If you’re a movie buff or a fan of British TV classics, Back-Roads Touring has some special small group tours that will take you right to the heart of famous and very familiar places.
From the cult classic Dr Who to Stephen Spielberg’s epic drama War Horse, there are more than 30 television series’ and movie locations Back-Roads visit across various tours including Corners of Cornwall, Highlights of Britain, The Wonders of Wales and Heart of England journeys.
“Many of our guests are fans of series’ like The Vicar of Dibley and Midsomer Murders for example so it’s an incredible experience for them to be immersed in places where the filming actually happened,” said Back-Roads Touring Country Manager APAC, Dennis Basham.
“It’s all part of the Back-Roads difference. Rather than simply exploring the best sites and attractions, our tours delve deeper, venturing off the beaten path enabling guests to experience a destination through the eyes of a local”.
As a perfect example, the brooding moorlands and dramatic cliffs and coves of Cornwall in south-west England have provided stunning backdrops to some of the world’s favourite TV shows.
Cornwall, Wales – Image courtesy Back-Roads Touring.
On the Corners of Cornwall tour, which also celebrates the wonderful dining on offer in this part of the world, you’ll become instantly familiar with landscapes that have adorned our screens – TV and cinema – for decades.
Huge international television hits like Poldark and Doc Martin, for example, took full advantage of the windswept coastal fringes of Cornwall showcasing the region’s rugged beauty filming in places like Charlestown, Bodwin Moor, gorgeous Gunwalloe and the sweeping beaches of Holywell and Porthcurno.
Charming Chipping Campden in the Cotswolds – Image courtesy Back-Roads Touring.
On other tours, you might notice some of the places where skits from Little Britain were filmed and even scenes from the Harry Potter films!
Here’s a snapshot of some of the locations our tours pass through and please note, some may be at the discretion of the tour leader depending on timing or seasonal circumstances at the time.
This adventure delves deep into Britain’s history and culture. In England, we celebrate ‘Great British Puddings’ and trace the footsteps of writers and poets. While in North Wales and Scotland, our journey highlights grand castles and plenty of spectacular scenery.
Heart of England
Discover the back streets of Oxford, The Cotswolds, Bath and Avebury and immerse yourself in the world of some of history’s greats.
French Barge Cruising
Rich and refined, Burgundy is as elegant and enticing as the fine wines produced there. But this tour shines a more voluminous light on the famous French region where the food and wine are but an accompaniment to the other great attractions found here.
ANZAC Western Front
Follow in the footsteps of heroes with an expert guide as you trace some of the most significant battlefields in Australia’s wartime history.
Enchanting Italy
Southern Italy arouses the senses. Step back in time in Naples, to the days of the Roman Empire. Tour ancient cities and marble temples, and explore pastel-hued villages on the Amalfi Coast, all while savouring exquisite regional cuisine.
Corners of Cornwall
From windswept moors and wild coastlines to historic cities and picture-perfect fishing villages, discover Cornwall and its many attractions. The region’s maritime heritage, rural beauty and culinary offerings will delight all who visit. Your tour provides plenty of free time too for independent discovery.
The Emerald Isle
Discover Ireland from north to south starting with the legendary Giant’s Causeway and Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. Your Back Roads tour will take you through charming Irish villages and across rugged peninsulas, where sweeping views of the Wicklow Mountains create a dramatic setting for your Emerald Isle adventure.
Downton Abbey (village scenes/depending on route taken)
Les Miserables (2013)
The Duchess (2007)
Vanity Fair (2004)
Persuasion (2007)
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MORE BACK-ROADS TOURS YOU’LL LOVE
England, Scotland, Wales
This adventure delves deep into Britain’s history and culture. In England, we celebrate ‘Great British Puddings’ and trace the footsteps of writers and poets. While in North Wales and Scotland, our journey highlights grand castles and plenty of spectacular scenery.
Heart of England
Discover the back streets of Oxford, The Cotswolds, Bath and Avebury and immerse yourself in the world of some of history’s greats.
French Barge Cruising
Rich and refined, Burgundy is as elegant and enticing as the fine wines produced there. But this tour shines a more voluminous light on the famous French region where the food and wine are but an accompaniment to the other great attractions found here.
ANZAC Western Front
Follow in the footsteps of heroes with an expert guide as you trace some of the most significant battlefields in Australia’s wartime history.
Enchanting Italy
Southern Italy arouses the senses. Step back in time in Naples, to the days of the Roman Empire. Tour ancient cities and marble temples, and explore pastel-hued villages on the Amalfi Coast, all while savouring exquisite regional cuisine.
Corners of Cornwall
From windswept moors and wild coastlines to historic cities and picture-perfect fishing villages, discover Cornwall and its many attractions. The region’s maritime heritage, rural beauty and culinary offerings will delight all who visit. Your tour provides plenty of free time too for independent discovery.
The Emerald Isle
Discover Ireland from north to south starting with the legendary Giant’s Causeway and Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. Your Back Roads tour will take you through charming Irish villages and across rugged peninsulas, where sweeping views of the Wicklow Mountains create a dramatic setting for your Emerald Isle adventure.
With a career spanning news journalism, travel documentary-making and general wanderlust, I have been fortunate to venture far & wide to experience some amazing things ... and I still get excited packing my bags every time!
