The 1987 classic The Princess Bride has become an enduring favorite for many, blending elements of romance, adventure, fantasy, and comedy. With a modest budget of $16 million, the filmmakers made smart choices by filming on location whenever possible. The film’s success lies not only in its story and characters but also in how the chosen filming locations subtly enhance its magic, blending seamlessly into the narrative without overshadowing the characters.
The Fictional Lands of Florin and Guilder
The film’s setting, the fictional countries of Florin and Guilder, are inspired by Italy and the Netherlands, respectively. These fictional lands serve as the backdrop for a story filled with adventure, romance, and wit. However, despite the names hinting at Italian and Dutch influences, none of the filming locations were situated in those countries. Instead, a range of picturesque spots across the UK and Ireland were selected, offering stunning natural landscapes that matched the film’s diverse atmosphere.
Buttercup’s Farm: Bradley Rocks, Derbyshire
One of the earliest scenes in The Princess Bride introduces Buttercup and Westley on her farm in Florin. This key location was filmed at Bradley Rocks, located near the small village of Birchover in Derbyshire, England. The views of the farm, as seen in the movie, were captured from a nearby footpath close to Robin Hood’s Stride, a site also featured in the film. This location serves as the backdrop for Buttercup’s first meeting with Westley, who then sets off to earn money so they can marry.
Westley and Fezzik’s Duel: Robin Hood’s Stride, Derbyshire
Not far from the farm is the dramatic rocky where Westley engages in a duel with the giant Fezzik. This memorable confrontation takes place at Robin Hood’s Stride, a gritstone rock formation that is a local attraction. Visitors to the site can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside while exploring the area. The rugged rocks were the perfect setting for one of the film’s most iconic fight scenes.
Prince Humperdinck’s Castle: Haddon Hall, Derbyshire
Scenes set in Prince Humperdinck’s Castle were filmed at Haddon Hall, a stunning Tudor country house in Derbyshire, England. It’s at this location that Prince Humperdinck announces his engagement to Buttercup after Westley is believed to be dead. The castle’s grand exterior also appears later when Buttercup has a nightmare about her forced marriage. Haddon Hall has a rich cinematic history, appearing in various film adaptations, including Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre.
Cliffs of Insanity: Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Perhaps one of the most memorable locations in The Princess Bride is the Cliffs of Insanity. These towering cliffs, which appear in a pivotal moment when Fezzik and Inigo must scale the cliffs to enter Guilder, were filmed at the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland. Standing at 700 feet, these dramatic cliffs are a major tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually. The sheer scale of the cliffs made them a perfect match for the film’s fictional Cliffs of Insanity.
The Battle of Wits: Lathkill Dale, Derbyshire
In a scene that showcases Westley’s quick wit, the Battle of Wits between him and the villainous Vincini takes place at Lathkill Dale in Derbyshire. Located where two river valleys converge, Lathkill Dale offers a beautiful and dramatic setting for the film’s tense moment. Westley tricks Vincini into drinking poisoned wine, adding an element of humor and danger to their conversation. This location is notable for its peaceful surroundings, making the duel of wits even more striking.
Buttercup and Westley on the Moorlands: Carl Wark, Yorkshire
The moorland of Carl Wark, located in the Peak District, provides the backdrop for a tense interaction between Buttercup and the disguised Westley. This scene takes place on Hathersage Moor, where Buttercup, believing she’s been kidnapped again, has a conversation with the masked Westley. The rocky outcrop of Carl Wark adds to the drama of their encounter, enhancing the emotional stakes of the scene.
“As You Wish”: Cave Dale, Derbyshire
Another key moment of the film occurs in Cave Dale, a verdant valley in Derbyshire. This location serves as the setting for the scene where Buttercup, in a fit of frustration, pushes Westley down a hill. As he lies at the bottom, Westley reveals his true identity by saying, “As you wish,” signaling that he is, in fact, still alive. This reunion is one of the film’s most heartwarming moments, set against the picturesque backdrop of the glacial valley.
Forest Scenes: Burnham Beeches, Buckinghamshire
Some of the early forest scenes in The Princess Bride were filmed at Burnham Beeches, a nature preserve in Buckinghamshire, England. The dense, ancient trees of this area provided the perfect setting for scenes featuring Buttercup’s escape from Florin City and the couple’s subsequent adventures. The woods also serve as the setting for the moment when Inigo Montoya shares his heartfelt plea with his late father.
Inigo and Count Rugen’s Duel: Baron’s Hall, Kent
The iconic sword fight between Inigo Montoya and Count Rugen takes place in the impressive Baron’s Hall, located at Penshurst Place in Kent, England. The battle is a climactic moment in the film, as Inigo seeks revenge for his father’s murder. The grandeur of the hall, with its medieval architecture, adds to the intensity of the fight. Penshurst Place has served as the backdrop for many films, further cementing its place in cinematic history.
Hever Castle: Kent, England
Although not many details are available, Hever Castle in Kent was confirmed by Cary Elwes as a filming location for The Princess Bride. The castle’s surroundings, especially the lake, may have been used for scenes involving Vincini’s boat. While the exact scenes filmed here remain unclear, Hever Castle has appeared in various other productions, including The Other Boleyn Girl and Lady Jane.
Studio Filming: Shepperton Studios, Surrey
While many of the film’s scenes were filmed on location, Shepperton Studios in Surrey, England, hosted the majority of the set pieces. Here, the filmmakers created the environments for some of the film’s most memorable moments, including the Fire Swamp, Miracle Max’s hut, and the climactic duel between Inigo and Westley. The interior scenes with Fred Savage and Peter Falk, as well as the final kiss between Westley and Buttercup, were also filmed here.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite its modest box office success, The Princess Bride has transcended time to become a beloved cult classic. Its blend of action, humor, romance, and fantasy has earned it a dedicated fanbase. The film’s locations, primarily in the UK and Ireland, beautifully complement the story’s timeless themes without overwhelming the narrative. Through stunning natural landscapes and expertly crafted sets, The Princess Bride continues to audiences decades after its release.
