In the Night Garden—the beloved children’s series created by Andrew Davenport—invites viewers to a peaceful and enchanting world, perfectly captured in a unique filming location.
The show’s vibrant garden setting, home to favorite characters like Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, and Makka Pakka, feels like a place right out of a dream.
But did you know this magical garden is based on a real forest?
The primary filming location for In the Night Garden is Smatchley Wood, a private forest in Warwickshire, England.
Known for its lush greenery, tall trees, and serene atmosphere, Smatchley Wood provided the perfect backdrop to bring the Night Garden to life.
Though the forest itself is not open to the public, its presence in the show adds a touch of authenticity, creating an environment that feels both real and magical.
How the Filming Location Was Transformed into the Night Garden
The creators of In the Night Garden used a blend of live-action footage, puppetry, and CGI animation to give the show its distinctive look.
Filming in Smatchley Wood allowed them to capture the forest’s natural beauty, which they enhanced with computer-generated features and puppets.
This combination of real and animated elements gave the Night Garden its enchanting, otherworldly feel.
By blending real forest landscapes with CGI, the creators made sure that each episode had the right balance of familiarity and fantasy, inviting children into a soothing space before bedtime.
Why Was Smatchley Wood Chosen?
Warwickshire’s Smatchley Wood was chosen for its natural beauty and tranquil setting. The forest’s dense trees and secluded location provided an ideal environment for filming, ensuring the production team could capture the peaceful ambiance central to the show’s charm.
It also allowed for a visually engaging backdrop, where every detail, from the gentle rustling of leaves to the soft light filtering through the trees, could add to the calming effect the show is known for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Smatchley Wood open to the public?
A: No, Smatchley Wood is a private forest and is not open for public visits. However, fans of the show can still enjoy its beauty through In the Night Garden, which captures the forest’s magic on screen.
Q: How were the characters like Igglepiggle and Upsy Daisy created?
A: The characters were brought to life using a combination of puppetry, costumes, and CGI. This blend of techniques allowed them to interact seamlessly with the natural environment of Smatchley Wood.
Q: Why was a real forest used instead of a studio?
A: Filming in a real forest allowed the creators to capture the authentic atmosphere of the outdoors, which helps make the show’s world feel calm, immersive, and inviting for young viewers.
Q: Can I visit any other places related to the show?
A: While Smatchley Wood is private, the success of In the Night Garden has inspired similar-themed children’s shows that are set in outdoor locations, some of which are filmed in accessible parks and forests.