A world where chocolate rivers flow and wonders never cease. How about swapping our reality for that one, at least for a few days?
That’s what we thought.
The 2023 movie Wonka brings this fantasy to life, and guess what? You can actually visit its filming locations in London and Bath. No golden ticket needed—just a train pass to a sweet adventure.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
All aboard to London’s cinematic streets
First stop: London!
St. Paul's Cathedral
The iconic St Paul’s Cathedral plays a starring role in Wonka: it’s the entrance to the chocolate cartel’s base. It turns out, this is an architectural gem, a religious site, and a gateway to Wonka’s world, all under one dome.
How to get to St Paul’s Cathedral: Hop on a train to London Blackfriars or City Thameslink. St Paul’s Cathedral is just a short walk from these stations.
Rivoli Ballroom
Next, we swing by the Rivoli Ballroom in Brockley, South East London, the only intact 1950s ballroom remaining in London. It’s the backdrop for that quirky post-credits scene (no spoilers!). Picture red velvet, enormous Chinese lanterns, glitter balls, and all that old-school glam—totally a bit of history sprinkled with Wonka’s whimsy!
How to get to Rivoli Ballroom: Catch a train to Crofton Park station, and from there, the Rivoli Ballroom is just a hop, skip, and a jump away.
Image Credit: Jaap Buittendijk, Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Soak up Oxford’s scholarly charm
Leaving London, our train chugs toward the prestigious university town of Oxford. Here, the Bridge of Sighs (or Hertford Bridge, officially) had a cameo in Wonka. Imagine strolling under this famous skyway bridge, where a giraffe once… Alright, we agreed no spoilers, but you remember that little scene!
How to get there: Oxford railway station is your gateway. From there, it’s a scenic 17-minute walk through the university city to reach the Bridge of Sighs.
Enjoy Mapledurham’s pastoral bliss
A detour to Mapledurham in Berkshire is a must. This quaint village brought to life the flashbacks and childhood scenes of Willy Wonka. The serene Thames and picturesque willows here whisper tales of Wonka’s early years.
How to get there: travel to Reading station, then take a short taxi ride to Mapledurham.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Visit Lyme Regis: a harbor of dreams
Lyme Regis in Dorset serves as the port in the opening scenes. The stone Cobb (a breakwater wall built to protect ships and the town) and the curving harbor were the perfect setting for Wonka’s arrival. Feel the sea breeze and imagine a ship docking in this storybook town.
How to get there: Take a train to Axminster station. From there, Lyme Regis is just a bus ride away, leading you to the Cobb where Wonka’s journey begins.
Witness Bath’s timeless elegance
Our journey isn’t complete without visiting Bath. The Colonnade next to the River Avon was where Willy walked down to Scrubbit and Bleacher. If you’ve seen a couple of pics of Bath online, you won’t be surprised how well the local Georgian architecture fits right into Wonka’s magical world.
How to get there: Bath Spa railway station is your stop. The Colonnade is a quick stroll away, along the picturesque River Avon.
Get enchanted by St Albans’ wintry wonderland
Verulamium Park in St Albans hosted the zoo scenes, a very important location in the movie. The huge parkland with its picturesque lake transformed into a wintry wonderland, perfect for a zoo and fairground set in the heart of Wonka’s city.
How to get there: Take a train to St Albans City station. Verulamium Park is a short walk from the station, ready to unveil its starring role in the Wonka movie with Timothée Chalamet.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Wonka 2023 movie filming locations in the UK: FAQs
Learn where in the United Kingdom Roald Dahl’s imagination has come to life.
Where was Wonka filmed?
Wonka was filmed across several locations in the United Kingdom, including London, Oxford, Mapledurham, Lyme Regis, Bath, and St Albans.
Where is the Wonka chocolate factory located?
The Wonka chocolate factory, a place of dreams and chocolate streams, is a fictional creation. The film used various locations in the UK to bring this fantastical factory to life on screen.
Wonka filming locations in London
London boasts several filming locations for Wonka (2023), including the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral and the vintage Rivoli Ballroom in Brockley, each adding a touch of cinematic magic to the city.
Image Credit: Jaap Buittendijk, Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Where is the city from Wonka located?
The city in Wonka is a fictional blend of various real-world locations, mostly across England, UK.
Wonka filming locations in Oxford
Oxford also played its role in Wonka, with its scholarly backdrop featuring the Bridge of Sighs. This historic city offered the perfect setting for scenes filled with wonders, both academic and architectural.
Is Wonka a real place that I can visit?
Wonka, as depicted in the 2023 movie, is a realm of imagination. However, the filming locations are very much real and open for visits, offering fans a taste of the movie’s magical world (and some chocolate, of course).
Embark on this train journey to the heart of Wonka (2023), where every stop is a mini portal into a fantasy world. Pack your bags, grab your camera (and digital tickets), and let the British rail lead you to these cinematic destinations!
Header Image Credit: Jaap Buittendijk, Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures