Oh, how we wish we could swap houses with a stranger, spend December in a charming English cottage, and have a meet-cute with a handsome gentleman.
Sound familiar? Is such a hope on your wishlist, too?
Instead of waiting for Santa to stick Jude Law in your stocking, you can relive your favorite scenes from The Holiday when you travel by train to the English-filming locations of this classic Christmas movie.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Charles Bowman. Image Location: Godalming, Surrey, England
Where was The Holiday filmed (and how to get there by train)
What is The Holiday movie about?
Two women, one from California (played by Cameron Diaz) and one from England (played by Kate Winslet), decide to swap houses for the Christmas holiday when their love lives go south. Jude Law and Jack Black play the heartbroken house-swappers’ new crushes, who help heal their hearts just in time for New Years.
Where was The Holiday filmed?
The Holiday filming locations were split between Southern California and England. The main English filming locations for The Holiday were in the Surrey towns of Wonersh, Godalming, and Shere.
Where is the English house in The Holiday?
It depends on which English house you’re speaking of. Graham’s house (or at least, its exterior) is the Mill House in Wonersh. Iris’ cozy cottage was rebuilt on a London soundstage but was based off of the Honeysuckle Cottage in Holmbury St Mary.
Where is the pub in The Holiday movie?
If you feel like snuggling up with a stranger for a pint like Graham and Amanda, head to The White Horse Pub in Shere, Surrey, England.
Where is Rosehill Cottage in The Holiday?
Rosehill Cottage from The Holiday is likely dismantled in storage or has been reshaped into another set piece: the cottage was recreated on a London soundstage. The real cottage it was based on? That’ll be Honeysuckle Cottage in Holmbury St Mary.
Can you really swap houses with a stranger in England?
Yes, there are legit websites that connect travelers looking for a short home swap. If you happen to find yourself in Europe with a pad to crash in but no car to drive, download the Trainline app and let us help you get around like a local.
Image Credit: Getty Images, GavinD. Image Location: Shere, Surrey, England
The Holiday filming locations in England
First thing to know about the town from The Holiday is that, like in so many movies, it’s not just one town. The scenes were set across multiple locations in the English county of Surrey, so even asking about the town in Surrey from The Holiday doesn’t narrow it down at all.
When planning your visit to the filming locations for The Holiday, you’ll want to head to Surrey from London and visit Godalming, Shere, Wonersh, and Holmbury St Mary.
Iris’ English village | Godalming
Nearest train station: Godalming
If you need to get away for the holidays, take a getaway to the village from The Holiday: Godalming. This picturesque village will welcome you as kindly as it did Amanda, and at only an hour away by train from England’s capital, it’s one of the easiest day trips from London you can take.
The White Horse Pub | Shere
Nearest train station: Gomshall
Fancy a pint and conversation in the English pub from The Holiday? The White Horse Pub in Shere is brick-for-brick still the same, with the exception of a photo or two from the film displayed.
Honeysuckle Cottage | Holmbury St Mary
Nearest train station: Gomshall or Holmwood (plus a cab or bus to Holmbury St Mary)
The inspiration for Rosehill Cottage – Honeysuckle Cottage – is a real home in Holmbury St Mary. Though the cottage was recreated on a London soundstage for the actual filming, the real Honeysuckle Cottage is just as stunning as its facsimile looked on the silver screen. You can even rent it out if you need an English escape for the holidays.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Matt Mawson. Image Location: Surrey Hills near Holmbury St Mary, Surrey, England
Graham’s house | Wonersh
Nearest train station: Shalford (plus a cab or bike ride to Wonersh)
A deep cut of a filming location but one for the diehard fan, the exterior shots used for Graham’s home are of Mill House. Who knows: if you’re a lovelorn soul perhaps this off-the-beaten-path stop in Surrey will lead to your own romantic rendezvous.
Inspired to travel this holiday season?
Download the Trainline app: You’ve got a life to start living and trains are going to be in it. You’ll go somewhere new and you’ll meet people who will make you feel worthwhile.
And we’ll be seeing you on the train.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, beaucroft. Image Location: Godalming, Surrey, England