Thanks to the huge popularity of Downton Abbey, tourism in England is up, according to this CNN article. Specifically, tourists are moving away from London and exploring the riches the countryside has to offer. If you've ever been interested in historical tourism, now is the time to try it out for yourself. I have a few of my own suggestions for your next trip.
1. Go Downton Abbey
The house we know of as Downton Abbey is really called Highclere Castle, and it is the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. Besides the filming of the hugely popular show (with over 11 million viewers in the UK and now shown in over 100 countries around the world--go Downton Abbey!), they have also opened their grand house to tourists. Evidently, this year the house is booked until the end of the year for tour groups. But individuals can still get tickets, which will be available online starting next month.
For the big spender who wants to experience a real Downton Abbey day, you can dine with the Earl and Countess, have a private tour of the house and the estate, and enjoy tea with them in the Countess' morning room. This opportunity to rub elbows with aristocracy will only cost you $12,300! I won’t be signing up for that one any time soon, but I bet somebody does.
2. Go Jane Austen
For the Jane Austen fan, there's no place like the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, which will be held this year from September 14-22. It begins with a promenade, where hundreds of Janeites from all over the world dress in Regency attire and parade through the cobblestone streets of Bath. During the course of the week one may enjoy small soirees, theatre, concerts, walking tours, food, talks, DANCING, and of course, one may wear Regency attire all week long.
3. Go Bronte Sisters
Are the Bronte sisters more to your liking? If so, you'll want to head north, to the country around Yorkshire. In Haworth you can visit the parsonage the sisters grew up in, which is now a museum. Then don your good walking shoes and set off through the heather-filled moors. You'll want to stop at North Lees Hall, the private manor that inspired Thornhill in Jane Eyre.
What do you think about historical tourism? Which of these sites would you pick if you could only pick one?
Those are all pretty cool places. I like North Lees Hall because it looks more secluded and primitive and I like the look of the surrounding countryside.
ReplyDeleteI don't know anything about downtown Abbey...I must find out.
ReplyDeleteYes, you do need to find out, Jessie!! Start watching it tonight! You won't be sorry.
DeleteI'd do the Bath excursion just because I've never been to England and Jane Austen is my original favorite. Seems like a lame reason, but if you have to pick just one...
ReplyDeleteOh, Bath is beautiful! It was the highlight of my last trip.
DeleteNew follower here, just popping in to say hi. I love the gorgeous picture in your header!
ReplyDeleteThanks for saying hi, Shelley!! And welcome!
DeleteIf I ever get the chance to visit England I'd do the Jane Austen and Bronte Sisters tours. These would be in addition to many of the other more contemporary sites I'd like to visit as well...Blackpool, Windsor Castle, Scotland, etc.
ReplyDeleteI haven't started watching Downtown Abbey yet because, to be honest, I don't want to get caught up in one more TV program that I have to schedule and make time for. Lame, I know.
Looks like I have to eat my words. I decided to check out Downton Abbey on Netflix, fully resolved to only watch one episode, just so that I could say I saw it.
DeleteI watched the first episode...then the second...then the third...DANG IT! I'm hooked. Now I would love to take the Downton Abbey tour!
Ha ha! You caught the fever, Kim! Welcome aboard, my dear. :)
DeleteI think I want to go Charles Dickens.
ReplyDeleteI'll second that :-)
DeleteOoh, good one! I didn't think of him.
DeleteDid you watch the latest Downton Abbey? It is a complete disappointment. No morals. I am sooooo upset about it. They ruined the show for me. I am sad that I will no longer be watching.
ReplyDelete