Giggster logo
Little Women movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Little Women filmed?

2019

City Locations

Massachusetts (USA)

Location Types

Mansion, House, Museum, University

Location Styles

Colonial, Beachfront, Georgian, Castle, Building Dated

About Little Women

The 2019 version of Little Women is a movie based on the famous novel by Louisa May Alcott and was directed by Greta Gerwig. The all-star cast includes Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen. Laura Dern plays their mother, Marmee, while Meryl Streep plays Aunt March. The film follows the lives of the four sisters in post-Civil War America, emphasizing their courage and resilience while exploring issues such as gender roles and economic hardship.

The March sisters - reside with their mother (Laura Dern) in New England. Their father (Bob Odenkirk) is currently serving as a chaplain in the Civil War, and they are facing difficulties in meeting their daily needs since the loss of their family fortune. They develop a strong bond with their affluent neighbor, called "Laurie," who happens to be Theodore Laurence (Timothée Chalamet). As the girls age, they encounter various moral challenges and personal demons. Jo (Saoirse Ronan) is eager to become a great writer while trying to be more ladylike instead of tomboyish. Meg (Emma Watson), the eldest sister, struggles to choose between her love for wealth, a luxurious lifestyle, and true happiness. Beth (Eliza Scanlen), who is timid, works to overcome her shyness, and the youngest girl, Amy (Florence Pugh), needs to let go of her elite mindset.

Upon its release, Little Women was met with universal acclaim, garnering various awards and accolades from critics and viewers alike. The movie was nominated for five Academy Awards, including the Best Picture category in the 92nd Academy Awards. In addition, at the Academy Awards, it won the Best Costume Design award given to Jacqueline Durran. The movie won several awards, including the Best Adapted Screenplay for Gerwig's screenplay at the Critics' Choice Movie Awards.

Little Women Locations

The 2019 film adaptation of the classic novel Little Women by Louisa May Alcott was shot in multiple locations throughout New England: Boston, Massachusetts, Lancaster, Harvard, Concord, Massachusetts, and Crane Beach in Ipswich. The production utilized a range of iconic landmarks and sites to bring the story to life on screen. From the historic Arnold Arboretum to the Emerson Colonial Theatre and Gibson House Museum, many beloved spots in and around Boston were used in the film’s filming process.

With its vibrant cityscapes, quaint small towns, and lush landscapes, New England provides an ideal backdrop for this timeless tale. Filmmakers captured these elements beautifully with sweeping shots of rolling hillsides, grandiose manors, and picturesque cobblestone streets that give the audience a sense of being there alongside the characters. The William Hickling Prescott House also appears, where Meg attends a dance at the Moffat family house. Although the sisters are not fond of Aunt March, they visit her several times. The filmmakers used the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton, another Trustee property, to film indoor and outdoor scenes at Aunt March's home. It is worth noting that some of the wallpaper put up for filming remains in the house today.

Indeed, visiting these places could be a worthwhile experience for fans of Little Women who want to immerse themselves further into this story. Viewers can explore these fantastic landmarks from the film and visit more minor spots like Martha’s Vineyard or Rockport, which inspired Alcott’s writing and several other sites related to her life. It would indeed be a journey through time that allows one to relive this fantastic work through its stunning visuals and historical settings.

Amy and Aunt March spot Laurie in Paris scene in Little Women

Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA

One opening scene occurs in Paris at Arnold Arboretum, a green space at Harvard University. In this scene, Amy (Florence Pugh) and Aunt March (Meryl Streep) take a carriage ride on the dusty streets of Paris. They then come across Laurie (Timothée Chalamet) walking on the sidewalk. The scene is filled with Victorian touches like antique gas lamps, intricate ironwork, and sprawling greenery to give an authentic French atmosphere to the film.

