VisitEngland's Chief Executive, James Berresford comments: "Our research shows that 40% of tourists want to visit locations they've seen on the big and small screen, so we know there is a huge appetite for "set-jetting". Dorset's Jurassic Coast for example, saw a huge influx of visitors following its starring role as the fictitious Broadchurch, whilst Highclere Castle's Downton Abbey tours sell out year after year.

"It's great to see VisitNorwich preparing for a similar boost in tourists and I have no doubt that Alan Partridge will help drive visitors to the city, becoming to Norwich what Harry Potter is to Alnwick Castle and Lady Mary is to Highclere Castle, albeit in slacks and driving gloves." 

Here, VisitEngland takes a look at some of the country's best days out for film buffs
Alpha Norwich tours
To celebrate the release of Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, VisitNorwich is launching a new walking tour of the city, designed with Partridge fans in mind. The "Alpha Norwich" walk is a 90-minute guided tour of the city so dear to Alan's heart, taking in some of his favourite haunts and several of the locations to feature in Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa, including The Guildhall, City Hall and The Forum. There will be five tours running over 9-11 August, costing £6 per person (including an I Love Norwich bag and pot of Colman's mustard!) and bookable through Norwich Tourist Information Centre (01603 213999). The tour can be booked on a private basis thereafter, costing £48 for groups of up to 20 people which will no doubt prove popular for stag dos (slacks and driving gloves optional).
http://www.visitnorwich.com/

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
The wonderful special effects and amazing creatures in the Harry Potter films have made this iconic series beloved by both young and old - and just last year, the doors opened for everyone to explore the studio where it first began. You'll have the chance to go behind-the-scenes and see breathtakingly detailed sets, stunning costumes, props and animatronics. It's a unique showcase of the extraordinary British artistry, technology and talent that went into making the most successful film series of all time. Tickets from £21.50 for under 15s and £29 per adult. Harry Potter fans can also try broomstick training at Alnwick Castle (AKA Hogwarts), visit platform 9 ¾ at King's Cross station and go on a Muggle Tour of London.
www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
www.alnwickcastle.com
www.muggletours.co.uk

Star Wars Miniland Experience
New for 2012, Legoland Windsor revealed its brand new Star Wars Miniland Experience, where the Star Wars Universe has been recreated using Lego. Rebel ships, the Forest Moon of Endor and the planet of Tatooine all feature in the exhibit which depicts several famous scenes using 1.5 million Lego bricks. The experience was planned in consultation with Lucasfilm Ltd to ensure complete authenticity. Several planets, including Naboo, the home planet of Queen Amidala, were created by dozens of model designers and builders; the miniland also features authentic Star Wars sounds, actions and lighting effects that bring the Star Wars saga to life. Prices from £45.60 per adult and £39 per child.
www.legoland.co.uk

50 Years of Bond - Beaulieu
2012 marked 50 years since the first James Bond film hit the screens and as part of the celebrations, the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu curated the biggest collection of Bond vehicles in the world. It has proven so popular that the exhibition, which includes the legendary submarine Lotus from 'The Spy Who Loved Me' and three vehicles straight from the set of 'Skyfall', has been extended until 5 January 2014. The exhibition is included in the museum's admission price of £21 per adult.
www.beaulieu.co.uk

Downton Abbey tours
Highclere Castle is already sold out for this year's openings, however Brit Movie Tours offers a country film locations tour if you can't wait until next year! Although it doesn't go inside the castle, the tour does take in Downton Village, Downton Place and the home of the Dowager Countess. Selected dates are available in August, September and October and the price is £79 per adult.
www.britmovietours.com

Jane Austen Festival
This year is the 200th anniversary of Pride & Prejudice and as the new giant statue of Mr Darcy emerging from Hyde Park's Serpentine Lido (complete with clinging white shirt) can attest, interest in the story and characters never wanes. For fans of the numerous film and TV adaptations (and of course, the book!), the Jane Austen Festival in Bath is a must. Taking place this year from 13-21 September, it will launch with a colourful costumed parade through the city centre, now the biggest Regency costume promenade in Europe. The week-long programme includes talks and productions, readings and tours, and draws Jane Austen fans from around the world. Whilst in Bath, fans can also visit the Jane Austen Museum.
www.janeausten.co.uk

For further press information please contact:
Rebecca Holloway / Laura Dewar / Mark McCulloch
VisitEngland Press Office
Tel: 020 7578 1429 / 020 7578 1437 / 020 7578 1446
Email: Rebecca.holloway@visitengland.org / Laura.Dewar@visitengland.org /  Mark.McCulloch@visitengland.org

Notes to Editors:

About VisitEngland
• VisitEngland is the country's national tourist board. We work in partnership with the industry to develop the visitor experience across England, plan national tourism strategy, grow the value of tourism in England and provide advocacy for the industry and our visitors
• Our work is underpinned by robust research and customer insights. You can access the latest in-depth market intelligence and statistics on www.visitengland.org/insight-statistics  
• VisitEngland markets England under the Enjoy England consumer brand in the domestic market and markets England under the VisitEngland brand internationally 

About England
• England is a unique destination and a real powerhouse in global tourism. It represents 84 percent of the total UK visitor economy, is worth £97 billion, and supports in excess of 2 million jobs
• More information can be found on www.enjoyengland.com