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Skyfall movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Skyfall filmed?

2012

City Locations

Istanbul (Turkey), Adana (Turkey), Kiralan (Turkey), Fethiye (Turkey), London (UK), Glencoe (Scotland), Nagasaki (Japan)

Location Types

Hotel, Beach Club, Gallery, College, Riverside

Location Styles

Federal Building, Beachfront, Asian, Foreign, Muscule, Modern Building, Modern Car, Luxury, Luxury Hotel

About Skyfall

Skyfall is an exciting, action-packed installment in the James Bond series. Daniel Craig stars as 007, MI6 agent, James Bond, with Judi Dench reprising her role as M. The film follows Bond's investigation of a series of targeted data leaks and coordinated attacks on MI6 by the villainous Raoul Silva (Javier Bardem). Along the way, we are reintroduced to two beloved recurring characters: Miss Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw). The supporting cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Bérénice Marlohe, and Albert Finney.

In this installment in the Bond universe, our favorite spy takes on his most personal mission yet. With twists and turns along the way, Skyfall showcases some of the best action sequences of any other Bond movie as it builds up to its dramatic climax. Skyfall was so popular that it was nominated for five Academy Awards in 2013, including Best Original Song for Adele’s incredible title track.

Skyfall was well-received by both critics and fans, according to GlobalPost. On the popular review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the movie received a 92% approval rating based on 384 reviews, earning an average rating of 8.20/10. Critics praised the film, with many agreeing that Sam Mendes did an excellent job directing this smart, sexy, and thrilling action thriller, which is widely considered one of the best 007 movies to date. According to Metacritic, the movie received a score of 81 out of 100 from 49 critics, which means it was highly praised with "universal acclaim." According to CinemaScore polls, moviegoers gave the films an average grade of "A" on a scale from A+ to F.

Skyfall Locations

The filming of the blockbuster film Skyfall took place in some of the most notable and iconic locations across the globe. Most scenes were filmed in London, England, where viewers experience visual delights like Westminster Bridge, Whitehall, and the National Gallery. A few scenes were shot in exotic places such as Shanghai, Istanbul, and Scotland, providing unprecedented vistas for viewers to explore.

Striking shots of a bustling Shanghai are revealed with glimpses of its nightlife and modern architecture in many scenes. There is also footage from inside the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul (one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets), capturing its vibrant ambiance and exotic atmosphere. The stunning landscape of Scotland was captured extensively, with much of it filmed at Glen Coe, which has a fascinating backdrop of jagged mountains surrounding a tranquil loch.

Visiting these sites can be an exhilarating experience as they provide opportunities to connect closely with the movie's atmosphere by exploring beautiful landmarks and terrains close-up. A trip to any or all of these locations would make for an unforgettable journey full of unique experiences that make you feel like you have stepped into Skyfall itself.

Fun Fact

A fun fact about the movie is that many of its scenes were shot in Scotland – a first for any Bond movie. This gave us plenty of iconic shots, such as when 007 jumps off a bridge onto a moving train while being chased on a motorbike.

M driving to meet Mallory scene in Skyfall

Parliament Square, London, UK

The scene begins with M (Judi Dench) sitting in the backseat of a black car while Tanner (Rory Kinnear) drives. They are on their way to a meeting with Gareth Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), who is set to take over MI6. As they drive, the tension builds, and it is clear that something is amiss. M seems on edge, and the car suddenly comes to a stop. A group of motorcycles pulls up alongside the car, and one of the riders throws a grenade, causing an explosion that sends the car spinning out of control.

This sequence of events was filmed at Parliament Square. Located in London, Parliament Square is a bustling public square that attracts countless tourists yearly. This vibrant hub is an excellent destination for visitors throughout the year. It is conveniently positioned just opposite the Palace of Westminster, home to both the House of Commons and the House of Lords of the UK Parliament. Also, famous landmarks like Westminster Abbey, Whitehall, and Downing Street are near the square.

The nearest tube station to Parliament Square is Westminster, which is served by the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines. From the station, it's just a short walk to the square.

M and Mallory's meeting scene in Skyfall

Four Seasons Hotel London, 10 Trinity Square, London, United Kingdom

M (Judi Dench) has been called to meet with Mallory (Ralph Fiennes), who is there to conduct an inquiry into the recent failure of MI6. As M enters the room, Mallory greets her and offers her a seat. The two exchange polite pleasantries, but it's clear from the start that there is tension between them. Mallory begins to question M about her recent decisions and actions, asking pointed questions about her leadership of MI6.

This scene was filmed at The Four Seasons Hotel London. It is a luxury hotel located in the heart of London, England. The hotel offers world-class amenities, fine dining, and unparalleled service to its guests, making it one of the most sought-after hotels in the city. Located on Park Lane in the upscale Mayfair district, the Four Seasons Hotel London boasts a prime location just steps away from some of London's most iconic landmarks, including Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace Gardens.

