Set-jetting holidays: 15 film destinations for travellers

If you're still waiting for your owl-delivered letter from Hogwarts, why not seize the initiative and explore some of the locations from the film franchise.  The cloisters of ancient Durham cathedral have played the part of Hogwarts at least twice as has Alnwick Castle, where Madam Hooch conducted broomstick flying lessons. Christ Church College in Oxford provided many of the interior shots from the first film and, out of term time, you can book a room to stay there. Just don't miss the 16th-century staircase where Professor McGonagall greets new first years. Travel on into London, where Piccadilly and Leadenhall Market both took starring roles but, of course, it's Platform 9¾ at Kings Cross that is the main draw.

To see the world through the eyes of Elio and Oliver, the two main characters of Call Me by Your Name, head to Lombardy and, in particular, Crema, Moscazzano and Bergamo. Although the villa that played the part of the Perlman family estate is privately owned, you can explore the beautiful town of Crema, including the Piazza del Duomo, where Oliver and Elio first got to know each other. Then there's Moscazzano, where you can visit Bar Belvedere on Piazza Gambazocchi, where Oliver plays cards. Finally, beautiful Bergamo provides several locations for the film, and none is more significant than Piazza Padre Reginaldo Giuliani beneath Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Although largely filmed on Australia's Gold Coast, you can't beat Memphis – Elvis' real-life home – for getting as close as possible to both the movie and the star who inspired it. Two hours south of the city is Tupelo, Elvis' birthplace and now the location of the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum. Back in Memphis, see Elvis' teenage home at Lauderdale Courts (now renamed Uptown Square). You can even book an overnight stay! Of course, it's Graceland that's the main attraction. It offers tours, including of Elvis' famous car museum, and a variety of concerts and special events. These include "Elvis Week", which is held annually in the summer (usually in August). Another city inextricably linked with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll is Las Vegas. This is where the singer made history with 636 consecutive shows at Westgate Las Vegas. His legacy still lives on around the city. If you’re after a good Elvis tribute, visit Harrah’s Piano Bar, or alternatively book a fun once-in-lifetime pink Cadillac tour with an Elvis impressionist!

Greater Palm Springs stood in for the fictional town of Victory in Don't Worry Darling. If you visit, you'll recognise much of the place because the suburban houses in the desert that help make the film so striking are real Palm Springs' homes. With its bold mid-century styling, the Kaufmann House is a classic. It features regularly in the film but you'll have to admire it from the roadside. Similarly, the futuristic Volcano House can only be admired from outside although luckily Silver Valley Road provides good views of it. Conversely, Palm Springs City Hall is somewhere you can go inside, either alone or as part of one of the regular mid-century design tours run throughout the city.

Find your way to Middle-earth with a trip to New Zealand. With over 150 filming locations across the North and South islands, you'll be spoiled for choice. On the North Island, visit the specially-built village of Hobbiton (part of The Shire), now a permanent fixture in Matamata. If you're in Wellington, walk out to the forested area on Mount Victoria, which played the part of Hobbiton Woods. Alternatively, head for Kaitoke Regional Park: you might realise you've seen its beautiful rainforest in its other incarnations as Rivendell and the Fords of Isen. On the South Island, find Strider's Chetwood Forest on Takaka Hill or go to Mackenzie Country to arrange a private tour of the fields near Twizel where Sauron's forces fought those of Rohan and Gondor.

Part of the Sporades archipelago in the jewel-like Aegean, near-neighbours Skiathos and Skopelos were both major filming locations for 'Mamma Mia'. Skiathos is the livelier of the pair and, thanks to its international airport, where you'll almost certainly arrive. Head for the old port to see where Harry and Sam tried and failed to catch their ferry. Accessible only by boat, quiet Skopelos was the main filming location - and, when it comes to places to see, you'll be spoiled for choice. Top of the list must be the chapel of Agios Ioannis, where Sophie married. The views are wonderful but try to visit after the excursion boats leave. On the island's south side, you'll find the idyllic Amarandos Cove, the location of several key scenes. Look out for the tiny peninsula with its two pine trees.

Central Tokyo's Shibuya and Shinjuku districts were the location for much of the filming of Lost in Translation. Shinjuku's neon signs are unmistakable and herald the entrance to the Kabukicho entertainment district, where you can while away many a happy evening. Travel south from Shinjuku on the Yamanote Line and you'll reach the always busy and always changing Shibuya. The "scramble" crossing in front of the Hachiko exit of Shibuya Station is legendary and was captured in the film from the second-floor of the nearby Starbucks. If you want to stay where Bob stayed, check out the Park Hyatt Tokyo, and if you want to eat where he ate, make a reservation at its top-floor New York Grill.

