On Chesil Beach: four real-life locations from the new film

    On Chesil Beach film
    Saoirse Ronan in the 2018 film, On Chesil Beach

    Explore the key settings that add atmosphere to the story of love and intimacy

    The new British film On Chesil Beach stars Oscar-nominated Irish actress Saoirse Ronan. It was based upon a 2007 novella by author Ian McEwan. To establish atmosphere and set scenes, McEwan drew on British locations that were familiar to him.

    1. Chesil Beach, Dorset

    The original Ian McEwan novel is named after this 18-mile shingle spit a stretch of the larger Jurassic Coast, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. “Even in its serene stillness there’s something very disconcerting,” said Ronan’s co-star Billy Howle.

    On Chesil Beach film
    Saoirse Ronan and Billy Howle in the 2018 film, On Chesil Beach
    2. Wigmore Hall, London

    This 1901-built Marylebone venue is a key repository for Florence’s musical ambitions. Sample its varied classical programme
 via the BBC Radio 3’s lunchtime concerts broadcast live from Wigmore Hall every Monday at 1pm.

    Wigmore Hall London On Chesil Beach
    London’s Wigmore Hall. Photo: Peter Dazeley
    3. The Chilterns, Oxfordshire

    Author Ian McEwan is fond of Pishill and the Stonor Valley, southeast of Oxford, so both main characters walk in the woods here. Tie in a visit to the National Trust’s nearby 16th-century manor Greys Court.

    Saoirse Ronan explores the Chilterns in On Chesil Beach
    4. Broadway Market, London

    Though intended to represent Camden, the scene outside Edward’s record shop was in fact filmed around this East London street where it meets Regent’s Canal. Visit Broadway Market on Saturdays to taste food from more than 130 stalls.

    Climpson & Sons on east London’s Broadway Market. Photo: Climpson & Sons

    Read our full feature about On Chesil Beach in issue 204 of Discover Britain. Buy your copy here and enter our competition for the chance to win a VIP stay on Chesil Beach here.

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