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Sleepy Hollow movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Sleepy Hollow filmed?

1999

City Locations

Hatfield, Shepperton, Hambleden, London (UK)

Location Types

Mansion, Film Studio, House, Riverside

Location Styles

Gothic/Victorian, Georgian, Building Dated, Rustic, Neglected

About Sleepy Hollow

Regarded by many as a homage to the infamous creations of Hammer Studios, this film bears undeniable resemblances to iconic British horror masterpieces. "Sleepy Hollow," helmed by the visionary Tim Burton and boasting a stellar ensemble cast including Johnny Depp, Casper Van Dien, Miranda Richardson, Christina Ricci, Michael Gambon, and Jeffrey Jones, stands as a mesmerizing example of American gothic supernatural horror.

Released in November 1999, this film follows Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp), an unconventional investigator from New York City, dispatched to the quaint town of Sleepy Hollow to probe a string of enigmatic homicides. With its inhabitants believing the murderer to be a legendary Headless Horseman, Ichabod refuses to believe in such superstition and determinedly sets out to solve the mystery using logic and science.

The film follows Ichabod as he attempts to uncover the identity of the Headless Horseman while also becoming increasingly attracted to Katrina Van Tassel (Christina Ricci), the daughter of a wealthy farmer who is promised in marriage to Brom Bones (Casper Van Dien). As he delves deeper into his investigation, he discovers that there may be more sinister forces at work than ghosts and legends.

The signature elements of Burton's style, including the film's haunting tranquility, ethereal atmosphere, and gothic horror features, are deeply rooted in his influences. Critics showered "Sleepy Hollow" with positive reviews, lauding the performances, direction, script, and music score. They also appreciated its dark comedy, visual effects, and overall ambiance. Its exceptional production design was recognized at the Academy Awards, where "Sleepy Hollow" won the Oscar for Best Art Direction.

Sleepy Hollow Locations

The 1999 film Sleepy Hollow was shot on location in various places worldwide. Most scenes were shot at UK Leavesden Film Studios and Shepperton Studios. However, a few extra scenes were filmed at production facilities in Yonkers, New York (before moving to the UK). For exterior shots, the entire town had to be built, so they moved to Hambleden estate in Oxfordshire. The American street scenes at the movie's end were filmed at Somerset House in Strand, London.

The backdrop of these locations provides an exciting mix of old-world beauty and modern flair. The rolling hills of Oxfordshire create an idyllic setting for Sleepy Hollow's fictional town, while modern-day London contrasts with its bustling streets and iconic landmarks like Somerset House. Middle Temple is another popular filming spot used for some scenes in the movie, showcasing its impressive architecture dating back centuries.

A trip to these locations for Sleepy Hollow could certainly be worthwhile - visitors can get a glimpse into the sites that inspired many famous moments from the movie while also exploring all these different parts of England. From picturesque countryside walks to historical landmarks, there is plenty to see and do, making it an ideal destination for movie fans who can immerse themselves in its most memorable settings.

Ichabod Crane reaches the mansion scene in Sleepy Hollow

Hatfield House, Great North Rd., Hatfield

Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp) arrives in Sleepy Hollow and visits the lavish mansion of the Van Garretts. Crane, who boards a room at the home of the affluent Van Tassel family, finds himself drawn to their daughter, Katrina (Christina Ricci). He is haunted by harrowing nightmares of his mother's brutal torture from his childhood.

This memorable scene was filmed at Hatfield House on Great North Road in the UK. Built-in 1611 for Robert Cecil, Hatfield House has been preserved by the Cecil family over the centuries. Hatfield House is a stunning example of Jacobean architecture, complemented by its expansive, beautifully maintained gardens. Hatfield House is open for fans looking to visit this iconic location.

If you wish to visit Hatfield House, it is easily accessible by train or car from London. By train, take the Thameslink service from London St Pancras International Station to Hatfield Station, which takes around 30 minutes. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to Hatfield House. Alternatively, you can drive from London, taking about 50 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

The Tree of the Dead scene in Sleepy Hollow

H Stage, Shepperton Studios, Shepperton Studios, 13 Studios Rd, Shepperton

Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp), Young Masbath (Marc Pickering), and Katrina Van Tassel (Christina Ricci) venture into the enigmatic Western Woods. There, they encounter a crone residing in a cave who discloses the location of the Horseman's grave at the ominous "Tree of the Dead." After unearthing the Horseman's (Christopher Walken) grave, Ichabod discovers the missing skull. He concludes that it has been purloined by someone who can control the Horseman and that the tree serves as a portal for the Horseman to enter the world of the living.

