Downton Abbey series boosts UK tourism
Jan 31, 2012
The British television series, Downton Abbey, has captivated audience members with its dramatic story lines and talented cast members. The program's popularity has inspired many tourists to book cheap flights to London, just an hour's drive east of the film set, to witness the inner production of their favorite show.
The series takes place in Highclere Castle, a fairytale-like 19th-century estate that is the part-time home of the eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
According to CNN, about 50,000 people came to see the home last year, which was 20,000 more than the year before the show aired. The Carnarvon family has begun to ask visitors to purchase admission tickets in advance because of the high tourist demand. One of the primary reasons that individuals are lining up to see the set is the magnificence of the castle itself.
"It's like walking into Hogwarts or something like that in Harry Potter," stated Rob James-Collier in an interview with a British video production company. James-Collier plays footman-turned-sergeant Thomas Barrow in the series.
Set amidst 1,000 acres of parkland, the castle possesses 300 rooms in its interior as well as an Egyptian exhibition in its cellars. About 100 years ago, the fifth Earl of Carnarvon discovered the tomb of the young Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun. In honor of that discovery, the Carnarvon family has opened a gallery displaying the artifacts and relics collected by the earl.
Tourists who book cheap flights to the UK and visit the acclaimed Downton Abbey castle can meet the earl and countess who occupy the home. Public viewing of the castle will officially open on Easter.
The series takes place in Highclere Castle, a fairytale-like 19th-century estate that is the part-time home of the eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
According to CNN, about 50,000 people came to see the home last year, which was 20,000 more than the year before the show aired. The Carnarvon family has begun to ask visitors to purchase admission tickets in advance because of the high tourist demand. One of the primary reasons that individuals are lining up to see the set is the magnificence of the castle itself.
"It's like walking into Hogwarts or something like that in Harry Potter," stated Rob James-Collier in an interview with a British video production company. James-Collier plays footman-turned-sergeant Thomas Barrow in the series.
Set amidst 1,000 acres of parkland, the castle possesses 300 rooms in its interior as well as an Egyptian exhibition in its cellars. About 100 years ago, the fifth Earl of Carnarvon discovered the tomb of the young Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun. In honor of that discovery, the Carnarvon family has opened a gallery displaying the artifacts and relics collected by the earl.
Tourists who book cheap flights to the UK and visit the acclaimed Downton Abbey castle can meet the earl and countess who occupy the home. Public viewing of the castle will officially open on Easter.
