The Emmy Awards reveal the shining lights of Britain

The 71st annual Emmy Awards shone the spotlight on a host of ground-breaking British and Britain-filmed dramas, comedies and thrillers. From Amazon’s Fleabag (produced by the BBC) to A Very English Scandal and Game of Thrones, the awards revealed some of the UK’s best talent, both in front of and behind the camera. And while London leads the way when it comes to screen-worthy backdrops, the winners highlight a host of other locations dotted around Britain that are well worthy of taking centre stage. 

Killing Eve, London

Winner of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for English actress Jodie Comer, the AMC/BBC America series Killing Eve has gripped audiences since it first aired in 2018. Also starring Sandra Oh, the thrilling spy series has featured many iconic British locations, with London the star of the show. While much of the drama was shot in West London Film Studios, visitors to the city can check out featured locations including the Barbican, known for its iconic Brutalist 60s architecture, not to mention Trafalgar Square, the Tate Modern and the Southbank. Filming also took place outside Guy’s Hospital and on Blackfriars Bridge in Southwark, inside the ornate art-deco Banking Hall in east London, and at The Observatory Photo Gallery near St Pancras – a gallery, photography school and café featuring an ever-changing range of exhibitions. Fans of London’s nightlife will recognise the legendary Fabric, which doubled up as the nightclub in Berlin in Series One, while those looking to travel further afield can get a little taste of Russia in north London at Hornsey Town Hall in Crouch End – the building’s art deco interiors were used to film the scenes at Hotel Atlasov.

Fleabag, London

Fleabag is the British show that’s taken the world by storm with its darkly comedic look at life as a young single woman in London. With Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for writer and star, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the series is set and filmed in Dartmouth Park in Camden, north-west London. Visitors to the area can dine at the real life setting for the Guinea Pig Café, a thriving Turkish restaurant called Bold Café & Restaurant on York Rise. Alternatively, head on over to Smith & Wollensky in Covent Garden – the luxurious steak restaurant was used as the backdrop to the spine-tinglingly awkward family dinner at the start of Season Two. Art fans can explore Tate Modern, where Fleabag’s godmother’s ‘Sexhibition’ scene was shot, while those enraptured by the ‘hot priest’ can visit the Parish Church of St Andrew’s, Kingsbury, where many of the scenes were filmed. Alternatively, those with a passion for Fleabag and Downton Abbey can get their fix of both at Hedsor House. The location of Fleabag’s silent retreat, the Thames-side mansion has been graced by guests including George Clooney and Brad Pitt and also featured in the hit historical drama.

Game of Thrones, Northern Ireland

With an incredible 32 nominations and 12 awards, the fantasy epic Game of Thrones has set the record for the most Primetime Emmy nominations for a show in a single year, with the series scooping the awards for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for Peter Dinklage, to name just two. Filmed in destinations across Europe, it’s Northern Ireland that has provided some of the most memorable backdrops to the show, including Castle Ward, which doubles as Winterfell. Fans of nature can visit Tollymore Forest in County Down, the setting of the Haunted Forest North of the Wall and the home of the Direwolves, while those keen to cross the Dothraki Sea can do so at the Glens of Antrim. Visitors looking to wander the Kings Road should head to the Dark Hedges in Ballymoney, while those looking to explore more can immerse themselves in the world of fire and ice with Discover Northern Ireland’s list of attractions and filming locations.

A Very English Scandal, across the UK

Snaffling the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for Ben Whishaw, A Very English Scandal charts the real-life 1979 trial of former MP Jeremy Thorpe, who was accused of the attempted murder of his former partner, Norman Scott. The first series to be granted permission to film at the Old Bailey inside Court One, the movie showcases diverse locations around Britain, from iconic London landmarks to lesser- known highlights including Manchester Town Hall. Visitors can explore the ornate lobby of the Old Bailey, visit the Palace of Westminster, or head over to the Hoover Building in Ealing – an architectural city icon that doubled as Blackpool in the film! Those looking to travel further afield could explore Saunton Sands, a golden beach on the North Devon Coast that features as California in the film, or take a trip to the historic village of Chittlehampton. Alternatively, why not visit Bridgend in Wales – an idyllic town just 20 miles from Cardiff which doubled as Dublin in the drama.

Carpool Karaoke: When Corden Met McCartney Live From Liverpool, Liverpool

Having won Best Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)for Carpool Karaoke: When Corden Met McCartney Live from Liverpool at the Creative Arts Emmys on September 14, British presenter James Corden is now the proud recipient of nine Emmys in total. Filmed on location in Liverpool, the Carpool Karaoke episode revealed some of the city’s highlights through the eyes of Beatles legend, Sir Paul McCartney. Follow the footsteps of Corden and McCartney with a trip to Penny Lane and Tony Slavin’s Barber Shop, which was immortalised in the hit song. Visit Penny Lane Flowers for some of the freshest blooms in the city and explore 20 Forthlin Road, McCartney’s childhood home, before heading to The Philharmonic Dining Rooms. Known as the ‘most ornate pub in Britain’, the pub is located just a stone’s throw from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and was the setting for McCartney’s surprise gig at the end of the live show.