'Bridgerton', 'Peaky Blinders' and 'Game of Thrones' inspire British staycations
From Bridgerton to Harry Potter, James Bond to Game of Thrones, it seems we are so inspired by these stunning British film locations that we're flocking to see them for ourselves.
Research has found that six in 10 adults are booking trips and days out because movies or TV shows have been filmed in those locations.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 48% have been inspired to travel to parts of the UK after watching the likes of Peaky Blinders or Die Another Day.
Almost half have aspired to visit filming locations in person since seeing them on the big and little screens when they were in their teens or younger.
But 61% still have places they hope to visit, with Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland – seen in Game of Thrones – number one on their wish list.
Other places include the Eden Project in Cornwall seen in Die Another Day and London's Hampton Court Palace which starred in Bridgerton.
Also on the wish list are Bletchley Park where The Imitation Game was filmed and Glencoe which was the backdrop for Harry Potter, Braveheart and Skyfall.
The National Lottery commissioned the study ahead of its annual Open Week initiative – which offers free or discounted entry to various UK attractions, including many seen on screen.
More than a third have ventured to filming locations in the hope of experiencing the magic of TV, while three in ten want to feel closer to their favourite characters.
And four in ten of those who have visited locations featured in movies and television have done so to get insider knowledge on a show or film.
Watch now: Huge fire guts historic mill used in Downton Abbey and Peaky Blinders
As a result, The Insider’s Guide to The National Lottery Open Week has been developed, which includes details of movie and TV locations, and more.
TV presenter Vick Hope has had a sneak preview of one of the places featured in the guide – London’s Hampton Court Palace, learning more about the Bridgerton filming location from Historic Royal Palaces team member, Rosie Holmes.
“As a huge TV fan, exploring the impressive Hampton Court Palace that features in the opening scenes of Bridgeton was a great experience,” says Hope.
Among those polled, over half (58%) said a place is more appealing if it has made it to screen.
As a result, 46% would happily travel long distances within the UK just to see attractions or locations which have appeared in favourite shows and movies, such as Poldark or Victoria.
Read more: Buying a house is more stressful than Covid, divorce and driving tests – here's why
Darren Henley OBE, chief executive of Arts Council England and chair of the National Lottery Forum, explains why: “Television and cinema are an integral part of UK culture, providing us with wonderful memories.
“Trips to these sites are pilgrimages that help bring favourite shows and films to life.
“The National Lottery Open Week is a great opportunity for people to explore some of them, including The Eden Project, Hampton Court Palace and the Black Country Living Museum.
“Alongside hundreds of other venues and attractions, they’ll be offering National Lottery players free entry and special offers to say thank you for the £30m they raise for good causes each week.”
Read more: Bridgerton's Simone Ashley reveals how wearing a corset left her in pain
Read more: Surfing in Snowdonia? Why it's better than it sounds
The study, carried out through OnePoll, also found over three-quarters (79%) said travelling the UK to see places they haven’t seen before is among their favourite things to do.
Aside from visiting filming locations, motivations for visiting particular areas of the country include exploring wildlife, learning something new, being inspired by history and wanting to go somewhere dog-friendly.
So which filming locations are on our hit list?
TOP 20 UK TV AND MOVIE LOCATIONS BRITS WANT TO VISIT
1. Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland. Game of Thrones, Hellboy 2, Dracula Untold
2. Eden Project, Cornwall. Die Another Day
3. Hampton Court Palace, London. Bridgerton, Victoria, Pirates of the Caribbean
4. Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes. The Imitation Game
5. Natural History Museum, London. Paddington
6. Glencoe, Argyll, Scotland. Harry Potter, Braveheart, Skyfall, Mary Queen of Scots
7. Snowdonia, Wales. King Arthur Legend of The Sword
8. Durham Cathedral, Durham. Harry Potter
9. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire. Pride and Prejudice, The Duchess
10. British Museum, London. Wonder Woman, Night at The Museum 3
11. Glenfinnan Viaduct, Lochaber, Scotland. Harry Potter
12. Cairngorms National Park, Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots
13. Shakespeare's Globe, London. Shakespeare in Love
14. The Lizard, Cornwall. Poldark
15. Black Country Living Museum, Birmingham. Peaky Blinders
16. Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire, England. Harry Potter, Downton Abbey
17. Royal Crescent, Bath, Somerset. Bridgerton
18. Lincoln Castle, Lincoln. Downton Abbey
19. National Botanic Garden of Wales. Doctor Who
20. Bodnant Garden, Wales. The Secret Garden
Additional reporting by SWNS
