I Found WICKED’s Real Filming Locations in England

I Found WICKED’s Real Filming Locations in England

Sweet Oz. If you told my younger self I’d one day be booking
a trip just to visit Wicked filming locations… …I’d have asked what kind of sorcery
you were under and where I could get some. But, here we are. My name is Ashley and I work in film and television… …which basically means I cry over good lighting… …and get unreasonably excited about location permits. I’ve spent my fair share of time
on backlots and studios… …and my personal favorite:
real world destinations. The kind of tangible spaces
you can walk through… …get lost in and feel the story
come to life around you. Now, mix that with my enthusiasm for travel and my
unwavering 2003 love of the Wicked musical and books… …and you’ve got the perfect recipe
for this very specific kind of adventure. Join me on a little love
letter to production… …as I take you across England to explore
all the Wicked movie spots I could find. But, it’s not just about what ended up on camera… …it’s also about the towns and communities
that helped bring the Land of Oz to life. So, if you’re a fellow theater kid,
a film buff, or just planning your next UK trip… …grab your broom or bubble and let’s
head down that Yellow Brick Road. Not well-versed in left lane driving… …I opted to spare myself the stress
and the potential embarrassment… …by relying on England’s vast railway and bus network
for my 6-day stay in the region. My first stop was King’s Lynn,
home to the infamous Munchkinland tulip field. Tulips, though bold and beloved, bloom
for just a few fleeting weeks each spring… …and, honestly, catching them at their peak
was the spark that kicked off this entire escapade. Years ago, production designer Nathan Crowley
and location manager Adam Richards… …partnered up with local farmers
here in this corner of the country… …to plant nearly 9 million tulips, bringing to
life the colorful esthetic of our Munchkin folk. Unfortunately for fans, I learned that the
original tulip field used in Wicked… …has since been replaced with an entirely
different crop and is not open to visitors. But, in an effort to honor what once was… …I found something even better:
a tulip field just up the road… …managed by those same farmers,
raising money for charity. Every year, Norfolk Tulips opens its gates
to the general public, raising funds… …for Tapping House, a local hospice providing
free care for people with life limiting illnesses. Grab a ticket and a time slot, and you’re free
to wander the fields at your own leisure… …soaking in the sheer delight of
frolicking amongst the flowers. And, if I can give you an insider tip,
try to book the earliest time slot of the day. Better photos. Smaller crowd. With nearly the entire day ahead of me, I opted
to explore a bit more of this idyllic countryside… …before continuing the “Great Wicked Tour.” After all, you’ve got to admire how far a production
will go just to find the perfect patch of farmland… …so, you might as well see what makes
the community, at large, tick. Just a 3-mile, incredibly relaxing, stroll from the tulips is
one of the most notable attractions in the area. Sandringham House is the private retreat
of King Charles and Queen Camilla… …and has served as such for over
five generations of British monarchs. Traditionally, it’s a place where the
royals enjoy their Christmas holiday. The property is enormous,
with beautifully crafted gardens… …footpaths ebbing and flowing over
the gentle curves of the Earth… …and what can only be described
as a strikingly lavish country home. If Galinda Upland of the Gregory Maguire novel were here… …I imagine she’d be captivated by the ornate Jacobean
architecture and carefully curated landscapes. Elphaba Thropp, on the other hand, might roll
her eyes at the sheer opulence of it all. I found myself wandering in awe of the
property, and after a brief tour inside — — sorry, no photos were allowed — …I spent the remainder of my time
simply taking in the serenity of the land. Like the Tulips for Tapping event… …a visit to Sandringham House does require a reservation… …but, I’d say it’s certainly worth the
visit if you can swing it. As for King’s Lynn town center,
a mere 15-minute drive from Sandringham… …I had the opportunity to explore all its offerings… …after I checked into my accommodation
yesterday afternoon. I booked myself at the Duke’s Head Hotel,
