Highclere Castle, the main filming location for Downton Abbey.

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.

6 Experience Results

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Wander like Wordsworth around Ullswater

Take a trip to Ullswater and enjoy the fabulous lake and the crowd of golden daffodils which inspired the poet William Wordsworth.

Location: Ullswater, Cumbria

 

Step back in time and live like Wordsworth in Cumbria

A visit to Wordsworth House and Garden is a unique opportunity to experience late 18th-century life at first hand.

Location: Cockermouth, Cumbria

 

Take in 'Swallows and Amazons' landscapes on a relaxing cruise

Take a trip around the landscape used in the film ‘Swallows and Amazons’ and discover what inspired Arthur Ransome to write his famous book.

Location: Derwentwater, Cumbria

 

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

 

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

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