Almost everyone knows that Highclere Castle in Berkshire is used as the main setting for ‘Downton Abbey’ and with the second series having already hit our TV screens this week, we thought it would be fun to take a look at places within the UK that you can visit on coach holidays that are not only beautiful but feature highly in popular TV programmes. We’ve cherry-picked a few below but it would be fun to hear your suggestions as there are probably many other places that we’ve forgotten…
‘Downton Abbey’ – Highclere Castle
Are you a die-hard fan of ‘Downton Abbey’? If so, you should definitely pay a visit to Highclere Castle the next time you’re on UK coach holidays. Here you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of the fictional aristocratic ‘Crawley Family’ by taking a look inside many of the rooms that feature in the TV series. Why not grace the beautiful Grand Staircase that features so highly in the series and perhaps the female fans of ‘Downton Abbey’ can imagine being part of an episode by picturing their long flowing dresses sweeping behind them as they walk down the steps! Take time to explore the stunning landscape, visit the Secret Garden and don’t forget to learn about Highclere Castle’s history with a visit to the Egyptian Exhibition – you’ll find it rather fascinating!
‘Heartbeat’ – Goathland
Most people will recognise the tiny village of Goathland as being the main setting for Aidensfield in the popular TV series ‘Heartbeat.has been made famous in recent years by being the main setting of ‘Aidensfield’ for the popular TV series ‘Heartbeat’ and the station itself was used to represent Hogwarts Station in the first ever ‘Harry Potter’ film. The series first appeared on TV in 1992 and regularly attracted audiences of around 14 million viewers. As you explore Goathland, you’ll be able to spot a variety of buildings that featured in ‘Heartbeat’ from The Post Office (Aidensfield Stores), The Goathland Hotel (Aidensfield Arms). Greengrass’s Farm and Glendale House (Dr Ferrenby’s Surgery) to name but a few.
‘Emmerdale’ – Yorkshire Dales
Although filming for the actual TV series has been moved to a secret location and ‘Emmerdale’ fans are no longer allowed on the actual set due to continuous filming commitments. This doesn’t stop you from visiting the market town of Otley and the beautiful village of Esholt – ‘Hotton’ and ‘Emmerdale Village’ respectively as well as the inn that was once used as the ‘Woolpack’ in the popular TV series. Emmerdale filming location tours also allow you to see the very best of Yorkshire with visits to The Dales usually included in the coach tour.
‘Last Of The Summer Wine’ – Holmfirth
The TV series may have finished but the popularity of ‘Last Of The Summer Wine’ remains high with thousands of fans making the journey every year to Holmfirth to visit such locations as ‘Sid’s Café and Nora Batty’s Steps. Follow in the footsteps of the show’s main characters Compo, Clegg and Foggy as you take a Summer Wine coach tour to explore the village, Holme Valley and not forgetting to take tea at the Wrinkled Socking Tea Room! Holmfirth is surrounded by breath-taking scenery of the South Pennines and the Peak District National Park so once you’ve finished your Summer Wine tour, you can relax and admire what’s around you.
‘Gavin & Stacey’ – Barry Island
When on Wales coach holidays, drop into Barry Island and find out ‘What’s Occuring’ on the official Gavin and Stacey coach tour, courtesy of Dave’s Coaches. This is the perfect opportunity for all ‘Gavin & Stacey’ fans to see the locations used in the popular TV series. Take your seat in the original vehicle used by Dave’s Coaches in the hit TV show and visit Stacey & Gwen’s home (you may be lucky to even take a peek inside and leave a comment in the Guest Book), the Island Leisure arcade where Nessa works (if you make a purchase from the shop, you get to sit in the booth just like Nessa) and the church where she nearly wed Dave before Smithy interrupted proceedings. There’s the Village Hall where Bryn held the surprise Barn Dance party for Gwen and not forgetting the Glendale Hotel whose restaurant featured as Luigi’s in the scene where Nessa informs Smithy that she’s pregnant and he’s the father. Why not, finish your ‘Gavin & Stacey’ tour with a visit to Barry Island beach and enjoy Fish & Chips in the Western Shelter from ‘Boofy’s’ Gavin and Stacey’s favourite restaurant.
Do you recommend any places worth visiting if you’re fans of particular TV programmes or films? We’d love to hear your suggestions so please get in touch!