Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out the answer to the question where did they shoot Barbie. The 2023 movie “Barbie”, directed by Greta Gerwig has received critical acclaim for its impressive technical achievements and unique tone.
The movie centers around Barbie, who is portrayed by Margot Robbie, and her journey of self-discovery as she grapples with her identity and what it means to be a Barbie doll. So, for those Barbie fanatics amongst us, let’s have a look at where was Barbie filmed, but how you can travel there to check it all out for yourself. Let’s check it out.
Barbie: A Snapshot
The movie “Barbie” revolves around the titular character, who is struggling with her identity and purpose. Barbie is a popular doll that has been a favorite of young girls for generations. However, in the movie, Barbie is going through an existential crisis and is questioning her inherent Barbie-ness. The plot follows Barbie as she embarks on a journey to discover who she truly is and what she wants to be.
The movie takes place in various locations, including Barbie Land, which is a colorful and vibrant world filled with all things Barbie. The story also takes her on a journey outside of her world, where she encounters new people and experiences that help her discover her true identity.
With its talented cast and imaginative setting, the movie promises to be an exciting and thought-provoking adventure for audiences of all ages.
Check out my post: Where Did They Shoot High School Musical? And How to Get There!
Where Did They Shoot Barbie?
The movie “Barbie” was filmed in various locations in England and California. The production team chose these locations to bring to life the iconic world of Barbie. For those interested in visiting the Barbie movie filming locations, the Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England, where most of the filming took place, is open to the public.
Visitors can take a tour of the studios and see the sets and props used in the making of the movie. Additionally, Venice Beach in Los Angeles, where some scenes were filmed, is a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of activities and attractions.
Book your trip to where they shot Barbie here!
Primary Barbie Filming locations – Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England
The primary filming location for the “Barbie” movie as Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England. The studio is located about 20 miles northwest of London and the complex has a variety of sound stages, backlots and production facilities. The Barbie dream houses were built at the Warner Bros. Studios lot outside of London, inspired by the midcentury modern architecture and cul-de-sacs in Palm Springs.
And if you are a Harry Potter fan, you can check out their exhibit for those movies here as well.
How Can I Get To Leavesden?
The exact way to get to Leavesden, England would depend on your current location. Here is a general guide on how to get there:
- By Air: The nearest major airports to Leavesden are London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and London Luton Airport (LTN). Other airports in London such as Gatwick or Stansted are also accessible but a bit farther. Flights to these airports are frequent from various locations around the world.
- By Train: The nearest train station to Leavesden is Watford Junction, which has regular services to and from London Euston and other parts of the UK. From Watford Junction, you can take a taxi or bus to Leavesden.
- By Bus: There are numerous local buses that operate in the area. The bus service 8 and 10 (run by Arriva) pass through Leavesden. The bus service W1 (run by Uno Buses) also goes to Leavesden however you would need to check the current schedule.
- By Car: If you are driving, you can use a GPS system to guide you to Leavesden. If coming from central London, you would generally head northwest on the M1, then switch to the M25, then take the exit for the A41 towards Watford. From there, you would take local roads to Leavesden.
Secondary Locations – Watford, U.K and Venice Beach, California, U.S.A
The first of the secondary filming locations for the “Barbie” movie were in Watford, England. Watford is a town located about 17 miles northwest of London and known for its shopping, parks and cultural attractions. The production team chose Watford as a location for the movie due to its proximity to Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden.
Secondly, the cast and crew also filmed in other locations in California, including Venice Beach in Los Angeles and Palm Springs. Palm Springs is a desert resort city located about 100 miles east of Los Angeles. The city is known for its midcentury modern architecture, hot springs and golf courses.
How Can I Get to Watford?
If you’re a fan of the upcoming “Barbie” movie and want to visit the filming location, you’re in luck. The movie was primarily shot at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Watford, England. It’s a popular tourist destination and is easily accessible by public transport and car.
To get to Watford from London, you have the following options:
- By Train: The fastest way to get to Watford from London is by train. Watford Junction, a major railway station, is served by London Northwestern Railway and Southern services from London Euston. This journey takes about 15-20 minutes.
- By Underground (Tube): The Metropolitan Line of the London Underground also serves Watford at Watford Station. However, this is not a very fast option and it could take up to an hour.
- By Bus: Buses are a cheaper but slower option. Several bus lines operate between London and Watford.
