The travel industry is facing unprecedented pressure. To promote domestic tourism and local entertainment production, Virgin Media has developed an interactive UK map showcasing the most loved TV shows and reality series filming locations.
Pick your favourite shows and enter a location to explore the TV sites of significance nearby - all from the comfort of your home! Check out the fantastic period locations of Peaky Blinders, walk the grounds of Bridgerton, or explore the scenic filming locations of Downtown Abbey.
Close to Swindon you will find Fairford Bowls Club, a large club with several greens and a bar. It was used for bowling scenes with the vicar in This Country. Later, Kurtan is filmed working behind the bar. The bowls club is one of several locations near to Swindon that feature on the interactive map.
Are you a fan of Pride and Prejudice? The Bennet family live in the quaint fictional village of Meryton. When adapting the novel, the crew chose Lacock, a small, historic village that’s mostly owned by the National Trust.
Many period dramas have been filmed in the village, as well as Hollywood movies and the cloisters of Lacock Abbey feature in Harry Potter, so you might recognise more than one of the locations along its cobbled streets. The Abbey’s cloisters were also used in flashback scenes when we see Mr Darcy at the University of Cambridge in his youth.
Just 15 miles from Swindon is The Old Forge as seen in Downton Abbey. When Mr Bates leaves Downton in series two, he goes to work at the Red Lion pub. In reality, this was Old Forge Cottage in the Cotswold village of Shilton. The scenes also feature Shill Brook, which is crossed by an 18th-century humpback stone bridge.
Twenty-one miles from Swindon is Badminton House as featured in Bridgerton. Visited by several Kings and Queens throughout the centuries, it’s no surprise Badminton House in the Gloucestershire countryside was chosen to play a part in Bridgerton. This 17th-century estate was used to film scenes set in the Duke of Hastings’ London home, as well as the parlour and grounds of Clyvedon Castle. While the house is primarily private, Bridgerton fans can book a private group tour of the house and gardens of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort’s family home.
Near to Burford in the Cotswolds is Swan Inn, also featured in Downton Abbey. Mr Branson and Lady Sybil stay at the Swan Inn in Swinbrook when they plan their elopement in series two.
Badminton also features in The Pursuit of Love with Lily James and Dominic West. Horsey people may recognise the exteriors of Merlinford. Badminton House is where the annual Badminton Horse Trials take place as well as a variety of other festivals and events. Since being built in the late 17th century, it’s been the seat of the Dukes of Beaufort. It’s often used for filming, as well as weddings and parties.
Want to discover more locations near to Swindon? It’s as easy as going to the Virgin website and entering ‘Swindon’ in the search box.
virginmedia.com/blog/tv/filming-locations