Now, let’s hop to the other side of the pond. Wait—this article is about England, right? Yes, but Amanda (Cameron Diaz) lives in L.A. in the movie. However, the English cottage swap was filmed entirely in the UK. Iris’s London flat? That was filmed at a real location in Hampstead, a posh area of North London. The street is called Keats Grove, and it’s lined with beautiful Victorian houses. You can walk there and pretend you’re about to run into a charming British book editor.
And the famous “crying in the phone box” scene? That was shot on Hampstead Heath, near the Parliament Hill viewpoint. If you go there, you’ll see the same sweeping view of London. Just pack tissues—it’s impossible not to feel emotional. Or maybe that’s just me.
The B&B That Broke Our Hearts
There’s a scene where Iris stays at a bed-and-breakfast after a spat. That B&B is actually the St. Kew Inn in Cornwall. Yes, Cornwall! The filmmakers drove hours to find the perfect countryside pub. It’s got a wood-burning fire, stone walls, and a menu full of comfort food. You can book a room there, but be warned: you might expect Jude Law to walk in. He won’t. But the steak and ale pie is a worthy consolation prize.
The Holiday Movie House In England
One more spot: the countryside road where Iris and Arthur (Eli Wallach) drive in his vintage car? That’s the A281 in Surrey, running through the Surrey Hills. It’s absolutely gorgeous, especially in autumn. Roll down your windows and pretend you have a 1960s Jaguar. Just don’t crash while daydreaming.
