Damsel is a Netflix film that seemingly became an instant hit. The film, directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, explores a feminist twist on the damsel in distress narrative. The main character Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown) marries a charming prince to save her kingdom in true fairytale fashion. But Elodie’s story takes a sharp turn as her prince (played by Nick Robinson) and his family sacrifice her to a dragon.
Elodie’s fantastical world is complete with striking castles, a grand kingdom, extensive caves and magic. While much of the fantasy elements were created with special effects, many features are from real life places. To create the extravagant settings, many sets were built to add a feeling of realism. For travelers that want to immerse themselves in the world of Damsel, we have found the filming locations. Check out all there is to know about the European film locations that were a part of the 2024 film.
Batalha, Portugal
- Key Scenes: external castle shots
- Best Time to Visit: Spring, between March and May
- Transportation Options: the train or bus
Batalha is a town in Portugal that is well known for its impressive religious buildings and natural attractions. It has such significant sites that some are even categorized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is an underrated destination with gothic architecture, which gives it a historic charm. The town is among the hills of the Leiria District and made a great filming location for the film Damsel.
The western Portugal town is home to sites that helped authenticate the kingdom of the film. For example, the Castle of Batalha (Capillas Imperfectas) was utilized. This film location helped create a more dynamic depiction of the kingdom’s castle. Batalha was mostly used as an exterior film location. Other spots used for the film include the famous Batalha Monastery. Some fans may notice exterior shots of this location in the film. Caves are a significant element in the plot line of Damsel. The Coin Caves, Batalha’s cave system, served as inspiration for the extensive journey Elodie embarks on in the film.
Things to Do: There are plenty of culturally immersive experiences for travelers to enjoy in Batalha. The most popular things to do include viewing the Batalha Monastery, Sensory Ecopark of Pia do Urso and Sé de Leiria.
Where to Eat: Steakhouse Chefe Arthur, Enigma and Restaurante Burro Velho are some of the top places to eat around Batalha.
Where to Stay: Casa de Outeiro and Hotel Lis Batalha are two of the top accommodations available to travelers in Batalha.
Serra da Estrela, Portugal
- Key Scenes: Elodie introduction
- Best Time to Visit: for winter sports visit between November and April
- Transportation Options: taxis and shuttles
Serra da Estrela is a national park in Portugal. It is also the largest protected area of the country, so its natural landscape is unique. The park’s mountain range is a great feature that attracts tourists from all over the world. In fact, Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range on the mainland of Portugal. There are ample hiking and cycling trails, mountain climbing opportunities and even a unique snow sports tourism industry at this location. It is one of the only places in the area that gets enough snow for activities like skiing. The sprawling lands made for a perfect backdrop to depict Elodie’s home kingdom.
The snowy peaks of Serra da Estrela set the scene for the main character. The bitter weather conditions draw a comparison between Elodie’s upbringing and hopeful transition to a different life. This location is shown mostly as the audience is introduced to Elodie, the protagonist. Another film location of the Serra da Estrela mountain range is the Nossa Senhora da Boa. This is the mountain sanctuary that helped create the dragon’s lair entrance in the movie. Serra da Estrela was not heavily included in the majority of filming. But the destination plays an integral part in creating the fantasy world.
Things to Do: Travelers can visit Covão Dos Conchos, Torre, Covão D’Ametade and Lagoa Comprida while in the Serra da Estrela area.
Where to Eat: Lenda Viriato, Restaurante As Thermas Lda and Restaurante O Cortiço are some of the top local options to eat at.
Where to Stay: The Luna Hotel Serra da Estrela, Pousada Serra da Estrela and Hotel Vila Galé Serra da Estrela are some of the highest rated accommodations in the area.
Tomar, Portugal
- Key Scenes: the kingdom of Aurea
- Best Time to Visit: during spring for best weather, particularly April and May
- Transportation Options: by train or car from Lisbon
Tomar is a city in the heart of Portugal. It is known for its delightful locals, incredible history and delicious food. The destination is certainly worth exploring since it has a unique history, culture and sites. The town is even considered to be a living museum to those that are fortunate to explore it. Tomar has links to the Knights Templar and the 15th century voyages of discovery. Much of the rich history of Portugal contributes to its intricate architectural style. Travelers will notice this is true of the numerous convents and castles.
This small town plays a big role in the filming of Damsel. The colorful destination is full of rivers, castles and convents. It sets the scene as Elodie is ushered into her new life with a warm welcome. The wealthy kingdom of Aurea has fertile land, sunny skies and contrasts Elodie’s home. But as the plot twists, viewers understand that the prosperity of the kingdom has a hefty cost. A cost that Elodie is set up to pay. Travelers can explore this town on day tours. Fans of the film can rest assured that visiting this beautiful destination will be worth the trip. And their visit will not require them to be a human sacrifice, like poor Elodie.
Things to Do: Travelers should be sure to visit the many impressive landmarks of Tomar. These include sites like Castelo de Tomar, the Convent of Christ and Museu de Fosforos.
Where to Eat: Some of the top restaurants in Tomar are Flor de Sal, Restaurante Sabores Ao Rubro and Taverna Antiqua.
