Where’s Eddie? Photo © sborisov
Forget double screening and fighting over who refills the snack bowl. This year, head to the very locations where your favourite films and TV shows are made – there’s no better excuse to see more of the UK.
Fancy a spot of set-jetting? Here’s our pick of the best weekend trips to some of our most famous film and TV locations:
1. Downton Abbey: Highclere Castle
Number one on the list for most set-jetting holiday-makers, the set of the international hit series Downton Abbey is more beautiful in real life than on screen.
A magnificent Victorian home with stunning landscaped gardens, Highclere welcomes visitors throughout summer and offers special tours that will give you inside information about the Carnarvon family who have lived in the house for generations.
The gift shop and tea rooms are also worth a visit to enjoy old-world tea and cake just like the Crawleys did.
Nearest train station: Newbury
Nearest Travelodge: Newbury Tot Hill (6 miles)
Car parking: Yes
2. The Theory of Everything: Cambridge
Rent bikes and follow Eddie Redmayne’s route through the ancient university town of Cambridge. St John’s College (above) subs in for Stephen Hawking’s actual college of Trinity, but not without cause – it’s impressive. Look out for the Kitchen Bridge of New Court, where Redmayne and co-star Felicity Jones slow-danced.
Stand-in for Westminster. Photo © Liubov Terletska
Oh, and if you’re a Colin Firth fan, take the short train trip north to Ely (it’s less than 20 minutes). That pre-coronation practice scene from The King’s Speech was shot in Ely Cathedral (not Westminster Abbey!).
Nearest train station: Cambridge
Nearest Travelodge: Cambridge (1-6 miles, depending on hotel chosen)
3. Pride & Prejudice: Haddon Hall
A beautiful medieval house, Haddon Hall has been featured on the big screen numerous times, in The Other Boleyn Girl, Elizabeth and the recent film adaptation of Jane Eyre. But we know you’re really interested in its most famous role – in Pride and Prejudice, where the wood-panelled dining hall became the cosy ‘inn’ at Lambton.
The house is set in the heart of the Peak District National Park and is the perfect place to break a long walk or bike ride. Parts of the house are from the 12th century – way before Mr Darcy, but still beautiful.
You’ll want to have a traditional afternoon tea in the newly refurbished restaurant too.
Nearest train station: Chesterfield
Nearest Travelodge: Alfreton (15 miles)
Car parking: Yes
4. Wolf Hall: Broughton Castle
Complete with its own moat, parts of this house were built in 1306 and the grand sense of history and drama remain, making it the perfect setting for scenes from the television drama Wolf Hall.
The castle also featured in the film adaptation of Jane Eyre, Shakespeare in Love and The Madness of King George. Visit the stunning Gatehouse and the imposing Great Hall or take a walk in the beautiful Ladies’ Garden for old world English charm.
Nearest train station: Banbury
Nearest Travelodge: Bicester Cherwell Valley (15 miles)
Car parking: Yes
5. Broadchurch: West Bay, Devon
Not all sets involve buildings. Just south of the town of Bridport (which also featured in Broadchurch), the stunning Jurassic Coast of West Bay is the perfect place for a seaside visit with the family.
Hunt for fossils on the seafront, take a countryside walk or grab some crispy fish and chips. Several scenes from the television drama were filmed here thanks to its natural beauty and dramatic coastline.
Nearest train station: Bridport
Nearest Travelodge: Ilminster (23 miles)
Car parking: Yes
6. Shakespeare in Love: Holkham Bay
With stunning sand dunes and long stretches of beach, Holkham Bay attracts thousands of visitors each year – plus a large number of location scouts too.
Holkham Beach, Norfolk. Photo © liamgrantfoto
Holkham Bay featured in the closing shots of Shakespeare in Love and was a central location for Keira Knightley’s The Duchess.
As well as the beach and nature reserve, visitors to Holkham can also visit the estate, playground area and the local town. During summer months there are regular open air concerts too.
Nearest train station: King’s Lynn
Nearest Travelodge: King’s Lynn Long Sutton (40 miles)
Car parking: Yes
