Where Was The Film About Time Filmed

So, you’ve just finished watching About Time, and you’re probably a puddle of happy tears. That movie has a way of making you want to hug your dad, call your sibling, and maybe even build a sandcastle. But have you ever paused the credits and thought, “Where on earth did they film this dreamy world?”

Let’s take a chill road trip through the film’s locations. Because honestly, the setting is as much a character as Tim’s time-traveling powers. Spoiler: It’s mostly in England, but not the rainy, gray version you might imagine.

The Real-Life Red Phone Box (And the Beach)

Remember that iconic, stormy beach where Tim and Mary first kiss? That’s not a movie set. It’s Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall, tucked away near the famous Minack Theatre. The white sand and turquoise water look like they belong in the Caribbean, not a British film.

Why is it cool? Because it’s a wildly public spot that feels totally private on screen. If you ever visit, you can stand right where Domhnall Gleeson stood and pretend the tide is the universe’s soundtrack. Just don’t expect to see Rachel McAdams—she’s usually busy being awesome elsewhere.

And yes, the red phone box is real too. It’s a famous one near Lulworth Cove in Dorset. Most phone boxes smell like old socks, but this one smells like movie magic.

The Family Home That Steals the Show

Now, let’s talk about that gorgeous, cluttered house by the sea. The Lake family home—complete with the ping-pong table and the cozy kitchen—is actually a private residence. It’s called Carne House, and it’s located in Portholland, Cornwall.

The filmmakers chose it because it looks lived-in. No glossy, magazine-style set. You half expect to find a half-eaten biscuit on the counter. Fun fact: The production team built a fake cliff in the garden to make the house look even more dramatic. Movie magic is just grown-ups playing with Legos, isn’t it?

The London Scenes: Not as Fancy as You Think

When Tim moves to London, the city looks like a romantic, foggy postcard. But the actual streets? They’re mostly in Richmond and Southwark. The maze-like alley where Tim works is the Royal Exchange—not a hipster startup, but a historic building where merchants used to trade spices.

And the restaurant where Tim and Mary have their first date? That’s The Princess of Shoreditch, a real pub. It’s cozy, a little noisy, and exactly the kind of place where you’d accidentally fall in love. Pro tip: Order the fish and chips if you visit, but don’t expect a time-traveling dad to show up.

The Wedding That Wasn’t a Church

One of the most emotional scenes is Tim’s wedding day. It looks like a charming countryside church, but it’s actually St. Mary’s Church in St. Just-in-Roseland, right next to a tidal creek. The setting is so peaceful, you’ll want to get married there immediately—even if you’re already married.

But here’s the kicker: The rain during the ceremony? Totally real. The director, Richard Curtis, decided to roll with it because “English weddings always have rain.” It’s like the weather was in on the joke.

The Bizarre Time-Travel Logic (And Why It Works)

You might wonder, “Why film here and not another beach?” Because Richard Curtis loves making places look ordinary yet magical. The locations in About Time aren’t flashy tourist traps. They’re the kind of places you could actually live in, if you squinted and ignored the time-traveling drama.

Cornwall, especially, is the unsung hero. It’s got rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and that special light that makes everything look like a painting. The movie basically tricked us into booking vacations to Cornwall—and honestly, good for it.

What About That Underground Station?

Remember the tube station where Tim hits his head and learns to time travel? That’s St. James’s Park Station, but filmed with a wider angle to make it look busier. It’s a small detail, but it shows how a regular commute can turn into a life-changing moment. Makes you look at your morning train a little differently, doesn’t it?

Why We Care So Much About Where It Was Filmed

Let’s be real: We care because these places feel like refuges. In a story about living life twice, the backdrop has to be somewhere you’d want to rewind time to. The beaches of Cornwall, the pubs of Richmond, the cluttered home in Portholland—they all whisper, “This is a good life.”

So next time you watch Tim run through the rain to catch a kiss, remember: You can actually stand in that rain. You can visit the same fields, eat at the same pub, and maybe, just maybe, feel a little bit of his joy. Your own time-travel trip starts with a plane ticket to Cornwall.

Pack a sweater, bring a umbrella, and don’t forget to kiss someone in the rain. The movie locations are just a bonus.