Was European Vacation Filmed at Stonehenge?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re a fan of the classic 1980s comedy film, European Vacation, you might be wondering if the iconic Stonehenge scene was actually filmed at the real-life Stonehenge monument in England. The answer is both yes and no.

The Scene in Question

In European Vacation, the Griswold family travels to England and visits Stonehenge. During their visit, they accidentally knock over one of the standing stones and cause a chain reaction that eventually leads to the entire monument collapsing.

Was it Filmed at Stonehenge?

The short answer is no. The scene was actually filmed on a set that was built specifically for the movie. However, the filmmakers did use photos and measurements of Stonehenge to make sure that their set was as accurate as possible.

Why Couldn’t They Film at Stonehenge?

Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an extremely popular tourist destination. As such, it’s heavily regulated by English Heritage, which manages the site. In order to film at Stonehenge, filmmakers would have had to obtain permission from English Heritage and follow strict guidelines.

The Guidelines

Some of these guidelines include restrictions on where equipment can be placed, how many people can be on site at any given time, and what times of day filming is allowed. Additionally, English Heritage has final approval over any scripts or scenes that involve Stonehenge.

What Did They Use Instead?

To create the set for European Vacation’s Stonehenge scene, filmmakers used fiberglass replicas of the standing stones. These replicas were modeled after detailed measurements and photos of the real thing to ensure accuracy.

  • The set was built in an open field near Bovingdon Airfield in Hertfordshire.
  • It took three weeks to build.
  • The fiberglass stones were covered in a layer of plaster to give them a more realistic texture.
  • During filming, the set was surrounded by scaffolding to hold up lights and cameras.

Conclusion

While the Stonehenge scene in European Vacation wasn’t actually filmed at the real monument, it’s still an iconic moment in film history. The filmmakers went to great lengths to ensure that their set was as accurate as possible, and the scene remains a fan favorite to this day.