Celluloid. There’s a special quality of projection to film which, coincidentally, partakes of one aspect of divinity – omnipresence. Yes, the stars are up there, playing someone else, but they are simultaneously somewhere else and we, the audience, knowing that, realize that in a way, it is not really them up there, it is just an illusion.
They are only playing a part, but still themselves at the same time. This strange apparition places them a bit removed from real life for their duality is known to us inherently. On screen, stars are bigger, grander than real life, and so become unforgettable.
Britain has been at the centre of a slew of recent films and TV shows. Like actors, the country has played a starring role, becoming more than a backdrop. Indeed, in many ways, Britain has become a character in each story. Think of Birmingham, its canals providing a brooding presence in Peaky Blinders, or the way Bridget Jones’ clipped accent mirrors the sort of staccato pace of Borough market or the way Bath languorously reflects the romance of Bridgerton. When it comes to real life, though, Britain does not disappoint. It is simultaneously the place of films and TV shows and at the same time a real country that operates in real time.
Synchronicity. It too is divine. Film and TV shows rely on it innately. How could so many characters experience so many coincidences in such a short time? Well, my own story of Britain is not so far off from a movie script. Arriving in London, I get on the wrong tube train, headed in the wrong direction, separated from my travel companion. Lo and behold, the city’s commuters, known for being silent, come to my assistance, instructing me what to do. Meanwhile, left puzzled and disoriented on the platform, my companion happens to meet a London couple she had chatted with on the plane who laugh cheerily at the situation, instantly come to her aid and end up accompanying us to the railway station.
Then, there’s the rainy day in Birmingham, where I realize that all the money I had brought was no longer accepted, the country having switched to polymer bills. I did not want to have to walk 35 minutes to my destination only to arrive soaking wet. I did not want to use my credit card for a taxi. Tom, hesitates briefly, but then takes his personal car, and drives me from the hotel to my destination.
And so, it continued, people who did nice things, kind things, things for which I would never repay them. It does not take a lot to be unforgettable when you are a star, your presence alone lights up the screen. When you travel, though all it takes is a little kindness to be unforgettable. No one can tell me that these kind gestures were any less impressive than any actor on screen. Their feats were equally divine.
Do, do follow all of your film and TV shows to Britain, go everywhere they have been, see the sites, explore the country, but remember too that the real stars are its people.
London: Mission Impossible
Your assignment, if you choose to accept…awaits in this bustling metropolis
TOUR
Mission: Impossible Tour of London Remember the phone call agent Ethan Hunt makes to Impossible Missions Force deputy director, or that 17th century English pub featured in one of the final scenes of Mission: Impossible? Those are just two of the fifteen shooting locations seen in MI1, MI5 and MI6 that you’ll discover on this two and a half hour walking tour around London.
TOUR
Thames Rocket: The Ultimate London Adventure Race down the River Thames in a speedboat like you’re being chased by a villain, as you take in iconic sites of London – there’s nothing as thrilling as inching past tower bridge, London Eye or The Palace of Westminster from the water. Boarding Gate One, The London Eye Millennium Pier, London SE1 7PB;
STAY
The Londoner Soak up the liveliness and dramatic atmosphere at this 350-room and suite urban resort, located just beside London’s famous Leicester Square. Boasting six eateries and bars, a wellness retreat, multiple screening rooms and meeting spaces enveloped in moody lighting and stylish digs that ooze style and elegance. 38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DX;
London: Bridget Jones
Just as you are
TOUR
smallcarBIGCITY London Tour in a classic Mini Cooper What’s more Bridget Jones than tying on a scarf, sporting tortoise shell sunnies, and hopping into a stylish classic Mini Cooper? Take in the capital’s charming streets, as you slowly escape the buzz of London?