Where to Stay: The Thomar Boutique Hotel, Hotel dos Templários and Estalagem Santa Iria Hotel & Spa are some of the highest rated accommodations near Tomar.
Sortelha, Portugal
- Key Scenes: exterior shots of Aurea mountains when Elodie is led to her bleak fate
- Best Time to Visit: between September and November for affordable prices
- Transportation Options: regional trains and buses
Sortelha is a stunning ancient town in Portugal. It is an urban area with well preserved architectural sites, so its buildings remind travelers of medieval times. The surrounding area has thriving nature. This makes Sortelha a great destination for nature lovers interested in biking, hiking and guided nature tours. It is also a very serene destination since it is not an incredibly crowded tourist destination. This mountain town is very close to the area that helped paint a grand (and realistic) picture for the journey Elodie takes. Sortelha’s vast mountains were included in Damsel. They were mostly featured during the scene where Elodie is led to the dragon’s lair.
Things to Do: Many travelers enjoy hiking local mountains so they can overlook Sortelha. But the Sortelha Historic Center, Sabugal Castle and Castelo de Belmonte are a few of the places that tourists should explore while in Sortelha.
Where to Eat: Restaurante da Pousada Covento de Belmonte, Restaurante O Brasao and Restaurante Robalo are some of the top rated culinary experiences in the Sortalha area.
Where to Stay: Travelers that visit Sortelha are in for a treat, since the mountain views are stunning. O Cantinho Da Ana and Casas da Lagariça are both cozy and centrally located accommodations for travelers.
Raby Castle in England
- Key Scenes: Lord and Lady Bayford’s home (Elodie’s father and stepmother)
- Best Time to Visit: the summer season, best weather between June and August
- Transportation Options: local buses, cycling and walking
England has a deep connection and history with nobility. Many of the remnants of regality are still standing today so England has plenty of historic sites, like castles. This preserved history and culture made for the perfect backdrop for the movies’ regal characters. In fact, the castle that belongs to Elodie’s family is a real place.
The filming location that brought Elodie’s world to life is the Raby Castle in County Durham. This castle was originally a viking settlement and was built in the 14th century. It is still to this day one of England’s finest (intact) medieval castles. Travelers can visit it since the estate welcomes tourism. On the 200 acre property travelers can shop, eat and enjoy the surrounding attractions. The Plotter’s Forest is an adventure playground that is popular with families. Travelers that prefer a more laid back approach to their castle exploration can book a guided tour. These tours highlight the rich history of the castle. Admission to sites like Raby Castle and The Plotter’s Forest require tickets. So, travelers should book ahead of time for a smooth visit.
Things to Do: At Deer Park travelers can observe the thriving wildlife. The castle’s grounds are home to Red and Fallow Deer that give birth to fawns between May and July. Travelers can also view art and furniture from the 17th to 20th century while exploring the castle. Outside of the property, travelers enjoy visiting the Bowes Museum, the inner city of Durham and Egglestone Abbey.
Where to Eat: The Yurt Cafe is an on-property option that offers small bites and afternoon tea. The Country Tea Shop & Restaurant and The Black Horse are the most popular spots nearby Raby Castle.
Where to Stay: Headlam Hall Hotel & Rural Retreat, Redworth Hall Hotel and the Premier Inn Bishop Auckland Hotel are the best accommodations. These accommodations are all very close to Raby Castle and have great reviews.
Troubadour Studios in London, England
- Key Scenes: interiors of Aurea castle, Elodie’s home castle, and the caves
- Best Time to Visit: the shoulder season is between September and November
- Transportation Options: Wembley Park Station for the train or the local bus
The Troubadour Meridian Water Studios was a very important filming location for the movie. The north London studio served as the home for many built sets. The production space has three studios that span around 65,000 square feet. It came in handy for the Damsel film because of its flexible spaces where many sets could be constructed. Fake rocks were utilized in this space to create more realistic cave scenes. Visual effects were also used to bring the dragon’s dwelling to life. Post-gothic castle interiors were built in this space so that the filming and production team had a more controlled environment for some shots.
While this studio is located in a bustling metropolis, it is not necessarily a tourism site. The studio does not offer tours. But travelers can explore Troubadour Theatres. This venue offers a modern space to watch the latest in entertainment and is located in the heart of Wembley Park. The space has become somewhat of a cultural hub. It offers a social bar space and Studio Five (an on-site restaurant). There are also plenty of things to do nearby since The Troubadour spaces are centrally located.
Things to Do: There is plenty for travelers to do around London. Most travelers that visit the area near Troubadour studios watch a show at the Troubadour Theater. Broadway shows and musical performances are mostly shown at the theater. The nearby Wembley Park is also popular for its shops, markets, restaurants and exercise classes.
Where to Eat: Studio Five Restaurant, Boxpark Wembley and the London Designer Outlet offer a variety of culinary experiences for travelers.
Where to Stay: The Hilton London Wembley Hotel, Troubadour Hotel and Wembley International Hotel are the most central places to stay to have access to the theater and park.
