If you’re a frequent reader of my Agent’s Perspectives, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in creating itineraries that enable your clients to travel less and see more. This week, I’m introducing a five-night, on-location masterpiece centred on Bath and Oxford with three nights in London at the end. It includes places used in the filming of the new Netflix period drama Bridgerton, The Secret Garden, Wolf Hall, Poldark, Harry Potter, and Downton Abbey. This rich blend is further enhanced with visits to treasure-filled Blenheim Palace and an unforgettable English afternoon tea. Read on and then ask me for the itinerary which includes other must-see On Location visits.
Changing the Guard and ‘Bridgerton’With an on time 7-8am London Heathrow arrival, head away from London and start the tour in Windsor, watching the guards marching to Windsor Castle for the 11am Changing of the Guard in the Lower Castle Ward – you’ll need an admission ticket to see the actual ceremony. Then head westwards to the ancient roman city of Bath for the first 3 nights, finishing the day with an hour or two at the famous Roman Baths. Day 2 should be filled with a walking tour based on locations used in the brand-new Netflix period drama Bridgerton. Launching soon on 25th December, the upcoming book, turned TV show, has been described as a cross between Gossip Girl and Pride and Prejudice. |
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The Secret Garden and the Ultimate English Afternoon TeaA few minutes south of Bath, the Italianate gardens at Iford Manor were used in the making of The Secret Garden. It tells the story of Mary, an orphan sent to live with her uncle and the secret garden she discovers with her cousin Colin and local boy Dickon. Nearby, with its Arts and Crafts garden, ponds and unspoilt countryside surroundings, Chalfield Manor remains largely unaltered since the 15th century and has been used in period dramas such as Wolf Hall, The Other Boleyn Girl, and Poldark, where it doubled as the home of Caroline and Dr Enys. Finish the day with one of the best English Afternoon Teas you’ll ever have at the Bridge Tea Rooms in Bradford on Avon. |
Follow in the Footsteps of Harry Potter, Agatha Raisin, and Inspector MorseHeading cross country, pause for a step back in time to the picturesque village of Castle Combe; and then the historic market town of Lacock, where no building is later than the 18th century with many much older. The 16th century Abbey and cheerfully disordered houses are instantly recognisable from a variety of film and television productions including Harry Potter, Wolf Hall, Cranford, Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice, and Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Next up, the charming village of Biddestone which doubles as Carsley, the intrigue-filled location for the filming of Quiche of Death and other Agatha Raisin murder mysteries before reaching Oxford for a walking tour that reveals places used in the filming of Endeavour and Inspector Morse and Lewis. |
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Discover the Murder Capital of MidsomerOxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and the Chiltern Hills (just north of London) are where you’ll discover Inspector Barnaby of Causton CID, and fellow characters in Midsomer county. It’s a place filled with traditional pubs, village greens, fetes, and Sunday afternoon cricket. However, not everything is as idyllic as it appears. Murder, kidnapping, and blackmail are all common crimes committed by the inhabitants of this fictional, corpse-strewn English county. As the beautiful towns and villages seen in ITV’s long-running detective series are real and easy to get to, offer your customers to walk in DCI Barnaby’s footsteps, rubbing shoulders with the locals while enjoying a pint of Jennings Golden Host in a 15th century pub and explore the quintessential English countryside. |
Explore Bletchley Park, Home of the CodebreakersThe Oscar-nominated movie was filmed partly on location at Bletchley Park, the former top-secret home of WWII codebreakers and a place of exceptional historical importance because of the role it played in the planning and implementation of D-Day. The hugely popular ITV drama, The Bletchley Circle (Series One and Two), was broadcast in the UK and the US, and in the UK attracted an average of 5 million viewers per episode. Both series were filmed on location at Bletchley Park. You also saw The Bletchley Circle which followed a group of four female codebreakers who went on to investigate a series of complex crimes. You now have three very good reasons for making a visit here an absolute must. |
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And Finally, Downton AbbeyCompleting your fiction into reality tour of the English countryside, finish on a high note with a visit to Highclere Castle aka. Downton Abbey, the on-screen home of the Crawley family. You will have plenty of time to explore the main State Rooms, where many of your favourite scenes were filmed including the Drawing Room where Dame Maggie Smith delivered many a withering comment to some unfortunate relation. You will also see some of the bedrooms, as well as follow the stairs down to the cellars and old staff quarters and the Egyptian Exhibition. Filled with very happy memories and with jetlag a thing of the past, you’ll be in great shape for a few busy days and theatre-filled evenings in London. |
Paull Tickner, owner of U.K-based Custom GB, is known for his expertise in creating and operating imaginative, value-added tours of Great Britain and Ireland. Visit his website at www.customgb.co.uk or email him at ptickner@customgb.co.uk.