SIP
Ridgeview Next, head to the countryside for a romantic afternoon spent in the vineyards sipping a flight of English sparkling wine. Enjoy the afternoon over a stylish lunch at the Rose & Vine restaurant and bring home a few bottles of the Blanc de Blancs, a reverie of delicate honeysuckle, toasty brioche and hint of lemon zest. Fragbarrow Lane Ditchling Common, East Sussex, BN6 8TP
EAT
May Fair Kitchen Don’t worry, no blue soup here! Instead, the surprisingly seamless amalgam of Japanese and Italian fare makes its presence known in the form of ribbons of Yellowfin tuna sashimi, A5 grade Japanese Wagyu seared in a colourful tartare and fresh bucatini with ‘nduja, San Marzano tomatoes and pecorino. The May Fair Hotel, Stratton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8LT;
SHOP
Borough Market After a few minutes eyeing freshly baked pastries and smelling roasted coffee, you’ll know why Bridget Jones was lucky to live steps from Borough Market! A carousel of foodie delights can be found at nearly every stall but make sure to pick up an array of Greek olive oil and olives at Oliveology and loose-leaf Assam at Tea2you, handpicked and sourced from the foothills of the Himalayas. 6 Southwark Street SE1 1TQ;
Bath: Bridgerton
Star in your own romance
STAY
The Bird Penelope Bridgerton would certainly approve of this charming boutique hotel in the centre of Bath, peeping onto the famous Bath abbey. Quirky design, unique artwork, and colourful design choices are a signature of Kaleidoscope Hotels. Headboards decked out in printed animal patterns, a painting of a giant red cheshire-esque cat surrounded by framed birds at reception, and a candy station are some of the bold statements that make for anything but a boring stay. 18-19 Pulteney Road, Bath, BA2 4EZ;
WALK
Bath Adventures (Bridgerton Walking Tour) Bridgerton fans give Swifties a run for their money, and now these period-loving aficionados can promenade through the beautiful, historic cobbled streets of the city on a one and a half hour walking tour (with accompanying tunes from the series). Highlights include Featherington’s house, Madame Delacroix’s dress shop, and Lady Danbury’s house. 10 York Street, Bath BA1 1NH;
TOUR
The Holburne Museum Playing the role of the façade of Lady Danbury’s opulent abode in Bridgerton, this beautiful Grade I listed building located in the Sydney Pleasure Gardens (a favourite of author Jane Austen), is the city’s first public art gallery with an impressive collection of fine and decorative arts pieces much of which is centered on Sir William Holburne’s own collection. Great Pulteney Street, Bath, BA2 4DB;
EAT
Afternoon Tea at The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa Get a taste of luxurious Georgian life, just like the Bridgertons, in this oh-so British tradition. Enjoy a pot of Darjeeling alongside a tower of classic sandwiches (the corn-fed Coronation chicken is divine), scones with Devon clotted cream and jam, and array of sweet treats. Etiquette reminder: pinkies down, and quiet stirring only dahling! 16 Royal Crescent, Bath, BA1 2LS;
DO
Thermae Bath Spa A visit to Bath wouldn’t be complete without a proper soak in the city known for its Roman-built baths, the mineral rich natural resource (over 42 minerals and trace elements, to be exact), producing over one million litres every day. Go for a dip in the 34 ºC waters of its open-air rooftop pool complete with air seats and bubbling jets and historic skyline views. Hot Bath Street, Bath, BA1 1SJ;
DINE
Corkage A pop-up project turned restaurant, bar and wine bar, the ever-changing seasonal menu at this independent restaurant is well suited to a good glass of wine – like hearty venison loin in an unctuous orange and port sauce or whole poussin with brandy and Bourguignon sauce. For dessert, the cheeseboard with Westcombe Cheddar, Bath soft, and Bath blue cheese highlight the best of the local area. Chapel Row, Bath, BA1 1HN;
Birmingham: Peaky Blinders
By Order of … strap on a newsboy cap and put your serious face on
STAY
The Grand Hotel Birmingham This glamorous, Grade II listed Victorian property is an icon of the city, and has hosted famous guests like Charlie Chaplin and The Beatles. The 185-room grand dame dating to 1879 features classic design with modern décor like the Parisian inspired bar, Madeleine’s, and New-York style brasserie, Isaac’s, serving American comfort food classics like mac and cheese, hot dogs and juicy 30-day aged steak. 1 Church Street, Birmingham, B3 2FE;
WALK
Walking tour: More Canals than Venice The Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN), are an impressive canal network through Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and the Black Country, built to transport coal and other goods, in the 18th century that form 35 miles of canals, rivaling those in Venice. Many of these canals can be recognized from the series “Peaky Blinders” and are the perfect backdrop to learn about the slogging gangs that operated in the city in the early 19th century. The Roundhouse, Birmingham B16 8HW;
EAT
The Old Crown It’s not every day visitors can visit a place that has spanned both Medieval times and The English Civil War. Located in the city’s ‘creative quarter’, Digbeth, The Old Crown (established in 1368), serves classic pub fare, from golden fish and chips with chunky tartare sauce to aged steak and modern favourites like jerk cauliflower and tofu gyros. Don’t forget a cold pint. High St, Deritend, Birmingham B12 0LD;
TOUR
Digbeth Loc Studios Take a peek behind the curtains of the on-screen magic of “Peaky Blinders.” Opened in 2023 by Blinders’ creator Steven Knight, Digbeth Loc. Studios is the epicentre for the film industry in the Midlands. Film buffs can get up close with working sets and learn about the industry on this behind-the-scenes tour. 159 Fazeley St, Deritend, Birmingham B5 5RT;
SEE
The Elephant & Castle Pub – Black Country Living Museum Get immersed in and learn about Industrial Britain as you walk through the open-air recreation of a typical town from the early 19th century. The realistic replica high (main) streets, retro houses, businesses, pubs and “chippy” (fish and chip shop), as featured in the Peaky Blinders series, tell the story of the life and work of the region with exception detail. Discovery Wy, Dudley DY1 4AL;
Resources
Visit Great Britain
Britrail Easily travel across the whole National Rail network (England, Wales and Scotland) with a BritRail Pass. Choose either a flexible pass (2,3,4 or 8 days) or consecutive pass (2,3,4, 8, 15, 22 days or 1 month) to suit your own itinerary.
This original article first appeared in the WINTER 2024/2025 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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