Top TV series locations

While many TV series are filmed on closed sets, there are others who take their filming on location. TV programs might deal with a whole host of different topics or genres. By filming in a recognisable place, they become a little more recognisable to us. Here are some of the top filming locations you might recognise – and visit – from your favourite TV shows.

Downton Abbey – Highclere Castle

Thousands of people fell in love with the intertwining story of the aristocratic Crawley family and their staff. You can visit the real castle used as their home in West Berkshire today.

The grounds and parts of the home are open for visitors several days of the years; make sure you check beforehand so you aren’t disappointed. Some days the gardens are open but the house is not. The house is still the home of the Earl of Carnarvon and his family and they tend to only open it in the summer months.

CSI – The Las Vegas Strip

There are some great locations in Vegas and they provide a thrilling backdrop for any TV show. However, it is the first CSI show that is what often comes to mind when you think about TV and Sin City.

This show followed the crime-solving adventures of the CSI night shift of the Las Vegas police department. They showed the human side of Las Vegas, where the ordinary people lived, but they also made sure to include plenty of drama happening in the casinos and on the strip. Some of the most iconic casinos were frequently featured and the fictional casino The Tangiers makes use of them to create a realistic environment.

Outlander – Linlithgow Palace

Many have come to know the ruins of Linlithgow Palace as Wentworth Prison from Outlander. Jamie is imprisoned here after his trial. However, it is also a place of important history.

Linlithgow Palace is one of the old palaces of Scotland and many famous figures in Scottish history have passed through it at some point. It is the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and her granddaughter Princess Elizabeth was raised here before the Union of the Crowns in 1603. Mary Queen of Scots’ mother, Mary of Guise, is said to haunt the palace grounds.

American Horror Story – The Murder House

The iconic mansion from the first season of American Horror Story is now synonymous with the series. It is an imposing structure first built in 1902 by the German-American architect Alfred Rosenheim.

The area was once one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Los Angeles and its owner was responsible for shaping much of Los Angeles at that time. It is filled with some beautiful examples of Peruvian mahogany panelling and Tiffany glass. Though it is often used as a filming location, it is also a private residence.

The Vampire Diaries – The Mystic Grill

Mystic Falls is the fictional setting for this vampire drama but it was actually filmed in Covington, Georgia. Head here to see the town square where so much action happened and then swing by the Mystic Grill.

Yes, the diner where Damon and Alaric often shared a bourbon is a real place where you can stop to grab a bite to eat. They serve delicious takes on the best Southern food out there and they are always happy to welcome in a fan of the show.

Game of Thrones – Dubrovnik

The Croatian city of Dubrovnik stood in for the capital city, King’s Landing. If you are a fan of this TV series, you will be spoilt for choice for filming locations across the globe. However, many of the most accessible locations can be found in Dubrovnik.

Many of the locations can also be visited within a single day. Whether you navigate yourself or you join one of the many tours operating, there are many fantastic places to explore. In particular, make sure you don’t miss the Jesuit Staircase in the Old Town. This is where Cersei had to start her infamous walk of shame in Season 5, Episode 10.

Sex and the City – New York City

Of the many TV shows set in New York City, Sex and the City remains one of the most well-loved. If you visit the city, you might want to take just an afternoon to explore the West Village to find Carrie’s brownstone apartment.

As 66 Perry Street, you will find the steps we saw here run up and down in so many episodes. Unfortunately, it is a private home and not an apartment block. For a little more, stop by the New York Public Library to see the beautiful venue chose for her attempt to get Mr Big up the aisle.

Lost – Police Beach

If you are a fan of the TV show Lost, you need to head to Hawaii. On the island of Oahu, you will find the remote Police Beach, or Papa’iola Beach. This is where they filmed the Survivor’s Camp. If you want to feel like you too are lost on the Island, this is the place to do it.

Oahu is the third largest of the islands and is home to the state capital of Honolulu. It is a great location for surfing and other similar pursuits. If you are searching for the perfect beach holiday, you are most likely to find it here.

With so many TV shows being put into production every year, who knows where we might be headed to next. In addition to these amazing locations, there are also studio tours and many other places to visit, not to mention the many amazing film locations out there. When it comes to travel, there really is no way to do it wrong. If you want to take a tour of as many TV show locations as possible, you should definitely do so! There are some amazing places out there for you to see. Start making a list of everywhere you want to visit today. It might not be long before you feel like you have stepped right into your favourite TV show.

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