Where was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang filmed?
1968
City Locations
Buckinghamshire, Hampshire (UK); Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (France); Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany)
Location Types
Film Studio, Mansions
Location Styles
Beachfront, Castle/Chateau, Greek/Neoclassical, Gothic/Victorian, Foreign, Building Dated/Retro
About Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
If you were a child in the ‘60s, you likely have fond memories of the film featuring the original flying car. The 1968 fantasy musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, directed by Ken Hughes and featuring a star-studded cast including Sally Ann Howes, Dick Van Dyke, Lionel Jeffries, and Robert Helpmann, holds a special place in the hearts of many. Produced by Albert R. Broccoli and John Stears, it was released on December 19, 1968, by United Artists. The film is based on the 1964 novel of the same name by Ian Fleming.
The plot follows the adventures of the eccentric Potts family after they purchase a magical car that can fly and float on water. After inventing a unique recipe for musical treats, the family's newly acquired car attracts the attention of the evil Baron Bomburst (Gert Fröbe), who seeks to steal the car for his sinister purposes. The Potts family must join forces with a mysterious stranger, Truly Scrumptious (Sally Ann Howes), to foil the Baron's plan and save their beloved car.
United Artists launched an ambitious and costly marketing campaign for the film, aiming to emulate the success of The Sound of Music. The film was initially showcased on a roadshow basis. At the 41st Academy Awards, the title song from the film was nominated for Best Song—Original for the Picture. Despite ranking as the tenth most popular film at the U.S. box office in 1969, its significant budget resulted in an estimated loss of $8 million for United Artists during its initial cinema run. It has since become a beloved classic, particularly among children and families.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Locations
The 1968 film adaptation took us on a journey through diverse locations in Europe, infusing an international charm into the production. From breathtaking landmarks to picturesque scenes, England stole the show with its scenic beauty.
The breathtaking Cobstone Windmill anchors the region's backdrop in Ibstone, Buckinghamshire. This is where the Potts family's home was recreated, while the exterior of the Scrumptious Sweet Co. Factory was shot at the Kempton Waterworks in Snakey Lane, Hanworth, in Greater London. The iconic Ilmer bridge, located in Ilmer, Buckinghamshire, was also used to film the scene where Lord Scrumptious is kidnapped. Not far away, the Heatherden Hall of Pinewood Studios was used as the setting of the Scrumptious mansion.
France and Germany also had their places in the movie. The beach scene of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was filmed at the Cap Taillat in Saint-Tropez, France, while the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany, served as the backdrop for Baron Bomburst's castle.
Considering the beautiful and picturesque locations used to film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, it would be worthwhile to take a trip to these places. Not only are they stunning to look at, but exploring these landmarks and nearby areas of interest will make you feel like you are part of a world of fantasy and fun.
Grand Prix forest track scene in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Black Park Country Park, Black Park Rd, Slough SL3 6DS, UK
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang opens with a thrilling sequence featuring Caractacus Potts (Dick Van Dyke) competing in various Grand Prix events. This scene, filled with high-speed chases and heart-pounding action, sets the tone for the rest of the film, a delightful blend of adventure, comedy, and fantasy.
The primary location for these opening scenes is the backlot of Pinewood Studios, one of the most famous film studios in the world, located in Buckinghamshire, England. However, the forest where the track continued during the 1908 Grand Prix in Germany is actually Black Park Country Park in Buckinghamshire.
This vast park, covering over 500 acres, offers a diverse landscape of woodland, heathland, and open space, providing an ideal backdrop for the racing scenes in the movie. Besides Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Black Park has also been featured in popular films like Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) and the Harry Potter series. Once there, you can stroll down the paths that once formed the racetrack for the Grand Prix scenes in the film, immersing yourself in a piece of cinematic history.
You can reach Black Park via public transport or car to visit this iconic location. It's located near Slough, around 23 miles west of London. If traveling by train, the nearest stations are Langley and Iver, both of which are a short taxi ride from the park. If you're driving, the park is easily accessible from the M4 and A40 motorways.
Truly takes Jeremy and Jemima home scene in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Cobstone Windmill, Oxford Rd, Stokenchurch, High Wycombe HP14 3YB, UK
The movie is brimming with unforgettable scenes, one of which showcases Jemima (Heather Ripley) and Jeremy Potts (Adrian Hall), the offspring of Caractacus Potts, a widowed inventor. The children become fascinated by the remains of a champion racecar, and when they discover that the car is set to be scrapped, they implore their father to save it.
This scene introduces the Potts family's unique home, a farm complex next to Cobstone Windmill in Buckinghamshire. This location is one of the most iconic in the film, and viewers might recall Truly driving Jeremy and Jemima home to this picturesque spot.
Perched on Turville Hill, Cobstone Windmill, constructed circa 1816, offers a commanding view of the quaint village of Turville. This elegant smock mill replaced its predecessor, which had graced the landscape since the 16th century. The windmill and its surrounding estate were once the residence of actress Hayley Mills, who renovated the property, but fortunately, the windmill remained intact. Even after over five decades, the windmill looks just as it did when Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was filmed, making it a must-visit for movie fans.
