A new study has revealed the most iconic British TV locations that are inspiring travel, including EastEnders' Albert Square, Last of the Summer Wine's Holmfirth, and Bergerac's Jersey. The research, conducted among 2,000 TV viewers, found that a quarter of people have embarked on a pilgrimage to a TV filming location. Over the past five years, six in ten have taken at least three trips to destinations they first discovered on television.
What Draws Visitors to TV Locations?
The landscape and architecture are the primary attractions, though 24% admit they go to feel more connected to the programme or its characters. On average, each person travelled 82 miles to reach a cherished filming location, and 93% said it looked similar to how it appeared on screen.
The Rise of 'Set Jetting'
Helen Perry, UKTV's head of drama commissioning, highlighted the growing trend of 'set jetting' – travelling to locations inspired by favourite TV shows. UKTV recently launched the second series of the reimagined Bergerac on its free streaming service, U and U&DRAMA, with Jersey once again serving as the iconic backdrop.
"TV has a way of making places feel familiar before you've even set foot there – and we're seeing more people turning that on-screen connection into a real-world trip," Helen said. "Set jetting is now a major driver of travel, and when people see Jersey on screen, it becomes a place they want to experience for themselves."
Other Beloved Locations
Also featured on the list were the Peckham Estate from Only Fools and Horses, Doc Martin's Port Isaac, and Craggy Island from the 1995 sitcom Father Ted. Other favourites include Gavin & Stacey's Barry Island, Hebden Bridge as seen in Happy Valley, and Balamory's fictional small island of the same name.
More than a third (36%) said visiting a TV location made them feel more emotionally connected to the programme, while 25% ended up enjoying the show more as a result.
Future Travel Plans
Nearly half of TV viewers are likely to plan a future holiday or day trip around visiting a TV filming location. Additionally, 32% have discovered a new destination after first seeing it featured in a TV show. The OnePoll.com data revealed drama to be the most inspiring genre for visiting a real-life location, followed by crime or detective series like Bergerac.
Of those who had heard of Bergerac and visited its filming location, 26% said the show influenced their decision to go. Furthermore, 55% believe the programme contributes to Jersey's overall cultural identity, with St Helier (68%) being the most recognised location from the show.
Tricia Warwick, chief executive of Visit Jersey, said: "Jersey has always been more than just a backdrop for Bergerac. It is fantastic to see research confirming what we've long believed: that Bergerac plays a meaningful role in driving visitors to our shores. With the new series introducing our island to a fresh generation of viewers, we look forward to warmly welcoming even more fans to explore Jersey."
Top 20 British TV Locations
- Coronation Street – Coronation Street
- Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle) – Downton Abbey
- Albert Square – EastEnders
- Baker Street – Sherlock
- Peckham Estate – Only Fools and Horses
- The TARDIS, Earl's Court – Doctor Who
- Port Isaac – Doc Martin
- Barry Island – Gavin & Stacey
- Yorkshire – Emmerdale
- Holmfirth – Last of the Summer Wine
- Jersey – Bergerac
- Birmingham – Peaky Blinders
- Craggy Island – Father Ted
- Walmington-on-Sea – Dad's Army
- Balamory – Balamory
- Winterfell (Castle Ward) – Game of Thrones
- Broadchurch Beach (West Bay) – Broadchurch
- Dibley Village – The Vicar of Dibley
- Poplar – Call the Midwife
- Hebden Bridge / Calder Valley – Happy Valley
