Rob Marshall’s 2014 musical fantasy film “Into the Woods” takes viewers on a fairy tale adventure for the ages. Blending a rich tapestry of familiar tales together, it serves as an origin story of sorts for many traditional and beloved tales of our youth. Beyond its captivating storyline and stellar cast (including the likes of Meryl Streep, Chris Pine, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, and James Corden), the film’s magical spell even extends to its breathtaking filming locations. So where was “Into the Woods” filmed? Read on for some of the more notable locations in the movie.
Dover Castle, England: Where Dreams Take Flight
Nestled on the white cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle served as the backdrop for the towering palace that housed Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy). Meryl Streep, who portrayed the Witch, dazzled audiences with her performance against this stunning medieval castle.
The castle itself is open to the public and can be explored by tourists. Its historic walls, secret wartime tunnels, and panoramic views of the English Channel make for a great holiday trip. Tours are readily available for enthusiasts of the movie who want to walk in the same halls as Streep and even gaze at towers where Rapunzel herself may have let loose her flowing golden locks.
Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire: Where Fairy Tales Converge
The enchanting Ashridge Estate, with its ancient woodlands and rolling hills, provided the magical setting where Cinderella’s prince charming (Chris Pine) pursued her (Anna Kendrick) into the woods. The natural beauty of the area served as a backdrop for their funny and fabled romance in the movie.
Today, people can retrace their steps as they wander the grounds and even enter the estate house itself for guided tours. Tours will take moviegoers through secret passageways that, in many ways, retrace the steps of the feisty Cinderella herself.
Windsor Great Park, Berkshire: A Royal Playground
As the grand surroundings for the kingdom, Windsor Great Park showcased the royal splendor of the film. With its sprawling landscapes and iconic Long Walk, this location beautifully portrayed the journey of characters like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford).
Windsor Great Park is open daily to the public and is a great place to stop and see the deer, enjoy nature, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of a red hood in the far off distance.
Puzzlewood, Gloucestershire: A Mystical Maze
Puzzlewood in Gloucestershire lent its labyrinthine woods to create the mystical realm of the witch (Meryl Streep). This ancient forest, with its twisted trees and moss-covered rocks, has an otherworldly atmosphere that perfectly captured the essence of the story. It truly is a unique and one-of-a-kind place to visit. While here, movie fans can retrace the steps of Johnny Depp’s Wolf and go even further into the woods themselves.
Black Park Country Park, Buckinghamshire: Where Dreams and Nightmares Collide
Black Park Country Park set the stage for the dark and ominous moments in the film. This hauntingly beautiful location brought to life the eerie woods where characters encountered their fears and trials. Fans can walk the same paths that Anna Kendrick, James Corden, and Emily Blunt walked in the film.
“Into the Woods” transcended the boundaries of fiction to captivate audiences with its magical narrative and stunning filming locations. From the historical grandeur of Dover Castle to the mystical Puzzlewood, each destination added a layer of enchantment to the film’s immersive experience. For fans who ask that simple question, “Where was ‘Into the Woods’ filmed?” the answer can be found in one of the most scenic and rewarding trips possible. For those who love a great tale, set foot on any of these paths and you will be richly rewarded.