You’ve swooned over the leading men, but did you notice the backdrop? With grand old stately homes and such atmospheric and varied landscapes, Britain lends itself to on-screen drama. Heroes from Poldark to Sherlock have strode out on British moorlands, sandy coves, moody mountains and city streets. Heaving corsets at the ready…
Poldark – Cornwall
This TV series of romantic period adventures, starring Aidan Turner as the eponymous hero, is set amid the beautiful landscapes of Cornwall. Based on English novelist Winston Graham’s books, the stories will keep you gripped as will the scenery: drool over the coves lapped with turquoise seas, the heather-swept moors and the UNESCO World Heritage tin mines.
Far from the Madding Crowd – Dorset
The landscape that inspired Thomas Hardy himself was used for filming the summer 2015 adaption starring Belgian thespian Matthias Schoenaerts as steady and reliable Gabriel Oak. Stride across the cliffs of Dorset where he tended his sheep, try coasteering on the Jurassic Coast where scenes were shot or wander round Claydon – the house that stood in for love rival William Boldwood's (played by Michael Sheen) house.
Outlander – Scotland
The epic time-travelling TV drama sees married World War 2 nurse Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe) transported back to 18th-century Scotland, where she finds civil war and the dashing Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). Filming took place in Scotland’s wild and rugged Highlands, and in its brooding castles.
Game of Thrones – Northern Ireland
Many of the scenes for the blockbuster fantasy drama series set in the mythical land of Westeros were filmed amidst Northern Ireland’s atmospheric scenery. Locations where you can seek out Jon Snow include the Dark Hedges, Castle Ward, Cushendun Caves, and Tollymore Forest.
Sherlock – London
We can’t help but fall for Sherlock’s forthright yet dapper manner, can we? Do some detective work and find the door to 221B Baker Street itself, head for key sights like Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus or simply wander the streets of London that add so much to the heady atmosphere of each episode.
