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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory filmed?

2005

City Locations

Gengenbach (Germany), High Wycombe (UK), Barnet (UK), Iver Heath (UK), Hatfield (UK)

Location Types

Film Studio, Mansions

Location Styles

Factory/Manufacturing, Industrial Style, Classic Car, Luxury, Trailer Park/Manufactured Home

About Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (2005), a cinematic delight directed by Tim Burton, is an enchanting adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's novel. The tale follows Charlie Bucket, a compassionate boy from a struggling family, who secures a golden ticket for a visit to the enchanting chocolate factory belonging to the eccentric Willy Wonka.

The factory is a wonderland of candy landscapes and innovative confections, all maintained by a workforce of miniature Oompa Loompas. Charlie, along with four other children, embarks on this extraordinary adventure led by Wonka himself. Each child faces tests of character in this sugar-coated dream world, with Charlie's humility and honesty shining through.

In a poignant subplot, the film also explores Wonka's past, his estranged relationship with his father, and how Charlie helps him to reconcile. This tale is not just about chocolates and candies but also about love, family, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

The movie "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" has been well-received by critics, as evidenced by its 83% approval rating from 229 reviews on the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes, with an average score of 7.2/10. The website's consensus suggests that the film stays truer to the original book than the 1971 version, "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory", and it appeals to those who appreciate visually stunning and darker interpretations of the story. Metacritic, an additional review aggregator, calculated a weighted average score of 72 out of 100 from 40 critic reviews, signifying "generally favorable reviews." Additionally, CinemaScore's audience survey granted the movie an average rating of "A-" on an A+ to F scale.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Locations

The 2005 film "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was brought to life in a variety of intriguing locations across the globe. The production spanned multiple countries, including England, Germany, the USA, Canada, and even Yemen. This diversity of settings added depth and realism to the fantastical world of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, creating a feast for the eyes that resonated with audiences worldwide.

The majority of the filming took place at Pinewood Studios in the UK. Known for its vast sound stages and cutting-edge production facilities, it offered the perfect backdrop for the intricacies of Wonka's factory. Director Tim Burton opted to use real sets over computer-generated environments to capture the whimsical and surreal nature of Roald Dahl's world.

In addition to Pinewood Studios, other notable British locations included Hatfield House and High Wycombe, as well as St Albans, where landmarks like the Ye Olde Fighting Cocks pub and Verulamium Park are featured in the movie.

Exploring these film locations is a must for fans of the movie and Roald Dahl's creations. Not only do they provide insight into the film's production, but they also offer an opportunity to discover the captivating and historic sites of England and beyond.

Fun Fact

Did you know that all 165 Oompa Loompas in the movie were played by one actor? Yes, Deep Roy played every single Oompa Loompa, a feat achieved through the magic of CGI technology!

Grandpa Joe's flashback scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Rd, Slough, Iver SL0 0NH, United Kingdom

The street is bustling with children who are eager to get their hands on Willy Wonka's (Johnny Depp) delightful candies. Wonka's candy store, a whimsical and inviting place, is filled with a variety of colorful sweets that fascinate everyone who steps inside. For years, the children, including Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore), have been drawn to this magical shop. But it's not just the neighborhood children; the whole world wants Wonka's candy. This global demand sets the stage for the expansion of Wonka's operation from a single store on Cherry Street to the fantastical factory we see later in the movie.

Pinewood Studios is a renowned British film and television studio situated in Iver Heath, England. For over 85 years, it has been pivotal in the entertainment industry, providing world-class facilities for filmmakers. The studio is home to the legendary 007 stage, 20 further stages, and unique features like a permanently filled Underwater Stage. Pinewood has also extended its facilities to Toronto, boasting one of North America's largest purpose-built stages.

To visit Pinewood Studios, take the M4 motorway to exit 6 and then the A355 towards Slough. Continue on the M40 towards Uxbridge and exit at junction 1. Follow signs for Iver Heath, and Pinewood Studios will be clearly signposted for visitors. Public transport options include trains to Uxbridge or Slough stations, with local buses available to complete your journey to the studios.

The first golden ticket winner scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Gengenbach, 77723, Germany

A news reporter announces that the first golden ticket has been found in Dusseldorf. The camera then pans to the Gloop family's sausage shop, where we meet the rotund Augustus (Philip Wiegratz), his parents, and their customers. As Augustus devours a plate full of sausages, the news reporter arrives to interview him. In the middle of the interview, Augustus bites into a Wonka chocolate bar and discovers the first golden ticket. He barely looks up from his food as he nonchalantly shows the golden ticket to the camera.

