Enjoy a Socially Distant TV Tour of the UK

The UK is home to some of the most picturesque villages, towns and cities in the world. So it’s no wonder that so many of our much-loved TV favourites were filmed here! From the rolling hills of West Yorkshire seen in the crime dramas Happy Valley and Heartbeat, to Doc Martin’s surgery in scenic Cornwall and the famous Barry Island where the cast of Gavin and Stacey shot much of the show.

In light of the ongoing need for a bit of social distance, queueing up at studio tours and busy indoor spaces is not likely to be at the top of anyone’s priority list at the moment. But there’s no need to worry, as it just so happens that some of the greatest TV moments in British history were in fact filmed outdoors; making social distancing an easy task if you choose to visit them.

To celebrate our country’s beauty and enable you to explore some of the most iconic British TV locations, we compiled a list of the UK’s most loved TV hotspots and where they were filmed. Why not visit the locations yourself and recreate some of your favourite scenes? You may even find that some of them are just on your doorstep!

Greater London

Only Fools and Horses - Hammersmith, West London

Famed as one of the best British comedy institutions of all time, the much-loved Only Fools and Horses follows the lives of brothers Del Boy and Rodney Trotter who live in a council flat with their elderly Grandad.

As many fans will know, the show is set on the streets of Peckham, South London. However, the majority of the series was in fact filmed in Bristol and West London. The brilliantly-written episode ‘Strained Relationships’ follows the brothers as they attend their Grandad’s Funeral. A scene that found many viewers laughing one moment and crying the next. This episode was filmed at Hammersmith Cemetery Chapel (also known as Margravine) in West London.

So why not visit the cemetery and pay your respects to the Trotter’s late Grandad’s grave, which is just a 5 minute walk away from Barons Court station in Hammersmith.

Luther - Hampstead, North London

The hit psychological crime drama, Luther, came to our screens in 2010 and featured many locations across Greater London. However, not all of these locations were based in easy-to-distance spots.

One that definitely was however, was Hampstead Heath, which provided the creepy woodland backdrop where Dr Vivien Lake takes a wander at night. Boasting over 320 hectares of land, this stunning greenspace is perfect for a bit of fresh air and a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Absolutely Fabulous - Kensington, West London

Another of London’s finest greenspaces is regularly mentioned in the smash-hit sitcom Ab Fab. The show’s main character Edina Monsoon insists that her house is located at West London’s attractive Holland Park - despite suggestions that it falls within the boundary of a less prestigious nearby area.

Holland Park also features as the filming location of many episodes of the show, and is free to enter all year round.

Goodnight Sweetheart - Tower Hamlets, East London

The charming and amusing time-travel comedy Goodnight Sweetheart portrays scenes of London in both the 1990s and the 1940s, as protagonist Gary Sparrow travels between the two time-zones. The end of Ducketts Passage is where Gary emerges in the 1940's. In real life however, this is actually Ezra street in Shoreditch, where the show was filmed up until series 4 when filming moved to a studio set.

Take a trip down memory lane and have a walk down the cobbled streets where the series was filmed. With it’s small alleyways, quirky shops and even the Royal Oak pub which featured in many episodes of Goodnight Sweetheart. What’s more, the area is open to the public and is free to explore.

Fawlty Towers - Kenton, North West London

The laugh-out-loud comedy hit TV show Fawlty Towers has been described as one of the greatest situational comedies in British history. The show focuses on hotelier Basil Fawlty, whose bad temper, rude mannerisms and sheer incompetence often lands him in a range of hilarious calamities.

While the show was set in Torquay, the filming didn't happen there. The original building used as the hotel has since been demolished. But an iconic scene where Basil's car breaks down and he gives it a "damn good thrashing" was filmed on the corner of Lapstone Gardens and Mentmore Close in Kenton. Bollards have been erected in the spot since - potentially to prevent people parking their cars on the pavement to recreate the scene! It’s also free to explore, so why not go for a gander when you’re next in the area.

North West

Peaky Blinders - Cheshire

The period crime drama Peaky Blinders first hit our screens in 2013 and told the true story of a much feared gangster family on their return to Birmingham after serving in the British Army during the first world war. Although the series is set in Birmingham, it was mainly filmed in Leeds, only some scenes being filmed in Birmingham and Liverpool.

