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.
Visit the "most popular filming location in the world" in Greenwich, London
Explore the magnificent buildings of the Old Royal Naval College - a film set for major blockbusters including Les Misérables and Cinderella.
Location: Greenwich, London
Investigate the origins of Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum
Discover more about the creator of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes at Portsmouth Museum.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Celebrate Portsmouth's literary heritage at BookFest
Meet some of the UK's most beloved authors in an annual literary festival for the whole family.
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Take a Notting Hill Walking Tour
Walk in the footsteps of the rich and famous.
Location: London, Greater London
Take a London Film Locations Tour
A whizz around London's famous film backdrops, visiting around 40 different locations.
Location: London, Greater London
Retrace the footsteps of John Keats in Winchester
You don’t have to work up a sweat to follow in the footsteps of one of our greatest romantic poets – it’s actually a very pleasant walk!
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Eat and drink by the riverside, at The Trout pub, Wolvercote
Sample local Oxfordshire food at this famously good pub on the banks of the River Thames.
Location: Wolvercote, Oxford
Lights, camera, Oxford – a screen tour to remember
From Inspector Morse to Harry Potter, don't miss a stop on this trip through Oxford's greatest screen moments.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire
Uncover the mysterious world of Sherlock Holmes
Spend a day on the trail in London of the world’s most famous fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his sidekick, Dr Watson.
Location: London
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
July events: Alice's Day
Rediscover the charm of Wonderland with a fun-packed day of events on Oxford’s unique Alice’s Day.
Location: Oxford, Oxfordshire