Gengenbach, situated in the district of Ortenau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a charming tourist destination nestled on the western edge of the Black Forest. With just over 11,000 inhabitants, this magical town boasts picturesque 18th-century timber-framed houses, the historic Gengenbach Town Hall, and the Stadtkirche Sankt Marien. Its position in the lower Kinzig valley makes it a gateway to the Black Forest's natural and architectural wonders, making it a must-visit spot for travelers.

To visit Gengenbach, travelers can fly into the nearest major airport, Baden Airpark (FKB), and take a train or rent a car for the remaining journey. Via rail, connect at Offenburg Station to a local train leading to Gengenbach. Travel by car is straightforward, with scenic routes available from the A5 motorway.

At Veruca's house scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Hatfield House, Great North Rd., Hatfield AL9 5HX, United Kingdom

Veruca (Julia Winter) is depicted as a demanding child who is used to getting everything she wants. She has numerous pets including one pony, four cats, two dogs, six bunny rabbits, three canaries, two parakeets, and a green parrot. Yet, she is unsatisfied and demands more. Her father, Mr. Salt (James Fox), indulges her every whim. In his factory, workers are tasked to unwrap countless chocolate bars in the hunt for a Golden Ticket, under Veruca's watchful and impatient eye. The moment they find the ticket, Veruca snatches it without even a word of thanks, highlighting her entitled attitude.

Hatfield House is a magnificent Grade I listed Jacobean estate located in Hertfordshire, England. Built by the first Earl of Salisbury, Robert Cecil, in 1611, it boasts 223 rooms adorned with fine furniture, paintings, and tapestries. The house, set amidst the expansive Great Park, served as the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I. Today, Hatfield House is a significant cultural hub, hosting various events, and has been featured in numerous films.

To visit Hatfield House, take a 20-minute train ride from London's King's Cross to Hatfield Station. Upon arrival, a short walk leads you to this historical estate, which is open to visitors for tours and special events. Check the schedule before traveling, as opening times can vary.

Marrakesh market scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Bab al-Yaman, Sana'a, Yemen

Amidst the global frenzy following the announcement of Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket contest, we see a vibrant Moroccan market scene. This scene depicts the extent of Wonka's influence and the world's obsession with his chocolate. It shows people in the Marrakesh market frantically exchanging live animals for Wonka bars, highlighting the desperation and lengths people are going to secure a Golden Ticket.

Bab al-Yaman is a historic gate located in the capital city of Yemen, Sana'a. It's the only surviving gate of the seven ancient entrances to the old city. Besides its historical significance, Bab al-Yaman is also the namesake of several authentic Yemeni restaurants, such as those in Boston and Oakland, which serve as cultural hubs for Yemeni cuisine and traditions.

Visiting Bab al-Yaman involves flying into Sana'a International Airport. Upon arrival, hire a taxi or utilize a private driver to navigate the city. The gate is a centralized landmark, easily recognizable amidst Sana'a's bustling streets. Due to current regional conditions, ensure travel advisories and safety measures are checked before planning your visit.

At the Chocolate Room scene in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

007 Stage, Pinewood Studios, Pinewood Rd, Slough, Iver SL0 0NH, United Kingdom

As the large doors open, the visitors find themselves in a vast room that resembles a meadow, but with everything made entirely out of candy. The room is a riot of colors, with a chocolate river flowing through the center, candy cane trees, gummy bear plants, and mushrooms made of spun sugar. Willy Wonka reveals that everything in the room is edible—from the grass underfoot to the buttercups made of popcorn. The children and their guardians are amazed and start tasting everything around them.

The 007 Stage at Pinewood Studios is one of the largest sound stages in the world. Named after James Bond, it was originally built for "The Spy Who Loved Me" in 1976. The stage spans over 59,000 square feet with a water tank for underwater scenes. Despite suffering two fires, it's been rebuilt each time, aiding in the production of countless films beyond Bond, including "Star Wars" and "Inception".

To reach the 007 Stage at Pinewood Studios, travel by train from London to Slough, then take a taxi for the short journey to the studios. Driving from Central London, take the M4 motorway towards Slough and follow signs for Iver Heath and Pinewood Studios.

Conclusion

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is a cinematic spectacle that blends whimsy with reality by using a diverse range of filming locations. From the historic city of York in North Yorkshire, England, to the charming town of Gengenbach in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, the film transports viewers across continents. Notably, scenes were shot in Buford, Georgia, USA, adding a touch of suburban Americana, while parts of Yemen, represented by Bab al Yaman, brought an exotic flair to the movie. The majority of indoor scenes were filmed at the iconic Pinewood Studios in the UK, known for its association with the James Bond franchise. Even snowy landscapes in Canada were used, creating a unique mix of locales that mirror the fantastical elements of Roald Dahl's beloved tale. This eclectic blend of locations contributes to the film's magical charm, making it a timeless classic.