Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a beloved 1960s movie musical, not only offers a joyous sing-a-long soundtrack but also takes us on an enchanting journey through whimsical filming locations. Let's dive into the magical world of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and discover the quirky, gorgeous, and wanderlust-inducing sites that were brought to life on the big screen.
Where Was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Filmed?
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Filming Locations in England
1. Black Park, Iver Heath, Buckinghamshire
We begin our adventure in the picturesque Black Park, located in Buckinghamshire. This forest, known for its proximity to Pinewood Studios, serves as the perfect backdrop for the thrilling Grand Prix scenes in the movie. From the 1908 Grand Prix in Germany to various other races, Black Park sets the stage for Chitty's exhilarating adventures.
Black Park | Courtesy of Maxwell Hamilton
2. Box Hill, Zig Zag Road, Surrey
Our next stop takes us to the winding roads of Box Hill in Surrey. It is on Zig Zag Road where Potts, portrayed by the legendary Dick Van Dyke, encounters a dramatic mishap during the 1909 British Grand Prix. With breathtaking views and a touch of excitement, this location adds a touch of peril to the story.
Box Hill | Courtesy of Richard Ellis
3. Kiln Barn, Russell’s Water, Oxfordshire
Next, we visit Kiln Barn in Russell's Water, Oxfordshire. This seemingly ordinary garage, reminiscent of a charming farm, is where the beloved Chitty finds a temporary home. Interestingly, Kiln Barn transformed from a private residence to a rental property after being sold for nearly £2 million.
4. Duck Pond, Russell’s Water, Oxfordshire
Right next to Kiln Barn, we discover a serene Duck Pond. This tranquil spot plays a memorable role in the movie when Jeremy and Jemima startle Truly Scrumptious and cause her to veer off-road. The charming surroundings of Russell's Water make this location truly picturesque.
5. Cobstone Windmill, Turville, Buckinghamshire
One of the standout filming locations is the iconic Cobstone Windmill in the village of Turville, Buckinghamshire. This enchanting windmill serves as the home of the main characters, Jeremy and Jemima, and their father. Interestingly, it still retains its beauty after more than 50 years and has become a well-preserved piece of cinematic history.
Cobstone Windmill | Courtesy of Daniel Glover
6. Kempton Park Water Treatment Works, Hanworth, Middlesex
Our next destination takes us to the fascinating world of sweets. Potts visits The Scrumptious Sweet Company to present his unique idea. The exterior of the factory is none other than the old Kempton Park Water Treatment Works in Middlesex, which is now known as the Kempton Steam Museum. It's here that Potts uncovers the musical potential of sweets with holes.
Kempton Park Waterworks | Courtesy of Anguskirk
7. Hambleden, Buckinghamshire
As the adventure continues, we find ourselves in the charming village of Hambleden, Buckinghamshire. This idyllic setting serves as the backdrop for a delightful scene where the Potts family enjoys a celebratory picnic. The beauty of Hambleden's main road perfectly complements the joyful atmosphere of the song "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."
8. Shottesbrooke Park, Maidenhead, Berkshire
During another eventful picnic, the Potts family passes by the impressive Shottesbrooke Park in Maidenhead, Berkshire. This private home adds elegance to the scene, offering a glimpse of the grandeur that surrounds the characters.
9. Longmoor Training Camp, Hampshire
The scenic countryside of Hampshire plays host to a memorable moment in the film when Potts showcases Chitty's speed and endurance. Alongside a steam train, the old Longmoor Military Railway leads the family to their much-anticipated picnic. Although the railway closed down in the late 1960s, the nostalgic track still holds its charm.
10. Heatherden Hall, Pinewood Studios, Berkshire
Truly Scrumptious’s house, with its pristine white exterior and charming garden, is none other than Heatherden Hall, located within the grounds of Pinewood Studios. This captivating location, complete with a small white bridge and a frilly cupcake swing, adds a touch of magic to the film.
11. Old Iver Lane Bridge, Iver, Buckinghamshire
As we delve into the realm of magic and fantasy, we encounter the Old Iver Lane Bridge in Iver, Buckinghamshire. This picturesque bridge becomes the stage for a dramatic scene involving silent movie-inspired characters attempting to blow it up.
12. Ilmer Railway Bridge, Ilmer, Buckinghamshire
In another creative plan gone awry, Stan and Laurel attempt to trap Chitty by dropping a stage background under the Ilmer Railway Bridge in Ilmer, Buckinghamshire. This comical moment adds a touch of laughter to the film.
13. Turville, Buckinghamshire
The general countryside surrounding Turville, Buckinghamshire, further enhances the enchanting atmosphere of the film. The village, where the Cobstone Windmill is located, serves as a picturesque backdrop for various scenes, including Baron Bomburst's airship flying overhead.
Turville | Courtesy of Daniel Glover
14. Beachy Head, East Sussex
Our final stop in England leads us to Beachy Head in East Sussex. This breathtaking location provides the backdrop for a thrilling scene where the flying Chitty Chitty Bang Bang follows Grandpa's little hut in an exhilarating adventure. The stunning Beachy Head Lighthouse only adds to the magical allure of this scene.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Filming Locations in Germany
15. Neuschwanstein Castle, Schwangau
Welcome to the mesmerizing world of Vulgaria! The fictional land is brought to life with the help of various filming locations in Germany. The captivating Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria serves as Baron Bomburst's majestic abode. This iconic castle, known for its fairy-tale-like architecture, has also inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.
Neuschwanstein Castle | Courtesy of Kristian Golding
16. Balthasar-Neumann-Brücke, Tauberrettersheim
As our adventure unfolds, we find ourselves in a quaint Vulgarian village. This charming setting, where Caractacus makes an unexpected landing, is brought to life on the Balthasar-Neumann-Brücke, a bridge located in Tauberrettersheim, Bavaria.
17. Kobolzeller Tor, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Our next stop takes us to the enchanting village of Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Bavaria. Here, the Potts family attempts to communicate with the locals while seeking directions to the castle. The picturesque archway of Kobolzeller Tor sets the stage for this memorable scene.
Kobolzeller Tor | Courtesy of Stefan Hundhammer
18. Marktplatz, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Prepare to be enchanted as we explore the captivating Marktplatz in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This charming village square becomes the setting for an iconic moment when the Potts family seeks refuge in a toymaker's workshop, evading the clutches of the child catcher. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, known for its preserved medieval architecture, provides a magical backdrop to this unforgettable scene.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber | Courtesy of Naval S
19. Alpsee, Schwangau
In a whimsical turn of events, Mr. Potts Snr finds himself soaring above Vulgaria with the Baron and Baroness as passengers. The unexpected ejection of the Baroness leads her to a watery landing in Alpsee, a lake located in Schwangau, Bavaria.
20. Strafturm für leichte Vergehen, Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Our final German location takes us to the Strafturm für leichte Vergehen in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This tower, known as the "criminal tower for light offenses," provides the backdrop for a suspenseful rescue mission as Potts and the toymaker climb its heights to save the imprisoned children.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Filming Locations in France
21. Cap Taillat, Ramatuelle
As we reach the end of our journey, we find ourselves on the captivating beaches of Cap Taillat in Ramatuelle, South of France. While you might expect an iconic English beach in the film, this secluded and idyllic location was chosen to provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable picnic scene. The mesmerizing beauty of Cap Taillat adds a touch of romance and allure to the story.
Cap Taillat | Courtesy of akunamatata
These remarkable filming locations bring the world of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to life, captivating audiences with their beauty and whimsy. Have you watched the film or visited any of these sites? Share your experiences in the comments below!
