If you’re heading to London for your holiday you will probably be thinking about visiting all the top London attractions. You will need a few days as there is plenty to see and do. You will probably have a huge list of top attractions to visit in London such as Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, Big Ben, The Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and the National Gallery. But there are lot places to visit which are not classed as top London attractions but which you may enjoy just as much especially if you love English films.
Great Britain is well known for some top films and TV shows which have caused a stir worldwide. Think Harry Potter, James Bond, Notting Hill and more recently Downton Abbey. Due to the popularity of these films and shows you can now go on tours and get up close and personal with stars from these shows as well as seeing the buildings and locations used in the filming. Tours are great for fans but also budding film makers alike. Also many of these tours will take you past some of these top London attractions so you will be killing two birds with one stone as it were.
My name is…
James Bond is probably the world’s most famous fictional secret agent and is well known around the world. You can now go on a James Bond tour and see the secret offices of James Bond in London HQ, visit lots of locations from the films For Your Eyes Only, Die Another Day and the latest Bond film Skyfall. You will get the chance to see costumes and learn about how the films were made. This would be an ideal tour for any budding film makers. Those wanting a more VIP experience can be picked up in a Rolls Royce and taken to the Bond in Motion museum and see over 50 cars which were used in films from the past 50 years. And to top it off you could actually meet an actor or production member.
Don’t forget your wand
Harry Potter is the most successful film franchise ever. 7 Harry Potter books have been translated into 67 languages and the popularity looks set to continue. J K Rowling recently admitted it was hard to say goodbye and if she had a great idea she would write another Potter book. The Warner Brothers Studios based in Leavesden Studios are now open to the public so fans can take a look as tome of the sets and props used in the making of these films. The tours are endless; you can go on a walking tour of London and see many of the locations used in the films, go on a tour of Oxford and Lacock and see some beautiful historical English villages and see scenes from Hogwarts School, or of course the ultimate tour of the Warner Bros Studio.
Dowton Abbey
Downton Abbey is another great British export. There are Downton Abbey tours of the villages used in the show including a visit to Highclere Castle where you can enjoy lunch and wonder around the beautiful scenic grounds. Another popular period drama is Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This year is the 200 year anniversary of Jane Austen’s most famous novel. Today her stories are more popular than ever and she is recognised as one of the most important novelist that England ever produced. Fans of Jane Austen can go on tours and events which are being held this year to celebrate this milestone.
So if you’re a fan of British films and English literature, one of these tours should be on your list of things to do. There are plenty of tours to choose from all running throughout the year for every budget.