Abbey Road in London, Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, and Princes Street in Edinburgh are popular tourist attractions in the UK due to their associations with iconic elements of pop culture.
The ordinary zebra crossing outside Abbey Road Studios in north-west London has become famous as the location featured on The Beatles’ 1969 album cover, Abbey Road, where the band members are seen crossing the street.
The unique rocky basalt columns forming the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland have drawn Led Zeppelin fans to the site, as it was the backdrop for the band’s 1973 album cover, Houses of the Holy.
Portobello Road in London, known for its appearances in the Paddington movies and the Notting Hill film, is a must-visit for movie enthusiasts.
Additionally, Princes Street in Edinburgh was the setting for a memorable scene in the 1996 film, Trainspotting.
A survey of 2,000 adults revealed that more than half (51%) have visited locations in the UK solely because of their connection to their favorite TV shows, movies, music, literature, or art.
Following the Premier Inn survey, a cultural expert highlighted other significant cultural destinations, such as Oxford’s “Narnia Door” and the village of Portmeirion in Wales, known for the TV show, The Prisoner.
Dr. Ruth Adams, a senior lecturer at King’s College London, collaborated with the hotel chain to identify the top 10 culturally iconic locations.
According to Dr. Adams, visits to culturally significant sites related to TV, film, and music are akin to modern-day pilgrimages, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of their idols.
Film buffs have also been drawn to Wells in Somerset, the setting of the comedy Hot Fuzz, although visitors may find that these locations are not always as depicted in the media.
The research indicated that over a tenth (12%) of individuals have traveled long distances, up to 250 miles, to visit these pop culture landmarks.
Furthermore, nearly a third (31%) consider visiting famous locations a form of pilgrimage, something they feel compelled to do.
Simon Ewins, Managing Director of Premier Inn, noted the increasing popularity of modern-day pilgrimages to cultural sites made famous through popular media.
Many visitors are unaware that the places they are exploring have been featured in popular culture, making them ideal destinations for holidays and short breaks.
A majority of visitors (65%) visit famous spots to see them in real life, with 44% seeking photo opportunities. Some even admit to recreating famous scenes from TV and movies at these locations.
Moreover, a significant number of individuals (12%) have relocated to a town or city because of its association with a beloved piece of media or culture.
The study, conducted by OnePoll, also revealed that 13% have named a pet after a character from their favorite media, while one in ten have named their child after a cherished character from a film, book, TV show, or other cultural work.