The nearest mainline station to 10 Trinity Square is Fenchurch Street Station, just a short walk away. Alternatively, you can take a train to London Bridge Station or Liverpool Street Station and transfer to the tube or bus.

The attack on the MI6 scene in Skyfall

Secret Intelligence Service Building, 85 Albert Embankment, London, UK

Shortly after receiving the news of her forced retirement, M (Judi Dench) hastily returns to the genuine MI6 HQ, known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), hoping to find some answers. As she walks across Vauxhall Bridge, she is suddenly greeted with a deafening explosion that rips through the building, reducing her office to rubble. The force of the blast sends M spinning and stumbling, disoriented and shaken by the unexpected attack.

The Secret Intelligence Service Building, also known as the SIS Building or MI6 Headquarters, is a prominent landmark in the Vauxhall district of London, England. The building serves as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) headquarters, responsible for gathering foreign intelligence to support the UK's national security interests.

Vauxhall is the nearest tube station to 85 Albert Embankment, served by the Victoria Line. From the station, it's just a short walk to the building. If you decide to drive, several parking garages, including the Q-Park Westminster Car Park and NCP Car Park London River, are located nearby.

The funeral scene in Skyfall

Old Royal Naval College, London, United Kingdom

Despite M (Judi Dench) attending the funeral of those who lost their lives in the attack, most of the sequence was removed from the film's final version. In the scene, only a short shot of M paying tribute to the flag-draped coffins of King William Undercroft is present. This place is located below the famous Painted Hall.

The Old Royal Naval College, located in the heart of Maritime Greenwich, London, is a magnificent cultural destination providing invaluable insight into British naval architecture's rich history. Designed by the famous English architect Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1696, the building has been described as a masterpiece of Baroque design. It remains one of London's most iconic landmarks.

North Greenwich is the closest tube station to the Old Royal Naval College, served by the Jubilee Line. From there, you can take either bus 188 or 129 to the site.

Bond visits M scene in Skyfall

82 Cadogan Square, London, UK

As M (Judi Dench) enters her empty London home, she is visibly shaken by the silence and darkness that surrounds her. Suddenly, she hears a noise and turns around to see Bond (Daniel Craig) standing in the shadows. At first, she is suspicious and draws her gun, but she quickly realizes that Bond has returned to her for help.

Cadogan Square is a desirable garden square boasting stunning architecture, beautiful landscaping, and a prestigious reputation in the heart of London's prestigious Knightsbridge neighborhood. Initially developed in the 19th century by Charles Sloane Cadogan, 1st Earl Cadogan, and designed by architect George Basevi, it remains a sought-after address for wealthy Londoners. The lush garden at the center of the square is a standout feature, providing residents with a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. With its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings, Cadogan Square offers an oasis of calm amidst the glamour and excitement of London life.

The nearest tube station to Cadogan Square is Sloane Square, which is served by the District and Circle lines. From there, it's just a 10-minute walk to the square.

Several bus routes run near Cadogan Square, including bus numbers 11, 19, 22, 137, and 452. Check online for specific routes and schedules.

Bond meeting Q scene in Skyfall

Room 34, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, United Kingdom

Despite Bond's (Daniel Craig) failure to pass a battery of physical, medical, and psychological evaluations, M (Judi Dench) permits him to return to active duty. She tasks him with the mission of identifying Patrice's (Ola Rapace) employer, retrieving the hard drive, and eliminating Patrice. Bond is introduced to Q (Ben Whishaw), the new quartermaster for MI6, who provides him with a radio beacon and a Walther PPK pistol to aid in his mission.

The National Gallery, located at Trafalgar Square in London, is a world-renowned art museum. It houses a vast collection of over 2,300 paintings from the 13th to the 19th century, covering various styles and movements. In addition to its permanent collection, the National Gallery hosts many temporary exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing the work of contemporary artists and exploring various themes and topics.

Charing Cross, Leicester Square, and Embankment are the tube stations closest to the National Gallery. Visitors can easily reach the museum with a short walk from any of these stations to Trafalgar Square. For those arriving by car, it's important to note that parking spaces around Trafalgar Square are limited, making it challenging to find a spot. However, several public car parks near the museum, such as Q-Park Trafalgar and the NCP Car Park on St. Martins Lane, provide alternative options for transportation.

Conclusion

The James Bond franchise's twenty-third installment, Skyfall, took audiences around the globe. The film showcases some of the most stunning locations imaginable, from London to Shanghai, Istanbul to Scotland. From the gritty underworld of London to the vibrant streets of Shanghai and Istanbul, Skyfall's stunning visuals gave viewers an unforgettable experience. Scotland's rolling hills and coasts also added a touch of beauty to the production. Through this film's dangerous twists and turns, audiences are taken through an unforgettable ride sure to leave them satisfied with the outcome. Skyfall is memorable for its action-packed scenes set in beautiful locations across the globe; it remains one of the best films from the 007 franchise and will remain a classic for years to come.