Ahead of this month’s release of The Intern movie, the next stop, or I should say, stops, on my tour to create travel guides for Warner Brothers inspired by much-loved Nancy Meyers movies are… Surrey, England and Beverly Hills. With full guides already posted for The Hamptons inspired by Something’s Gotta Give and Santa Barbara for It’s Complicated, I travelled half away around the world to create a guide for Nancy’s charming 2006 film, The Holiday. Click through after the jump to see how you can experience the characters lives played by Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz in their respective (and oh-so-different) homes in the UK and USA…!
The exterior of Cameron Diaz’s dreamy English cottage in the film was actually purpose built in two weeks for the filming, but that didn’t stop me from seeking out a charming cottage that instantly reminds one of her home in the film! Be sure to keep an eye out for cottages just like this all over Surrey – they will charm you something silly!
There’s no quicker way to get into the country spirit than an afternoon spent at Petersham Nurseries. Nestled away near the River Thames the nursery offers a traditional English tea room, a popular restaurant (be sure to book!) with seating tucked between plants, trees and water fountains, along with a sizeable garden and home design centre to browse and shop.
More information: Petersham Nurseries.
Hands up who remembers the scene from The Holiday where Jude Law and Cameron Diaz go for a date at an English country house? Well, you can relieve that moment with a film-inpisred walk through the beautiful gardens of Ham House and Garden, which is also a National Trust property. From country cottage to linear Italian style, there’s a variety of gardens to explore within the grounds of the impressive 17th-century house.
More information: Ham House & Gardens.
The small village of Shere in Surrey was used as a location for several of the English countryside scenes. It’s well worth adding this stop to your itinerary because it’s just as charming in real life as it is in the film. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time, I promise!
Shere is at the foot of the Surrey Hills and is brimming with quintessentially British places to explore and enjoy. The Dabbling Duck tea room is the perfect little spot to indulge in some British traditions, such as an afternoon cream tea and scones. Delicious! The cafe is full of freshly baked cakes and small giftable items, too.
More information: Dabbling Duck Tea Room.
Another filming location, still within the village of Shere, is The White Horse pub: the interior was used as the set for Jude and Cameron’s first proper date. Stop in for a swift half or a pub lunch!
More information: The White Horse Pub.
One of the funniest scenes from the movie is when Cameron attempts to drive her red Mini through the show into the village. I thought it would be fun to take inspiration from this scene and hire the same red Mini she drives in the film to explore the Surrey Hills. Hire one for your adventure, here.
Remember those sweeping cinematic shots in the movie of the English countryside blanketed in snow? Well even without the snow they are beautiful enough to stop you in your tracks, so be sure to put some time aside to just wonder the trails through the Surrey Hills.
With your tummy full and a hearty walk ticked off the list, stop back into Shere for a little gift shopping at Cuckoo’s Corner. Inside is a treasure trove of handmade buys from local designers, cosy throws and charming nik-nacs. | More information: Cuckoo’s Corner.
Of course, the Surrey leg of this guide wouldn’t be complete without a place to stay that makes you feel as if you are living in Kate Winslet’s charming cottage from the movie! The Crown Hotel is the perfect spot. Located around half an hour from the Surrey Hills, the hotel rooms are located around a courtyard planted with English cottage flowers and each room had a roll-top, freestanding bath tub! Naturally, I had to recreate that scene where Cameron tries to take a bath in the film!
More information: The Crown Hotel.
With your fix of English countryside charm it’s time to jump on a flight to Los Angeles and explore the second major location of the film, Beverly Hills. With blooming bougainvillea, succulents a plenty and lashings of sunshine the start contrast is as evident in real life as it is in the film. A drive down the Pacific Palisades (remember when Kate is in the yellow cab with her head out the window marvelling at how exotic everything is?!) is a sure fire way to get you in the Californian mood!
A quick stop into Juice Served Here will quickly tick off that Californian juice cliche from your list! These raw, cold-pressed juices are so good you’ll probably decide to make a stop in every morning of your trip.
More information: Juice Served Here.
The moment you step inside Anine Bing you feel as though it would be the kind of shop movie trailer editor Amanda Woods (played by Cameron Diaz) would have shopped. In a word? Chic. | More information: Anine Bing.
Movie trivia alert! Did you know that Nancy Meyers shopped much of the interior of Cameron Diaz’s Beverly Hills home from Mecox? Inside the Los Angeles outlet you can find divine one of a kind antiques, unusual re-editions and classic Mecox designs. Interior decor heaven!
More information: Mecox.
Still in the mood to shop? Continue the chic theme started at Anine Bing with a stop at stylish French clothing brand, APC. | More information: APC.
Shopped until your dropped? OK, rest up with a coffee from Alfred’s. Located on Melrose Place amongst a long line of chic boutiques this is the perfect spot to drink great coffee and people watch. | More information: Alfred’s Cafe.
