You might recall this movie; it has a lot of flare to it, as it was produced by Academy Award-winner Francis Ford Coppola. It’s the 1993 classic adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s beloved novel, The Secret Garden. Directed by Agnieszka Holland with a screenplay by Caroline Thompson, this flick takes us to a magical world that captures the hearts of both children and adults alike with its story, costumes, and performances.
Thanks to its meticulously chosen filming locations, each scene radiates a sense of wonder, bringing the novel’s magic to life. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore three of the film’s iconic locations: Allerton Castle, Luton Hoo Estate, and Pinewood Studios, offering insights into their contributions to the movie and tips for visiting these unforgettable places.
Allerton Castle: The Enchanting Exterior
If the exterior of Misselthwaite Manor feels as magical as the story itself, it is for a good reason: the film crew chose the breathtaking Allerton Castle in North Yorkshire, England, as the primary filming location.
Nestled amid enchanting gardens and woodlands, approximately 25 miles from the city of York, this magnificent Gothic Revival mansion built in the 18th century has a rich history that perfectly complements the film’s narrative. Its grand exterior served as the perfect backdrop for Mary Lennox’s journey in the enchanting world of The Secret Garden.
Allerton Castle played a vital role in establishing the ethereal atmosphere of the movie by providing a sprawling canvas for the lush gardens that we see fully in bloom during many scenes of this movie.
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Luton Hoo Estate: Awe-Inspiring Interiors
Moving on from the fairy-tale exterior of Misselthwaite Manor, the breathtaking Luton Hoo Estate in Bedfordshire, which now houses a luxury hotel, was chosen to provide the film’s equally impressive interiors. With its world-class collection of opulent rooms, the Luton Hoo Estate transformed into the embodiment of faded grandeur and mysterious charm in the film.
The estate itself, designed by the famous architect Robert Adam, dates back to the 18th century and once hosted the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and Sir Winston Churchill. As you step foot into this historic location, you can easily imagine the magic of the film coming alive in front of your eyes, making you feel like you are walking through the pages of the novel itself. Lastly, Luton Estate offers tours, and if you make your reservation, you can take a look at this incredible property and feel the magic and vibes that made the filmmakers pick it as a location.
Pinewood Studios: The Magic of Movie Making
Last but not least, we must pay homage to the renowned Pinewood Studios, a British film and TV studio located in Buckinghamshire, where much of The Secret Garden was filmed. As one of the leading film studios in Europe, Pinewood has been responsible for producing some of the most iconic films from James Bond to Star Wars.
While you won’t find Colin’s garden here, you will find the chance to explore a real-life movie studio and get an inside look at how films are made. Like most film studios, Pinewood hosts tours to check out their facilities, and if you travel and make your reservation, you could take part in their tour and access previously unseen areas, relive classic moments from some of your favorite movies, and discover the many secrets that make Pinewood Studios so special.
The Secret Garden Trailer
Where To Watch The Secret Garden?
If you’re interested in watching this movie, you can rent it or buy it from platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Direct Video, YouTube Movies, The Microsoft Store, Vudu Fandango, RedBox, DirecTv Streaming, and AMC on Demand. Unfortunately, due to distribution rights, this movie isn’t widely available on popular streaming platforms like Hulu, Netflix, or Prime Video.
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