Some classics here
The most iconic British TV locations have been revealed – including EastEnders, Last of the Summer Wine’s Holmfirth, and Bergerac’s Jersey.
The top 20 list also included Coronation Street, Peckham Estate from Only Fools and Horses, Doc Martin’s Port Issac, and Craggy Island which featured in the 1995 sitcom, Father Ted.
Other popular locations include Gavin & Stacey’s Barry Island, Hebden Bridge as seen in Happy Valley, and Balamory’s fictional small island which goes by the same name.
The research of 2,000 TV viewers, commissioned by U, makers of Jersey-set show Bergerac, also found 25 per cent have made a pilgrimage to a TV location.
Helen Perry, head of drama commissioning at UKTV, which has recently launched the second series of newly imagined Bergerac on free streaming service U and U&DRAMA said: “There are many beloved TV locations with many of our own shows among them, and it’s been great to see which ones are the favourites from a fan’s perspective.
“Our research highlights the rise of “set jetting” as a growing travel trend, with fans keen to imagine themselves stepping into the story.
“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.”
The research also revealed six in 10 have made up to three trips within the last five years to places they first discovered on TV.
Scenery and architecture (54 per cent) has been the main reason for this, while 24 per cent do it to feel closer to the show or characters.
The average TV viewer who has done this travelled a distance of 82 miles to visit a favourite filming location – and when getting there, 93 per cent said it felt similar to how it appeared on screen.
More than a third (36 per cent) said their visit made them feel more emotionally connected to the show, and 25 per cent ended up liking the show more as a result.
Half (49 per cent) are likely to build a future holiday or day trip around visiting a TV filming location – with 24 per cent admitting this influences their decision making when choosing where to travel.
What’s more, 32 per cent have discovered a new destination because they first saw it featured in a TV show.
Helen Perry from UKTV, which will see Damien Molony return as the complex Jim Bergerac, added: “In the 1980s, Bergerac became synonymous with Jersey – the island was part of the show’s identity.
“Our new reimagining continues that legacy, showcasing Jersey at its very best, from its coastline to its charm and sense of escape.
“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.”
The OnePoll.com data also found drama (42 per cent) to be the most inspiring genre for visiting a real-life location, while 27 per cent say it’s crime or detective series, like the show Bergerac.
Of those who have heard of this series and visited its filming location, Jersey, 26 per cent said it was the show that influenced them to go there.
While 55 per cent say the programme contributes to Jersey’s overall cultural identity, with St Helier (68 per cent) 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
1. Coronation Street – Coronation Street
2. Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle) – Downton Abbey
3. Albert Square – EastEnders
4. Baker Street – Sherlock
5. Peckham Estate – Only Fools and Horses
6. The TARDIS, Earl’s Court – Doctor Who
7. Port Isaac – Doc Martin
8. Barry Island – Gavin & Stacey
9. Yorkshire – Emmerdale
10. Holmfirth – Last of the Summer Wine
11. Jersey – Bergerac
12. Birmingham – Peaky Blinders
13. Craggy Island – Father Ted
14. Walmington-on-Sea – Dad’s Army
15. Balamory – Balamory
16. Winterfell (Castle Ward) – Game of Thrones
17. Broadchurch Beach (West Bay) – Broadchurch
18. Dibley Village – The Vicar of Dibley
19. Poplar – Call the Midwife
20. Hebden Bridge / Calder Valley – Happy Valley
#iconic #British #locations #revealed
