Strap in and grab a pint of lager or 12, my friends, because there are A LOT of filming locations for The World's End. From London to Hertfordshire, this article unveils the places where the final installment of The Cornetto Trilogy was shot. So, let's dive in and explore the iconic spots that brought this epic pub crawl to life!
Where Was The World’s End Filmed?
The World’s End Filming Locations in London
1. Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street
The Blue Fin Building on 110 Southwark Street was transformed into the office of the adult Andy Knightley, played by Nick Frost. This iconic location is actually the home of publishing powerhouse IPC Media. Its modern architecture adds a touch of sophistication to the film's narrative.
Image: Blue Fin Building | Courtesy of Tom Bastin
2. 18-20 Sumner Street, Southwark
Just around the corner from the Blue Fin Building, you'll find the location where real estate agent Oliver "O-Man" Chamberlain, portrayed by Martin Freeman, grabs a quick coffee. This spot, now occupied by Wagamama, is a brief yet memorable moment in the film.
3. The Wenlock Arms, 26 Wenlock Road, Hoxton
For the interiors of Pub N.5, "The Good Companions," the filmmakers turned to The Wenlock Arms at 26 Wenlock Road in Hoxton. This vibrant pub added an authentic touch to the film's pub crawl atmosphere.
Image: The Wenlock Arms in Hoxton, London | Courtesy of Matt Brown
4. Gunnersbury Park, Popes Lane
Gunnersbury Park's enchanting woods served as the backdrop for a climactic scene in The World's End. As the remaining four musketeers run from The Old Smokehouse, they find refuge in this serene park, adding a touch of nature to the apocalyptic themes of the movie.
Image: Gunnersbury Park in London | Courtesy of Mark Hillary
The World’s End Filming Locations in Hertfordshire
5. The Malborough Science Academy, St Albans
The opening scene of The World's End takes place in the assembly hall of The Malborough Science Academy in St Albans. This location sets the stage for Gary King's nostalgic recollection of the "Golden Mile" pub crawl.
6. Beacon Road, Ivinghoe Beacon, Leighton Buzzard
When the lads' car gets pulled over by a cop, the setting is next to Steps Hill Car Park on Ivinghoe Beacon in Leighton Buzzard. The stunning scenery of this location adds to the visual appeal of the film.
Image: Ivinghoe Beacon in Leighton Buzzard | Courtesy of Hugh Mothersole
7. Sollershott Circus, Letchworth Garden City
As the boys make their way into Newton Haven, they drive around Sollershott Circus, just outside Letchworth Garden City. This iconic roundabout, built in 1909, adds a touch of charm to the film's journey.
8. Pear Tree Inn, Hollybush Lane, Welwyn Garden City
For Pub N.1, "The First Post," The Pear Tree Inn on Hollybush Lane in Welwyn Garden City served as the perfect location. Its quintessential, working-class pub-like interiors create an authentic atmosphere for the film's pub crawl.
Image: Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire | Courtesy of The JR James Archive
9. Doctors Tonic, Church Road, Welwyn Garden City
For the exterior shots of Pub N.2, "The Old Familiar," the filmmakers utilized Doctors Tonic on Church Road, also in Welwyn Garden City. This pub perfectly encapsulates the film's classic pub aesthetic.
10. The Two Willows, 9 Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City
The Two Willows, now closed, was the location for the exterior shots of Pub N.3, "The Cock." This pub's vibrant atmosphere added to the authenticity of the film's pub crawl experience.
11. Parkway Bar, 22 Parkway, Welwyn Garden City
Pub N.4, "The Cross Hands," is situated just around the corner from "The Cock." Parkway Bar at 22 Parkway, Welwyn Garden City, served as the perfect exterior location. This pub is where the locals start acting a bit, erm, antisocial...
12. Leys Avenue, Letchworth Garden City
Leys Avenue, Letchworth's main shopping street, stands in as Newton Haven's high street. As the five musketeers wander down this street, the film captures the idyllic charm of a small English town.
