The 3 TV Shows Inspiring British Countryside Breaks

Sometimes all it takes is a beautiful view on screen to make us want to pack a bag, jump in the car and escape to the countryside.

From the rolling hills of the Cotswolds to the rugged landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, British scenery has become an increasingly important part of some of the biggest TV shows and films. 

According to new research, seeing stunning locations on screen is having an influence on where people are choosing to holiday.

28% of British drivers are planning a countryside break this summer, and of those planning rural getaways, 28% say Clarkson’s Farm has inspired them.

16% say that they have been motivated by The Traitors, and a further 12% were inspired by Rivals.

British countryside destinations are already proving popular, but TV could be giving people even more reason to explore closer to home.

1. Clarkson’s Farm – The Cotswolds

Few recent TV shows have showcased the British countryside quite like Clarkson’s Farm.

Filmed at Diddly Squat Farm in the Cotswolds, the series follows Jeremy Clarkson as he attempts to run his own farm, with plenty of mishaps, challenges and encounters with the realities of rural life along the way.

But, alongside the comedy and farming storylines, the show has provided viewers with a regular glimpse of the Cotswolds.

The region is known for its countryside, traditional villages, stone cottages and picturesque market towns, and the Clarkson’s Farm filming locations showcase all of that. 

For a countryside break inspired by Clarkson’s Farm, there’s much more to explore than the farm itself. 

The Cotswolds covers a large area across several counties, with walking routes, country pubs, historic towns, gardens and independent shops to discover.

It is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a slower-paced escape, particularly if the idea of swapping busy city streets for open fields and country lanes sounds appealing.

2. The Traitors – The Scottish Highlands

The Traitors is another TV show that’s been influencing tourism. 

Of the British drivers planning a British countryside break, 16% say that they have been inspired by The Traitors.

The popular reality show is filmed at Ardross Castle in the Scottish Highlands, with the surrounding scenery playing a major role in creating its mysterious atmosphere.

There’s even a celebrity version, and the trailer for series 2 has recently dropped, drumming up even more interest in the series and its filming location.

The Highlands offer a very different countryside experience to the Cotswolds, and you can expect dramatic mountains, lochs, forests and huge expanses of open landscape.

For viewers of The Traitors, visiting the area offers the opportunity to see some of the impressive Highland views without the suspicion, secret missions and dramatic round tables.

The Highlands are well suited to walking and outdoor adventures, whilst historic castles, distilleries, wildlife and picturesque towns provide plenty of options for days out.

The Scottish Highlands are a holiday destination worth considering if you want to combine a countryside escape with dramatic scenery.

3. Rivals – The Cotswolds and Gloucestershire

Rivals offers yet another reason to put the British countryside on your holiday wish list, and of the British drivers planning a British countryside break, 12% were inspired by show.

Based on Jilly Cooper’s bestselling novel, the TV adaptation is set in the fictional county of Rutshire, with Gloucestershire and the wider Cotswolds providing the backdrop for much of the story.

The setting is an important part of the show’s appeal, with grand country houses, beautiful gardens, rural roads and sweeping countryside helping to create the world in which the story unfolds.

For fans of the series, a trip to the area provides the chance to experience the scenery behind the fictional world of Rutshire, at the same time as exploring the many attractions the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire have to offer.

Whether you’re interested in country estates, historic towns, gardens or simply getting away from it all, this part of England is ideal for a relaxing countryside break.

Why Are TV Shows Inspiring Countryside Holidays?

There’s something different about seeing a destination on screen, rather than just reading about it.

When you watch a show week after week, you become familiar with its surroundings. 

You get to see the landscapes in different weather, watch characters travel through them and start to build an idea of what it would be like to be there yourself.

Shows such as Clarkson’s Farm, The Traitors and Rivals also showcase very different versions of the British countryside.

• Clarkson’s Farm offers a glimpse into modern rural life, with farming at its centre. 
• The Traitors presents the Highlands as mysterious and dramatic.
• Rivals showcases a more glamorous side of life in the Cotswolds.

That variety means there’s a countryside destination to suit almost every type of holidaymaker.

Finding Your Own Countryside Escape

You don’t need to visit a specific filming location to enjoy the kind of countryside escape you’ve seen on television.

There are holiday parks across the UK, located in and around some of Britain’s most scenic rural destinations. 

One of the best ways to experience a British countryside break is to buy a static caravan for sale in the UK.

Staying in a static caravan gives you a comfortable base from which to explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

You might spend one day following a walking trail, the next visiting a local attraction and another enjoying the peace and quiet around your holiday park.

Whether you fancy exploring the Cotswolds after watching Clarkson’s Farm or Rivals, or discovering the Scottish Highlands after The Traitors, looking into buying a static caravan is the ideal place to start.

Sources

Aviva

BBC