Step into Britain's costume drama scene
Think of costume dramas, and Britain’s scene-stealing scenery surely comes to mind: from our grand country piles to cosy cottages, our walled gardens to windswept moors. We’re rolling out the red carpet so you can step into the worlds of Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, Outlander, Peaky Blinders, Wuthering Heights and more – and follow in the footsteps of the stars.
Visiting the West Midlands, North Yorkshire and eastern Scotland, you’ll experience a bygone era of British life. We’re talking heritage houses, immersive museums and behind-the-scenes walking tours for the inside scoop on your favourite films and shows. Feast like a lord or lady at award-winning restaurants and raise a teacup to our legendary afternoon teas.
Corsets and cloaks at the ready – here’s our five-day itinerary for exploring Britain’s costume drama hotspots.
Day 1-2: Birmingham
Day 1 – 2: Birmingham, England
Welcome to the West Midlands, by order of the Peaky Blinders. Birmingham was once the home of the real-life street gang that inspired the smash-hit TV show. Don’t worry – flat caps and waistcoats are optional these days when treading Tommy Shelby’s turf.
Over the next two days, you’ll experience ‘Brum’ (as the locals call it) in true Peaky fashion. Why not travel back to the 1920s to the open-air museum whose retro streets played a starring role in the series? Or, join a behind-the-scenes tour of the city’s filming locations for more Shelby shenanigans. Feel the heat at a legendary Indian restaurant or chill out with a whisky tasting.
Ready to step back in time?
Things to do in Birmingham
More things to do in Birmingham
Getting to Birmingham
Fly directly to Birmingham Airport from Europe and further afield. From the airport, it’s a short hop on the Air Rail Link to Birmingham International Station, then a 10-minute train ride to the city’s main station, Birmingham New Street. If you’re arriving from London, Birmingham is a one hour and 20 minute train journey from Euston station with Avanti West Coast, or around three hours by car.
Day 3 – 4: North Yorkshire, England
Day 3 – 4: North Yorkshire, England
Dearest reader – you are cordially invited to step into the world of Bridgerton in North Yorkshire. Castle Howard, near York, starred as Clyvedon Castle in the show, as you’ll discover on a guided tour of its filming locations. With afternoon tea on the menu here too, you’ll be in Regency heaven.
More of a Downton Abbey fan? Hop aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, as seen in the first Downton film (plus Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and plenty more). Or if The Crown had you hooked, head to York Minster to see where the then-Prince Charles and Camilla’s wedding was captured. Wherever you look, North Yorkshire sparkles with period drama panache.
Time to star in your own Regency romance?
Things to do in North Yorkshire
More things to do in North Yorkshire
Getting to North Yorkshire
If you’re travelling from Birmingham, it’s easy to travel directly to York by train with CrossCountry Trains in two hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, driving between the two cities takes a similar time.
The nearest airport to North Yorkshire is Leeds Bradford, which is 30 miles (48km) from York. From London, direct trains to York take just over two hours with LNER from London Kings Cross station.
Day 5: Fife, Scotland
Day 5: Fife, Scotland
Today you’ll fall head over heels for Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes, just like Outlander’s Claire and Jamie. Tour the Fraser family estate for a peek behind the curtain at the show’s magic, and discover the pretty fishing village that doubles for Inverness in the show.
Let Fife be your gateway for exploring more of Scotland. Be blown away by Perthshire’s fairytale castles, straight out of a historical romance, or head north to the wild and wonderful Cairngorms for even more epic adventures. Sample the best of East Lothian’s seafood scene, or tee off at the finest golf courses along Scotland’s east coast. The choice is yours – where’s next?
Things to do in eastern Scotland
More things to do in eastern Scotland
Getting to Fife
If you’re travelling from North Yorkshire to Fife, the drive takes around four hours and 30 minutes. By train from York to Aberdour, the journey takes around three hours and 20 minutes, with a change at Edinburgh Waverley station.
The nearest international airport to Fife is Edinburgh Airport. Trams provide connections to Edinburgh’s main stations, with onward direct routes available to Fife stations.
