The twinkling lights, the warm embrace of festive traditions, and the snug charm of cosy settings – these are the enchanting elements that British Christmas films beautifully capture. Transporting audiences to the heart of Britain's diverse landscapes and cultural riches, these films not only get one into the holiday spirit but also inspire travellers to explore the whimsical wonders of Britain during this holiday season.
For his film director’s debut, Richard Curtis came up with so many beautiful plots that he couldn't choose and combined them all into one film. And now these nine touching and amusing love stories, which make the most incredible dreams a reality, have become just as integral a part of the holidays as a festive tree and the smell of gingerbread cookies. Finding yourself at these filming locations can feel as real as your own biography: it's the bench on South Bank, overlooking Millenium Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral, where little Sam talked about his first love, or Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair where the church choir sang "All You Need is Love" to the newlyweds.
The endless Poplar Road where the Prime Minister knocked on every door in search of his Natalie. From Trafalgar Square to the Tate Modern, the film showcases both famous landmarks and hidden gems like St Luke’s Mews, which is just a short walk from Portobello Road Market where some bespoke Christmas gifts can be found. Those who fancy some luxury Christmas decorations and personalised gifts can shop at Selfridges which appears in the film when Harry buys a gift for his secret lover.
Set against the backdrop of London, "Last Christmas" captures the story of personal growth and romance. London's Covent Garden, Natural History Museum ice rink, and the Millennium Bridge reveal the city's festive spirit, inspiring visitors to do some Christmas shopping or to have amazing experience while skating at the Museum. Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus come alive with holiday magic, sparking wanderers to explore the capital's vibrant streets during this special time.
Though not a traditional Christmas film, "Paddington" warms hearts during the festive season. Paddington Station's iconic statue and picturesque backdrop invite travellers to embark on their own adventures. From the charming streets of Primrose Hill to Hatfield House's grandeur, the film's locations inspire wanderlust. Additional places include the Notting Hill residence of the Browns family, which was effectively portrayed in Primrose Hill (close to London Zoo and Camden Lock). Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, which played the role of the interior corridors of the Geographers Guild, is another location.
"The Holiday" sweeps viewers into a cross-continental adventure. The idyllic English countryside, portrayed in Surrey and Oxfordshire, contrasts beautifully with sunny California. The villages of Shere and Godalming, where the British part of the film was shot, in real life look exactly the same as they do on the screen: the fields, hills, cobblestone streets, houses with colourful shutters and moss-covered roofs, the White Horse with a history dating back to 1450 - exists in reality, although it's even harder to believe in this than the romantic plot of the film with its twists and two happy endings.
This rustic cottage which inspired Iris’s home in the festive comedy, located in Holmbury St Mary, Surrey, is now available for rent on Airbnb. If this cottage isn't available, there are plenty similar cottages in various regions of England that one can consider renting, such as Brimscobe, Gretton in Gloucestershire, Bretforton, and Stow on the Wold, among others. The allure of the Cotswolds, depicted through Cornwell Manor, sets the scene for a lovely cosy lunch, invites winter explorations amidst timeless beauty.
While London forms the backdrop of "Bridget Jones' Diary," the Cotswolds steal the show with their enchanting allure, providing the setting for a party at Bridget’s parent’s home. The charismatic village of Snowshill, with its stone cottages and rolling hills, invites visitors to experience its year-round charm. Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire offers a touch of romance, providing an ideal escape for a festive weekend.
The "Downton Abbey" Christmas Special: Elegance Across Britain
"Downton Abbey" captivates audiences with its aristocratic charm. Filmed across stunning British locations, including Highclere Castle, Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, used for filming various outdoor scenes, and Inveraray Castle, an iconic visitor attraction in Scotland, served as the exterior of Duneagle Castle – the series transports viewers to the splendour of England and Scotland. In the enchanting realm of British castles, exciting experiences await.
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Amalgam Collection has today revealed that they have started development of a Limited Edition of 1:18 scale models perfectly replicating the unique Ferrari 812 Competizione Tailor Made that sold at auction for $5.1m in New York, last October. Limited to 250 pieces, this special Art Car edition is a celebration of the passion and artistry of Ferrari Centro Stile, and will become a much sought-after collectable, especially appealing to Ferrari’s most ardent followers who also appreciate art and design. The creative team at Amalgam anticipate that the edition of models will be completed by their artisans in Autumn 2024. Currently, models in this exceptional edition are only available to pre-order directly from Amalgam Collection.
The new Limited Edition of 250 1:18 scale models follows in the footsteps of the creation by Amalgam of a unique 1:8 scale model last year. The handcrafted 1:8 model was donated by Amalgam Collection and raised significant funding for the Ferrari Foundation, alongside the real car that fetched $5.1 million USD.
Using the original CAD data supplied by Ferrari Centro Stile, Amalgam’s artisans have been able to perfectly recreate the form and every refined detail of the livery of the unique 812 Competizione Tailor Made. The model only received the approval of Chief Design Officer Flavio Manzoni and his design team once they were fully satisfied with its accuracy of representation.
Sandy Copeman, Founder of Amalgam Collection, commented: “While our models are often described as works of art, and are indeed artistic in their creation, in truth, since they deliver the essence of the cars they represent, ultimately the beauty of our models is dependent on the beauty of the car they capture. In this instance, there is no question that both the car and models are art.”
As the anticipation for a new season in motor sports builds, BMW M Motorsport and renowned toymaker LEGO® have joined forces to bring an exciting new model set to racing enthusiasts of all ages. The collaboration has resulted in a meticulously crafted LEGO® Speed Champions set, featuring two iconic BMW M Motorsport racing cars – the BMW M Hybrid V8 and the BMW M4 GT3. With 676 pieces, this set promises an authentic build-and-play experience for collectors and the younger generation of motor sport fans aged nine and above.
The world’s finest model makers, Amalgam Collection, today announces a special Man and Machine edition perfectly capturing Bugatti legend Jean-Pierre Wimille and the Type 59 he raced at Spa-Francorchamps, in the Belgian Grand Prix, on 14th July 1935. This special edition at 1:8 scale is limited to just five model and figure pairings, three of which have already been purchased by distinguished collectors. The model can be ordered in pristine clean pre-race condition, or patinated to reflect the post-race dust and grime.
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