For a bit of movie magic head over to Gloucester
Gloucester is the place to be for a spot of movie magic this year, with the chance to enjoy a short break with real star appeal.
Once again there¹s a touch of Hollywood sparkle about the city – thanks to the Cathedral being used as a location for the latest Harry Potter movie, The Half Blood Prince, set to hit cinemas worldwide in July.
But visitors looking to recreate their favourite moments from both the big and small screens can also travel in time, from make-believe bustling 19th century Liverpool docks, to a snowy Victorian London.
Gloucester¹s all-star line-up includes the Harry Potter movie and the 2008 Dr Who Christmas special, The Two Doctors, as well as an impressive filming location ‘supporting cast’, ranging from The Onedin Line to Sky TV¹s The Colour of Magic.
Star billing has to go to the eagerly awaited sixth Harry Potter movie, the third time that filming has taken place in the Cathedral and nearby Kings School.
As in some previous Harry Potter movies, the cloisters of the Gothic Cathedral were used for scenes set at Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry when filming took place in February 2008.
More out of this world action returned to the city in April 2008 when David Tennant and the TARDIS materialised for the BBC¹s Dr Who Christmas Special.
Fans turned out in force as snowy scenes in Victorian London were recreated in the historic area around the Cathedral for The Two Doctors starring David Tennant and David Morrissey, which aired on Christmas Day last year.
Before the end credits roll on any movie-themed break, visitors can also try to spot locations stretching from the 2005 story of 19th century reformer William Wilberforce in Amazing Grace, to the popular 1970s BBC TV drama The Onedin Line and the 2008 Sky One adaptation of Terry Pratchett’s novel The Colour of Magic.
Popular among movie and TV location managers over the years has been Gloucester¹s Historic Docks, often used to recreate the glory days of sail ships.
For 2009, the area is set for a spot of stardom in its own right with the opening of an iconic new designer outlet centre.
Gloucester Quays, a new £400m waterside retail and leisure complex just a short stroll from the city¹s historic centre, blends the rich heritage of the Quays with contemporary new buildings.
Not only will it offer over 100 stores, but also waterside bars and restaurants, a maritime museum and marina.
For further information visit, www.visitgloucester.info
By Chitra Mogul
Chitra Mogul
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