Venture beyond the door: A major development project is underway on the movie set until December 2023. Learn more here. 

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Venture Beyond the Door...

Hobbiton Movie Set visitors will soon be able to venture beyond the door and into an authentic Hobbit Hole interior

Major developments are underway to see the fit out of a fully themed Hobbit Hole interior that will become a part of the Hobbiton Movie Set tourism experience from December 2023.

The project will see the hillside of the current Bagshot Row shared by three existing Hobbit Hole facades excavated and transformed into a series of themed rooms, cosy enough for a family of Hobbits. The concept designs feature two almost identical hobbit hole interior experiences built side by side so visitors will be led through one of two entry and exit doors to allow for a more intimate experience inside the Hobbit Hole. Each interior will feature an entry hall, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and dining area, an equipped pantry and a parlour complete with a crackling fireplace to provide guests with a fully immersive experience. 

Renowned illustrators and concept designers John Howe and Alan Lee, well known for their work on Middle-earth, have been involved in the concept design for the project, alongside Art Director for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, and Project Manager for Hobbiton Movie Set, Brian Massey.

A project of this scale will have some effect on tours through the movie set while the construction is underway. Construction began in April 2023, with the development expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Tours will continue as normal throughout this period but will take an alternate route around the construction zone, while being able to get a special glimpse of the project as it unfolds.

To date, the primary tour experience at Hobbiton Movie Set has been a two hour fully guided tour where visitors explore the meandering pathways and see the 44 Hobbit Hole exteriors, followed by a visit to The Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary Hobbit Southfarthing beverage to conclude the experience. The completion of the Bagshot Row project will see this core tour experience increase to two and a half hours in duration, allowing ample time to explore the intricate and detailed interiors of a Hobbit Hole, and some additional time to relax at The Green Dragon Inn.

Russell Alexander says the Hobbit Hole development in Bagshot Row will fulfil a long-held dream to allow guests to go beyond the beautiful doors and see inside a Hobbit’s home. 

“We have been working on this concept for several years now and we can’t wait to share it not only with Tolkien and Middle-earth fans but with all of the many visitors to New Zealand who count a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set among their bucket list experiences.”
~Russell Alexander

 

Bagshot Development FAQ's

  • What is it?

    We are thrilled and excited to be starting the Bagshot Row development which will see the interior of a Hobbit Hole become a part of all tour experiences from December 2023.

    The project will see the hillside of the current Bagshot Row that is shared by three existing Hobbit Hole facades, including Samwise Gamgee’s iconic yellow door, excavated and transformed into a series of themed rooms, cosy enough for a family of Hobbits.

  • Who has been involved in the design of the Hobbit Hole?

    This project has been in the works for a number of years. Canadian illustrator John Howe has worked on many of the concept drawings for the project, and Brian Massey, Art Director for The Hobbit, will be project managing. Our team of artists, prop makers, gardeners and landscapers will work to give the Bagshot Row experience it’s final details that our visitors have come to appreciate and expect from a Hobbiton Movie Set tour experience.

  • When will the project be completed?

    Construction began in April 2023, with the development expected to be completed by December, 2023.

  • Can I still see Sam's house while construction is happening?

    The three homes on Bagshot Row will be a part of the construction zone during the development from April onwards. Visitors during this time will see the construction zone from a safe distance and will not be able to see Bagshot Row as it appeared prior to construction. 

  • Will the construction impact my tour experience in 2023?

    A project of this scale will have some effect on tours through the movie set while the construction is underway. Construction began in April 2023, with the development expected to be completed by the end of 2023. Tours will continue as normal throughout this period but will take an alternate route around the construction zone from April onwards, while being able to get a special glimpse of the project as it unfolds.

    The main impact on tours during construction will be the route you follow on the movie set for your guided tour. From April onwards you will be guided around the construction zone and therefore will not be able to see Bagshot Row as it previously appeared, including Samwise Gamgee’s home. There will also be some construction noise and machinery on Set as our team work away at transforming the hillside.

  • Will I get a discount on my tour during construction?

    All tours of the movie set will remain at current pricing during construction.

    From December 2023, tour prices will increase to reflect the increased duration and improved tour experience.

  • How will the tours work?

    The concept design features two identical Hobbit Hole interior experiences built side by side so visitors will be led through one of two entry and exit doors to allow for a more intimate experience inside the Hobbit Hole. Each tour group, depending on size, will be split so half the group will enter into one Hobbit Hole, and the other half will enter into the other Hobbit Hole. The group will re-join at the other side of the hill before continuing on to The Green Dragon Inn.

    The interior will feature an entry hall, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and dining area, an equipped pantry and a parlour complete with a crackling fireplace to provide guests with a fully immersive experience.

  • Will all tours go inside Bagshot Row once complete?

    Yes. Once the project is complete and accessible for tours, all tour experiences at Hobbiton Movie Set will include a walk through Bagshot Row.

  • How long will the tours be once Bagshot Row is complete?

    All tour experiences at Hobbiton Movie Set will increase by 30 minutes once Bagshot Row is complete. For example, the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour will become 2.5 hours in duration and the Evening Banquet Tour will be 4.5 hours in duration.

  • Will pricing change when Bagshot is finished?

    Once the Bagshot Row development is complete, all tour experiences at Hobbiton Movie Set will venture beyond the door and into the interior of Bagshot Row. As a result, all tours will be an additional 30 minutes in duration and pricing for our tour experiences will change to reflect this more immersive offering. 

    The price increase will be effective 1 December 2023 and is now available to book via our website.