Due to the recent events regarding COVID-19, President Trump has placed a travel ban on flying out of the country. These are unprecedented times. I hope, as founder of 24,901, that soon this threatening cloud will be lifted. Recently, I think more and more people are feeling quarantine fever, similar to the travel bug. The purpose of this article is to give people ways to enjoy staying at home by traveling to Europe through a virtual tour. Here is a walk through of the best way to travel virtually through Europe including ideas of how to travel cinematically.
Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
The Forest of Dean and the Wye valley, is located in Gloucestershire, England. This historic site also includes accommodations such as hotels, camping, glamping, and even marriage events are held here. This area has loads of activities like kayaking, attractions for families, and tour spots (Wye Valley and Forest of Dean). With plenty of food, entertainment, and places to stay the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is easily worth the visit. However, you can enjoy the beauty of this forest through cinema. This area has been used for film sights due to its breathtaking beauty all year round. The Forest of Dean was specifically used as a film spot in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part I. Films have a special way of engaging the viewer that allows anyone to partake of its thrilling action and story telling.
Inside the Forest of Dean is a smaller rural community that sits right at the edge of Puzzlewood. Puzzlewood is known for its inspiring beauty and guarantees any visitors a magical trek. Many films have used Puzzlewood as a gateway into their worlds, and it’s easy to see why with its thickets of towering moss covered trees, winding dirt trodden paths, and its majestic rocky layout. This ethereal landscape was the inspiration for the magical world Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, written by J.R.R Tolkien. It’s easy to picture Tolkien’s words taking place in such a mystical location.
In the new film rendition of the famous book The Secret Garden, Puzzlewood is shown prominently in the trailer and expected to be seen in the film. It will be released hopefully August 2020 as it was postponed from its original release date in April due to Coronavirus complications. Other famous films and t.v. shows that filmed in Puzzlewood include: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Jack the Giant Slayer, Doctor Who, and Merlin.
First and fourth photograph (Fangirlquest. (n.d.)) Second and third photographs Filming at (Puzzlewood. (n.d.))
Bath
Bath is a city located in the southwestern part of England close to the border of Wales. This historic tourist spot is famous for it Georgian architecture and limestone buildings. In Bath, you can visit the upper and lower assembly rooms, pump house, abbeys, and manors located around the outside of the city. This city is one of the homes of Jane Austen, famous author of Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice, and Northanger Abbey. If you are interested in traveling to Bath, reading and watching renditions of her novels and exploring what kind of life used to take place there is a great way to get closer to the city through her powerful characters and timeless stories.
Another virtual tour you can take is to watch the 2012 filmed musical of Les Misérables. This musical is full of scenes full of drama and tragedy, and includes the famous Pulteney Bridge in Bath.
Paris
Paris is most famously known as the city of love. And it is easy to fall in love with the architecture and art that line the streets of Paris. Famous landmarks of the city include the Eiffel tower, Les Invalides, Notre Dame, and the Louvre museum. All of these can be seen through virtual arrangements until traveling is safe again. Afterwards if your mouth is watering for more of Paris than you can watch the Phantom of the Opera which was based in Paris and filmed in the Paris Opera House. The Phantom himself haunts the catacombs buried under the city. You can also watch Les Misérables which is a French historical novel that took place in 1832 France.
The Eiffel Tower:
The Eiffel tower is one of the most iconic hot spots in Paris. This architectural feat was started in 1887 and finally finished in 1889. Since then it has served as a tourist spot and icon for Paris, France. Recently there was been a movement of online sources that have provided ways to explore art and these sites online.
https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/news/130-years/virtual-tour-eiffel-tower
This site offers a digital exploration of the Eiffel tower including tours and views from each of the levels. (Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel)
The Louvre:
Paris is known for its art. Inside the city sits the largest art museum in the world, the Louvre. The Louvre holds some of the most impressive collections of art and includes the Mona Lisa, The Wedding at Cana, The Venus de Milo, and The Raft of the Medusa. (Paris City Vision) The best way to experience the Louvre from home is through this virtual panoramic view of the entire museum. Using this website you can explore the entire museum through a 360° panoramic view and enjoy the grandeur of the Parisian architecture. The website also allows for changes in the views including closeups of individual art pieces.
https://www.youvisit.com/tour/louvremuseum
Notre Dame:
On April 15, 2019 the Notre Dame Cathedral was burnt in a terrible fire that destroyed parts of the historic masterpiece built over 800 year ago. Although this was a terrible loss, efforts to restore it are already underway, though momentarily paused due to the current shutdowns all over the world. Fortunately, due to the growing use and improvements to technology, the Gothic beauty was preserved. Virtual tours of the Notre Dame before the fire are available to tour. This virtual tour is a 360° view of the inside of the cathedral. https://www.360cities.net/image/france-paris-notre-dame-cathedral
Les Invalides:
This monumental building is a military museum and final resting place of Napoleon. The building includes beautiful architectural decor like stained glass windows, pillars, sculptures, and painted ceilings. This tour is similar to the tour for the Louvre. https://electronic-eye.com/en/army-museum-invalides-dome-360-interactive-virtual-tour/
Cardiff
Cardiff is a famous film location in Wales, with city layouts, forests, and castles. Cardiff includes film spots from Sherlock, Doctor Who, Torchwood, and Merlin. If you can’t visit Cardiff today, watch these shows and bring Cardiff to life! (Fangirlquest. (n.d.)).
Some Sherlock Sites in Cardiff :
Cardiff Castle: Castles aren’t just in fairy tales. This site was first occupied by the Romans 2000 years ago when it was being used as a fort. Soon after, the Normans built on to this historic site including building a keep and fortifications to the body. William Burges is responsible for the architect and artistry inside the castle. Burges is known for the work he did there. “Within Gothic towers he created lavish and opulent interiors, rich with murals, stained glass, marble, gilding and elaborate wood carvings. Each room has its own special theme, including Mediterranean gardens and Italian and Arabian decoration” (About the Castle). This castle can be seen in Episode 3 Season 2 of BBC’s Sherlock.
5 Bute Street: Bute Street is close to Cardiff Bay. This street holds housing for Cardiff’s residents with Free Classical and French Renaissance influences on the architecture. (DOCK CHAMBERS, 4-5, BUTE STREET) You can see this street in episode on Season 3 Episode 3.
Three Bears Cave: Three Bears Cave is found in Fforest Fawr, a little ways from Cardiff. Inside this area are old remnants of iron mines. One of the larger remains is called Three Bears Cave. (The Iron Mines of Fforest Fawr) You can see this and the Fforest Fawr in “The Hounds of Baskerville” Season 2 episode 2 of Sherlock. This location is also featured in Merlin, and Doctor Who.
Church of St Hilary: This church has stood for many years. It was partially restored in 1862 by Sir George Gilbert Scott, but parts of its original medieval architect still stands. In the stained glass on the west side of the church, St. Hilary is depicted, who the church is named after. (St Hilary, Church) This scene can also be found in the episode “The Hounds of Baskerville” of the Sherlock series.
Doctor Who and Merlin filming locations in Cardiff:
Castell Coch: Castle Coch is located by the surrounding Fforest Fawr. This castle is a historic site that was at one point inherited by the third Marquess of Bute who also owned Cardiff Castle. He hired the same architect, William Burges, to decorate the interior of this Castle. You can visit the interior of this castle and see the medieval art and architecture. (Castell Coch) You can also visit this castle in episodes “Journey’s end”, “The Vampires of Venice” , and “Nightmare in Silver” in BBC’s Doctor Who and several episodes of Merlin.
Caerphilly Castle:
In 1268 Marcher lord Gilbert de Clare built a fortress in order to protect himself from Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the Prince of Wales. (Llywodraeth Cymru Welsh Government) This castle is now mostly in ruins but castle tours are still available that can take you to up its spiraling staircases, the castle courtyard, and up among the towers. This castle is also rumored to be haunted. The Doctor Who episodes where Caerphilly Castle is used as a film location are “Eternity Trap”, “End of Time”, and “Lost in Time”. The Merlin episodes are “Lancelot and Guinevere”, and “The Eye of the Phoenix”. (Julie. 2018, May 24)
Hopeful soon this global pandemic will end and we can once again travel safely and enjoy the beautiful scenery all around the globe. Until then, we can still travel virtually through well known stories, shows, as well as virtual tours. Watching movies can give us cultural context and make the visit special when we visit the spots that brought the film to life. So, sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.
About the Castle. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2020, from https://www.cardiffcastle.com/about-the-castle/
Castell Coch, Partners in fantasy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cadw.gov.wales/more-about-castell-coch
Electronic Eye. Army Museum – Invalides Dome: 360° interactive virtual tour. (2014, December 22). Retrieved May 2, 2020, from https://electronic-eye.com/en/army-museum-invalides-dome-360-interactive-virtual-tour/
Filming at Puzzlewood. (n.d.). Retrieved May 3, 2020, from https://www.puzzlewood.net/index.php/filming-at-puzzlewood
DOCK CHAMBERS, 4-5, BUTE STREET. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2020, from https://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/307738/details/dock-chambers-4-5-bute-street
Julie. (2018, May 24). Caerphilly Castle: episode 308. Retrieved May 2, 2020, from https://merlinlocations.com/2011/1423/
Louvre Museum. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2020, from https://www.youvisit.com/tour/louvremuseum
Llywodraeth Cymru Welsh Government. The man who saved Caerphilly Castle. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2020, from https://cadw.gov.wales/more-about-caerphilly-castle
360 Cities. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France 360 Panorama. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2020, from https://www.360cities.net/image/france-paris-notre-dame-cathedral
Paris City Vision. -Top 20 masterpieces and paintings : the best of Louvre artwork. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2020, from https://www.pariscityvision.com/en/paris/museums/louvre-museum/top-20-masterpieces-at-the-louvre
Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel. A virtual tour of the Eiffel Tower. (2020, April 14). Retrieved May 2, 2020, from https://www.toureiffel.paris/en/news/130-years/virtual-tour-eiffel-tower
St Hilary, Church. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2020, from https://www.cowbridgeparish.com/churches/st-hilary/
The Iron Mines of Fforest Fawr. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2020, from http://www.cavinguk.co.uk/gallery/ffmines26_09_2004/
Fangirlquest. (n.d.). Cardiff Filming Locations Guide: Sherlock, Doctor Who, Torchwood & More. Retrieved May 2, 2020, from https://www.fangirlquest.com/cardiff-filming-locations/
Whereismap. (2019, November 2). Where is Cardiff Located? What Country is Cardiff in? Cardiff Map. Retrieved May 2, 2020, from https://whereismap.net/where-is-cardiff-located-what-country-is-cardiff-in-cardiff-map/
Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. (n.d.). Retrieved May 2, 2020, from http://www.wyedeantourism.co.uk/discover/Things to do/t-1554|t-1876|/?pageidx=4&viewmode=&check_in=&check_out=&odr=
24,901 