ToursByLocals Blog Posts

Set Jetting Adventures: Explore 10 Iconic TV Show Filming Locations in the UK

Mar 26 2024

Are you a fan of TV shows that transport you to other countries, rich with history, drama, and stunning landscapes? Many of us are inspired to visit new destinations after seeing them on screen - so much so that the term “set-jetting” was coined! Set jetting involves visiting filming locations from your favorite TV shows, allowing you to step into the scenes you've only witnessed on screen. And what better place to start your set jetting journey than the UK? From the regal settings of "The Crown" to the gritty streets of "Peaky Blinders", the UK offers a diverse range of filming locations for avid fans to explore. Whether you're a history buff, a fan of gripping drama, or simply seeking beautiful landscapes, set jetting in the UK offers something for everyone. And local guides are picking up on your cravings! Discover some of the most exciting set jetting destinations for recent hit TV shows filmed in the UK, in the company of a local guide who can get you to the heart of the set jetting action, with the inside scoop on each location. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the iconic filming locations of your favorite TV shows.

Top Ten Set Jetting Tours in the UK

1. The Crown

Delve into the world of British royalty with a visit to the London filming locations of "The Crown." This acclaimed Netflix series offers a glimpse into the lives of the British monarchy, and many of its scenes were shot in breathtaking historical locations across the UK. OUtside of the capital, you can head to places like Windsor Castle, Ely Cathedral, and Hatfield House to immerse yourself in the grandeur of royal settings featured in the show, and take in all the scenes filmed in London, on a specially-designed "Crown" tour!

2. Slow Horses

For those craving a dose of espionage and intrigue, "Slow Horses" provides the perfect escape. Based on Mick Herron's novels, this thrilling series is set in the world of British intelligence. With your local guide, you’ll walk in the footsteps of Jackson Lamb and his dysfunctional band of washed-up MI5 agents, and find some unexpected connections to real and fictional spies in the City of London along the way. Ready to book a Slow Horses tour? Local guide Bea, who watched much of the filming take place across the road from her home, is all set to guide you.

3. Ted Lasso

Embrace Ted’s spirit of unflinching optimism and humour with a tour of the key filming locations of "Ted Lasso," a feel-good comedy set in the world of English football. Take a stroll through bustling Richmond, soaking in the atmosphere that inspired Ted's lovable character. You’ll immediately recognize the colourful bunting flags hanging from Ted’s narrow street, the bench he drinks his morning coffee at with Coach, and the local pub full of football hooligans. Even for those who aren’t fans of the show, a half-day trip to Richmond is a beautiful way to experience village life by the Thames, without ever leaving London. Book a Ted Lasso tour and get there in style, in a classic black cab.

4. Peaky Blinders

Enter the gritty underworld of post-World War I Birmingham with "Peaky Blinders." This stylish and atmospheric series has garnered a cult following for its compelling characters and iconic fashion. During this Birmingham tour, you’ll learn about the rise and fall of the REAL Peaky Blinders and hear stories of the life and times of hardworking 'Brummies' who were terrorized by these and other 'slogging gangs'. You’ll head to the Black Country Living Museum, nicknamed the 'Official Home of Peaky Blinders,' where you’ll explore where many of the iconic scenes were filmed, including where we first meet Tommy Shelby arriving on horseback wearing his sharp three-piece suit, Crombie coat and 'Peaky' Cap. You'll want to take this tour, by order of the Peaky Blinders!

5. Outlander

Journey through time with "Outlander," a sweeping saga of romance, time travel and adventure set in Scotland. Fan or no, the places you’ll visit on an Outlander tour are breathtaking for their historic value and dramatic settings. You’ll get to visit the Famous Lallybroch (Midhope Castle), the home of Jamie Fraser, and explore the historic Blackness Castle where Jamie receives the famous lashes from Jack Randall. See the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots - which doubles as “Wentworth Prison” in the series. You’ll need a full day to see it all, and local guide with deep knowledge of the series and local history to oblige.

6. All Creatures Great and Small

Alf Wight, better known by his pen name James Herriot, wrote stories of his life as a young veterinarian in 1940s Yorkshire. The funny and heartwarming “All Creatures Great and Small” had been translated into 36 different languages and sold over 80 million copies, before becoming a TV series enjoyed on both sides of the pond. Experience the charm of the Yorkshire Dales as you explore the beauty and tranquility of what’s now known by many as “Herriot country.”

7. Downton Abbey

Step into the elegant world of "Downton Abbey," a beloved period drama that captivated audiences worldwide. Set in the early 20th century, this series offers a glimpse into the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their loyal servants. You can go inside the fictional estate of Downton Abbey itself, which exists as real life Highclere Castle in Hampshire, and also visit nearby Bampton in Oxfordshire, where the picturesque village doubles as the fictional village of Downton. Wander through the quaint streets and admire the charming architecture that served as the backdrop for many memorable scenes in the series, an easy day trip from London or the port at Southampton.

8. Doctor Who

Travel through time and space with "Doctor Who," the long-running science fiction series beloved by decades for fans of all ages. While the Doctor's adventures take them to distant planets and galaxies, most iconic scenes are filmed right here on Earth, particularly in Cardiff, Wales, home to the series since its latest reboot in 2005. Visit locations like the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, and Caerphilly Castle, where the Doctor battles aliens and saves the universe. Bonus: many big name movie productions have also filmed in the area in recent years, including Harry Potter, 28 Days Later, and The Dark Knight Rises. See them all on a a Doctor Who tour.

9. Sherlock

Embark on a thrilling adventure through the streets of London with "Sherlock." This modern retelling of Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective stories features iconic landmarks like 221B Baker Street, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, and Speedy's Café. Explore the bustling metropolis of London as you follow in the footsteps of the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson, visiting sights from the books, films and TV adaptations past and present. You’ll be amazed at to learn how much real London history blends in with the fiction, on this Sherlock Holmes tour!

10. Derry Girls

Have you immersed yourself in the hilarious and heartwarming world of "Derry Girls"? This coming-of-age comedy is set in the 1990s during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and follows the misadventures of Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle, and James as they navigate the challenges of adolescence against the backdrop of political and social turmoil. Much of the filming takes place in and around nearby Belfast, where you can visit locations like St. Columb's College and Bishop Street Without, but the series also captures the essence of Derry/Londonderry itself. With your local Derry guide, you’ll get the chance to explore this historic city, stroll along the City Walls, and soak in the unique culture and spirit of Derry as seen through the eyes of its irreverent and endearing characters.