The Princess Bride, a beloved family classic from 1987, was made on a modest budget of $16 million. To keep costs low, much of the film was shot on location. The movie is a blend of many genres—adventure, comedy, fantasy, and romance—without being strictly any one of them. The filming locations were chosen carefully to be beautiful but not too overpowering, allowing the characters and their dialogues to shine.
The Princess Bride is based on a novel by William Goldman and is set in the fictional lands of Florin and Guilder. These lands are supposed to resemble Italy and the Netherlands, but surprisingly, the film was not shot in either of these countries. Instead, most of the filming took place in the United Kingdom, particularly in the scenic areas of Derbyshire and other parts of England. Some scenes were also filmed in Ireland.
Where was “The Princess Bride” Filmed?
The Princess Bride was mostly filmed in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The movie uses the beautiful landscapes of these countries to create the magical world of Florin and Guilder. Many scenes were shot in the Peak District National Park in Derbyshire, England, while some important scenes were filmed in County Clare, Ireland. The UK’s stunning coastlines, moorlands, and old buildings were perfect for the movie’s settings.
Buttercup’s Farm was filmed in Bradley Rocks, Derbyshire
The movie begins with scenes at Buttercup’s farm, where the main characters, Buttercup and Westley, first meet. These scenes were filmed at Bradley Rocks, near a small town called Birchover in Derbyshire, England. From here, you can see the farm where the story begins. The area around Robin Hood’s Stride, another filming location, was also used to shoot some distant views of the farm.
Westley and Fezzik’s Fight was shot in Robin Hood’s Stride, Derbyshire
Not far from Buttercup’s farm is a rocky area called Robin Hood’s Stride. This place was used for the scene where Westley fights Fezzik, the giant, in hand-to-hand combat. The rocks here create a perfect backdrop for the intense fight. Robin Hood’s Stride is also a popular spot for locals who like hiking and enjoying the countryside views.
Prince Humperdinck’s Castle was filmed in Haddon Hall, Derbyshire
Haddon Hall, a historic house in Derbyshire, was used as the setting for Prince Humperdinck’s Castle. The castle is where Buttercup is forced into an engagement with Prince Humperdinck after she believes Westley is dead. The interior and exterior of Haddon Hall were used in several scenes, including the nightmare sequence where Buttercup is scolded by an old woman. Haddon Hall has also been featured in other famous films like Pride and Prejudice and Jane Eyre.
Battle of Wits was filmed in Lathkill Dale, Derbyshire
The famous “Battle of Wits” between Westley and Vincini takes place in a scenic spot called Lathkill Dale in Derbyshire, England. This is where Westley tricks Vincini into drinking poisoned wine. The location’s natural beauty adds to the tension and excitement of the scene.
Buttercup and Westley’s Moorlands was filmed in Carl Wark, Yorkshire
The rocky moorlands of Carl Wark in Yorkshire, England, were used for scenes where Buttercup and Westley have a tense conversation. At this point in the story, Buttercup still doesn’t know that the masked man is actually Westley. The rugged landscape of Carl Wark perfectly suits the dramatic moment in the film.
Inigo and Count Rugen’s Duel was shot in Baron’s Hall, Kent
One of the most intense scenes in The Princess Bride is the sword duel between Inigo Montoya and Count Rugen. This scene was filmed at Baron’s Hall in Kent, England. Inigo seeks revenge for his father’s death and delivers the famous line, “Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” The historic setting of Baron’s Hall adds to the drama of the scene.
Forest Scenes were shot in Burnham Beeches, Buckinghamshire
Burnham Beeches, a nature reserve near London, was used for the forest scenes in the movie. This includes the scenes where Buttercup rides away from Florin City, as well as the encounters in the fire swamp. The ancient trees and peaceful surroundings of Burnham Beeches create the perfect atmosphere for these scenes.
The Famous “As You Wish” Scene was filmed in Cave Dale, Derbyshire
Cave Dale, a green valley in Derbyshire, England, is where the iconic “As you wish” scene was filmed. In this scene, Buttercup pushes Westley down a hill, thinking he’s an enemy. When he shouts “As you wish,” she realizes it’s her true love, Westley, and follows him down the hill. This moment is one of the most memorable in the entire movie.
Other Filming Locations in Hever Castle and Shepperton Studios
Some scenes were filmed at Hever Castle in Kent, England, though it’s not clear exactly which ones. Cary Elwes, who played Westley, confirmed that scenes were shot here. Shepperton Studios in Surrey, England, was used to create the remaining sets, including the shrieking eels scene, the fire swamp, and the final kiss between Westley and Buttercup.
Cliffs of Insanity was filmed in Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
One of the most memorable scenes in The Princess Bride takes place at the Cliffs of Insanity. These cliffs are actually the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland. The Cliffs of Moher are a famous tourist spot and are known for their dramatic height, reaching up to 700 feet. In the movie, Fezzik carries Vincini, Inigo, and the kidnapped Buttercup up the cliffs while Westley follows them. The cliffs provide a breathtaking setting for the action-packed scene.
The Princess Bride is a timeless film that has been loved by audiences for decades. The beautiful and varied landscapes of England and Ireland play a big part in bringing the magical world of Florin and Guilder to life. Even though the film had a modest budget, the carefully chosen locations add a special charm to the movie, making it a classic that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Princess Bride
Q: Where was “The Princess Bride” filmed?
A: “The Princess Bride” was primarily filmed in the United Kingdom, with key locations in Derbyshire, Buckinghamshire, and Yorkshire, England. Some scenes were also shot in County Clare, Ireland, particularly the iconic Cliffs of Moher, which were used for the Cliffs of Insanity.
Q: What locations in England were used for filming “The Princess Bride”?
A: In England, “The Princess Bride” was filmed in several picturesque locations, including Bradley Rocks and Robin Hood’s Stride in Derbyshire for Buttercup’s farm and Westley’s duel with Fezzik. Other locations include Haddon Hall in Derbyshire for Prince Humperdinck’s Castle and Burnham Beeches in Buckinghamshire for the forest scenes.
Q: When was “The Princess Bride” filmed?
A: Filming for “The Princess Bride” took place in 1986. The principal photography spanned several months, utilizing a mix of natural landscapes and historic buildings across England and Ireland.
Q: Where were the Cliffs of Insanity scenes filmed?
A: The scenes at the Cliffs of Insanity in “The Princess Bride” were filmed at the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland. These towering cliffs provided the perfect dramatic backdrop for the film’s adventurous climbing sequence.
Q: When was “The Princess Bride” released?
A: “The Princess Bride” was released on September 25, 1987. Despite modest success at the box office, the film has since become a beloved classic, cherished by audiences for its unique blend of genres and timeless storytelling.