which I found to be generally cozy and clean… …save for a slightly distracting
late night party at a nearby pub — …sorry, that’s my grumpy jetlag complaining — …but, if you’re hoping to be in the heart
of this historic port district… …and close to the tulip fields,
you can’t go wrong with this hotel. Serving up a strong maritime
heritage, King’s Lynn has been… …one of England’s most important players
in trade along the waterways. My first hour or so was spent perusing
some of the more modern thoroughfares… …but, a deeper stroll through the town
revealed old merchant homes… …sea sprayed facades and the
general taste of salt in the air. An even closer inspection unveiled the
increasingly peculiar characteristics… …undoubtedly carved over the centuries. But more than anything, and especially
on a late Sunday afternoon… …King’s Lynn came off
as a fairly quiet residential town. Fast forward through the next morning,
exploring tulips and country homes… …and you’ll find me back on the train
heading into central London. The Wicked adventure continues
with a visit to Hampstead. With its bustling high street, charming
cobbled lanes and postcard worthy homes… …the moment I arrived in Hampstead,
I had the overwhelming suspicion… …it would be hard for me to leave. Leading up to the release of Wicked: Part One… …cast and crew were dropping behind-the-scenes
photos and interviews… …discussing their time in London during filming… …and, more than once, I caught mention of their days
spent off camera hanging out in Hampstead. Then, in March 2025, Ariana Grande
dropped a song called Hampstead… …which pretty much sealed the deal for me. I had to see what this
neighborhood was all about. In the late afternoon glow… …I instantly melted into the vibes of this
trendy London village. There was an almost indescribable energy to it. A feeling of pure content and, dare I say, happiness. Without really thinking, I ended up
on the Heath, a wild park of woodland… …and meadows extending nearly 800-acres. I wandered until my feet hurt… …taking in the seemingly endless trails
and ever changing vistas. If some of the cast and crew did
indeed stay in Hampstead… …I could see just how beneficial a stroll through
this park would be after a long day of filming. It felt like the perfect place
to unwind and recharge. Closing out the night, I reserved
a table at The Holly Bush… …a centuries-old pub nestled
just a stone’s throw away from the Heath. It’s said that the cast turned up here
on a number of different occasions… …and it’s only after arriving home
and digging a little deeper… …that I found out Ariana, Bowen
and I were sat at neighboring tables. The place was absolutely just as adorable
as you would imagine… …with character around every corner and cozy
decor taking you in like a warm blanket. To start, I indulged in bread and garlic butter… …and then I moved on to cured salmon
and a caramelized shallot and potato tart… …all washed down with a smooth white wine. It was the perfect way to end
my evening in Hampstead. Full, content and already under the spell
of this magical little slice of London. (alarm clock) [Announcement]
See it. Say it. Sorted. The next morning was a foggy
flurry of activity as I boarded a train… …still trying to figure out how I’d
even find the next set locations… …arguably some of the most important ones. Always game for a little detective work… …I combed through numerous interviews,
articles, and aerial images to pin down… …a random field somewhere in the
middle of the English countryside. I definitely wasn’t surprised to be the only
one hopping off the train at Cheddington Station… …greeted by cows in the distance and the oddly
nostalgic scent of fresh cut grass and manure. Where am I? I walked along the road for about 25-minutes… …avoiding probing glances and
generally trying to stay out of traffic. But, overall, I did come to enjoy the vast
openness of the landscape. And, when a car wasn’t buzzing by,
I could take in the scent of wildflowers… …and the sounds of a trickling waterway
just beyond the hedges. One of the most helpful clues
I found was a production photo… …showing a long canal cutting
through open fields. I lined that up with Google Maps and ultimately
pinned the spot I’m standing at now… …the location once home to the sets of
Shiz University, Munchkinland, and the Emerald City. It quickly became clear that the
