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Top 20 UK TV filming locations inspiring 'set jetting' travel trend

TV viewers are travelling up to 82 miles to visit their the filming locations of their favourite TV series - with the majority having taken three trips in the last five years

[Stills from Bergerac]

People are travelling to TV and film locations to feel more connected to their shows(Image: U)

The most recognisable TV locations in Britain have been unveiled, featuring iconic spots from EastEnders, Last of the Summer Wine's picturesque Holmfirth, and Bergerac's stunning Jersey.

A survey of 2,000 TV enthusiasts found that 25% of respondents have embarked on a journey to visit a location they first saw on their screens. Over the past five years, six in ten enthusiasts have ventured on three trips to destinations they initially discovered through television. The main draw for these trips was the breathtaking scenery and architecture, but for 24%, it's all about feeling more connected to the show or its characters.

[Jersey]

Stunning scenery is a key draw for travellers(Image: U)

On average, TV buffs who have made these pilgrimages travelled 82 miles to reach their beloved filming locations. Once they arrived, an impressive 93% reported that the experience felt remarkably similar to how it appeared on screen.

Helen Perry, UKTV's head of drama commissioning, highlighted the rising trend of 'set jetting' - a phenomenon where people travel to locations inspired by their favourite TV shows.

UKTV has recently launched the second series of the reimagined Bergerac on their free streaming service, U and U&DRAMA, with Jersey once again taking centre stage as the show's iconic backdrop.

"TV has a unique way of making places feel familiar before we've even set foot there, and it's inspiring people to turn that on-screen connection into a real-life adventure," Helen explained. "Set jetting is now a significant driver of travel, and when people see Jersey on screen, it becomes a destination they want to experience for themselves."

Brits' love for telly has inspired them to visit famous filming locations, including Peckham Estate from Only Fools and Horses, Port Issac from Doc Martin, and Craggy Island from the 1995 sitcom Father Ted. Other popular spots include Barry Island from Gavin & Stacey, Hebden Bridge from Happy Valley, and the fictional island of Balamory from the children's show.

[Stills from Bergerac]

Crime drama Bergerac has helped put Jersey on the map as a key location to visit(Image: U)

The survey found that over a third of visitors (36%) felt a stronger emotional connection to the show after visiting the location, while 25% ended up enjoying the show more.

What's more, nearly half of TV viewers are likely to plan a future holiday or day trip around visiting a TV filming location, with 32% discovering new destinations through their favourite shows.

According to the OnePoll.com data, drama is the most inspiring genre for visiting real-life locations, followed by crime and detective series like Bergerac. Fans of the show revealed that 26% were influenced to visit Jersey after watching the series, with 55% believing the show contributes to the island's cultural identity. St Helier (68%) was 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

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