13. 71 Leys Avenue, Letchworth Garden City
For the exterior shots of Pub N.5, "The Good Companions," in The World's End, the filmmakers used 71 Leys Avenue in Letchworth. This set-dressed shop adds to the film's pub crawl adventure.
Image: Leys Avenue in Letchworth Garden City | Courtesy of Peter O’Connor
14. Three Magnets, 18-20 Leys Avenue, Letchworth Garden City
The exterior shots of Pub N.6, "The Trusty Servant," were captured at Three Magnets, a Wetherspoon's pub on 18-20 Leys Avenue in Letchworth. This location adds to the authenticity of the pub crawl experience.
15. The Director's Arms, 36 Ripon Way, Borehamwood
Pub N.6, "The Trusty Servant," had its interiors shot at The Director's Arms, located at 36 Ripon Way in Borehamwood. This pub displays a perfect amalgamation of laughter and chaos, just like the film itself.
16. The Platform, Station Road, Letchworth Garden City
Pub N.7, "The Two-Headed Dog," was filmed at The Platform on Station Road in Letchworth Garden City. This craft beer pub adds a touch of sophistication to the pub crawl adventure.
17. Broadway Cinema & Theatre, Eastcheap, Letchworth Garden City
The exterior shots of Pub N.8, "The Mermaid," were filmed at Broadway Cinema & Theatre on Eastcheap in Letchworth. This unique location adds a twist to the pub crawl experience.
Image: Broadway Cinema & Theatre in Letchworth Garden City | Courtesy of Phil Beard
18. Thai Garden, 10 Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City
Pub N.9, "The Beehive," had its exterior shots captured at Thai Garden, located at 10 Gernon Road in Letchworth. This pub sets the stage for an unforgettable encounter with Mr. Shepard, played by Pierce Brosnan.
19. Howard Garden Social Centre, Norton Way South, Letchworth Garden City
The Old Smokehouse, where the team seeks refuge, is located at Howard Garden Social Centre on Norton Way South in Letchworth. This spot holds sentimental value for the characters, as it was a place they used to hide and smoke during their teenage years.
20. The Arena Tavern, 3 Arena Parade, Letchworth Garden City
Finally, Pub N.10, "The King's Head," had both its interiors and exteriors filmed at The Arena Tavern on 3 Arena Parade in Letchworth. This genuine pub provides an opportunity for fans to experience a piece of the film themselves.
21. Letchworth Garden City Railway Station
For the exterior shots of Pub N.11, "The Hole in the Wall," the filmmakers utilized Letchworth Garden City Train Station. This location plays a pivotal role in the film's climax.
Image: Letchworth Garden City Train Station | Courtesy of Phil Beard
22. The Wilbury, Wilbury Hills Road, Letchworth Garden City
Last but not least, Pub N.12, fittingly named "The World's End," is located just outside Letchworth city center at The Wilbury, formerly known as The Gardener's Arms. This concluding pub offers a sense of triumph and closure to the pub crawl adventure.
The World's End Filming Locations Elsewhere
23. High Wycombe Railway Station, Buckinghamshire
Gary tells the other four lads that he will meet them at High Wycombe station, which coincidentally is also the filming location. Located in Buckinghamshire, this spot adds an interesting twist to the film's setting.
Image: High Wycombe Train Station in Buckinghamshire | Courtesy of Ben Sutherland
24. Toddington Services, Dunstable, Bedfordshire
When the lads drive into a service station, the location used is Toddington Services in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. This pit stop adds a touch of realism to the film's road trip elements.
25. Newland Park, Gorelands Lane, Chalfont Saint Giles, Buckinghamshire
The School Disco interior of Pub N.8, "The Mermaid," was filmed in an old college campus building at Newland Park in Chalfont Saint Giles, Buckinghamshire. Although the building no longer stands, it played a crucial role in the film's storyline.
And there you have it, the extensive list of filming locations for The World's End. Have you watched the film or visited any of these iconic spots? Let us know in the comments below!
Image: © 2013 Focus Features | Courtesy of Hugh Mothersole