The iconic moment from this scene comes when Laurie solemnly watches as Amy and Aunt March's carriage passes by him. His sad expression portrays his longing for his childhood friend and his realization that life has changed since their carefree days together. This scene brings to life the emotions of loss and changes experienced by all characters in Little Women, reflecting on the themes of growing up and facing adulthood.

To visit this location, you can take advantage of the free admission to Arnold Arboretum offered by Harvard University. You can take a taxi/Uber or drive in a private car to get there. Take the road via Jamaica from the city center, and you'll find the destination on the right side. The journey should take approximately 17 minutes. Pro tip: Bring some snacks to enjoy your picnic among gorgeous trees.

The March house scenes in Little Women

Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House, 399 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA

The story is set in Concord, Massachusetts, and follows the lives of Jo and her three sisters. We observe how Beth (Eliza Scanlen) plays the piano given to her by Mr. Laurence (Chris Cooper) and witnesses Meg's (Emma Watson) wedding day. Jo (Saoirse Ronan) attempts to persuade Meg to elope, but Meg ultimately chooses to marry John (James Norton) as she is content with her decision. This scene occurs outside the March family house in Concord, Massachusetts. The bridal party and all the wedding guests are dressed in their finest attire, and the lawn is decorated with flowers to create a beautiful setting for the nuptials. The bride shines with happiness and excitement as she prepares to enter her new life with her husband.

The film crew constructed The March House on land off Lowell Road in Concord, Massachusetts. Unfortunately, due to its fragile nature, they could only film exterior shots at Orchard House, which inspired Alcott's novel and remains a museum open for public visits today. To honor this property's importance in Alcott's work, filming for interiors was done at an enormous warehouse located in Franklin.

Visiting Orchard House is relatively easy since it is conveniently located close to Boston and other towns within Massachusetts. If you're visiting from out-of-state, you can take a direct flight to Boston Logan International Airport and take a short taxi or Uber ride from there directly to Orchard House. From there, you can take tours inside the house or explore the surrounding area while engaging with its rich history.

Aunt March's house scene in Little Women

The Bradley Estate, 2468B Washington St, Canton, MA

At first, Jo (Saoirse Ronan) visits Aunt March (Meryl Streep), who offers to take her to Europe. However, when Beth (Eliza Scanlen) falls ill, Amy (Florence Pugh) stays with Aunt March and provides much help. After Meg's (Emma Watson) wedding, Aunt March announces that she is going to Europe but takes Amy instead of Jo. This leads to a heated argument among the sisters, but only Amy can be chosen. The scene is portrayed with great emotion and charm.

The scene was filmed in the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton, Massachusetts. The estate’s grounds are open-year round and offer visitors breathtaking views of historic buildings, lush gardens, cascading streams, walks through nature trails, picnic spots, and much more. The house interior where the film was shot still has some of the wallpaper installed for filming up on its walls.

Drive from Boston (about 20 minutes) to get to this location. You can find specific directions through Google Maps or other route planners online. Parking is next to the estate, making it easily accessible for visitors who choose not to take public transport.

Amy and Laurie discuss the potential of Amy's marriage with Fred scene in Little Women

Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, 290 Argilla Rd, Ipswich, MA

One of the scenes in Little Women was beautifully shot at the Crane Estate. It features Amy (Florence Pugh) and Laurie (Timothée Chalamet) discussing her potential marriage to Fred (Dash Barber). Laurie urges her not to marry Fred, proposing she marry him instead. Despite being in love with Laurie, Amy refuses his proposal, still hurt because she is always "second to Jo.” Later, she turns down Fred's proposal, discovering that Laurie has left for London. The iconic moment is immortalized by director Greta Gerwig’s stunning close-up of Florence Pugh as Amy brooding over a cliffside.

The scene in the video was filmed at the Crane Estate in Ipswich Bay, Massachusetts. The Trustees of Reservations own and manage the estate and it is open to tourists. Previously, it belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Richard T. Crane, Jr. The estate comprises a historic mansion, 21 outbuildings, and beautifully designed landscapes overlooking Ipswich Bay. These landscapes have been preserved since the Country Place Era of the early 1900s when wealthy families built luxurious summer estates for themselves. Take special programs or events organized by The Trustees of Reservations, such as guided tours around the estate or photography classes on its grounds.