- By Car: If you have access to a car, you can drive to Watford from London via the M1 or the A41, which takes about 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Check out my post on: 10 Ways to Spend One Day in London
How Can I Get to Venice Beach?
When planning a trip to the Venice Based filming locations of the “Barbie” movie, there are several options for transportation. This includes:
- By Air – For those coming from farther away, the nearest airport to the filming locations is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). From there, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi to get to Venice Beach.
- By Car – If driving, take the 10 Freeway to the 405 Freeway and exit at Venice Boulevard. From there, head west on Venice Boulevard until reaching the beach.
- By Bus – Take Bus 733 from Downtown Los Angeles. You can board the bus at Union Station Patsaouras Transit Plaza Bay 1 and this route takes about 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic and time of day.
Once visitors arrive at the filming locations, there are several options for local transportation. The most popular option is to rent a bike or a pair of rollerblades to explore the area.
Check out my post on: 10 Ways to Spend One Day in Los Angeles
Tourist Information – Watford
As above, Barbie was primarily shot at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in Watford, England. It’s a popular tourist destination in its own right and offers the following:
Local Attractions
Apart from the movie set, there are plenty of other attractions in Watford that you can visit. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a must-visit attraction for Harry Potter fans. The Leavesden Country Park is also a great place to spend an afternoon, with its beautiful gardens and scenic walking trails.
Accommodation Options
There are plenty of accommodation options available in Watford and the surrounding areas. The Premier Inn Watford Central Hotel and the Hilton Watford Hotel are both great options for those looking for a comfortable stay. For those on a budget, the YHA London Lee Valley Hostel is a great option.
Cuisine and Dining
Watford has a diverse range of dining options, ranging from traditional British pubs to international cuisine. The Three Rivers Pub is a great place to try some traditional British food, while the Thai Square Watford offers some delicious Thai cuisine. For those looking for something sweet, the Creams Cafe Watford is a great option for ice cream and desserts.
Overall, Watford is a great place to visit for fans of the “Barbie” movie and those looking for a fun day out. With plenty of attractions, accommodation options and dining options, there’s something for everyone.
Book your trip to where they shot Barbie here!
Tourist Information – Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a vibrant and unique area known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches and eclectic culture. Here are some of the top attractions and amenities:
Local Attractions
To be honest, Venice Beach is like one big movie set 24 hours a day. However its most famous attractions include:
- Venice Beach Boardwalk: This is one of the most popular attractions in Venice Beach. The boardwalk is home to a variety of street performers, vendors and artists. It’s a great place to walk around and enjoy the local culture.
- Venice Beach Skatepark: This state-of-the-art skate park is a secondary shooting location for Barbie and located right on the beach. It’s not uncommon to see professional skaters here.
- Muscle Beach: An iconic outdoor gym known for its famous bodybuilding alumni, including Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- Venice Canals: These beautiful man-made canals were designed to mimic Venice, Italy. Walking around the Venice Canals is a must-do activity.
- Abbot Kinney Boulevard: Named for the founder of Venice Beach, this mile-long strip is full of unique shops, boutiques, art galleries and restaurants.
- Venice Beach Basketball Courts: Another iconic location, these courts have been featured in numerous movies (Such as White Men Can’t Jump and many others) and are frequently home to high-level streetball.
- Venice Art Walls: This public art space on the beach is where graffiti artists come to create colorful murals.
Accommodation Options
There are plenty of accommodation options available in Venice including:
- Hotel Erwin: An upscale hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean and just steps from the beach.
- Venice Beach House: A charming bed & breakfast located near the beach.
- Venice Suites: Offers furnished apartments right on the beach.
- Venice Breeze Suites: Another option for furnished apartments, with modern amenities.
- Airbnb: There are numerous private rental options in Venice Beach and the surrounding areas.
Cuisine and Dining
Venice has a diverse range of dining options, ranging from traditional bar and grills to international cuisine. There is Gjelina known for its New American cuisine and trendy atmosphere or The Butcher’s Daughter for some plant-based goodness. Salt Air offers seafood with a beachy vibe with the well known Rose Café-Restaurant offering a globally influenced menu.
Don’t forget to check out the food trucks as well.
Overall, Venice is a great place to visit for fans with something for everyone looking for a fun day out.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the filming location for Barbie was primarily set in Leavesden and Watford in the U.K and Venice Beach in California. As usual, let me know of your experiences here and what you loved about these areas.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