Ever is the magic of movies, the scene were Cameron and Jude have lunch at the English country house was actually filmed inside Greystone Mansion which is tucked away in the heart of Los Angeles! This super romantic spot is a lovely place to relax amongst the buzz of the city.
More information: Greystone Mansion.
Rounding out this guide is the SLS Beverly Hills hotel. With interior design by Philippe Starck, a luxurious Ciel spa, rooftop pool and delicious tapas twist restaurant, The Bazaar by José Andrés, this is the ideal hotel for leading a glamorous Los Angeles life inspired by Amanda Woods.
Have you ever been to either Surrey or Beverly Hills? What are your favourite moments from The Holiday? | More information: SLS Beverly Hills Hotel.
// Photography by Will Taylor | Posted in partnership with Warner Brothers; all views my own
41 Comments
I love Nancy’s movies! What a wonderful way to celebrate her talent – and yours! x
@Mandi – She’s just the best! Thanks for the generous words, too.
Such a cute post!!
@Julianna – Yay! So happy that you enjoyed it. I had a blast creating it! 🙂
I saw the intern billboard on my drive back from runyon and thought of you. Excited to see this new movie!
@Adrian – Ha! Love that. I kept seeing the billboards in LA last week as well. Stupidly over excited each time I saw one, natch! 😉
Love all your pictures! The red mini reminds me so much of the film….maybe I will get one for Christmas?!?!
@Emma – That would be quite the Christmas stocking! Thanks for stopping by!
That cottage!!!!! Dreamy!
@Suzy – Tell.Me.About.It. Literally slammed on the breaks of my car to capture this beauty! 🙂
Are you sure that’s not the actual cottage? Looks very similar!! Think I’ll watch this with the girls on Friday, we need some Jude Law in our lives! Hahaha
@Jo – If the actual cottage existed I think I would have to try and buy it! 😉 I read online that it was built entirely from plastic and fibreglass in two weeks especially for filming. Pretty awesome! And as for some Jude Law time? You have the right idea…!
So loving this series Will. Nancy is such an inspiration to me in my work as a writer. Great job, keep going!
@Becky – Thank you. Like you, I have admired Nancy’s work for so many years so it’s an honour to be working on this project for The Intern!
Hello Will. My daughter suggested I follow you after I joined Instagram last week. Still trying to work it out but I am very pleased she suggested you as I am enjoying exploring your blog. The Holiday has always been my favorite movie so this post has been a joy to read. Best wishes, Veronica Field
@Veronica – Please pass on my thanks to your daughter for her kind recommendation! Glad you are enjoying the blog and thanks for the kind words! 🙂
Fascinating to read those behind the scenes tit bits. Thanks for posting!
@Judy – Right? I love all that geeky movie stuff, too!
Your photography keeps getting better. Inspiring stuff.
@Ben – That means a lot, thanks!
Oh my goodness, never thought we’d see you taking a bath, Will! You are too much of a good sport.
@Mary Beth – Haha! What can I say? Dedicated to my job! 😉
AH! Alfred’s Coffee. What a spot. And The Crown Hotel?! That’s my kind of hotel room.
Josh | The Kentucky Gent
http://thekentuckygent.com
@Josh – One of my coffee shop faves in LA! And, yes, The Crown Hotel is d-ivine! Come to England and check it out sometime! 🙂
The bath scene is gold Will, you’re a good sport indeed! This post has been so much fun. Thanks for taking us back to the movies. Love!! Mel x
@Mel – My pleasure! I had so much fun pulling it all together. Cheers! x
Love the look of the Petersham Nurseries will have to take a visit there on our next trip to Surrey. The picture perfect cottage is amazing!
@Glyn – It’s a charm fest, right! Thanks for stopping by!
WOW!!! Very beautiful place. I’ll visit there on my vacation.
@Rio – SO beautifuL! Enjoy!
So many beautiful shots in this post!
@Beauty Follower – Thank you!
Aww I simply love these travel posts. feeling inspired by your pictures to enjoy our lovely England a little more, and of course you have ignited my travel bug to further a field to. Great images x
@Caroline – I am so pleased you are finding them inspirations, thank you! x
Wow Will, you really do have a dream job, love what you do, have followed you for ages and am so impressed with how you’re doing, very inspirational indeed 🙂
@Laura – Thank you for following along and for all your support! 🙂
This is so well thought out!
I’ve added you to my Bloglovin’, great blog!
James | http://www.getyourbronon.com
@James – Cheers!
Thought it was about time I caught up with your fabulous blog Will. What a great travel series. You must have loved putting it together. Well done you. Will go and look at some more posts now!Hope you had the most wonderful evening and so sorry not to be there to celebrate with you. Happy times for you and T back in NYC! xx
OMG I loved this post! The Holiday is my favorite movie! I’ve watched it like 100 times… OK maybe more hihihihihi. Loved how you get inspired in this, your pics and how you write! And that last pic of LA is amazing!!!
@Alan – We would be fast friends; it’s such a great movie! Thanks for the lovely comment! 🙂