Home page
TV
Film
Music
Food & Wine
Games & Gizmos
Entertainment News
Books
Competitions
Audio Interviews
Travel
Reviews
Features
Reader Holidays
Travel Tips
Walks
Theatre
Fun Stuff
History
Shopping
Living Magazine
Regional Guides
Free Catalogues
Find Lost Friends
Superbrain
Champagne Crossword: Solutions
Photography Competition
Site Map
Search Advanced Search
Features
The Tudor trail

Set-jetters, tourists who visit film locations, are poised to descend on Kent with the release this weekend of the film, The Other Boleyn Girl.

Here are some of the must-see destinations

KENT takes a starring role in the film, The Other Boleyn Girl, which follows the story of sisters Anne (Natalie Portman) and Mary Boleyn (Scarlett Johansson) who compete for the love of Henry VIII (Eric Bana).

With scenes shot at Penshurst Place, Knole and Dover Castle and with many of the countyfs other attractions featuring in the lives of the Boleyn sisters and Henry VIII, the county is the perfect place for those wishing to relive the dramatic tale.

Hever Castle and Penshurst Place Hever Castle at Edenbridge was the reallife home to the upwardly mobile Boleyn family. In Philippa Gregoryfs novel, on which the film is based, Mary yearns to escape from the pressures of Londonfs court to be with her illegitimate royal children at this fairytale palace.

The moated Tudor dwelling in enchanting gardens became the backdrop for King Henryfs courtship of Anne.

Heverfs treasures tell how their relationship unfolded; from the replica of the clock Henry presented to Anne on their wedding in 1533, to the prayer book she clasped on her way to the executionerfs block in 1536. (www.hevercastle.co.uk).

Penshurst Place, Tonbridge, was the setting for key scenes in the movie. This spell-binding stately home set amid Tudor gardens became the film double for Whitehall Palace.

The magnificent medieval Baronfs Hall was the big screen stage for Henry and Annefs wedding feast. Hear firsthand stories from the set, as told by Penshurstfs room guides, several of whom became extras for three days. (www.penshurstplace.

com).

Where to stay Hotel du Vin in Royal Tunbridge Wells.

This stylish hotel is set in one of the historic spa townfs architectural landmarks, a Grade II listed sandstone mansion. (01892-526455, www.hoteldu vin.com).

Set in 14 acres of grounds on the edge of Royal Tunbridge Wells, The Spa Hotel is an elegant country mansion with 70 individually-styled bedrooms, many of which offer view over the grounds. (01892-520331, www.spahotel.co.uk).

Knole Knole in Sevenoaks depicts London by night in the film. The Green Court and Stone Court are transformed into the movie setting for the departure of the Boleyn family from court.

In Tudor times Knole belonged to Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury who supported Henry VIIIfs divorce of Queen Catherine and marriage to Anne Boleyn. Henry acquired the home in 1538, making the most of the hunting in the superb medieval deer park. (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/knole).

Where to stay The Royal Oak Hotel, Sevenoaks, an 18th Century former coaching inn.

(01732-451109, www.brook-hotels.co.uk).

Dover Castle and the White Cliffs of Dover The filmmakers chose Dover Castle to portray the brooding presence of the Tower of London, following Annefs downfall. Visitors can retrace the steps Anne takes to the executionerfs block. A Castle Fit For A King. (www.englishheritage.

org.uk).

For further information on places to visit and stay in Kent go to www.visitkent.co.uk

10:03am Saturday 1st March 2008

Print   Email this
Archive
There are hundreds of Jobs, Homes & Cars in the North East
Powered by Powered by Fish4

Jobs of the week

Partnerships Manager
North Yorkshire
Engineering Administrator
Sedgefield, County Durham
Chef & Bar / Waiting staff
Richmond, North Yorkshire
Housekeeping Manager
North Yorkshire
The Advertiser Series

Durham Times

Got a story?
Get in touch with our newsdesk
Darlington & Stockton Times

Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy © Copyright 2001-2008
Newsquest Media Group
A Gannett Company
This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network