If you're a movie and television enthusiast, then you might have a few famous locations on your travel bucket list. But before you dream of visiting Hollywood's favourite filming spots all over the globe, why not start with the iconic homes, cottages, and castles right here in the UK.
Harry Potter [1] fans will be delighted that you can book a room in the young wizard's childhood home simply through AirBnB. And if you fancy reliving peak '90s pop culture, then the actual Spice Girls [2] tour bus used in Spice World (1997) is available for a unique overnight stay. Lovers of period dramas can also get their stately fix, as iconic castles from films and televisions series like Game of Thrones [3], Downtown Abbey [4], Sherlock, and Doctor Who are all ready to accept guests for touring the premises — and some even encourage overnight bookings!
Ahead, check out the famous castles, cottages, and locations you can visit or spend the night in the UK.
James & Lily Potter's Home from Harry Potter — Lavenham, United Kingdom
Harry Potter [5]'s childhood home in Godric's Hollow is now a charming bed and breakfast. The De Vere House [6] in Lavenham, England, can be rented for £150 per night for two guests with a minimum two-night stay. Guests reviews rave about the fantastic food options, and excellent 5-star hispitality.
The Spice Bus from Spice World — Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
Spice up your life by staying in the original Spice Girl bus [7] from Spice World, which starts at £140 per night. The interior is completely renovated to accommodate an overnight stay, and the bus is situated on a marina with walking distance to a bar, restaurant, and small shops.
The Derry Girls Mural — Derry, Northern Ireland
Follow in the footsteps of Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle (and James) by visiting the Derry Girls mural [8] on the side of Badger's Bar and Restaurant in Derry, Northern Ireland.
Castle Ward from Game of Thrones — County Down, Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland's Castle Ward [9] was used in Game of Thrones to create the backdrop for Winterfell and the Stark family stronghold. The castle's tower house is most recognised as Winterfell's castle exterior.
Highclere Castle from Downton Abbey — Highclere, United Kingdom
Downton Abbey fans can live like royalty in this castle [10] with rooms starting at £135 per night. The Highclere Castle covers 100,000 square feet with a total of 300 rooms that are each uniquely furnished and full of history. Guests can explore iconic rooms from Downton Abbey, such as the drawing room and the library.
Victorian Gentleman's Residence from Sherlock and Doctor Who — Newport, South Wales
Fans of Sherlock and Doctor Who will recognise this luxury six-bedroom Victorian home [11]. This place fits groups up to 10, and it can be yours starting at £395 per night. Nearby activities include golfing at the famous Celtic Manor Resort, the Brecon Beacons National Park, and the beaches of the Gower Peninsula.
Kenwood House from Notting Hill — Hampstead Heath, London
Kenwood House features in Notting Hill when William visits Anna while on set at the Henry James movie shoot. Now open to the public [12], a visit to this stately home and surrounding gardens makes a lovely afternoon outing.
Knebworth House from Harry Potter — Hertfordshire, England
This exquisite Tudor home [13] was the filming location for the Yule Ball staircase scene in Harry Potter [14] and the Goblet of Fire and The King's Speech.
Alnwick Castle from Harry Potter — Northumberland, England
Alnwick Castle [15] was used in Harry Potter [16] and the Philosopher's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets as the location for Hogwarts Castle.
Lyme Hall from Pride and Prejudice — Cheshire, England
The exterior of Mr. Darcy's fictional residence of Pemberley from BBC's adaptation of Pride and Prejudice was shot at the Lyme Park mansion house [17] in Cheshire.
Chatsworth House from The Crown — Derbyshire, England
Chatsworth House [18] has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549. The stately home played major roles in Pride and Prejudice as Mr. Darcy's Pemberley mansion, and in The Crown as a large room representing the interior of Buckingham Palace.
Castle Howard from Barry Lyndon — North Yorkshire, England
Castle Howard [19] is a private residence north of York where Stanley Kubrick's 1975 film Barry Lyndon was filmed.
Blenheim Palace from James Bond — Oxfordshire, England
Blenheim Palace [20] is a royal residence and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The birthplace of Winston Churchill is also the iconic backdrop for numerous films like James Bond Spectre, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Harry Potter [21]: Order of the Phoenix.
Waddesdon Manor from Sherlock Holmes — Buckinghamshire, England
Waddesdon Manor [22] is a country house once owned by the Rothschild family. It's interiors and exterior have been used in films and television series including The Queen, The Crown, The Mummy: Tom of the Dragon Emperor, and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows