An adaption of the extremely successful stage musical, Les Misérables, is hitting the big screen on 11th January 2013, meaning you don’t need a London theatre break to discover what it’s all about. They’ve really pulled out the stops with an all-star cast including Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Helena Bonham Carter, Sascha Baron Cohen and Eddie Redmayne. Door2Tour think that these sound like the ingredients to an outstanding film based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel set in 19th-century France, in which paroled prisoner, Jean Valjean, seeks redemption. To accompany the incredible cast, they had to film in incredible locations. So where better than the UK? Filming for the movie has taken place in several parts of the UK including London, Winchester and Portsmouth. So we thought we’d provide you with some things to see and do in these topical places…
London
Some scenes of Les Misérables have been filmed in the historic town of Greenwich in London, involving turning the college into a set designed to resemble early 19th Century Paris.
Things to see and do in London:
• Tower of London – a historic castle that is a fundamental part of London’s history and one of the world’s top tourist attractions
• St Paul’s Cathedral – featuring the Whispering Gallery and tombs and memorials of English heroes, this is the heart and soul of London
• Buckingham Palace – have a nose round Liz’s 19 State rooms in her 775 room palace
• London Eye – see London from a bird’s eye view on the largest ferris wheel in the world
Winchester
The Les Misérables team have shot night scenes near Winchester College, with some shops being dressed up to suit the film’s 1800s Paris setting.
Things to see and do in Winchester:
• Winchester Cathedral – visit one of England’s largest cathedrals with the longest nave and greatest overall length of any Gothic cathedral in Europe
• Winchester Christmas Market – browse around one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, renowned for its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere
• City Museum – uncover Winchester’s past, in galleries telling the story from its origins as a prehistoric trading centre and Roman regional capital
• Marwell Zoo – monkey around with over 170 exotic species set within 140 acres surrounded by beautiful landscape
Portsmouth
Scenes for Les Misérables featuring Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman have been filmed inside the naval port’s historic Dockyard. Whilst there, Crowe tweeted “yesterday, 18 km bike ride,90 min walk. Today in the rain and wind on a perfectly sunny day in Portsmouth”.
Things to see and do in Portsmouth:
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – get a taste of 800 years of naval history in the many museums and famous historic ships situated at the Dockyard
• Spinnaker Tower – check out the sensational views from Britain’s tallest tower outside London
• Portchester Castle – step back in time in this third century medieval Roman fort
• Gunwharf Quays – if you don’t really do the whole history thing, this is the perfect place, with almost 100 outlet stores, 30 bars & restaurants, a health & fitness centre, a 14 screen cinema, a 26 lane Bowling alley, a comedy club, a night club and a casino