This intense and pivotal sequence was primarily filmed at Leavesden, with other parts of the scene filmed at Shepperton Studios. The massive and eerie "Tree of the Dead" set was constructed on Stage H at Shepperton Studios, which added an extra layer of gothic atmosphere to the film. Shepperton Studios, located in Surrey, England, is not typically open for public tours. However, they occasionally host special events and openings. Those interested in visiting should register for updates and event announcements on their website.

You can take a train from London Waterloo to Shepperton Station to get to Shepperton Studios. From there, it's a short taxi ride to the studios. If driving, the studios can be reached via the A316, taking the exit towards Littleton and following signs for Shepperton Studios.

The village scenes in Sleepy Hollow

Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames

Headless Horseman (Christopher Walken) embarks on a killing spree, claiming the lives of the village midwife and her family. Brom (Casper Van Dien), Katrina's (Christina Ricci) suitor, attempts to intervene but meets the same gruesome fate. Through his investigations, Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp) begins to formulate a theory that the Horseman's victims are not randomly chosen but connected by a sinister conspiracy.

The outdoor scenes depicting the quaint yet eerie village of Sleepy Hollow were shot in Hambleden, located in Henley-on-Thames, UK. The external set was meticulously constructed in this picturesque village, known for its charming brick and flint cottages nestled in one of the most attractive valleys of the Chiltern Hills. Hambleden is steeped in history, with landmarks such as the Hambleden Mill, now transformed into flats, and the Hambleden Lock on the River Thames featured in the novel "Three Men In A Boat."

For fans wishing to visit, Hambleden is accessible by car from London via the M40 motorway, taking the exit for High Wycombe and following signs for Henley-on-Thames. If traveling by train, the nearest stations are Mill End or Henley-on-Thames, a short taxi ride from Hambleden.

Ichabod takes Katrina to New York City scene in Sleepy Hollow

Somerset House, Strand, London

The film winds down to a heartwarming conclusion as Ichabod Crane (Johnny Depp), Katrina Van Tassel (Christina Ricci), and Young Masbath (Marc Pickering) make their way back to New York City. As the new century is about to dawn, they stroll through the wintry streets of the city, with old Victorian decorations adding a touch of nostalgia to the backdrop.

This New York street scene was filmed near Somerset House on Strand in central London. Somerset House is an impressive Neoclassical building complex that overlooks the River Thames, just east of Waterloo Bridge. The location perfectly captured the look of a Victorian-era New York City street during winter, adding authenticity to the scene.

For fans wishing to visit, Somerset House is easily accessible. If you're in central London, you can get there by taking the Underground to Temple Station, just a short walk away. Once there, visitors can explore the House itself or stroll around the nearby streets to soak in the atmosphere reminiscent of the movie's setting.

Conclusion

Sleepy Hollow is a visually stunning and captivating movie. Director Tim Burton's unique vision and the superb acting of Johnny Depp bring Irving's classic tale to life incredibly creatively. The script creates an atmosphere that is truly terrifying while also managing to inject moments of dark humor into the mix to create a balanced tone. It also remains faithful to Washington Irving's original tale while updating it for modern audiences.

The enchanting filming locations for Sleepy Hollow transcend continents, embodying the essence of both history and fantasy. From the haunting allure of Tarry Town's Philipsburg Manor and Sleepy Hollow Cemetery to the 17th-century charm of North Tarrytown, each locale adds a layer of authenticity. The ominous Tree of the Dead takes root within Shepperton Studios' landscapes, while Hambleden's natural beauty offer captivating contrasts.

Notably, the film's vision spreads beyond the US, incorporating the captivating settings of Hatfield, Shepperton, Hambleden, and London (UK). Tim Burton's meticulous selection of these global locales cements Sleepy Hollow into the pantheon of cinematic mystique. This culmination of diverse sites weaves Ichabod Crane's enigmatic journey into an indelible tapestry, leaving an enduring mark on the film world.