only way I was going to explore it… …would be from Elfie’s perspective. The field is enormous, lush and… …as you can see, in the middle of nowhere. Pops of sunlight drifted over the landscape, illuminating
the most vibrant greenery against the patchy sky. A vacant terrain once bustling
with all things Wicked. I’m not sure why there wasn’t a temporary flight
restriction enforced during production… …and I certainly wouldn’t have done this myself… …but, I have some fellow YouTubers to thank
for allowing me to use their footage… …of what once stood on this very land. From the massive Shiz University set… …to the lively streets of Munchkinland… …and the grandeur of the Emerald City… …it must have felt like
their own immersive campus. Why did they choose this field, though? Was it due to its remoteness
or maybe just its size? Was the owner more willing than others
or was there some sort of tax incentive for this area? I’ll never know the answer… …but, if you’d like to be awestruck by the level of
detail that went into designing Oz here in England… …look up Nathan Crowley’s interview
with Architectural Digest. It is fascinating. The blank canvas sprawled out beneath my drone… …gave me a feeling similar
to exploring an abandoned building. You can sense the history of the place. An energy of its past life infused
with endless stories to be told. For me, it simply left me wishing there was
some way I could wander the Shiz dormitories… …or peruse book stands in the Emerald City. Places that once were that exist no more. Just a short walk away was an unassuming drive… …once serving as the main entry point
to the production field. Today, it’s literally just
the entrance to a local business. Another 25-minutes up the road and I arrived at
Ivinghoe with the hopes of grabbing lunch. I popped in to the Rose and Crown pub,
finally christening my UK trip with a classic dish. And, damn if this was not the best
fish and chips I’ve ever had. For such a peaceful town, I can’t imagine
what it was like to suddenly become the backdrop… …for flying monkeys and Ozian shenanigans. As a visitor today, you’d never know
the world that once stood here. And, perhaps, that’s the true enchantment of it all. A whole fantasy realm conjured up, lived in, and
then quietly folded back into the everyday. Alright. Just got back from my day at Shiz… …and now for a night in the West End. I know this doesn’t qualify as a filming
location, but to go with the theme here… …we have tickets tonight to see Wicked… …and it is my third time seeing it here in London. Although, it’s been over a decade since
I’ve seen the musical on stage at all. So, I’m very excited to get a refresher,
especially after seeing the film… …and just to have a night of
fun and relaxation… …and we’ll pick up the actual
filming locations tomorrow. I was first introduced to Wicked at 16, back in 2003… …when my parents gifted me
the original cast recording CD. I fell in love with the music
before I even fully understood the story… …and it would be two more years
before I finally saw the show on Broadway. To say it had an impact on me is an understatement. There was something in this musical
that I deeply connected with. The characters, the story, the songs. They became a source of comfort during
some of life’s hardest moments… …and a soundtrack to many of its best. And, maybe my love for these witches
goes back even further than I realize. In 2006, as a broke college student… …my friends and I scraped together
enough money to fly to London… …to see Idina Menzel reprise her
role for the West End opening. Since then, I’ve seen the Broadway production 5 times… …read the books and indulged
in more than a little fanfiction. For those of you who’ve been waiting
for this movie for decades… …I’ve been right there with you. And to Jon M. Chu: thank you for honoring
the material so beautifully. So, it only seemed appropriate
to celebrate the stage show… …in the midst of this rather
unique adventure I’m on this week. And, I could not be more excited to step
back into the Apollo Victoria Theatre. The next day was arguably
my favorite of the trip… …kicking off with a 1-hour train
ride to the south coast. The sun was shining, there was a buzz in the air… …and, as I arrived at Brighton Station,
it felt like — if I listened closely enough — …I could hear Doctor Dillamond launching
