From “Outlander,” “Downton Abbey” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” more travelers are taking TV-inspired and literary getaways. This trend of TV trips brings together GOAT-style travel and beloved television shows and films, including ones inspired by Regency-era England. The Regency period (1811 to 1820) is known for novels and TV adaptations, such as “Bridgerton” and Jane Austen’s novels like “Pride and Prejudice.”
If you’ve ever wanted to see where “Bridgerton” is filmed or experience Regency-era London, read on for a guide of things to do on a Jane Austen-style vacation.
London, England
Travel around London, and you’ll find history on every corner. It’s easy to add a little “Bridgerton” flavor to your British getaway and stay close to iconic sites.
- For the Austen admirer, visit the British Library to see Jane Austen’s portable writing desk and other incredible artifacts. Then cross the Thames to Westminster Abbey, a gorgeous Gothic building and the resting place of several prominent people. More than 100 writers and poets are buried there, so find Poets’ Corner and spot memorials to Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens and other literary icons.
- Stop by The Lanesborough for afternoon tea fit for royalty. Savor exquisite teas and pastries, and enjoy the Regency-style neo-classical dining room. Then head to Twinings, a 300-year-old tea store, to shop for a souvenir at the oldest tea shop in London.
- Check out the Ranger’s House for a world-class art collection housed in a Georgian villa, which serves as the Bridgerton family home. Want more? Take a “Bridgerton”-themed tour and see other familiar locales from the series.
- “Bridgerton” also features Syon House, a stunning London home that sits on 200 acres, with plenty of space to picnic, stroll and enjoy the gardens.
- Stay at The Trafalgar St. James London, Curio Collection by Hilton, less than a mile from Buckingham Palace and other London landmarks.
Bath, England
Continue your Regency vacation with a trip from London to Bath, about a 90-minute train ride. Fans of “Bridgerton” and other period dramas may recognize places like No. 1 Royal Crescent and enjoy many of the historical things to do in Bath.
- Learn about Jane Austen, Bath’s most famous resident, and all things Regency at the Jane Austen Center. Take a tour with costumed actors portraying characters from Austen’s novels.
- Travelers in the early 19th century visited Bath to enjoy the natural springs to improve their health. Soak at the Thermae Bath Spa and continue the tradition with modern-day luxuries. You won’t want to miss the open-air rooftop pool for the ultimate view of the city.
- Visit the Fashion Museum Bath for a lively look at Regency fashion. There’s even a dressing-up area where you can try on Georgian and Victorian costumes.
- Stop by Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House, one of the oldest houses in Bath, and sample authentic historical food, including the Sally Lunn Bun, a rich brioche bread.
- Attend a show at the Theatre Royal Bath, a 19th-century. Thespians will enjoy the backstage tour for a behind-the-scenes look at this storied theater.
- Rest your head in the heart of Bath at Hampton by Hilton Bath City, a quarter-mile from the Roman Baths and other historical sites.
United States
If you prefer to travel within the United States, stateside Anglophiles (people who love England) can still have a literary-style vacation. There are many exotic vacation destinations in the U.S., so you don’t have to cross the Atlantic Ocean to have a Regency-inspired getaway.
- Try traditional English afternoon tea at the Governor’s House in Hyde Park, Vermont. If this is your first tea, attend a tea etiquette demonstration and learn the secrets to brewing the perfect cup. If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, visit the Governor’s House for a Jane Austen weekend. Stroll the grounds of the historic inn, participate in activities for literature lovers and experience life in the 1800s.
- Visit the Owens-Thomas House and Telfair Academy, both built in the Regency era and open as museums.
- Immerse yourself at The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience, a unique experience held in Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; Chicago, Illinois; and Montreal, Canada. Enjoy a night of period costumes, drinks and live music inspired by the hit show at the Queen’s invitation.
- Find a Regency Dance society for upcoming balls and dance workshops so that you can live out your favorite scenes from Austen’s “Emma.”
While the U.S. isn’t known for its Regency-era castles, there are several estates you can visit for a fairytale escape and a glimpse into American history.
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