Peek behind the scenes of June's hottest blockbuster

It’s a tale of American heroes set in France – but the production team behind June’s hottest blockbuster found their ideal filming location at an English Heritage property in Bedfordshire. This summer, why not take a peek behind the scenes of new World War I film, Flyboys at English Heritage’s Wrest Park.

Released on 1 June, Flyboys sees Spiderman villain James Franco (known for his role as Harry Osborn) show audiences his good side as a heroic fighter pilot in this tale of love, loss and good old fashioned action.

Chosen as a prime example of 18th century French-style architecture, the mansion at Wrest Park is the ideal backdrop for the film, which tells the tale of the Lafayette Escadrille, a group of young Americans who travel across the water to assist their French counterparts in their fight against the Germans. Just a decade after the birth of powered flight, and under the tutelage of Captain Thenault (Jean Reno, Leon), the young men take to the skies in fragile biplanes to become America’s first ever Fighter Pilots.

Take a walk through fighter pilot Blaine Rawlings (James Franco)’s footsteps in the 150 year old Wrest Park grounds, hailed as one of the most magnificent gardens in England. Visitors can enjoy the wooded walks and tranquil canals, a real contrast from the soaring adventure of Flyboys.

Wrest Park is situated just outside Silsoe, 10 miles South of Bedford

Wrest Park is open:

1 April – 30 June: Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays from 10am - 6pm.
1 July – 31 August: Thursday – Monday 10am – 6pm.
1 – 30 September: Saturday, Sunday 10am – 6pm.
1 – 31 October: Saturday, Sunday 10am – 5pm.

Entry to the gardens costs:

Adults: £4.70, Concessions: £3.50, Child: £2.40, Family ticket: £11.80.
English Heritage members: free

Flyboys is released nationwide on 1 June 2007, through Verve Pictures.