into a lecture just down the hall. And, it would make sense
for him to be in town. After all, this city holds one of the
closest ties to Shiz University I could find… …with architectural inspiration drawn
from the Royal Pavilion. In 1815, George the Prince Regent,
who would later become King George IV… …commissioned John Nash to
transform his seaside villa… …into a lavish pleasure palace of foreign influence. Known for his eccentric tastes
and passion for the arts… …George’s decadent home is a true
standout in the community… …and has undergone many iterations
and uses in the 200 years since. Visitors are free to roam the gardens and
can even join a ticketed tour inside. The Shiz set design pulled from many influences,
but the onion-shaped domes and oval windows… …were clear nods to the Royal Pavilion. It was easy to imagine Galinda inside,
busying herself with sorcery practice… …or laying out an outfit for
that night’s Ozdust soiree. And I have to say, for having spent a better part
of yesterday just staring out at an empty field… …it was a welcome shift to have
something concrete to admire. A physical connection to the fictional world
I’ve been chasing all week. With a few hours to spare,
I made my way down to the water… …greeted by a casual crowd enjoying a light
breeze along the shorefront. This is an obvious resort town with plenty of bars,
restaurants, shops and so much more… …and I felt lucky to be here in the early spring
indulging in the atmosphere. Honoring the “bright” of Brighton, the city is dotted
with rainbow flags and colorful streets. At first, I thought the bold palette was
just a nod to Brighton’s name. But, the longer, I looked around,
the more I started wondering… …wait, is everyone gay here? Slower than I care to admit… …I eventually came to learn that I was standing in
the unofficial LGBTQ+ capital of the United Kingdom. It was so much fun! Energetic, quirky, and, above all, inclusive. And, honestly, if you’ve read
any of the Wicked books or picked up… …on some vibes in the musical or movie,
Brighton is just a modern day Oz. Before leaving, I grabbed a delicious
Japanese lunch at Pompoko… …before heading back to the station… …ready to see what other wonders
the south coast had in store. Located in East Sussex… …the quiet town of Seaford sits at the doorstep of
the iconic Seven Sisters South Downs National Park. It’s where I’ve chosen to stay for the night
in a room over the Wellington pub… …and where I’m embarking on a hike to
Elphaba’s “The Wizard and I” cliffside. Famous for its chalk sea cliffs, rolling
green hills and meandering waterways… …the Seven Sisters landscape is undeniably scenic. Met by the endless sea… …there’s a serenity to this place
that felt hard to define. The park welcomes visitors from all around the world… …and maintains numerous trails for exploration. Standing atop the hillside, I enjoyed
30 minutes simply taking in the sights. What captivated me most were the colors. A highly contrasting natural environment. From the sky occasionally illuminating
with warm beams of sunlight… …to the almost Caribbean blue ocean water
butting up against the stark white rocks. The green of the grassland at once
seemed out of place… …and as if it belonged all at the same time. Another 20 minutes or so was spent
imagining how they filmed… …Elphaba’s final shots running up
to the ledge in her song. I had fun playing with my own camera,
trying to recreate the framing… …without dangling myself off the cliff side. Now, you already know
I like a little detective work… …and if you don’t love a behind-the-scenes
spoiler, skip ahead in this video… …because this took some serious
digging for me to uncover. It turns out, the production team recreated the
cliffside back in that field near Cheddington Station. I somehow managed to find
one still image of this… …and matched it up to a drone video
flying over the field during filming. I’m guessing they did this to a) keep
Cynthia Erivo from risking a 500ft plunge… …and b) have more camera control, since that final shot
would seem to require a crane or drone if they filmed here. Could it be a blend of both of these locations
to form that sequence? Absolutely. I can’t say for sure if Cynthia actually sang here… …but, we can at least agree that the cliffs definitely
inspired the look of “The Wizard and I.” Either way, I can confirm the production
team was, indeed, in this area… …because our next film site
