Where Was The Movie Holiday Filmed

You know that feeling when you’re stuck in a gray, rainy Tuesday, and you just need a splash of sunshine? That’s what watching The Holiday feels like—a cozy, cinematic hug. But the real magic? It’s all about where it was actually filmed. Spoiler alert: it’s not a random Hollywood backlot, and yes, you can totally stalk these spots on Google Maps while eating leftover pizza.

First, let’s talk about Arthur’s gorgeous English cottage, the one that makes you want to quit your job and move to the countryside. That cozy, snow-covered haven is actually a real cottage in Shackleford, Surrey, about an hour outside London. Imagine driving past it and seeing someone’s actual laundry on the line—talk about a reality check. I once tried to find it on a road trip and ended up staring at a cow. Not the same vibe.

The cottage itself is called Rose Cottage, and it sits on a quiet lane that looks exactly like a Christmas card. The filmmakers added the fake snow, but the thatched roof and crooked chimney were 100% real. You half expect a postman on a bicycle to deliver your mail. It’s the kind of place where you’d accidentally spill tea and feel like it’s a character moment.

Now, for the American side of the story—Miles’ and Amanda’s lives in Los Angeles. Amanda’s sleek, minimalist mansion? That’s not in Beverly Hills proper—it’s in the San Fernando Valley, specifically in the upscale neighborhood of Hidden Hills. If you’ve ever driven through there, you know the houses are so big they have their own zip codes. I once went to a party in Hidden Hills and spent ten minutes looking for the front door, only to find it behind a hedge.

Miles’ cozy, music-filled home—the one with the record collection and the adorable neighbor Arthur—is in the Los Feliz area of LA. It’s a classic 1920s bungalow, and it’s so charming you’d think a barista lives there. But nope, it’s a real street called Vermont Avenue that’s currently surrounded by modern apartment buildings. It’s like finding a vintage vinyl in a pile of plastic toys.

The film’s most iconic scene—the one where Amanda and Miles meet at the video store? That was filmed at a place called Blockbuster Video in Sherman Oaks. Yes, an actual Blockbuster. It’s now a mental health clinic, which is hilarious because renting a movie used to be therapy. I remember going there as a kid and spending an hour picking out a tape, only to fall asleep during the previews.

Where was The Holiday filmed? All the locations from Christmas film

The snowy, romantic walk through the English countryside? That was shot on the Surrey Hills, specifically around the village of Godalming. The path is called the North Downs Way, and it’s a public trail. So if you ever get the urge to recreate that scene, just remember: no director will yell “cut” when you trip over a root.

Let’s not forget the Los Angeles rooftop party scene, where Amanda and Graham have their awkward-but-cute moment. That was filmed at the London Hotel in West Hollywood, now called the London West Hollywood. The rooftop bar is real, and you can order a £15 cocktail while pretending you’re in a rom-com. Just ignore the Instagram influencers taking selfies—it breaks the illusion.

The film’s climax—the surprise visit to the cottage—was shot on Pound Lane in Shackleford. It’s so picture-perfect that locals probably have to shoo away tourists with a pitchfork. I walked that lane once, and a dog barked at me like I was an intruder in my own fantasy.

Where is The Holiday filmed? Locations in the iconic Christmas film

And the bookstore where Arthur and Iris meet? That’s Penzance Books in Penzance, Cornwall. Yes, they actually used a real bookshop. The owner must have thought, “Sure, you can film here, but please don’t knock over the poetry section.” It’s still open, and you can buy a used copy of The Holiday script there—probably.

The weirdest part? The movie makes you believe you can swap houses with a stranger and find love. In real life, you’d end up in someone’s messy basement with a broken Wi-Fi. But hey, that’s the magic of movies. They take a cottage, a bungalow, and a video store, and make you believe in second chances—even if your only chance is to rewatch it with a snack.

So next time you’re on Netflix and see The Holiday, remember: the snow is fake, the accents are real, and the locations are totally visitable—if you’re okay with pretending you’re the main character. Pack a sweater, avoid the cows, and don’t forget to smile like you just met Jude Law in a snowy lane. Happy travels, armchair traveler.