Where Was Wonka Filmed? All UK Filming Locations Explained

The 2023 musical drama Wonka brings audiences into the whimsical world of pure imagination, and it was filmed in several locations that helped bring the magic to life. Directed by Paul King, Wonka serves as a prequel to Roald Dahl’s classic story Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, focusing on the early years of Willy Wonka and his dreams of becoming a famous chocolatier. He sets about establishing his business in the Galeries Gourmet with the help of his new friends, but faces fierce competition and sabotage along the way.

The third adaptation of the popular children’s book sees Timothée Chalamet step into the shoes of the famous inventor; it has been certified as Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and is regarded by critics as the best adaptation of Roald Dahl’s work. Academy Award-nominated production designer Nathan Crowley worked alongside Paul King in finding the right locations across the United Kingdom, which helped to capture the charm of the story.

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Oxford, England

Several Scenes Were Filmed at the Iconic University of Oxford

Some of the filming of Wonka took place in Oxford, England. The early footage of Timothée Chalamet in his Wonka costume, walking through the streets of Oxford, first piqued the worldwide interest in the movie. Crowley felt that Oxford had the necessary charm required for the movie and that it was one of several necessary locations needed to remain faithful to the original story written by Roald Dahl (via FilmStories).

Several scenes were filmed at the University of Oxford, the oldest English-language university in existence, having been established in 1096. It has been used as a filming location for many different movies, including several of the Harry Potter films, Alice in Wonderland, and Tolkien. Other famous Oxford locations that make appearances in the movie include the Radcliffe Camera Library and the Bridge of Sighs.

Bath, England

The Famous Colonnades Were Used to Film a Winter Wonderland

Another British city that was used was the city of Bath. The production design team used the famous Colonnades of Bath to film scenes where Willy Wonka goes to confront Scrubbit and Bleacher. When filming was underway, the colonnades were covered in artificial snow, to create a winter wonderland atmosphere for the movie.

Other popular tourist attractions that make appearances in the movie include the Palace Gardens and Bath Abbey. The city is also recognized for its Roman baths, which have existed since 60 AD. Bath is one of the most widely visited cities in England, attracting over 6 million tourists per year.

Lyme Regis, Dorset

Filming Location Where Willy Wonka’s Cargo Ship Docks at Port

Willy Wonka steps off a cargo ship at the beginning of the movie, determined to fulfill his dreams. He has spent his time traveling the world and honing his craft in chocolate-making. He is equipped only with his magic travel suitcase and a mind full of ideas, but he is determined to share his ideas with everyone he comes across.

The dock where Wonka’s ship arrives at port was filmed at the harbor of Lyme Regis in Dorset. The Lyme Regis harbor is a popular filming location as it was used in the 1982 film The French Lieutenant’s Woman and every adaptation of Jane Austin’s Persuasion, most recently in 2022. The breathtaking views of the harbor and the stone pier of the Cobb create a dramatic and scenic entrance for Willy Wonka as he begins his journey in the world of chocolate-making.

St Paul’s Cathedral, London

Filming Location of The Secret Entrance to The Chocolate Cartel’s Base

Despite receiving support from his new friend Noodle, Wonka often finds himself thwarted by his three biggest competitors, Fickelgrubber, Prodnose, and Slugworth, who were established by director, Paul King as the Chocolate Cartel. Together, they seek to get rid of the competition, and they immediately see Willy Wonka as a potential threat to their businesses. Wonka learns that the cartel runs a secret base under a parish run by the corrupt Father Julius.

The entrance to the cartel’s secret base was filmed at the famous St Paul’s Cathedral in London. Established in 1710, the cathedral is one of the most popular sights in London, thanks to its iconic dome. It has been used as a filming location by director Paul King in some of his previous works, most notably in his previously acclaimed movies Paddington and Paddington 2.

Verulamium Park, St. Albans

Filming Location Where Wonka and Noodle Visit the Zoo

Willy Wonka’s dream is to open a chocolate shop at the Galeries Gourment, but his plans are often thwarted by fellow inventors Slugworth, Fickelgruber, and Prodnose. The trio of sweet-makers strive to drive Wonka out of town and go out of their way to sabotage his inventions. Willy and his new friend, Noodle, decide to fight back, with a plan involving a trip to the zoo and a fairground.

Rather than film at an already existing location, Nathan Crowley and his production team established a zoo exclusively for the movie. They used a combination of artificial snow, CGI, and bright lights to fully transform the park for Wonka and Noodle’s expedition. The production team reportedly paid £41,000 (approximately $52,000) to the St Albans City & District Council to film in Verulamium Park (via BBC).

Mapledurham, Berkshire

Filming Location of the Flashbacks of Willy Wonka’s Childhood with his Mother

Wonka offers viewers a look into how Willy Wonka established his business and became a famous chocolate maker. It’s shown throughout the movie that his mother was his strongest supporter, encouraging Willy to travel and follow his dreams. One of Willy’s most prized possessions is a chocolate bar that his mother had made for him, and he talks about how much his mother inspired him to make chocolate.

Through flashback sequences, Willy’s life with his mother before he left to travel the world is explored. Many of these scenes were filmed in the idyllic village of Mapledurham in Berkshire, situated on the banks of the River Thames. The village is famous for its watermill and canal tours on the African Queen riverboat; the peaceful background of Mapledurham proved a perfect location for filming Willy’s childhood with his mother and helps Wonka establish itself as a warm and magical insight into the life and early years of one of the most inventive chocolate-makers ever created.

Sources: FilmStories, BBC