When gang leader Tommy Shelby moves to a mansion in the country, it's actually Cheshire's Arley Hall. Both the hall and gardens feature in various parts of the series. If you fancy having a ‘peak’ (excuse the pun), why not go and visit this stunning house and see where the likes of actor Cillian Murphy performed? Entrance to the Hall & Gardens avaiable by ticvket.

Red Dwarf - Cheshire

Red Dwarf was a sitcom, at its peak of popularity in the 90s, centred on a technician Dave Lister who wakes up after being in suspended animation for three million years aboard a mining spacecraft. The cult classic British sci-fi comedy has been filmed in many locations, from Manchester to Shepperton, with one of its iconic locations being in Lyme Park in Cheshire. You can go and visit the location of Lister’s Mansion in Lyme Park, a must-see for fans of the show. The mansion house is the largest in Cheshire and is a Grade I listed building and features on the National Heritage List for England.

Life On Mars - Manchester

Life On Mars tells the fictional story of modern-day detective Sam Tyler, who is hit by a car and wakes up in 1973. The show follows him and his colleagues at Manchester and Salford Police (now known as Greater Manchester Police) as they solve cases, and Sam tries to solve the mystery of how he ended up there.

The entire series is both set and filmed in Greater Manchester, specifically Ancoats, New Islington and other areas surrounding the city centre. If you’re a big fan of Life On Mars, take a walk down Pollard Street in Ancoats. Here you’ll see the former mill site that was derelict at the time of filming, where Sam woke up in 1973.

Phoenix Nights - Lancashire

Famously set in the town of Bolton, Greater Manchester, the tear-jerkingly funny Phoenix Nights first graced our screens in 2001. It follows the misadventures of Brian Potter (Peter Kay) who dreams of making the Phoenix club the best working men's club in Manchester.

Although the show was mainly filmed in the town in which it was set, it did occasionally leave Bolton. In series two for instance, the scenes where Max and Paddy returned from France were filmed at Fleetwood Docks in Lancashire. The docks are open to the general public, and are a great place to spend an afternoon.

Cracker - Bury

The crime drama TV series Cracker first aired in the UK back in 1993. The series follows the life of criminal psychologist (also known as "cracker") Dr Edward "Fitz" Fitzgerald. The three seasons saw him helping Greater Manchester Police in an effort to solve complex cases.

The series was primarily filmed in South Manchester, with many scenes being shot in Didsbury and Longsight. However, the very first episode was filmed in and around the East Lancs Railway both trackside and in the Carriage and Wagon works in Bury. You can still visit the location now and it costs nothing to have a wander around the station.

The A Word - Cumbria

From the opening scene of the very first episode, Honister Pass is instantly recognisable. A beautiful place for a socially distanced walk (or drive), these breathtaking mountains are a must-see for any fans of the show.

The successful British drama, The A Word, follows the story of 5 year-old Joe and his family, as they pull together to try to understand Joe’s autism. This moving series touched the hearts of many, with over 4.7 million viewers tuning in for its first episode.

Scotland

Taggart - Glasgow

Taggart, one of the UK’s longest-running TV dramas, is a Scottish detective fiction series focusing on a group of detectives in Strathclyde Police. While much of the filming was done in Glasgow, the original title card used a shot taken from the summit of Cathkin Braes overlooking the south of Glasgow city.

The Cathkin Braes Country Park covers almost 500 acres, and the summit reaches 200 metres above sea level; perfect for a socially distanced walk and enjoy seeing the Taggart title card for yourself. What’s more, the park is totally free to visit so you won’t need to worry about forking out on entrance fees or booking in advance.

West Midlands

Keeping Up Appearances - Coventry

Much of this classic comedy was filmed in the town of Leamington Spa. The exterior shots of the protagonist’s house can be found in the village of Binley Woods at 117 Heather Road, which is free to view from the outside.

This is a must-see for fans of the show, and is perfect for a quick visit during a trip to Coventry, or Leamington Spa.

