With series two of Bridgerton guaranteed to create interest in On Location visits to the city of Bath where much of it was filmed, think about combining it with visits to Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral and Highclere Castle aka Downton Abbey.
Similarly, for murder/mystery fans bring together Sherlock Holmes in Bristol and London, Father Brown in the Cotswolds and Endeavour, Morse and Lewis in Oxford.
In August, there are the thrills and spills at the equestrian Magic Millions Festival at Gatcombe Park, Gilbert and Sullivan light opera in Buxton and Harrogate, a Flower Festival celebrating Lincoln Cathedral’s 950th birthday, and the International Beatle Week in Liverpool—where the legends began.
Promote a Bridgerton and Downton Abbey Combination
Stand by for another delightful dose of Regency scandal and romance this spring. Series two of the Netflix smash-hit Bridgerton was released on Friday 25th March. This time, it follows the eldest Bridgerton sibling Anthony’s quest for love in the family’s high-society circles, while Lady Whistledown and her troublemaking quill keeps tabs on all the drama. Bath stood in for 18th century London in much of the first series, and the crew returned to film scenes for series two, which makes a trip to the city one of the best ways to enter the world of Bridgerton in real life. Combine it with an unforgettable visit to Highclere Castle aka Downton Abbey.
On Location With Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson
Bristol has played host to the Sherlock production team on various occasions since the series began in 2010, featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as John Watson as they take on a case load of strange mysteries. The Bristol Film Office has produced a trail map which helps you to follow in the footsteps of Sherlock and Watson and discover what was filmed in each location. Include it in a customised tour that starts in Oxford with Endeavour, Morse and Lewis, and takes in the Cotswolds with Father Brown. From Bristol, then make for Portsmouth to see the Study in Sherlock exhibition in the Portsmouth Museum before reaching London.
The Magic is Back
On August 5-7, huge numbers of equestrian fans will be returning to Gatcombe Park, home to HRH The Princess Royal, for the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing. Cancelled by the Covid pandemic, it has been much missed for the past two years; and it will be back with the magical atmosphere of eventing that enthusiasts have come to expect. With thrilling cross-country action in the infamous park bowl that provides a true test for every rider, a whole host of family entertainment in the main arena, enviable shopping and extensive food offering all set in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, it is a weekend of thrills and spills not to be missed.
HMS Pinafore and The Gondoliers
From childhood, I’ve always enjoyed Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas. Their light opera music is also popular in North America where there are thirty-four G & S societies in the USA that stage productions either exclusively or frequently, and another thirteen more in Canada. Many of them will know about the annual G&S festivals in Buxton (July 30 – August 6) and in nearby Harrogate (August 10-21); and this year’s programme includes the National Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company presenting The Pirates of Penzance, Iolanthe and supporting productions of H.M.S. Pinafore, Patienc and The Gondoliers. Package them with several grand stately home and castles, a few nights in York, and you’re onto a winner.
Saying It With Flowers
Sitting high on a hill and visible from up to 25 miles away, Lincoln Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest gothic buildings is turning 950 this year. A highlight of this year’s birthday celebrations will be the August 4-8 Flower Festival when stunning displays will blossom in every corner of the cathedral, bringing it to life in a unique and inspiring way. It will celebrate the life of Hugh of Lincoln, a 12th century Bishop of Lincoln, and other visionaries through poetry, theatre, film, and fashion alongside history, exploration and invention. There will be something for everyone, from the Mayflower Pilgrims’ journey to the New World to the moon landing and even Harry Potter.
Celebrating the Fab Four
The long-established International Beatleweek Festival is scheduled for August 24-30. For seven days and seven nights, the music of John, Paul, George and Ringo will ring out from every nook and cranny across Liverpool. Seventy of the finest Beatles tribute bands and fans will celebrate the most famous pop group the world has ever known, in the city where it all began. While you’re there, make time to visit the award-wining Beatles Story, take a Magical Mystery Tour to Penny Lane and Strawberry Field, see the wonderful private collection at the Liverpool Beatles Museum on Matthew Street near the Cavern Club, and discover the Casbah Coffee Club where the legend truly started.
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.
