Go see stunning areas of 1066 Country – where George Clooney filmed his new movie The Monuments Men.
Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men focuses on an unlikely World War II platoon, sent into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners.
The Normandy beach where the Monuments Men arrive soon after the D-Day landings is, in fact, Camber Sands, East Sussex’s biggest sandy beach with its extensive dune system and more than seven miles of golden sand.
For four days in June last year, the beautiful medieval citadel of Rye played host to many of the cast at the George in Rye www.thegeorgeinrye.com including Clooney, Matt Damon, John Goodman, Bill Murray, Hugh Bonneville and Jean Du Jardin.
Rye’s Strand Quay was used for night scenes and Strand House, a house not far from the bottom of the famous Mermaid Street, was converted into a part butcher’s shop/dentist.
The picturesque hilltop town of Winchelsea, final resting place of Spike Milligan whose epitaph reads in Gaelic ‘I told you I was ill’, is where you’ll find the New Inn and was also used in filming. At the bottom of the hill in Winchelsea, you’ll find the Strand House Guesthouse, a fitting place to stay if you decide to indulge in a spot of set jetting yourselves. See www.thestrandhouse.co.uk
The 1066 Country Film Office liaised with the production company to help with the organisation of location shoots. Christopher Moore, locations’ manager, said: “The filming of Monuments Men in Camber and Rye was made easy and straight forward by the positive approach taken by the local authorities and council representatives.
“We presented them with many new challenges and each one was met with enthusiasm and solutions. It was a pleasure to film in the area and I hope to have the opportunity to return with another production.“
Camber is perfect for long bracing walks on the beach with afternoons of antiques and retro-clothing shopping in Rye with plenty of cosy café stops, and relaxing evenings by burning log fires or dining in top-quality restaurants. Take in the annual Rye Scallops Week (February 15-23) for a whole programme of scallop-related events to celebrate the local delicacy.
