From Downton to Outlander, the UK locations fans want to see in real life
Historic sites ranked on the number of mentions in Tripadvisor reviews, writes Caroline Wilson
IT was once home to Alexander Drummond of Midhope, whose brother Robert was tasked with overseeing the construction and repair of Scotland’s palaces and castles by royal appointment.
However, the A-listed 16th century derelict tower house that survives today is now better known to Outlander fans as Lallybroch, the beloved childhood home of main protagonist, Jamie Fraser, played by Sam Heughan.
While once it might have been overlooked on Scotland’s tourist trail, Midhope Castle, in Abercorn, near South Queensferry, has become a must-see location for fans of the time travelling TV drama, which is based on the Diana Gabaldon books.
The castle ranked second in a UK poll, which calculated how many times a film or TV show was mentioned in Tripadvisor reviews of a historic location.
Outlander was name-checked in 84 per cent of reviews of Midhope, which is located on a private estate and was close behind St Mary’s Church in Bampton, Cotswolds, which recorded the highest proportion (85%) of TV show-related reviews.
The whole village was used to film the fictional village of “Downton”, with St Mary’s Church hosting several pivotal on-screen events, including Lady Edith’s infamous jilting at the altar by Sir Anthony Strallan.
Other Scottish locations that made it into the top 10 included Doune Castle, the 14th-century courtyard castle, which has one of the best preserved great halls in Scotland and was heavily featured in the 1974 comedy classic, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The film was cited in 54% of reviews.
The formidable castle also set the scene for Winterfell in the pilot of TV blockbuster Game of Thrones and served as Castle Leoch in Outlander.
Glenfinnan Viaduct has always been recognised as an outstanding feat of technical engineering but it is now better known as the “Harry Potter bridge” to fans.
The movies were mentioned in 52% of reviews of the majestic Lochaber landmark, while Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, where Harry and Ron crashed the Weasley family car, referenced the connection in 38% of reviews.
Of those who recently visited Christchurch College in Oxford, the Potter films were mentioned in 41% of reviews. Both Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and The
Chamber of Secrets were filmed in the historic building.
The BBC TV series Sherlock was referenced in 67% of reviews of Speedy’s Sandwich Bar and Cafe on Euston Road in London.
The producers used the flat above the cafe and transformed it into 221B Baker Street, home to Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson.
Highclere Castle in Hampshire has also seen visitor numbers soar after the 17th-century country house was used as the exterior shot for Downton Abbey.
The hit drama was mentioned in 61% of Tripadvisor reviews. Perhaps, unsurprisingly, Game of Thrones featured heavily in the list, with two further name-checks in the top 10.
The multi award-winning fantasy blockbuster was referenced in 39% of reviews of The Dark Hedges in Belfast.
The mystical birch-tree-lined road was famously featured in season two, where Arya Stark was seen walking down the road after escaping from King’s Landing.
The show was also mentioned in 39% of reviews of Ballintoy Harbour in County Antrim, which was used as the primary filming location for Lordsport, the main port of Pyke, one of the Iron Islands that is home to Theon and Yara Greyjoy.
Shannon Keary, digital PR manager at holidaycottages.co.uk, which compiled the research, said: “It’s really exciting to see that so many of our favourite TV shows and films were filmed right on our doorstep.
“The UK has so much to offer in terms of natural beauty, wonderful history, and grand buildings, and it’s great to see that so many producers also feel the same – choosing these UK locations as the backdrop for so many popular TV shows and movies.
“And if you’re a fan of any of the TV shows and movies listed above and want to visit (when you can!), we hope our research will help people see which locations to put on their bucket list for once lockdown and travel restrictions are lifted.”