James Bond filming locations to visit on holiday

Bond has gone head-to-head and toe-to-toe with bad guys in plenty of far-flung locations; here’s just a handful of our top pivotal 007 filming locations…

Mexico City

Seen in the opening scene of Spectre in one impressive, unbroken cut, Mexico City is presented in all its glory as the residents celebrate the effervescent Day of the Dead. Whilst the procession was made up of thousands of elaborately costumed extras, the backdrop of colonial buildings is no set; perhaps discover its beauty for yourself on a stroll through the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square.

Siena

This pretty Tuscan city provides a stunning backdrop to a thrilling rooftop chase scene that takes place during the Palio, Siena’s famous horse race in the Piazzo del Campo, in some of the first scenes of Quantum of Solace. The distinctive gothic black-and-white striped cathedral appears briefly too; this medieval church is visually stunning and inside features works by Donatello and Michelangelo. Perhaps take a day trip during your Italian holiday and retrace Bond’s footsteps (or – slightly safer – follow his path from the ground…) on an optional excursion from the Hotel Franceschi in Gavinana…

Venice

Casino Royale, the first film to feature Daniel Craig as Bond, sees him attempting to retire with his new love to the enchanting Italian city of Venice, before the inevitable gunfight manages to puncture some temporary inflatable supports keeping a mid-renovated building above the waters of the Grand Canal. It sinks in a suitably dramatic style, but visitors to this lovely city needn’t worry; when a building needs renovating in reality, the canal is more likely to be drained rather than easily punctured airbags attached to the supports!

Jamaica

One of the most iconic scenes of the franchise sees the beautiful Ursula Andress stepping out of the sparkling Caribbean Sea in the first Bond film, Dr. No. This idyllic beach is where a series of waterfalls make their entry to the sea; known as Dunn’s River Falls, they’re a very popular tourist attraction due to their natural beauty and for the fact that they are shallow enough to climb, with natural pools in which to take a dip as you make your way to the top. Discover it for yourself from a hotel in Jamaica.

Switzerland

The journey to the peak of the Switzerland’s Schilthorn, one of the highest mountains in the Bernese Alps, will take you on a train, postbus, cog railway and three cable cars – you end up 2,970m high with unbelievable views over the 200+ surrounding mountain peaks. This is where scenes from In Her Majesty’s Secret Service were filmed in 1969; July 2015 saw the grand opening of a “007 Walk of Fame” at the summit with a special event attended by the stars of the film including George Lazenby. Here you can actual visit Piz Gloria – although it’s no longer mountain-top hideout of Blofeld, it’s a fabulous revolving restaurant at the top, completed by the production in exchange for permission to film! Reach great heights on your own holiday in Switzerland.