In Wonka (2023), one of the most visually playful sequences follows Willy Wonka and Noodle during their nocturnal expedition to a fantastical zoo. These scenes blend curiosity and wonder, reinforcing the film’s fairytale tone while showing Wonka’s talent for bending ordinary places into something extraordinary. The setting, filled with snow, lights, and eccentric details, becomes a key moment in their growing bond and shared sense of adventure.
The Real Location: Verulamium Park Reimagined
The scenes were filmed at Verulamium Park, a large and historic public park in St Albans, Hertfordshire. During production, the park was dramatically transformed for night shoots. Crews installed a bright, multi-coloured carousel by the lake, added zoo signage including references to a fictional “Giraffehaus”, and constructed a large temporary set featuring a hidden doorway marked “Nachtgehege”.
Artificial snow was applied to create a winter atmosphere, while lighting emphasized the lake and the park’s iconic bridge, turning the space into a cinematic zoo environment.
Why Verulamium Park Was Chosen
Verulamium Park was selected for its natural beauty, open sightlines, and reflective lake, all of which translated beautifully on camera. Its ability to feel both intimate and expansive made it ideal for a magical nighttime sequence. According to local reports, Warner Bros. made financial contributions to the city of St Albans to secure the location, covering park usage and supporting restoration work after filming wrapped.
A Park With Deep History
Long before becoming part of Wonka’s world, Verulamium Park stood on the site of Verulamium, one of the largest Roman settlements in Britain. Today, the park combines archaeology, landscaped green spaces, and riverside paths, making it one of Hertfordshire’s most valued public areas. The contrast between its ancient past and its modern cinematic makeover is part of what makes this location especially memorable.
Visiting the Filming Location
Verulamium Park is easy to visit and free to enter:
- 🚆 By train: St Albans City station is around 20 minutes from London St Pancras.
- 🚶 On foot: The park is a short walk from St Albans city centre.
- 📍 The lake and bridge area are the best spots to recognise the Wonka scenes.
Visitors can combine a film-location walk with the Verulamium Museum and the nearby Roman ruins for a full day out