Sex Education - Herefordshire

The bold comedy-drama series Sex Education is an excellent coming-of-age show, exploring topics and themes we can all relate to. The series was mainly shot in the picturesque Wye Valley in Wales, however some scenes were filmed in the Forest of Dean, South Wales and Gloucestershire.

Interestingly, though, Otis' house can be found in the village of Symonds Yat in Herefordshire. The house, named "The Chalet" is available for hire as a holiday let. A walk to view the house is definitely one worth taking for any fans of the show.

South West

Doc Martin - Cornwall

A trip to Cornwall is a must for any fan of the quirky medical comedy drama series Doc Martin. Spanning an impressive 9 series’ and 70 episodes, it’s easy to see why this British television series has been such a success. The TV show is set in the fictional village of Portwenn and is mostly filmed in the idyllic village of Port Isaac in Cornwall.

Doc Martin’s cottage for instance, can be found in Roscarrock Hill in Port Isaac, under its real name ‘Fern Cottage’. The cottage is free to view from the outside, as are the stunning views that surround it. Around half a mile east of Port Isaac, you’ll find the tucked-away Hamlet of Port Gaverne which was used for many of the beach scenes in the series, and is also free to visit.

Men Behaving Badly - Dorset

Men Behaving Badly was a hilarious British sitcom which followed the lives of two men in their thirties, who - you guessed it - behaved badly. From huge drinking sessions to childish pranks and reminisces, the show was a great portrayal of British humour and laddishness.

The series was set in South London, however the majority of episodes were shot in and around Ealing in West London. The famous hill figure Cerne Abbas Giant in Dorset features in the series finale ‘Sofa’. The episode sees Tony and Gary take Gary’s sofa to Cerne Abbas Giant after Debs and Dorothy complain about its rather sorry state.

If you were a fan of Men Behaving Badly, why not enjoy a gentle stroll up to the free viewing point that looks down on the chalk figure when you’re next in Dorset.

One Foot in the Grave - Dorset

Dorset seems to be a rather popular hotspot in British TV history, as it also appears in the 90’s sitcom One Foot in the Grave. The series follows the life of retired security guard Victor Meldrew, whose grumpy outlook on life often lands him in hot water; which is hilarious for the audience, but not so fun for him!

All 6 series were filmed in various locations around Bournemouth. However, you'll find the Meldrews' house (from season 2 onwards) on Tresillian Way in Christchurch, Dorset. The house still stands there now, and you can visit from the outside for free.

Broadchurch - Dorset

The gripping serial crime drama Broadchurch focuses on the murder investigation of a young boy who goes missing from his home in Dorset. The following seasons follow on from this and closely follow the Detective Inspector Alec Hardy and Sergeant Ellie Miller as they work together to solve other harrowing cases.

The cliffs and beach of West Bay appear throughout the entire series and make an idyllic backdrop for a socially distanced walk. As well as taking in the stunning views and fresh sea air, fans of the show will also be very likely to be reminded of the many scenes that take place here.

Poldark - Cornwall

The South West seems to be a firm favourite for British TV dramas, with the historical drama Poldark being both set and filmed in the county of Cornwall. The series ran from 2015 to 2019 and followed Captain Ross Vennor Poldark on his return from American War of Independence in 1783.

Multiple key locations in Cornwall are featured in the show, including St Breward in Bodmin Moor which is where exterior shots of the Poldark family home, Nampara, were carried out. The village of Minions in Bodmin Moor was also home to many of series 1's picturesque horseback scenes. Our favourite, though, is the coastal village of Holywell Bay which played the part of Warleggan's Beach and is easily identifiable by its twin rock off the coast.

Skins - Bristol

The coming-of-age comedy drama Skins is a perfect example of truly British comedy. The series follows the daily lives of a group of teenagers from Bristol and explores a range of gritty and very real storylines covering topics from drug abuse to eating disorders and from bullying to PTSD.

Lots of Skins scenes were filmed at the beautiful Brandon Hill Nature Reserve throughout the series. These included the Season 1 finale where Sid finds Cass on a bench. It's also where JJ and Emily talk in JJ's episode of Season 3. This scenic park is perfect for a picnic in the sun, especially for fans of the series.

