War Horse – you’ve seen the film, read the book, got the t-shirt but have you visited the locations?
It seems everyone’s talking about Stephen Speilberg’s Oscar nominated film, War Horse – the equestrian theme, the beautiful countryside and superb acting have really captured people’s imaginations! And the fact that the film was shot almost entirely in the British countryside can make us Brits feel really proud.
The film’s main settings including Dartmoor National Park, Castle Combe in Wiltshire, Surrey and Hampshire provide the sort of picturesque backdrop that are quintessentially British. They really make you want to get out into the countryside and visit them for yourself.
If you haven’t yet seen War Horse, it’s well worth a viewing – but a word of warning… bring plenty of tissues because whether you’re a horse lover or not, it’s a real tearjerker.
Stephen Spielberg’s War Horse, nominated by the Oscars this week for Best Picture, is a totally heart-warming story of the bond between a country boy (from Dartmoor judging by the backdrop) and his very special horse Joey – set within World War One.
War Horse is based on the children’s novel by popular British author Michael Morpugo which then hit the West End as an award-winning stage play back in 2007.
No doubt part of the success of the film is the wonderfully expressive acting talents of the horses involved in playing the part of the horse, Joey (actually played by 11 different horses!). Black Beauty eat your heart out! But the brilliant equine performances are wonderfully complemented by the choice of locations within the film.
From the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park to the rolling hills of Surrey and chocolate box Wiltshire villages, this film inspires you to get out and experience the British countryside in all its glory.
So if you’re itching to get out and experience the film locations for yourself and maybe have a gallop or two while you’re there – we’ve put together an itinerary for a War Horse tour:
Dartmoor National Park
It’s clear that Spielberg fell in love with Dartmoor when choosing a location for War Horse, and what a great choice!
Ditsworthy Warren House, a beautiful Grade II Listed Bulding near Sheepstor in Devon was used as the family home in the film and many of the scenes were shot on nearby Dartmoor.
 |
Ditsworthy Warren House was used as the family home in War Horse
Photo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ditsworthy_Warren_House
Of course Spielberg isn’t the first to be captivated by the beauty of Dartmoor, it was famously used as the setting for Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles and Agatha Christine used the area as a backdrop for many of her novels.
As well as being perfect for bracing walks and cycle rides, Dartmoor has plenty of riding stables War Horse has given you the horsey bug – and once you’ve had enough of all that country air, good pubs and restaurants are in abundance.
Castle Combe, Wiltshire
The film’s main village scenes were shot in the picture book village of Castle Combe in Wiltshire. Castle Combe has been described as the “prettiest village in England” – and with good reason with its lovely Cotswold Stone properties and its own babbling brook. Due to its photogenic appeal, the village is no stranger to film crews – it was also used for Doctor Doolittle, Stardust and The Wolf Man. Many of the properties in Castle Combe are listed and strict building regulations ensure the village is preserved for future generations to enjoy. Being 12 miles from the city of Bath, there’s plenty to see around here including Avebury, Stonehenge and the famous Wiltshire White Horses.
There are plenty of lovely walks around here too – check out some routes on the Walking in Wiltshire website.
Also well worth a visit while you’re here are the stately homes and gardens of Bowood House, Longleat and Stourhead.
The picture book village of Castle Combe in Wiltshire was one of the setting for War Horse
Photo courtesy of: http://www.castle-combe.com/
The film’s haunting no man’s land scenes were filmed, believe it or not, at the disused Wisley Airfield in Surrey. Built in 1944, the airfield was built for the flight testing of aircraft built at the famous Vickers Aircraft Factory nearby. The airfield closed in 1972. Nearby Bourne Wood near Farnham was used for the wartime camp scenes. Part of this historic woodland has been purchased by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and is being restored mainly to heathland, with retention of some woodland of wildlife significance.
If you’re in the area, don’t forget to visit the world-renowned RHS Wisley Gardens. Being the RHS’s flagship garden, Wisley captures the imagination whether you’re a keen gardener or not with its richly planted borders, gorgeous rose gardens (ideal for a June visit) and state-of-the-art glasshouse.
The battle involving an incredible 120 horses was filmed at Stratfield Saye House in North Hampshire, the estate of the Duke of Wellington. This seems highly appropriate when the Duke’s ancestors took part in the Battle of Waterloo!
As well as the magnificent house and gardens to visit, this is a perfect area for outdoor activities, equestrian or otherwise. Just around the corner is the renowned Wellington Riding centre and Wellington Country Park offers family activities of all kinds. For delicious local produce, visit Wellington Farm Shop
Wellington Riding caters for budding equestrians of all ages
(Photo courtesy of http://www.wellington-riding.co.uk/)
Have you seen War Horse yet? What did you think of it? Has War Horse inspired you to get out into the British countryside or maybe even take riding lessons? Let us know, we’d love to hear.