Getting to this location is relatively easy. If you're traveling from London, you can take a train to High Wycombe. From High Wycombe, Turville is about a 20-minute drive away. Alternatively, you can take a bus from High Wycombe to Stokenchurch and then a taxi to Turville. Once in Turville, the windmill is a prominent landmark and easily accessible.
Find Filming Locations
Caractacus takes his children and Truly to the beach scene in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Cap Taillat, 83420 La Croix-Valmer, France
One of the most memorable scenes takes place when Caractacus Potts takes his children and the wealthy Truly, with whom they've had some previous encounters, on a trip in their magical car. They end up picnicking on a beautiful beach, where Caractacus spins a tale about the villainous Baron Bomburst, who rules over the fictional land of Vulgaria and has designs on their extraordinary vehicle, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
This idyllic scene was filmed at Cap Taillat, near Saint-Tropez in the south of France. This photogenic peninsula beach is known for its secluded and picturesque setting, making it the perfect location for this pivotal scene. The journey to the beach starts from Cadmore End, the location of the Potts family home in the film.
Cap Taillat rests near the historic village of Ramatuelle in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It showcases a captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. If you want to visit this beautiful filming location, you can reach Saint-Tropez by train or plane. The nearest major airport is Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport, where you can take a bus or taxi to Saint-Tropez. Once there, Cap Taillat is easily accessible by car or on foot, allowing you to walk in the characters' footsteps.
Video Shoot Locations Guide
Grandpa Potts is taken to the castle scene in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Neuschwanstein Castle, Neuschwansteinstraße 20, 87645 Schwangau, Germany
Grandpa Potts (Lionel Jeffries) is whisked away to the castle of Baron Bomburst, the ruler of the fictional land of Vulgaria. Ordered by the Baron to construct another magical car, Grandpa has to bluff his way out of a potentially fatal situation. Meanwhile, Caractacus and his entourage are aided and hidden by a local Toymaker (Benny Hill) under the Baron's employ. However, their beloved car, Chitty, is discovered and taken to the castle.
This scene introduces viewers to the stunning landscape of Vulgaria, which was brought to life using various locations in Germany. The most striking of these is undoubtedly Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Baron Bomburst's grand residence in the film.
Neuschwanstein Castle is a spectacular hilltop castle built in the 19th century for King Ludwig II. Its picturesque turrets and towers have made it an Instagram favorite, and its design even inspired the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty (1959). In Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the castle's imposing facade and fairytale-like setting add to the fantastical atmosphere of the film.
Visiting Neuschwanstein Castle is straightforward for tourists. Located near the town of Füssen in southwest Bavaria, it can be reached by train from Munich or Augsburg, followed by a bus ride from Füssen to the village of Hohenschwangau. Visitors can walk up the hill to the castle or take a shuttle bus from there. Guided tours of the castle allow fans to explore this iconic filming location in detail.
Film Shoot Locations Tour
The Potts family enters the village through the archway scene in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Kobolzeller Turm, Kobolzeller Steige, 91541 Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
The Potts family and Truly Scrumptious arrive in the village of Vulgaria. They attempt to communicate with the locals to find directions to the castle, unaware that Baron Bomburst has outlawed children, causing their presence to stir anxiety among the villagers.
This scene was filmed at the Kobolzeller Turm in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria. The tower, situated on one of the city's main avenues, features a simple gray stone structure with a clock and an arched passage underneath. It stands next to the charming Das Plonlein, making it an attractive location for photo opportunities.
Visiting this filming location is relatively straightforward. If you're already in Germany, specifically in Bavaria, you can take a road trip from Neuschwanstein Castle to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The drive typically takes around three hours, making it a feasible day trip for fans of the film eager to explore multiple filming locations.
Production Spaces Exploration
Conclusion
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a magical adventure film that has stood the test of time, captivating audiences of all ages with its blend of whimsy, humor, and innovation. It's a film primarily targeted toward children but also appeals to adults, making it a perfect choice for family movie nights. The performances are one of the film's biggest strengths. Lionel Jeffries, who plays the quirky Grandpa Potts, is particularly outstanding, infusing his role with a sense of warmth and eccentricity that viewers found endearing. The child actors in the film also deliver believable performances, and their occasionally dirty faces add a touch of realism to the fantastical plot.
The film's concept, featuring a magical car that can float and fly, was a novelty in 1968 and remains so today. This and the array of complex inventions and gadgets in the film contribute to its enduring appeal and status as a classic within the children's film genre.
Regarding its impact on the movie industry, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang helped push the boundaries of what could be achieved in family films in terms of storytelling and special effects. It demonstrated that children's films could be dynamic, colorful, and filled with imaginative ideas, setting the bar high for future productions.
Despite some minor flaws, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a film that is definitely worth watching. It offers a delightful viewing experience that will likely entertain and enchant viewers, regardless of age. Its combination of memorable performances, engaging script, and imaginative concept make it a standout film in the children's genre.