Northern Ireland

Game of Thrones - County Antrim

Although it’s not technically a British series, many scenes from the fantasy drama Game of Thrones were in fact filmed in the UK. The most striking of all being some amazing beauty spots in Northern Ireland.

One of these locations is the awe-inspiring County Antrim, with Ballintoy Harbour being the prime location for the show's Lordsport Harbour and Pyke. On a visit here, you’ll be reminded of Theon Greyjoy’s famous return to the iron islands where he first meets his sister, Yara.

Another key filming location that was used on Game of Thrones was Larrybane Quarry where King Renly set up camp in The Stormland. This was also where we first met the key character Brienne of Tarth.

All of these locations are free to roam around, and provide a great chance for you to get some space and have a break from the hustle and bustle whilst seeing where the cast of this famous series carried out some key scenes.

North East

Blackadder - Northumberland

The hilarious pseudo historical sitcom Blackadder followed the Blackadder dynasty as they plotted and schemed their way through the Middle Ages. The series first aired in the UK in 1983 and ran for a total of 6 years.

Much of the first series of the TV show was filmed at Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, including the series’ opening credits. Many other TV hits and movies were also shot on Alnwick Castle’s impressive grounds, including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Entry prices are as follows: Adult - £6, 16 & Under - Free.

South East

Downton Abbey - High Wycombe

The award-winning historical drama Downton Abbey was filmed at a variety of locations, including the aforementioned Alnwick Castle (Northumberland) and Highclere Castle (Hampshire). However, many episodes throughout the series - including the finale - were filmed at West Wycombe Park, High Wycombe.

Remember the scene where the family walk around the lake and then have tea on the small island? You can recreate it yourself at the national trust’s elegant West Wycombe Park.

Hi De Hi! - Dovercourt, Essex

Hi De Hi! was a huge hit on our screens in the 80s. The series was a situational comedy based on a fictional holiday camp and the lives of the camp's entertainers. The BAFTA award-winning series was set in the fictional seaside town of Crimpton-on-Sea, Essex.

Many Hi De Hi! scenes were in fact filmed at the Promenade in the seaside town of Dovercourt, Essex. If you fancy a trip to the seaside anytime soon - and if the British weather allows it - why not visit the Promenade? It’s free to enter and is a great choice for social distancing too, given it’s quiet, tranquill reputation.

Midsomer Murders - Dorchester on Thames, Oxfordshire

If you’ve seen Midsomer Murders, you’ll know how beautiful the fictional village of Causton in Midsomer is - even with its mysterious goings on and assumed high murder rate! The good news is - the real village of Dorchester on Thames, where much of the series is filmed, actually has a lower than average violent crime rate.

This peaceful village is a pleasure to explore, with it’s charming timber-framed houses, rolling hills and peaceful rivers and locks. This location was used in a number of episodes in the series, meaning that a short walk around the village should look very familiar to fans of the show.

Mr Bean - Peacehaven, East Sussex

Located just 6 miles from Brighton is the charming seaside town of Peacehaven. This was where the iconic, and unbelievably funny Beach scene was filmed. Friar's Bay Steps at Peacehaven are the steps that Mr Bean walks down when he heads to the beach. The nearby car park is also where he knocked the car park sign over too! This lovely little town is definitely worth a visit, and is free to explore!

The Inbetweeners - Littlehampton, West Sussex

Another brilliant British comedy set in the South East is the rather crude adolescent sitcom, The Inbetweeners. Running from 2008 to 2010, the series follows the misadventures of a group of teenage boys who attend the fictional school, Rudge Park Comprehensive. From awkward encounters with girls to laddish pranks and everything in between, The Inbetweeners provided shocking yet relatable storylines that many of us could identify with.

The series mostly filmed in North West London, however Littlehampton in West Sussex is where you’ll find the spot where Jay infamously asks for a Cornetto on a school field trip. At nearby Pier Road you'll also find the spot where Will boarded his hired boat for an ill fated ride on the same school trip. Why not make a day of it, get yourself a cornetto, hire a boat and whilst you’re there visit the UK's longest bench just down the road!

