“The Famous Five” is an engaging series about four youngsters and their dog as they embark on daring adventures. Set in World War II-era England, these teenage detectives solve puzzles and even help the Secret Service on their missions. Nicolas Winding Refn’s series, based on Enid Blyton’s popular tales, transports us to a variety of stunning locations, including historical monuments, seaside caves, countryside mansions, and even a circus. Let’s look at the incredible real-world settings that bring this show to life.
Filming in South West England
The primary filming locations for “The Famous Five” are in South West England. The crew started filming in June 2023 and finished by the end of September 2023. In various interviews, the cast and crew talked about how much they enjoyed working on set, especially because of the young actors’ enthusiasm.
Cornwall: The Heart of the Filming
The majority of the filming for “The Famous Five” took place in Cornwall, a lovely area in southwest England. Cornwall is noted for its mountainous topography, untamed moorlands, sandy beaches, and picturesque harbor villages. Actor Jack Gleeson even said, “It looks like we’re staying in Greece.” Diaana Babnicova concurred, saying it felt like a live rendition of ‘Mamma Mia!’.
Port Isaac and Port Gaverne: Charming Harbor Villages
Many of the seaside scenes in the series were filmed in the picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac and the nearby hamlet of Port Gaverne. These two locations are only half a mile apart and are part of the St Endellion parish. One memorable scene where George’s boat runs aground on a beach with cliffs on both sides was filmed at Port Gaverne. This beach stands in for Dorset’s Lulworth Cove, which is where the original stories are set.
The Joy of Filming in Various Locations
The young performers had a terrific time filming in a variety of locations. They sailed boats, took trains, and visited caves and castles. Elliott Rose, one of the players, stated, “We’ve been so many different places. We’ve visited Cornwall for the sea, caverns, woodlands, castles, and mansions. Each one has been quite nice. The studio is really fantastic, and the folks who create the sets are incredible. The train in episode two is fantastic; there’s also a mushroom tunnel, a cave system, the lair, and a cottage. There are so many items, I’m not sure how they fit everything in!”
Gloucester Cathedral: A Majestic Backdrop
The grand cathedral seen in the show is actually the Gloucester Cathedral, located at 12 College Green in the city of Gloucester. This 11th-century building gives a medieval feel that fits perfectly with the adventurous spirit of “The Famous Five”. The cathedral has a rich history, having been the site of royal coronations in England. It has also been featured in several other films and shows, including the ‘Harry Potter’ series, ‘Mary Queen of Scots,’ and ‘The White Princess.’
Tyntesfield: A Victorian Gothic Mansion
Another significant filming location is the Tyntesfield country house in Wraxall. This stunning 19th-century mansion, with its Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, is cared for by the National Trust and is a Grade I listed building. Tyntesfield is a popular tourist attraction with its aviary, large garden, library, and unique light sculpture inside a fallen tree. It’s also been seen in other shows and movies like ‘Sherlock: The Abominable Bride’ and ‘Crooked House’.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Famous Five (2023)
Q: Where was ‘The Famous Five’ filmed?
A: “The Famous Five” was primarily filmed in South West England, with a significant portion of the shooting taking place in Cornwall. Specific locations include the picturesque fishing village of Port Isaac, the hamlet of Port Gaverne, Gloucester Cathedral in the city of Gloucester, and the Tyntesfield country house in Wraxall.
Q: When did the filming of ‘The Famous Five’ take place?
A: Filming for “The Famous Five” began in June 2023 and concluded by the end of September 2023. The production crew worked across various beautiful and historic sites in South West England during this period.
Q: . What makes the filming settings of ‘The Famous Five’ unique?
A: The filming locations for “The Famous Five” are known for their scenic beauty and historical value. Cornwall’s coastal communities, such as Port Isaac and Port Gaverne, have breathtaking sea views, while Gloucester Cathedral provides a grand, medieval backdrop. The Victorian Gothic Tyntesfield House gives a sense of grandeur and antiquity to the series.
Q: When is the release date of ‘The Famous Five’?
A: ‘The Famous Five’ released on May 31, 2024.
Q: Why was South West England chosen for filming ‘The Famous Five’?
A: South West England was chosen for its diverse landscapes, which complement the daring and historical backdrop of “The Famous Five.” The region’s undulating hills, gorgeous coastlines, charming villages, and historical landmarks provide as a realistic and visually appealing backdrop for the series.
