The Epping Ongar Railway was not the only Essex location to play a starring role in the magical blockbuster Practical Magic 2.
When producers began searching for locations that could double as small-town America, Essex was once again called into action. Their search for a traditional American churchyard eventually led filmmakers to the picturesque village of Abridge near Lambourne.
Grade I listed St Mary and All Saints Church is one of the oldest churches in the district and holds exceptional historical significance. Dating back to the 12th century, the church offers a stunning insight into medieval parish life and Norman architecture. Its beautifully preserved Norman doorway a particular highlight. Nestled among a peaceful churchyard and ancient trees, it offered the atmosphere and charm the filmmakers needed.
When the Essex Film Office learned the production team needed a church that could double as an American church, the team instantly knew that Essex had the ideal spot.
The churchyard was not the only local site to experience a touch of Hollywood magic. Large productions need a big support operation. This includes crews, vehicles, equipment, and welfare facilities. The Essex Film Office teamed up with the local parish council to find a good nearby spot for the production’s unit base.
Gary Kinch, Film Officer at Essex Film Office said:
” Productions like this need a lot of space for unit base and support vehicles, and we were able to find secure and discreet locations nearby. Privacy is very important for productions like this. It was great that we could provide everything they needed close to the filming location.
We’re often the fixers behind the scenes, using our local knowledge and connections to make things happen. For this project, we worked closely with the parish council, who were fantastic and incredibly keen to help. They opened up local facilities and residents even baked cakes for the cast and crew. It’s that community spirit that makes Essex such a great place to film.”
You can visit St Mary and All Saints Church as part of the Abridge Country Walk, a three-mile route through the ancient woodlands and countryside surrounding Lambourne. Find out more at: https://www.visiteppingforest.org/things-to-do/abridge-country-walk-p1729191
And if you’d like to discover more film and television locations across the county, explore the Essex Film Office Movie Map to see what else has been filmed in Essex and plan your own screen-inspired adventure.
