspired holiday destinations

Chloe Best
Lifestyle Features Editor
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Nassau © Photo: Rex

The Bahamas

James Bond

The Bahamas have been used as the location for a number of James Bond films, and with the incredible beaches and natural scenery on these Caribbean islands, it is easy to see why.

Visit the One&Only Ocean Club on Nassau, which played host to Daniel Craig during his debut as James Bond in Casino Royale. Sean Connery and Roger Moore also filmed scenes on Nassau, which featured in classic Bond films Thunderball, The Spy Who Loved Me and Never Say Never Again.

MayaBay © Photo: Rex

Koh Phi Phi, Thailand

The Beach

Leonardo DiCaprio's backpacking adventure in The Beach inspired people to visit Thailand in their droves. While Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley was the iconic beach predominantly featured in the film, Thailand's is home to endless beautiful beaches and islands, which are perfect for an exotic escape.

Skopelos © Photo: Rex

Skopelos, Greece

Mamma Mia

This ever-popular musical follows Sophie's search to find her biological father on the beautiful Greek island of Skopelos. Home to less than 5000 people, this stunning island is an idyllic holiday destination with beautiful white-washed buildings, golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Glencoe © Photo: Rex

Scottish Highlands

Harry Potter

Many scenes from the Harry Potter film series were shot in the Scottish highlands, including the scenic surroundings of Glencoe. As well as playing home to Hagrid's Hut, the idyllic countryside location also provides the backdrop for the Quidditch matches that Harry competes in.

MirabellGardens © Photo: Rex

Salzburg, Austria

The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music continues to entertain new generations of viewers over 50 years after its release, and many of the film's most iconic scenes were shot on location in Salzburg. Perhaps one of the most memorable locations is Mirabell Gardens and Mirabell Palace where Maria and the children sang Do-Re-Mi, but fans won't be short of exciting venues from the film to visit.

Eguisheim © Photo: Getty Images

Eguisheim, France

Beauty and the Beast

This picture perfect village inspired the opening scene of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, and looks exactly like the place that Belle called home. Surrounded by lush vineyards and hills, this quaint village is full of charm thanks to its cobbled streets, rustic homes and the iconic Eguisheim castle.

Tokyo © Photo: Rex

Tokyo

Lost in Translation

Filmed in the bustling bright lights of Tokyo, Lost in Translation became an award-winning success when it was released in 2003. Explore Shibuya and Shinjuku, two of the city's most colourful districts where many of the film was shot. Be sure to pay a visit to the Park Hyatt Tokyo, the hotel where Bob and Charlotte meet in the 52nd floor New York Bar.

NewYork © Photo: Rex

New York

When Harry Met Sally

New York is the setting for so many iconic films, including eighties classic When Harry Met Sally. From Central Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, several of the city's landmarks feature in this romantic comedy, while Katz's Delicatessen has become a much-visited tourist spot after one of the most memorable scenes starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal was shot there.

NewZealand © Photo: Rex

New Zealand

Lord of the Rings

Take a trip to Middle Earth with a holiday to the setting of the Lord of the Rings films – New Zealand. The village of Hobbiton remains as a permanent attraction in the dairy farming town of Matamata on the North Island, while Mount Victoria in Wellington is the most accessible filming location from the popular trilogy, and was used to depict Hobbiton Woods.

London © Photo: Rex

London

Bridget Jones's Diary

Much closer to home, London provides the scenery for a number of films, including Bridget Jones's Diary. The city's Tower Bridge and Borough Market both feature in a number of scenes, while Renée Zellweger returned to the capital in 2015 to work on the upcoming sequel Bridget Jones's Baby.

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