is just a few minutes away. Barring traffic. Cutting through a valley between the
Seven Sisters sits the Cuckmere River… …famously used as the entryway to Shiz. [Ashley]
Okay, so I brought with me these two pictures. [Ashley]
I know I’m a complete dork. [Ashley]
But, I brought these for reference to see if I can find this. [Ashley]
And, I’m starting to think that these two elements… [Ashley]
…don’t exist in exactly the same place. [Ashley]
Yes, these are the cliffs that I was just at… [Ashley]
…but, this river doesn’t flow with a view of the cliffs… [Ashley]
…in that way. [Ashley]
They would be perpendicular to this, I think. [Ashley]
I haven’t found anything that looks like this… [Ashley]
…so, I’m assuming this is VFX. [Ashley]
But, I’m trying to find this bend in the river… [Ashley]
…which I think I’m coming up to. [Ashley]
It’s very hard to tell from the ground. [Ashley]
I need some sort of drone view, but I’m hesitant to launch… [Ashley]
…my drone when there are cows and horses around. [Ashley]
I don’t want to disturb them. [Ashley]
So, we’ll continue walking and see what we can find. Okay, so this is definitely
the crook of the river… …that Galinda Upland sailed down
on her way to Shiz. And, it’s very close to the road, so if you’re
coming to visit, it’s just off the road. Park in the visitor center and it’s like a 10-minute walk. That’s about it. It’s very cool to see. I wish I could fly my drone in this area,
but out of respect to the animals… …I’m not going to. Also, I think this is a national park, so… …I’m sure drones aren’t even allowed,
but that’s okay. I’m really glad I found the spot. Very cool to see how close Ephaba’s
cliff side is to Galinda’s arrival to Shiz. So, there you go. And, just like that, the day wound
down with a beachside sunset… …a stroll through Seaford’s sleepy town center… …and a simple dinner at the only place still open. Quiet, unassuming and oddly perfect. The next morning, I rose early to soak in
a few more minutes of this peaceful town. One last breath of sea air before
heading north to wrap up this Wicked tour. Perhaps even more difficult
to get to via public transportation… …than that empty field from days ago, was a
trek out to Hankley Common in Elstead. I did try to make the journey
a little more fun by booking an Airbnb… …in a nearby town famous for another movie,
which you’ll see in a future video. Any guesses? Hankley Common is located in the Surrey Hills… …and is a well-known nature reserve,
occasionally used for movie making, but… …otherwise enjoyed as a recreational park
and military training space. Thanks to a bit of research and a
phone call to the Surrey Film Office… …I was able to confirm
that Wicked did film here… …and it included scenes for part
two, Wicked: For Good. As of the release of this video, we are still
a month out from the premiere of that movie… …so, I have no idea what specifically was shot here… …but I can tell you that there was a yellow brick road… …and paparazzi photos of Cynthia Erivo and a broom. After an exceedingly long bus ride,
I was dropped off at a graveyard… …which was really confusifying… …and left to find my way into the Common. Fortunately, it was just about a 20-minute walk… …before I entered the woods and moved
through the heathland searching for… …well, I didn’t exactly know what I was looking for… …but, I can tell you that I treated it
like a bit of a treasure hunt. There are two aerial photos of Wicked
filming in Hankley Common. I lined up the trails with what I
could make out on Google Maps… …and pinned the location of the Yellow Brick Road. Pausing at a rather suspicious sign… …I only proceeded forward when I saw a
few other folks out enjoying their mountain bikes. I guess it was okay to be here. One of the first things I noticed was how muddy
some of the paths were. I wondered how difficult getting production equipment
and personnel in here must have been. Hopefully they had decent weather. The second thing I noticed was the military. I passed several men and women in uniform… …and no one seemed to care that I was
wandering alone through the woods. Another sign that it was okay for me to be here. I think. When I finally stumbled
upon the wide open space I had imagined… …I noticed a few folks out and about,
seemingly surveying the area… …possibly doing some location
scouting for an upcoming movie. Other than that, it was completely vacant, and I
