In spite of what many might believe, some of the most breath taking landscapes ever captured on film aren’t the work of Hollywood cine-magic – they’re real places, teeming with wildlife, rich ecosystems, and cultural significance.
From the rolling hills of England’s Lake District in Star Wars: The Force Awakens to the prehistoric beauty of Hawaii’s Kualoa Ranch in Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, these iconic filming locations prove that nature itself is the ultimate set designer.
“Whether you’re a film enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or simply looking for a travel experience that blends cinematic history with natural beauty, these destinations offer a unique way to step into the world of your favourite films,” says deer fencing expert Doug O’Connor, from DeerFencing.com.
As travellers start planning their spring and summer getaways, Doug and the team at DeerFencing.com reveal the ten must-visit destinations that have served as the backdrop for some of the highest-grossing films of the 21st century.
Table: Top 10 Wildlife/Preserved Locations That Also Served as Film Sets
| Rank | Location | Region | Movie filmed there |
| 1 | Lake District National Park | England, United Kingdom | Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens |
| 2 | Pikes Peak | Colorado, United States | Furious 7 |
| 3 | Kualoa Ranch | Hawaii, United States | Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom |
| 4 | Serengeti National Park | Tanzania | Transformers: Dark of the Moon |
| 5 | Natural Three Bridges | China | Transformers: Age of Extinction |
| 6 | Fiordland National Park | New Zealand | The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey |
| 7 | Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes | California, United States | Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End |
| 8 | Burnham Beeches | England, United Kingdom | Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 |
| 9 | Fiordland National Park | New Zealand | The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers |
| 10 | Tongariro National Park | New Zealand | The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring |
The Top 3 Wildlife Locations
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Lake District National Park, England, United Kingdom
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lake District National Park is a mesmerising blend of lakes, rolling moorlands, and ancient woodlands. This breath taking landscape became a key filming location for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, helping to transport audiences into the immersive world of a galaxy far, far away.
The film generated $2.068 billion, making it the highest-grossing movie on this list. The Lake District’s rugged terrain and mist-covered peaks lent an air of mysticism to the film’s battle sequences.
Beyond its cinematic role, this national park offers some of the UK’s best hiking trails, historic literary connections (home to Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter), and rich biodiversity, including red deer and ospreys.
“A walk through the Lake District is a scenic retreat as well as an enriching journey through the landscapes that shaped both literature and cinema,” says Doug.
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Pikes Peak, Colorado, United States
Standing at 14,115 feet, Pikes Peak is one of the most famous summits in North America, offering an alpine tundra ecosystem, dense forests, and steep, winding roads that made it an ideal location for the high-octane action of Furious 7.
The film, which earned $1.515 billion, capitalised on Pikes Peak’s jaw-dropping switchbacks and dizzying altitude to create some of the franchise’s most thrilling driving sequences. Unlike other locations on this list, Pikes Peak does not hold national park status and is under threat from wildfires and increasing human development, raising concerns about its long-term preservation.
Despite this, the peak remains an adventure hub for hiking, biking, and its world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as “The Race to the Clouds”.
“The breath taking ascent, whether by car or on foot, mirrors the kind of daring spirit that films like Furious 7 embody – pushing limits at every turn,” says Doug.
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Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii, United States
Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre expanse of lush valleys, dense forests, and flowing streams, has become synonymous with cinematic world-building, particularly as the primary filming location for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.
The film, which grossed $1.308 billion, used the ranch’s untouched beauty to bring audiences back into the thrilling chaos of Isla Nublar. The towering cliffs and rolling greenery made it one of the most visually striking locations, reinforcing the idea of a land lost in time.
Unlike many other locations on this list, Kualoa Ranch is privately owned rather than a designated conservation area, yet it remains a fiercely protected natural space. Visitors can explore its stunning landscapes through ATV tours, horseback riding, and even guided excursions to specific film locations.
Doug O’Connor, spokesperson for DeerFencing.com, comments: “The magic of cinema has long transported audiences to far-off landscapes, but many of these breath taking locations exist in the real world, waiting to be explored. From the misty valleys of Kualoa Ranch to the dramatic peaks of Pikes Peak, these wildlife-rich destinations are not only iconic on screen but also vital ecosystems worth protecting. With spring around the corner and travel season approaching, now is the perfect time to plan a trip that combines adventure with appreciation for nature’s wonders.
“Exploring these stunning locations reminds us of the deep connection between storytelling and the natural world. Seeking out these cinematic landscapes lets travellers enjoy both the magic of film and the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet.”