The Fairytale Filming Locations Of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The 1968 movie “Chity Chitty Bang Bang” has captured the imagination of several generations of viewers. Ostensibly a children’s film it is also loved by adults for its charm, fantasy and humour. Chitty is based on a novel by James Bond’s creator Ian Fleming and features a script co-written by Roald Dahl. The movie has many memorable moments together with iconic filming locations which you should visit if you are a fan of the film.
Cobstone Windmill
In the movie Caractacus Potts’ unusual home is a beautiful windmill. Cobstone windmill is in Ibstone, Buckinghamshire is just a few minutes from junction 5 of the M40. The windmill was built in 1816 and was in use until 1873. Over the years the building fell into disrepair until it was cosmetically restored in 1967 for the filming of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. After filming the windmill was purchased by actress Hayley Mills who undertook extensive renovations including the addition of a swimming pool! The building was later sold and has remained in private hand ever since.
The Child Catcher
One of the most memorable characters in the film is the Child Catcher, a sinister individual who captures children in the kingdom of Vulgaria as children are not allowed! In one scene of the film he stalks Jeremy and Jemima Potts who are hiding in the toy makers’ workshop. This iconic scene was filmed in the picturesque medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber near Nuremberg, Germany. Rothenburg was also featured in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” and was the inspiration for the village in the Walt Disney’s animated film “Pinocchio”. The town is well worth a visit for its history, beautiful architecture and romantic feel and could be combined with a trip to nearby Heidelberg or the most famous location in the movie, Schloss Neuschwanstein.
Schloss Neuschwanstein
The fairytale castle Neuschwantein is situated above the village of Hohenschwangau in southern Bavaria, Germany. Its romantic and fanciful architecture and picturesque mountain setting have made it a famous and instantly recognisable building. The castle was the creation of King Ludwig II of Bavaria who commissioned the castle for use as a personal refuge and as a tribute to his friend, the composer Richard Wagner. Construction began in 1868 but the castle was not habitable until 1886, the year of Ludwig’s death. Sadly Wagner never set foot in the palace. The castle was opened to the public shortly after Ludwig’s passing and has received over 60 million visitors. It is open all year round and is a stunning sight in any season. Visits are via a guided tour after which you can take a brief walk to a nearby bridge from which you can get a wonderful view of the exterior and the surrounding landscape.
Fine Locations
Whether you are fan of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” or just looking for some new destinations to explore, the filming locations of this movie are great places to enjoy. Experience the charm of the English countryside or visit Germany which might be the country of efficiency and economic success, the nation of Bayern Munich and Hugo Boss but which also possesses great history, charm and romance.
Sally Stacey is a copywriter, business woman and lover of travel. Sally has visited the filming locations of this, her favourite ever film!
