Abbey Road in London, Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, and Princes Street in Edinburgh are renowned UK tourist attractions due to their ties to iconic elements of popular culture. The zebra crossing outside Abbey Road Studios has achieved fame through its association with The Beatles’ 1969 album cover. Similarly, the unique basalt columns at Giant’s Causeway are a favorite spot for Led Zeppelin enthusiasts, inspired by the band’s 1973 album cover. Visitors strolling along Portobello Road in London will recognize settings from the Paddington movies and the famous Will’s bookshop from Notting Hill. Princes Street in Edinburgh gained fame as a filming location for a memorable scene in the 1996 film Trainspotting.
A recent survey of 2,000 adults revealed that over half have visited UK locations solely because of their connection to beloved TV shows, movies, music, literature, or art. Following the Premier Inn survey, a cultural expert highlighted additional cultural destinations worth exploring, such as Oxford’s “Narnia Door,” linked to C.S. Lewis’s renowned book series, and Portmeirion in Wales, famous for the TV show The Prisoner.
Dr. Ruth Adams, a senior lecturer in cultural and creative industries at King’s College London, collaborated with Premier Inn to compile a list of the top 10 culturally significant locations. Dr. Adams emphasized that visits to significant TV, film, and music sites are akin to modern-day pilgrimages, showcasing the UK’s status as a key tourist and cultural hub. Many individuals plan holidays around visiting sites of cultural significance to feel closer to their idols and fantasies.
Numerous film enthusiasts have flocked to Wells in Somerset, the setting for the iconic comedy Hot Fuzz. However, some visitors are surprised to find that these locations don’t always match their on-screen portrayal. The study found that over one in ten individuals have traveled up to 250 miles to undertake these pop-culture pilgrimages, with almost a third viewing these visits as essential pilgrimages.
Simon Ewins, the managing director of Premier Inn, noted the rising popularity of modern pilgrimages to famous pop culture sites and highlighted the UK’s abundance of hidden gems ideal for holidays. Visitors are often unaware that the places they visit are famous backdrops, making them perfect for exploration. The creation of an interactive map by Premier Inn aims to help visitors plan exciting trips to their favorite UK spots and fully enjoy the country’s cultural offerings.
A large percentage of visitors seek out famous locations to witness them in real life or for photo opportunities. Some even recreate famous scenes from TV and movies at cultural hotspots. Surprisingly, over a tenth of individuals have relocated to a town or city solely due to its connection to a beloved piece of media or culture. Additionally, the study revealed that pop culture influence extends to naming pets after favorite characters and even naming children after beloved characters from films, books, TV shows, or other cultural works.