Your TV Guide to Summer Travel in the United Kingdom
By Jessica Montevago
With historic cities and remote countryside's, the countries of the United Kingdom have been the backdrop for many favorite movies and TV shows. Here, we’ll take a look at the best spots to hit for cinephiles and TV junkies alike.
Scotland
The popular TV show Outlander follows a time-traveling nurse as she’s transported back to 18th century Scotland. Start the itinerary in the city of Inverness, just like Claire, immersed in its lush greenery. Visit Falkland Palace and Garden, before exploring the surrounding countryside, historic battlefields, and lochs in the Highlands. Fans of Harry Potter, meanwhile, can ride the Jacobite steam train, known to some as the Hogwarts Express. Taking you over the 21-arch Glenfinnan Viaduct, just like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Travelers who want a taste of the historic cities can easily travel to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Jacobite Steam Train
Where to stay: Craigmonie Hotel Inverness by Compass Hospitality dates back to 1880 with the ambience of a country house, with 40 en-suite bedrooms ranging from single rooms, doubles and family rooms. On-site amenities include an indoor heated swimming pool and sauna, as well as restaurant with a focus on Scottish flavors and local produce.
Northern Ireland
Game of Thrones fans can experience the city and rural-side of Northern Ireland spotting major filming locations. Start in Belfast, which was used as a regular filming location, before heading about 45 minutes via car or about 2 hours via train to Castle Ward—fans of the epic show might recognize it as Winterfell. The 18th-century gothic mansion with sweeping grounds overlooking the sea at Strangford Lough. Another must-see from the show, The Kingsroad is Northern Ireland’s Dark Hedges, a series of beech trees planted in the 18th century. It’s one of the most photographed natural features in Northern Ireland.
Where to stay: Located on the banks of the Lagan River, the Hilton Belfast is in the heart of Belfast City. After a day of exploring, come back to dine at Sonoma Bar and Grill, designed with locally inspired details, such as its Titanic-style ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests can visit the No.4 bar, specializing in local draft beers and award-winning local gins. Costa coffee and light bites are available throughout the day at the lobby bar.
Great Britain
Downton Abbey follows the twists and turns of the Crawley family, from post-war into the roaring 20s. The family’s expansive estate was shot in Hampshire’s Highclere Castle. Spanning 1,000 acres, the Victorian-built manor house remains home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, whose family have lived on the site since 1679. Tickets are available for the Castle, Egyptian Exhibition & Gardens during the summer 2022.
Highclere Castle
Where to stay: Overlooking a tranquil lake, Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton is next to the Ageas Bowl with sweeping views of the cricket ground. The restaurant, Beefy’s, is inspired by the legendary cricketer Sir Ian Botham, and serves a range of modern British dishes. The hotel also houses a full-service spa and 18-hole golf course. It’s about 40 minutes away from the Highclere Castle.
Fans of Netflix’s The Crown can immerse themselves in Royal Britain. Get tickets to Windsor Castle, the Queen’s home, and St. George’s Chapel. For the quintessential English experience, go for afternoon tea at the Michelin-starred Coworth Park, which has a drinks menu with more than 20 varieties of tea. After, head to the River Thames and stroll the riverside pathway and stop by coffee shops, bars and brasseries that line the waterfront.
Where to stay: Live like royalty in The Savoy Hotel, London, which has long been a favorite with royals—Princess Diana is seen arriving at the glamourous five-star hotel in series four of The Crown. Stay in one of the 267 lavish guestrooms, including The Royal Suite, which offers panoramic views of the River Thames, a Jacuzzi, private mini bar and a 24-hour butler service. The luxurious landmark hotel is home to the award-winning American Bar, the oldest surviving cocktail bar in Britain.
Now, instead of just watching these wonderful locations on screen, we encourage you to get out there and experience these beautiful places firsthand. Plan a trip for yourself, or use this guide to create a fun travel package for those clients who are ready to get out there and experience the real thing!
