Wednesday, 28th February 2007
Having read the books and seen the films a trip to Hobbiton, home of The Shire, was a must.
When Peter Jackson began to look for suitable locations for The Lord of the Rings film series he first saw the Alexander Farm during an aerial search in 1998 and concluded that the area was "like a slice of ancient England". Set Decorator Alan Lee commented that the location's hills "looked as though Hobbits had already begun excavations"
Interesting information was available on the way to and at the site. People who played Hobbits had to be small, 4ft +. A split lense was used in filming which made the subject on one side seem smaller than they were. There was a lot of secrecy about the filming and anyone involved had to sign agreements.
Sign at Matamata
Lake and Party Tree
Hobbit Holes
Tree near Fireworks route
Samwise Gangee's home
Party Tree
but where's the party?
Across the lake to where the mill was built
Across the lake to the valley
Party area from Bag End
Bag End
From Bag End
Display board . . .
and actual view
The Shire . . .
and the actual view
Hobbit Hole
Take advantage of Sam . . .
or Gandalf for those who don't want to walk
Back at Matamata