Literature, film and TV
Many of our famous writers have been inspired by the drama of the landscape. Wordsworth loved the light on a Cumbrian lake. The wildness of the Yorkshire Moors compelled Emily Bronte to write Wuthering Heights. The misty marshlands of Kent feature in many of Charles Dickens’ novels, and the rural idylls of Dorset were beloved by Thomas Hardy. But if writing a great English novel is not on your agenda, visit one of the many stately homes which are regularly used for film locations and TV locations. Make your own costume drama at houses like Highclere Castle, the setting of the fictional Downton Abbey.
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Follow in the footsteps of filmmakers in Lancashire
For film fans visiting Lancashire for the first time can lead to a feeling of déjà vu... Lancashire is no stranger to the small or big screen.
Location: Lancashire
Visit the most filmed county in England
Be part of a film set in Buckinghamshire and visit the backdrops of famous film – from Bond to Bridget Jones, Harry Potter to Sherlock Holmes.
Location: Various locations, Buckinghamshire
Cast a spell at Arley Hall and Gardens
Explore the magical home of multi-part movie, 'Evermoor', a Disney production filmed at Arley Hall and Gardens in Cheshire's Northwich.
Location: Northwich, Cheshire
Recreate the real Alice in Wonderland’s river trip
Take an Oxford River Cruise trip along the Thames just like the real Alice in Wonderland many years ago.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Woo your true love in Stratford-upon-Avon
Relax by the river, recite a romantic sonnet, indulge yourself in Shakespeare’s England. It is a heavenly break for you and your true love.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Discover ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ in Yorkshire
Tour Yorkshire writer and vet James Herriot's original home, recreated to look just as it did in the 1940s, in the picturesque town of Thirsk.
Location: Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Explore Rottingdean, the home of Rudyard Kipling
Step into the world of Rudyard Kipling by visiting his traditional English gardens in Rottingdean, near Brighton and Hove.
Location: Brighton & Hove, East Sussex
Magic and mystery in the Forest of Dean
Follow in the footsteps of Dr Who, Merlin and Atlantis, explore the Clearwell Caves or ride through the forest on the steam railway.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Lose yourself within the majestic rooms of Forde Abbey
Pay a visit to Forde Abbey, which was recently the venue for filming a major scene in the 2015 film Far from the Madding Crowd.
Location: Chard, Somerset
Discover Cornwall’s rugged landscape on the Poldark Trail
Saddle up for Hallagenna’s horse riding trail across Bodmin Moor, taking in some of the stunning filming locations behind the BBC’s Poldark remake.
Location: Cornwall
Enjoy an afternoon tea in the house the Brontës loved
Enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea at the historic house the Brontës knew and loved, then take a tour of the real-life setting for Wuthering Heights.
Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire
See Harry Potter and Downton Abbey sets in Alnwick
Relive scenes from hit TV shows and movies in the magnificent setting of Alnwick Castle, a popular destination for film crews.
Location: Alnwick, Northumberland
On location with the world’s most popular heritage railway
Ride along with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway as it takes a starring role, from Dad’s Army to Harry Potter.
Location: Goathland, North Yorkshire
May the force be with you in Puzzlewood
See where scenes of Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens were filmed as you explore the enchanting woodlands of Puzzlewood.
Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire
Seek out inspiring views atop Malham Cove
Follow in the footsteps of centuries of visitors – and more recently, filmmakers – to Malham Cove, a limestone amphitheatre in the Yorkshire Dales.
Location: Malham, North Yorkshire
Take a tour of Beatrix Potter's Lake District
Mountain Goat offer superb minibus tours of the Lake District – discover much-loved author Beatrix Potter’s favourite countryside on a half-day trip.
Location: Lake District, Cumbria
Journey to the centre of England
Head to the geographic centre of England, the Forest of Bowland, via pretty English villages, traditional pubs and film and literature locations.
Location: Ribble Valley, Lancashire
Rainy Day Activities: Visit much-loved author Beatrix Potter’s home
Uncover the life of the children’s author and illustrator as you explore the enchanting landscapes that inspired her.
Location: Near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Cumbria
Visit poet William Wordsworth's most famous home
See where the author of ‘Daffodils’ was inspired to write most of his work and take a guided tour of Dove Cottage, his home.
Location: Grasmere, Cumbria
Discover Devon's Literature Scene
Devon has provided inspiration for a host of literary greats down the centuries. Many of them lived in Devon, or stayed to be inspired for a time.
Location: Exmoor, Lynton & Lynmouth, Taw and Torridge estuaries, Braunton Burrows, Morte Point
Discover Ted Hughes' Dartmoor
Visit the village of North Tawton, follow the scenic Tarka Trail and soak up the sights and sounds which inspired one of England's greatest poets.
Location: Dartmoor, Devon