You can take the US-1 N road from Boston to Castle Hill on the Crane Estate. It takes approximately 56 minutes to get there.

Laurie proposes to Jo scene in Little Women

Gibbet Hill, Groton, MA

The scene between Jo (Saoirse Ronan) and Laurie (Timothée Chalamet) is a pivotal moment in the film Little Women, as it marks the turning point of their relationship. In this scene, viewers can witness a beautiful sunset with Gibbet Hill providing the panoramic backdrop. Gibbet Hill is located in Groton, Massachusetts, and offers stunning views of the Nashua River valley and surrounding countryside. The iconic moment is filled with emotion as Laurie proposes to Jo, only for her to refuse his advances. It's a classic "will they won't they" moment, with viewers worldwide rooting for these two star-crossed lovers.

Gibbet Hill overlooks fields, farmlands, and forests that local conservationists have preserved. Its scenic beauty has made it an ideal filming location for countless television shows and films, including Little Women (2019). Historic barns onsite now house a restaurant and an event space, allowing visitors to explore its various features.

Gibbet Hill is located just off Main St and MA-40 E/Lowell Rd and is easily accessible from towns such as Groton, Harvard, or Bolton. Several bus routes operate nearby, so visitors can take public transport if necessary. Visitors may also opt to cycle or walk along one of many routes from Groton Center to reach this picturesque spot.

March sisters spend time at the beach scene in Little Women

Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA

The beach scenes in Little Women are iconic for the film. In the first scene, the girls visit the beach with their friend Laurie (Timothée Chalamet) and meet John (James Norton), who later becomes their brother-in-law. This joyous occasion is full of fun, laughter, kite flying, and playing in the sand. In a later scene, Jo (Saoirse Ronan) and Beth (Eliza Scanlen) go to the beach to talk about life, love, and death. The two sisters share an intimate conversation as they gaze out at the sea, symbolizing Beth's fading life and how fleeting moments can be.

The beach that was used to film both these scenes is Crane Beach in Ipswich, Massachusetts. It has four miles of sandy shoreline, dunes, and a maritime pitch pine forest. Visitors can enjoy five and a half miles of hiking trails through the dunes and woods from the beachfront. The beach is open year-round and free to Ipswich residents with a yearly parking sticker.

Getting to Crane Beach is easy. It's off Route 1A in Ipswich on Argilla Road. It's only an hour away by car from Boston, or you can take a taxi or Uber. For visitors looking for an idyllic getaway with stunning views of sand, sea, and sky, Crane Beach offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as swimming, surfing, or bird watching, for those who want to explore nature up close.

Conclusion

Little Women has been met with much critical acclaim, particularly for its impressive performances from the cast and the fresh adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic. With a talented ensemble featuring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Timothée Chalamet, the movie brings to life a story that has captivated readers since the 19th century. Featuring a masterful script courtesy of Gerwig and a unique cinematic perspective, Little Women can recreate the timeless novel in an innovative way that feels incredibly modern.

In addition to being well-acted, Little Women (2019) is also visually stunning and evocative. The costume design reveals each sister’s personality through clothing that speaks volumes about their characters – Jo’s signature boyish outfit or Amy’s fashionable dresses during her European tour. Furthermore, Gerwig’s direction helps keep viewers connected to each character’s inner struggles through the stunning locations and areas as they try to make sense of the world around them while living in post-Civil War America.

Little Women makes an indelible mark on the movie industry by modernizing Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale without sacrificing its intrinsic charm and heartwarming moments. It stands out among other period pieces due largely to Gerwig's distinct vision of adapting this classic story for today's contemporary audience – something which many filmmakers failed before her.