Where Was Sleepy Hollow Filmed? Depp’s 1999 Classic Horror Flick!!

Are you addicted to the films starring Johnny Depp? Then I’m sure you’ve watched the horror film, Sleepy Hollow from the late 90s. But do you know where was Sleepy Hollow filmed? In case you don’t know, then be sure to check this article where I give an overview about this famous flick, and share its filming locations with you!

The American supernatural horror flick released in 1999, is based on a short story by Washington Irving, published 120 years prior to the release of the film. Director Tim Burton in his rendition of the crime drama, presents the story of a police officer named Ichabod Crane. Whose shown to investigate a number gruesome murders, which are allegedly commited by a headless jockey!

Sleepy Hollow was an instantaneous hit, grossing over $208 million in total box office collections! Plus, this movie also went to win multiple awards, out of which it also bagged 1 Oscar. 

Now, before we begin to explore where was Sleepy Hollow filmed. Let’s briefly discuss the plot of the movie. So that you can get a better understanding of the actual storyline!

Plot Of Sleepy Hollow | What’s It About

The film begins in the late 18th century New York, which understandably looked completely different from the New York city of modern times! The central character of Ichabod Crane, a City police constable, who is commissioned to investigate the grisly murder cases of a neighboring village, Sleepy Hollow.

Upon reaching the hamlet, Crane is shown to soon find out about the passing rumors in the village about the murders. The villager’s that Crane meets, warns him about a headless horseman, who rides every full moon night in search of his head. And decapitates anyone who comes in his way! Crane readily brushes off the story, thinking it to be a hoax! But later in the film, Crane is shown to be disillusioned! As he finds that the legend about the headless horseman is not completely false!

Towards the final quarter of the film, the lead actor gets hold of an occultist, Lady Van Tassel, who claims to control the spirit of the Horseman! Finally, retrieves the cursed skull from the witch, and returns it to the spirit of the Horseman. The credits roll, as Lady Van Tassel kisses the apparition before he rides back to hell! 

Ok, so now let us find out where was Sleepy Hollow filmed. So that you can enjoy the gorgeous locations that were used for shooting this gothic horror film!

Where Was Sleepy Hollow Filmed? Let’s Know This Classic Horror Movie Closely!!

Director Tim Burton, initially wanted to film Sleepy Hollow in New York! And thus expedited his filming scouts to find suitable locations around upstate New York. Tarrytown, Hudson Valley, Philipsburg Manor House were selected at first, but then director Burton was not convinced as it did not match his idea of an appropriate location for shooting the film.

Nevertheless, the team again scouted for some other locations in Massachusetts, but those didn’t make the cut, either! Finally, the production unit decided to travel overseas to the UK. Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and London were eventually finalized as the perfect filming spot! 

Speaking of perfection, the director did not just stop his quest for excellence after choosing a decent filming location. He made sure the hard work paid off, by extensively shooting straight 6 months from November 1998 to the summer of 1999.

Now, let’s discuss where was Sleepy Hollow filmed in depth! And find out the exact filming sites! 

Hertfordshire, England, UK

The first location that the crew arrived, after landing in England was Hertfordshire. Director Burton immediately started filming after the logistics were delivered. The outdoor scenes of this county located at the southern part of England came out majestic. 

But majorly, the Leavesden Studio, located at the heart of Hertfordshire was used. The interior sequences in the film where Crane is shown to inspect the mortuary was filmed here. Notable to mention other interior shots of the houses of Sleepy Hollow, shown in the film were recreated here as well.

Buckinghamshire, England, UK

Director Burton wanted to build a large set from ground up, to recreate the town of Sleepy Hollow. Thus the production team reached to the small village of Hambleden in the county of Buckinghamshire. A make believe set was made to showcase the haunted town! The director extensively filmed the outdoor sequences in this village.

Here’s a list of notable films and shows that you can watch, such as Andor, The Crown, Inside Man (II), The Batman, Jurassic World Dominion, Black Mirror, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, No Time to Die and Once Upon a time in Hollywood which were also filmed in England!

London, England, UK

The production crew eventually arrived at the final filming location in England. The city of London was selected to portray the late 18th century New York in the film. Outdoor scenes of the city were filmed in Middletemple at Holborn. And the Somerset House, located in central London was used to recreate the final scene where Crane and Katrina are shown to reunite. 

A few other outdoor shots were taken, before the production unit finally wrapped up the filming in May 1999. But we are not done yet! Here are some cool places in London, such as The British Museum, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Natural History Museum, Tower Bridge and the London Eye should you plan to visit this place any time soon!

Final Words

Alright folks, now that you’ve gone through the plot of the film. And know where was Sleepy Hollow filmed. I hope you got what you were looking for and enjoyed the read! To find out other informative and cool articles about the latest films and shows, be sure to visit Viebly. Cheerio!