Where Wonka was filmed and how locations were transformed

Released in December, the movie is a prequel to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and follows the original story of the titular character, featuring Timothée Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka as well as Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, Matt Lucas and Rowan Atkinson.

While much of the filming for Wonka took place within Warner Bros. Studios, the crew also used a number of locations around the UK: 

Bath

The historic city was transformed into an atmospheric winter scene in October 2021 with smoke and artificial snow setting the mood. The areas of the Kingston Buildings, Bath Street, Parade Gardens and the Riverside Colonnades were all used as locations in the film.

Viewers can look out for Bath Abbey which provides a magnificent backdrop in the movie. There were exciting views of the cast and vintage cars for filming alongside the Abbey and the riverside Parade Gardens not only played their part in the filming but also hosted production offices for the crew. 

You may also spot one of Bath’s lesser known architectural gems, the 17th century Colonnades which made for a key scene with Wonka reclining on a bench. 

Lyme Regis

Timothée Chalamet is seen on The Cobb skipping down the famous Lyme Regis steps in the film. The world’s last surviving steam drifter, 1930’s Lydia Eva, was moored in the harbour for the scene which sees the young Willy Wonka arrive in England. The Cobb which curves around the harbour features in two key scenes providing a grand entrance for Willy as he arrives on top of his van having disembarked from his travels around the world.

Oxford

There was more fake snow in the city during February 2022, Merton Street in particular, while 1940s vehicles were seen driving up and down.

Regularly attracting film crews to the city, Oxford’s historic buildings played their part in the production including the Bridge of Sighs, the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre. 

St Albans

Verulamium Park was used for scenes in Wonka and viewers can spot some local landmarks in the trailer for the movie such as the bridge across the River Ver and the map of the park. 

Black vintage lampost lighting was fitted around the lake with fake snow laid across the greens to transform the park into a wintery scene.