Looking out for some well-known film locations

If you’re a keen movie-goer, you probably also like to keep a lookout for well-known film and television locations while on your travels. We’ve scoured our maps for some familiar places you might want to spot on our walking holiday routes.

In the moving final moments of Gladiator (the original, and we think the best…), Maximus walks through a beautiful landscape of rolling fields and cypress trees. This highly Instagrammable spot is just a couple of minutes from our path into Pienza in Southern Tuscany.

While in Dorset, we recommend stopping at Mapperton House as you pass by. Its beautiful stone west front and barns appeared as the farm of Bathsheba Everdene in an adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Far from the Madding Crowd, starring Carey Mulligan. It has a pretty garden in the valley below and woodland walks to explore, if you have time.

In Castellabate it’s impossible to ignore that this was the setting for the comedy Benvenuti al Sud – very well known in Italy, but perhaps less so elsewhere. The unspoilt little town in Cilento National Park charmed a prejudiced northerner who was forced to move there unwillingly, only to find himself loving the gentle pace of life and warmth of the people in the south. We think you will too!

Walking the green hills of England’s Peak District, you’ll be reminded of the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley. It was from the crags of Stanage Edge (pictured, top) that she gazed out over the Hope Valley, and you can visit the stately Chatsworth House that so bewitched Elizabeth Bennet in its guise as Mr Darcy’s Pemberley.

And finally, a little more action! James Bond fans might recognise the French town of Menton from a classic chase in Never Say Never Again. Bond (Sean Connery in this case) races on a motorbike through the narrow streets in pursuit of his quarry. Your pace will be a little slower as you complete your Alpes Maritimes walk in this elegant town.

When designing the On Foot Holidays routes, we always try to bring you to a destination that is really worth the effort – usually a delightful town or small city. They’re places to stop for a while and celebrate your achievements, maybe spending an extra night or two to explore what these lovely places have to offer.

The romantic fishing port of Camogli (Ligurian Hills) was described by Charles Dickens as “the saltiest, most piratical town” on the Mediterranean. Now more welcoming of visitors, it’s a place to relax by the sea and visit the maritime museum or the nearby villages of Portofino and San Fruttuoso.

Situated at the mouth of the River Dart, the historic seaside town of Dartmouth (Devon) is a favourite with sailors, but has plenty of other things to do. Take a steam train ride, visit the ancient castle, discover the town’s naval history, or just stroll the cobbled streets and pop into the many enticing shops and galleries.

With over twenty bookshops, it’s no surprise that Hay-on-Wye (Welsh Borders) is called the ‘town of books’. It’s also home to an internationally renowned literary festival. Maybe ask Sarah, our local contact, about taking a guided walk, or simply kick your boots off, grab a book and relax.

Our Alpes Maritimes route reaches the sea at pretty Menton, the ‘Pearl of the French Riviera’ – a town of old-fashioned charm. There are many beautiful gardens to visit, and do save some time to enjoy a wander through the shady streets while admiring the pastel-coloured buildings.

Your Andalucia itinerary allows an extra day to explore the clifftop town of Ronda, with its incredible views and many historic buildings that are a blend of Moorish and Spanish influences. Walk across the extraordinary bridge, nearly 100m above the gorge, and watch the birds soaring around the cliffs.

The final day of the Classic Slovenia walk brings you into Italy and the city of Trieste – a beautiful multicultural port with stunning buildings, hospitable locals, and fascinating museums. And if you want more of Slovenia, you can take a ferry to medieval Piran on Slovenia’s tiny 47km coastline.

This lovely route in the quiet hills of Northern Provence has been much-loved by On Foot walkers for many years. It was definitely due for a refresh in 2025, and our Local Contact, Emily, worked hard to seek out some of the best hotels in the area, with some long-standing favourites remaining too. It also had a slight re-routing in places, with walking days updated and a new circuit added. We think it’s now in tip-top condition, and if Provence has been on your wish list, now may be the time to give it a try!

The area to the northeast of Avignon is full of extraordinary geological features.  At the centre lies ‘le Mont Ventoux’ (the windy mountain), well known to cyclists and spectators of the Tour de France. While the view of its barren, chalky summit is often on the horizon, our walks wind through its greener foothills.

The medieval cliff-top village of Venasque makes a great starting point, with views to the peaks of the ‘Dentelles de Montmirail’ (lace points) where you will walk later in the week.  From Venasque you’ll walk to Mazan, tiny Le Barroux, and finally to a top restaurant with comfortable rooms just outside of Vacqueyras for two nights, your base for an exploration of the Dentelles.

Heading out from Vacqueyras for your final walking day, the lacy limestone peaks of the Dentelles beckon. These narrow ridges of vertical limestone cliffs make for an exciting day of scrambling over and around the rocks at their feet, with some grand view points. And do stop off at pretty Gigondas for celebratory glass or two on your return!

As this is France, the food and wine are most definitely not of secondary importance to your holiday experience.  As well as excellent restaurants along the way, a couple of the hotels boast excellent kitchens. There are plenty of opportunities for wine lovers to try not only the well-known regional wines but also Vacqueyras whites and a variety of ‘marcs’ – straight from the vineyards you pass on the way.

If you’ve got time, we recommend you add a night or two in historic Avignon to see the Palais des Papes, the bridge and also the fascinating side streets and museums. A great way to round off your adventure.

Find more about our Northern Provence route here

Browse all routes in France here