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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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
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
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
Discover Hampshire's famous film and TV locations
From War Horse and Les Misérables to Wolf Hall and Downton Abbey, visit the sets of some of our best-loved film and TV programmes, all based in Hampshire.
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Go on location with Wolf Hall in Wiltshire
Following the BBC’s TV drama of Wolf Hall, go set-jetting to the Wiltshire TV locations used during filming.
Location: Wiltshire
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
Explore the murderous locations behind Agatha Christie's books
Explore the places in the English Riviera and South Devon that inspired Agatha Christie’s well-known books, following the trail to her favourite spots.
Location: Torquay, Devon
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
Follow in the Footsteps of Michael Morpurgo
Are you a fan of celebrated children's author Michael Morpurgo? Come and see the island that has inspired him so much.
Location: Isles of Scilly
Discover the magic of film and TV within the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Discover a gateway to the far-away worlds of star warriors, magicians and the ancient lands of legendary, mythic heroes and villains.
Location: Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
Explore picturesque Clevedon, as seen on TV’s Broadchurch
Take your time exploring the coastal town of Clevedon near Bristol – filming location for the TV series Broadchurch.
Location: Clevedon, Bristol
Rainy Day Activities: Be inspired in Shakespeare's Schoolroom
Explore the historic building where William Shakespeare spent his schooldays and discovered theatre for the first time; an ideal thing to do when it rains.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Visit New Place, Shakepeare's final home
Walk in Shakespeare's footsteps in the site of his final home, New Place.
Location: Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire
Follow in the footsteps of Tolkien on the Tolkien Trail
From the twin towers of Stonyhurst College to the dramatic countryside of the Ribble Valley, follow in the footsteps of JRR Tolkien.
Location: Hurst Green, Lancashire
Enjoy Bronte rambles in Lancashire
Head off the beaten track and walk in the footsteps of the Bronte sisters in Lancashire.
Location: Wycoller and Burnley, Lancashire
Play Pooh sticks in Ashdown Forest
Take a walk through the magical wood where Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Tigger and Eeyore roam.
Location: Hartfield, East Sussex
Discover Lord Tennyson’s Somersby
Visit Somersby House, Tennyson’s birthplace, and the village’s "silent woody places" that featured in much of the Victorian poet’s work.
Location: Somersby, Lincolnshire
Pay a visit to Virginia Woolf’s Monk’s House
Travel back in time to see how the poets, artists, intellectuals and philosophers of the Bloomsbury Group lived.
Location: Lewes, Sussex
August Events: Take in the big screen at Hertford Castle Open Air Cinema
Grab your popcorn and enjoy a weekend of open air cinema under the stars with the beautiful Hertford Castle providing a suitably dramatic backdrop.
Location: Hertford, Hertfordhsire