took that as my opportunity to explore the Common… …standing on the exact spot
of the Yellow Brick Road. It was beautiful in an almost
desolate kind of way. Aside from the occasional chirp of a bird,
the silence of soft winds traversing the plain… …rendered a slightly eerie ambiance, one that,
if I hadn’t seen any other humans along the way… …would have left me feeling profoundly alone. The mood was fleeting as I caught sight of the
military marching down the hillside in my direction. While it was obviously just part of a training exercise… …it was also my cue to leave… …grateful to have found a spot
I knew very little about. After chasing down train connections… …frolicking in tulip fields… …dodging traffic… …and stumbling through the forest… …I suppose I’ve stretched my film
sleuthing muscles enough this trip. This whole journey ended up being way
more than just a location hunt. It gave me such an appreciation
for the production team behind Wicked… …and the worlds that are built when we tell stories well. The location choices were not only visually stunning,
but also remarkably thoughtful. The blending of practical sets
with natural landscapes… …brought something magical to life
in a way that only good filmmaking can. If you are inspired to retrace these steps yourself… …I’ve linked a pinned map in the description of this video… …that marks each of the filming
locations that I visited. Just be warned… …you might need hiking boots,
a sense of direction… …and maybe a backup plan
when the horses block your path. But, I promise, whether you’re here
for the musical, the movie, or just the adventure… …there’s something pretty wonderful waiting in Oz. I mean, England.

What if you could walk the Yellow Brick Road in real life? I spent 5 days traveling across England to uncover the real filming locations for WICKED and Wicked: For Good — from Elphaba’s cliffside to Munchkinland’s tulip fields. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of the musical, a film location sleuth, or just curious where Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo brought Oz to life, this video takes you behind the scenes and across the landscapes that made movie magic possible. 🎥💚

With Wicked: For Good hitting theaters this November, now’s the perfect time to see where Oz truly came to life!

🧹 Want to plan your own Wicked trip? Check out my complete pinned map here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TQ628GMPXMN4L

CHAPTERS
0:00 – Introduction
1:16 – Munchkinland tulip field
2:50 – Sandringham House
4:24 – King’s Lynn
5:31 – Hampstead
8:00 – Shiz University, Munchkinland & the Emerald City
11:32 – Ivinghoe
12:10 – Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre
14:26 – Brighton
17:18 – “The Wizard and I” cliffs (Seaford)
19:55 – Shiz University waterway (Seaford)
22:41 – The Yellow Brick Road (Hankley Common)

BOOKING LINKS
Interested in supporting my channel? I receive a small commission from any of the affiliate links you use below. Thanks so much!
– See Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre: https://viator.tpk.ro/xOqIdRYs
– See Wicked at the Gershwin Theater (NY): https://viator.tpk.ro/p6hmcFg0
– Book your tickets to see the tulips: https://www.norfolktulips.co.uk/
– Stay at the Dukes Head Hotel (King’s Lynn): https://tripadvisor.tpk.ro/aCM0n6SC
– Stay at The Holiday Inn (London): https://tripadvisor.tpk.ro/oDQWtxir
– Stay at my Shere Airbnb (from “The Holiday”): https://vrbo.tpk.ro/QnAFlVVb
– Stay at the Wellington Hotel (Seaford): https://tripadvisor.tpk.ro/Lg29rQQI
– Get your airport lounge access: https://prioritypass.tpk.ro/Q8G3CXjK
– Pay with points using Chase rewards card: https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19q/OB1Z6OBS5M

FANFIC RECOMMENDATIONS (Gelphie universe):
– Attrition by Haline: https://archiveofourown.org/works/51700360/chapters/130700662
– Learn Me Right by GretchenMaurice: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12552383/1/Learn-Me-Right
– Survival by GretchenMaurice: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10936688/1/Survival
– Resistance by GretchenMaurice: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/12080148/1/Resistance

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Thank you @wickedmovie for inspiring this trip!

#wickedmovie #wickedforgood #wickedlocations #wickedthemovie #wickedmovie