Vicar of Dibley - Buckinghamshire

The Vicar of Dibley is another of Britain’s much loved classic TV shows. The programme is based on a small fictional village named Dibley, which is assigned its first ever female vicar.. However this doesn’t sit well with the village’s rather conservative locals.

In real life, the fictional village of Dibley is actually the Buckinghamshire village Turville, which is where the majority of the series was filmed. The village is of course free to roam around, so if you’re a fan of the show Turville is definitely worth a visit! As your first stop, we recommend Old Beams cottage, which was the vicarage.

Call the Midwife - Kent

Call the Midwife is a smash-hit period drama series which tells stories of a group of midwives working in London in the 1950/60’s. The series was actually filmed in Kent, though, with Chatham Dockyard being at the centre of much of the show's filming. The producers of Call the Midwife did an excellent job of transforming it into 1950s East London for shoots.

If you’re a big fan of the show, a trip over to Chatham Dockyard is not to be missed. Entry to the Historic Dockyard is avaible by purcasing a ticket.

Inspector Morse - Oxfordshire

Another of the nation's favourite TV classics is Inspector Morse, which was a detective drama series that ran from 1987 until 2000. Each episode followed Detective Chief Inspector Morse as he conducted investigations into new murders every episode.

This gripping drama was both filmed and set in Oxford. The Morse Bar at the McDonald Randolph Hotel can be visited today, where Morse would regularly be seen completing The Times crossword. If you’re a huge fan of the series, a trip to Blenheim Palace is also a great way of gaining a ‘behind the scenes’ view. Morse drove up the driveway of this grand palace to investigate a dead body here. Tickets are available to purachse which grants you full access to the palace, park and gardens.

Wales

Doctor Who - South Wales

Having aired over 700 episodes over the years, the much-loved TV hit Doctor Who has been named the longest running sci-fi series to ever hit our screens. The series follows the adventures of ‘The Doctor’ who travels through time in order to help those in need.

Episodes of Doctor Who have been filmed all over the world, however a number of key scenes were in fact shot in Wales. For instance, Caerphilly Castle in South Wales was the medieval set location in Series 8 Episode 3 ‘Robot of Sherwood’ when Robin Hood, The Doctor and the Sheriff take part in an archery contest. A visit to the castle is a great day out for the whole family, and as well as reminiscing about this famous Doctor Who episode, it’s also a brilliant opportunity to learn more about the history of the castle.

Once you’ve visited the castle, why not head up to Morlais Quarry in Merthyr Tydfil which is just half an hour away and featured in another famous episode ‘The Fires of Pompeii’. In this episode, the Morlais cliffs were used to recreate the base of Mount Vesuvius, setting a breathtaking backdrop for filming. The quarry is free to visit all year round and is a great spot for a peaceful walk and some fresh air.

Gavin and Stacey - Barry Island, Vale of Glamorgan

Another of Britain's most adored TV shows is the warm, light-hearted comedy Gavin and Stacey. Many episodes in the show were filmed at the infamous Barry Island Promenade, including the Christmas Special when Stacey reminds Gavin about their romantic place. In fact, all of the beach scenes in Gavin and Stacey were filmed here!

Barry Island is a great place to visit if you’re a fan of the show, whether you fancy a cup of coffee in Marco’s Cafe (where Stacey works in series 3) or a go on the slot machines at Island Leisure Amusement Arcade, which has a board outside that reads ‘Nessa's Slots – Come and see what's occurrin'’.

Sex Education - Tintern, Wye Valley Area

Wales was home to much of the filming of this hugely successful comedy drama Sex Education that premiered on Netflix in January 2019. The show is most well-known for its exploration of taboos around the topic of sex, including asexuality, sexual trauma and various conditions related to sexual health.

Many parts of the series were shot in South East Wales, such as the scene where Otis and Eric walk home after an all night party. The characters can be seen walking across the Wireworks Bridge in Tintern, which is open to the public and is free to visit for a nice socially distanced stroll.

Sherlock - Cardiff

The British crime series Sherlock has received critical acclaim since it was first introduced in 2010. Series 3, Episode 1 ‘The Empty Hearse’ was the highest rated drama episode shown in the UK in 2014, having had over 12.72 million viewers. The series follows the life of detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend John Watson as they work together to solve cases to assist the Metropolitan Police, the British government and members of the public.

