Set jetting

Derry Girls

Don your double denim and hitch up your overthe-knee socks for a ride around the locations of comedy series Derry Girls.

Set in Londonderry in Northern

Ireland in the 1990s, it follows Erin (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), her cousin Orla (Louisa Harland), friends Claire (Nicola Coughlan), Michelle (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell) and her cousin, that wee English fella, James (Dylan Llewellyn), as they navigate their teenage years amid the backdrop of the Troubles.

Written and produced by Derry’s own Lisa McGee, the city takes a starring role in the award-winning Channel 4 show, now airing its third and final series.

One significant location is the neo-Gothic Guildhall, at the heart of city life since 1887. A memorable moment for the Guildhall was Bill Clinton’s visit in 1995, the setting for season two’s finale.

Bishop’s Gate, one of the original four gates of the city walls, also appeared as the backdrop to an Army checkpoint where the gang pursue Erin’s thoughtto-be dead dog Toto after having claimed to have seen a church apparition… just to get off doing an exam.

Pick up a box of Tunnock’s Snowballs at the Bogside Shops on Westland Street, location of Dennis’s Wee Shop.

Or take a stroll up Pump Street just like Granda Joe, who was spotted walking in the wrong direction from his home, causing daughter Mary to suspiciously ask: “What were you doing heading up Pump Street with a cream horn, Da?”.

Derry Girls has become such a hit that a huge mural of the characters has been painted on the side of Badgers Bar on Orchard Street, which is great for selfies.

At Visit Derry’s Visitor Information Centre fans can pose with the Derry Girls Smash Hits magazine cutout, used to promote the last ever series.

Plus Derry Girls devotees can book a themed afternoon tea at the Everglades Hotel for £30, with a special menu including Derry sausage roll baps, Tayto cheese and onion crisp sarnies, and traybake faves to make Ma Mary proud.

hastingshotels.com/everglades-hotel, ireland.com

Away

Resorts has opened Appletree

Country Park in Lincolnshire, after a £3.5million investment. Formerly known as Boston West, it

includes lodges with hot tubs, a refurbished restaurant and bars, a new outdoor splash zone and an adventure playground.

awayresorts.co.uk