Research reveals how popular TV series in the UK are impacting tourism. 

Research by last-minute cottage provider, Snaptrip.com, reveals how  iconic filming locations are raising the profile of destinations across the UK, from West Bay in Dorset to Castle Ward in Northern Ireland.

The company looked at Google Trends data to discover the most popular holiday locations that have featured in some of the biggest British TV shows.

According to Snaptrip.com, the research revealed that filming locations are seeing a huge spike in interest after an episode is aired, as people want to see where the scenic beach shots from Broadchurch and action packed Game of Thrones storylines are filmed.

Of the favourites analysed, the TV shows which are proving the most influential are:

1. Broadchurch (West Bay, Dorset)

2. Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle, Hampshire)

3. Sherlock (221B Baker St, London)

4. Wolf Hall (Penshurst Place, Kent)

5. Call the Midwife (Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent)

Other TV hotspots which have been drawing in tourists are Stanley Dock in Liverpool, which featured in the season one finale of Peaky Blinders and Lancaster House, which doubled up as Buckingham Palace in Netflix’s The Crown.

Further destinations reaping the rewards include Castle Ward in Northern Ireland, where exterior scenes for the Game of Thrones hotspot Winterfell are filmed, and Southwark Bridge from the first episode of crime drama Luther.

Based on this analysis, the company predicts locations including Formby Beach, Merseyside, which is set to feature in the new series of Peaky Blinders, and Loch Ness, which is the backdrop for ITV drama The Loch, will feel the benefit of primetime exposure.

Snaptrip.com also anticipates Ballintoy, Northern Ireland, where the cast of Game of Thrones has been spotted filming series seven, and Doune Castle in Perthshire where Amazon’s historical drama Outlander is filmed will see an increase in interest.

Matt Fox, CEO at Snaptrip.com, said: “For many of the small towns and lesser known attractions on the list, the exposure on these huge TV shows is proving to be invaluable in terms of raising their profile among holidaymakers.

“Although many of the destinations featured may be associated with the dramatic, and sometimes harrowing, storylines we’ve watched, that doesn’t appear to be deterring Brits from taking a day trip or even a mini break to these notable locations.”