The majority of the series was filmed in Cardiff, including the spooky Three Bears Cave in Tongwynlais, Cardiff which featured in the episode ‘The Hounds of Baskerville’. Interestingly, this cave was also featured in an episode of Doctor Who! The Three Bears Cave is free to enter and can be found in the village of Tongwynlais in the north of Cardiff.

Yorkshire and the Humber

Last of the Summer Wine - Holmfirth

The Last of the Summer Wine series was the longest running sitcom in the world, having produced an impressive 295 episodes. This clearly shows how popular the show has been, having much demand both in the UK and overseas. The series followed a group of old men and their hilarious antics and misadventures in their hometown.

The majority of the series was filmed in the picturesque town of Holmfirth in the Holme Valley, Yorkshire. If you go for a wander around the town, it’ll be sure to jog your memory of some key scenes. One such backdrop is Eastergate Bridge in Marsden Moor Estate, which features in many of the episodes throughout the series. Simply walk from the A62 to Marsden Golf Club (where Barry plays golf) and you’ll find Rocky Hill which is sure to look familiar to fans of the show. All of these areas are free to explore, including viewing the outside of Nora Batty's famous cottage and the famous steps outside it!

Open All Hours - Doncaster

If this roundup has taught us anything - it’s that the British really are experts when it comes to cracking comedies. One such classic is the sitcom Open All Hours, which ran from March 1973 to October 1985 and was based on the daily life, trials and tribulations the tight-fisted shopkeeper Albert Arkwright faces whilst running his shop.

A stroll up Lister Avenue in Doncaster yields a couple of memorable filming locations from the hit TV series. Number 15 was Arkwright's Shop and 32 and 34 were Gladys Emmanuel's House, all of which are free to view from the outside if you’d like to see what they look like now.

Peaky Blinders - Skelton-on-Ure

As well as the aforementioned Cheshire filming location, many scenes from Peaky Blinders were also filmed in parts of the delightful county of Yorkshire. For instance, Newby Hall in Skelton-on-Ure (North Yorkshire) was actually the host of a number of scenes from series 1 with the garden also featuring in parts of the series. Newby Hall is a great place for a day out, and its magnificent array of gardens will be sure to make social distancing a breeze.

Happy Valley - Hebden Bridge

The beautiful market town of Hebden Bridge lies tucked away in the Upper Calder Valley of West Yorkshire, and is a surprising backdrop for the rather harrowing crime drama series Happy Valley. The hit TV series follows Sergeant Catherine Cawood in her attempts to find Tommy Lee Royce who was responsible for the rape and suicide of her late daughter.

When Tommy is on the run, he hides out in Hebden Bridge. Scenes were filmed around the town itself as well as by the Rochdale Canal. The Wills 'O' Nats pub, the police station, Overgate Hospice and the garage where Catherine found the body can also be seen on a walk around the town. The juxtaposing contrast between the setting and the topics in this series, will certainly spark emotion in many fans of the show upon a saunter around the town.

Whilst you’re in the area, a visit to St Thomas Apostle Church in Heptonstall is also worth a visit for die-hard fans of the show. This is where Catherine goes to visit her daughter's grave numerous times throughout the series. All of these areas are free to visit and provide ample scope for social distancing, too.

League of Gentlemen - Marsden

Although the series was largely filmed in Hadfield, Derbyshire, some key scenes were in fact shot in Marsden. For instance, the show’s infamous "Local Shop" was in fact a purpose built building on Marsden Moor. However the crew burnt it down at the end of series 2. The location is still definitely worth a visit for fans of the show, though - even though you’re unlikely to be able to pick up your pint of milk and loaf of bread!

Heartbeat - Goathland

Heartbeat was one of the longest running police dramas to appear on our screens, having run for a period of 18 years. The show is set in the 60s and follows the police force in their efforts to keep the village safe.

The fictional village of Aidensfield was in fact created in Goathland (whose railway station also happened to make an appearance in the early Harry Potter films as Hogsmeade Station). Take a walk around the village of Goathland and you’ll definitely be taken back down memory lane, with the biggest highlight for Heartbeat fans being the Goathland Hotel which is the real-life the Aidensfield Arms. On a socially distant walk around this relatively remote village, you'll see lots of familiar spots. And what’s more - it’s completely free.

