By Parkdean Resorts on 15/05/2017
Many people like to come home from work, make a cup of tea, and spend the night in front of the telly. There’s nothing better than catching up on your favourite programmes, laughing and crying at the trials and tribulations happening right before your eyes. But did you know you can explore the sets of some of your favourite TV programmes for yourself?
From the Gavin and Stacey tour in South Wales to the complete Emmerdale experience in Yorkshire, we’ve taken a look at some of Britain’s best television tours - where you can step into the action of some of the UK’s favourite TV programmes.
Gavin and Stacey Tour, Wales
Back in 2007 a young Welsh girl and a stereotypical Essex boy stole the hearts of BBC3’s viewers in the hilarious award-winning show, Gavin and Stacey. This on-screen, long distance relationship continued for three series - with a couple of special episodes in-between. Set in Wales, there are many iconic locations that created the backdrop to some of the show’s most memorable moments.
The tour takes place on the beautiful Barry Island, where this funny and heart-warming love story was set. Here, you can see for yourself where the romance blossomed, and visit some of the main locations where the well-known actors - including James Cordon and Larry Lamb - filmed. During the three hour tour, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with some of the locations that were used for filming, such as Gwen and Stacey’s home, the church where baby Neil was christened, the caravan where Nessa and Dave lived, and of course, Barry Island’s amusements.
Before leaving, you’ll even get the chance to hop into the driver’s seat of Dave’s Coaches, so don’t forget your camera. Just under 45 minutes from Trecco Bay Holiday Park, you can see for yourself 'what's occurring'; on the Gavin and Stacey Tour, which makes a great day out for the whole family.
Doc Martin Tour, Cornwall
If you’re a Doc Martin fan, then a trip to Cornwall wouldn’t be complete without a walking tour of Port Isaac - where you can visit some of the settings where this popular comedy drama takes place.
The small, picturesque, fishing village of Port Isaac is less than 15 minutes away from St Minver Holiday Park - so there’s no reason not to go and look around some of the filming locations where this award-winning drama was set. The tour is led by a local who knows the show inside out, and was even involved in the filming as an extra. He will share stories from filming as he guides you around various locations featured in the show, including the Doc’s house and surgery, Louisa’s school, Mrs Tishell’s pharmacy.
The tour offers visitors a chance to step into the location where the doctor works and lives, making you feel like you’re a part of the show. The village itself also has a fascinating history dating back to King Henry VIII – and your guide will tell you all about the historical buildings, beautiful views and hidden village paths that you can explore afterwards. The guided tour of this popular TV location, along with the stunning views of the village, will make for plenty of great photo opportunities.
Video sourced from Paul Dinning
Emmerdale Village Tour and Studio Experience, Yorkshire
Taking you on a journey into the Yorkshire countryside, the Emmerdale Village Tour and Studio Experience are not to be missed! You can be a part of the drama as you walk in the steps of the characters’ gripping lives, taking in the fascinating sets where this famous soap is filmed.
The Emmerdale Studio Experience offers visitors the chance to visit the interior sets where actors filmed, unveiling the secrets of the production process. You’ll also get to see full scale set reconstructions, props and costumes - and you’ll even discover the secrets behind some of the most famous stunts the soap has ever seen.
The Emmerdale Village Tour offers a different experience, and visitors are able to take in the beauty of this picturesque farming village - which is now the show’s external set. The village, the Harewood Estate in Leeds, was purpose built for the programme after the former set became too popular with visitors, making it increasingly difficult to film.
If you’re staying at Todber Valley Holiday Park, then you’re in for a treat - as both tours are just over an hour away. You can immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Emmerdale, taking in its famous locations – including The Woolpack, Dingle and Dingle Garage, and the rows of stone cottages that the characters call home.
Video sourced from Oliver Myers
Call the Midwife Tour, Kent
The BBC period drama, Call the Midwife, has gripped millions of viewers since it first aired in 2012 - and now you can see the sights of this popular programme for yourself. Delving into the lives of a group of midwives working in the East End of London in the late 1950s and early 1960s, many of the exterior scenes were filmed at Chatham Dockyard in Kent.
As you explore the dockyard, you’ll recognise buildings and streets that featured in some of the show’s most memorable scenes. You’ll also get the chance to walk along the roads where the midwives cycled. The tour itself is led by your very own ‘midwife’, who will share secret stories about the filming of the award-winning drama – as well as behind-the-scenes facts as you follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters.
Just over an hour from St. Margaret's Bay Holiday Park, a tour of Call the Midwife’s filming locations means you’ll get full access to explore over 400 years of history at Chatham Dockyard. These beautifully cobbled streets have also set the scene for many other famous TV programmes and films, including Les Misérables, Mr Selfridge and Oliver Twist!
Have you been lucky enough to go behind the scenes of your favourite show? We’d love to hear your studio tour recommendations on our Facebook page.