Virgin Media O2 launches new online tool mapping iconic TV filming locations

An interactive map pinpointing the iconic locations featured in many popular TV shows has been launched by Virgin Media O2.

The ‘TV Mapper’ tool allows users to search by region, genre, or TV show, and even helps to plan out the ultimate fan route to follow in the tracks of the characters from their favourite shows.

TV Mapper contains the locations for over 50 popular UK TV shows. The secret subway meeting point from Line of Duty, and the Diddly Squat Farm from Clarkson’s Farm, are just two instantly recognisable locations featured on the tool.

New research commissioned by Virgin Media O2 (formed by a merger between Virgin Media and O2) has shown a boom in ‘TV tourism’ within the UK, with 56% of Brits visiting locations they’d initially seen on screen. Just over a fifth (21%) of people said they’d been on a TV-inspired staycation within the past twelve months.

The research also revealed that the top TV tourism spots in the UK are Port Isaac (from Doc Martin), Truro (from Poldark), and Highclere Castle (from Downton Abbey).

The research also found a 174% increase in the number of searches for ‘staycation’ in the past twelve months as travel restrictions pushed people to look for holiday locations within the UK.

Chief Digital Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, David Bouchier, said: “TV became a lifeline in lockdown when we were only able to escape through our screens.

“Now things have opened up, we’re seeing a rise in TV tourism, as holidaymakers have been inspired by scenes of programmes set in the UK.

“With TV Mapper, we’re taking this to the next level by mapping iconic UK filming locations in one place, making it easy for TV fans to get closer to their favourite shows – whether that’s walking the grounds of Downton Abbey or exploring the Cornish coastline featured in Doc Martin.”

Chief Executive at Visit Cornwall, Malcolm Bell, said: “Cornwall is one of, if not the top, holiday destinations and TV imagery of our beautiful coast and countryside is our most powerful promotion channel. It is exciting to see that Truro, our great little city, has been chosen as the top TV staycation location in Virgin Media O2’s survey. Although we have two stunning coasts, the inland towns are often the best unknown, yet equally amazing, places to visit.”