Where the Heart Is - Slaithwaite

The heart-warming British drama Where the Heart Is really did pull on the heartstrings of many of us during its release from 1997 to 2006. The show followed two district nurses in their hometime of Skelthwaite, which is actually the real-life village of Slaithwaite in West Yorkshire.

The series was also shot in other nearby areas including Meltham and Marsden. Have a wander around Slaithwaite today and lots will look familiar, including real-life Silent Woman Pub, which was the Skelthwaite Arms in the show.

Victoria - York

The hugely successful historical British drama Victoria first aired in the UK in August 2016 and ran until May 2019. The series tells the story of the reign of Queen Victoria, from her first few years on the throne through to her courtship and marriage to Prince Albert in later years.

The opulent Castle Howard in York was actually used in place of Kensington Palace throughout the series and featured in the first episode as the home of the young Queen Victoria. Castle Howrad is only a half an hour drive from the centre of York, making it the perfect location for a day trip in the countryside. The ticket price includes full access to both the house, gardens and grounds and you can easily spend a full 4 or 5 hours exploring.

East Midlands

Auf Wiedersehen Pet - Knipton

The comedy-drama series Auf Wiedersehen Pet was also filmed in a scenic British location. The series follows a group of English construction workers who decide to leave England to find employment overseas. 

If you fancy a trip over to Main Street in Knipton, you’ll find the bus stop and phone box that Dennis walks up to at the start of every episode in series 2. It's also the same bus stop we see in the episode where we say goodbye to "The Ghost". Plus of course, given that this is a public bus stop, this film location is completely free to visit.

League of Gentlemen - Hadfield

The dark comedy The League of Gentlemen was set in the fictional town of Royston Vasey which was actually largely filmed in Hadfield, close to Glossop in the High Peak, Derbyshire. The TV show featured a variety of bold characters from the Royston Vasey, such as Hadfield (and the surrounding areas) are brilliant places to visit for some fresh air. Whether you’re into cycling, hiking or simply walking the dog, why not kill two birds with one stone and see if you can spot any of the areas that feature in scenes in this series?

Peak Practice - Crich

The Peak District based medical drama series Peak Practice is based on the fictional town Cardale and follows the lives of the doctors who work at the town’s GP surgery.

The series both was set and filmed in the Peak District, Derbyshire, and the first 11 seasons were filmed in the village of Crich which was transformed into the fictional village of Cardale.

Archway House was Beth Glover's house, shops were renamed while filming and the Market Place was also used as an outdoor market space at one point. A walk around this village (at a good social distance) will yield plenty of shrines for Peak Practice fans. What’s more, all of the buildings are free to view from the outside.

East of England

'Allo 'Allo! - Norfolk

The British sitcom 'Allo 'Allo! ran for a decade, between 1982 and 1992 and followed the life of cafe owner Rene Artois during the second world war. From affairs to run-ins with German soldiers, and even underground operations with the Resistance, Rene Artois really did have a lot on his plate.

Although the show was set in France, it was primarily filmed at Lynford Hall in Norfolk. It's courtyard featured in the series, too and has lots of grounds to enjoy a socially distanced stroll around. Even better - it’s totally free to have a look around!

Dad’s Army - Norfolk

British sitcom Dad’s Army ran for nine years between 1968 and 1977. It told the story of a platoon of the Home Guard based in the fictional town of Walmington-on-Sea.

Winterton Beach in Norfolk features in the episode ‘Boots, Boots, Boots’ when the platoon plays football barefoot in order to “harden their feet”. This stunning beach is free to access and is the perfect location for a day out in the sun. Much of the series was also filmed in Stanford Training Area (STANTA) where there is some access, too.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to the Locations of Britain’s Most Loved TV Shows in the UK. To easily view which of these destinations is closest to you, have a play around with our interactive map. This allows you to see all of the locations and TV shows featured in this guide, alongside snippets from key scenes and images of these idyllic outdoor beauty spots.

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