New York at Christmas is a festive frolic of fun, and seeking out some of the filming spots from Home Alone 2 only adds to the joy. Much of the film was shot in Manhattan, which is first seen from LaGuardia Airport and then through the window of a yellow cab as it crosses Queensboro Bridge. However, it's the more glamorous surroundings of the Plaza and the wintery loveliness of Central Park that will draw you in. While you’re visiting Central Park, be sure to check out Gapstow Bridge – this iconic spot is where Kevin meets the pigeon lady. If you want to try your hand at ice skating (like Marv), head to Woolman Rink which opens every November. Another key spot in the film was Duncan’s Toy Chest, which is based on the iconic toy shop FAO Schwarz, the oldest toy shop in the US, now based in the Rockefeller Center. Battery Park, the Statue of Liberty, Radio City Music Hall and China Town also take turns in the spotlight.

With its underlying theme of finding happiness in the little things, Amélie is a joy from start to finish. Walk the streets of Montmartre (one of Paris' most attractive areas) where the film is set and find your own joy. 222 steps takes you to the top of Sacré-Cœur, where you'll have the whole of Paris spread out beneath you. Back at ground level, admire the many talented street artists, visit the graves of French icons like Émile Zola and Edgar Degas at the Montmartre Cemetery, and learn more about this bohemian corner of Paris at the Musée de Montmartre. And, if like Amélie, you're a secret romantic, make time to visit the Musée de la Vie Romantique.

Sometimes nicknamed the ‘Venice of the North’, Bruges' canals and UNESCO-protected city centre are undeniably beautiful. And, if anything, the city looks even more attractive when juxtaposed with the characters in In Bruges. The film does a fabulous job of highlighting the city's not-to-be-missed sights. Minnewaterbrug (Lovers Bridge) is the perfect entrance to this medieval city and, while Huidenvettersplein is one of Bruges' more tucked away squares, it's all the more charming for that. Also charming if much better-known is the Belfry of Bruges. Then there's Rozenhoedkaai, once known as somewhere to buy rosaries and now the focal point of thousands of Instagram posts.

If ever you needed a reason to visit Los Angeles, La La Land provides it. The film is an homage both to the city and to some of the many movies that have given LA worldwide fame in its own right. With over 60 LA locations in the film, we can't cover them all. However, the Griffith Observatory planetarium and Cathy's Corner on Mt. Hollywood Drive are two must-sees that you'll instantly recognise. Less photogenic but perhaps equally memorable is the massive "one ten" interchange. When you're peckish, take the opportunity to eat at some of the establishments featured: they include the Smoke House restaurant in Burbank (which stood in for Lipton's restaurant) and Jar restaurant on Beverly Boulevard.

Whether it's Mozart's birthplace, Central Europe's largest, fully preserved castle (the Hohensalzburg Fortress)....or singing nuns, Salzburg is a wonderful city. Fans of The Sound of Music can indulge in a guided tour of many of the film's locations, or you can do it yourself. Begin where the film began at Nonnberg Abbey, and listen to the nuns singing Gregorian chorales in the early morning. Find the von Trapp family home at Leopoldskron Palace and then go on to Hellbrunn Palace for the gazebo where Liesl sang 'Sixteen going on seventeen'. For a bigger musical number, the Mirabell Palace Gardens is where you'll find the famous fountain from the 'Do-Re-Mi' scene. Finish up at Basilika St. Michael in the village of Mondsee where Maria and Captain von Trapp tied the knot.

Set in one of London’s trendiest neighbourhoods, Notting Hill was actually filmed in several different locations across the city. Of course, it's a great starting point, especially if you begin with the always eclectic Portobello Market on Portobello Road. Some stalls are open daily but Saturday is the biggest day. Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath was another location that's well worth a visit in its own right. A former stately home, it has an exquisite collection of paintings by the likes of Rembrandt. And, if you're hungry after your sightseeing, why not visit two more filming locations and enjoy tea at the Ritz or dinner at Nobu at the Metropolitan Hotel!

Filmed in several countries, including Morocco, Italy and Austria, it's perhaps the Mexico scenes that most stand out in Spectre. It is Mexico where much of the unforgettable ‘Day of the Dead’ opening sequence was shot. To see it for yourself, head for Mexico City, and ensure your trip encompasses November 2nd if you want to experience the city's own Day of the Dead festivities. Dressing up is not mandatory but it might be hard to resist at least the face-painters! For something less frenetic, many of the museums put on special Day of the Dead events. And, if you go to the National Museum of Art you'll be on Tacuba Street, which featured in the film.