Set-Jetting: Travel Like Your Favourite TV Characters

Ever watched a show so immersive you wished you could step right into the screen? You're not alone. “Set jetting”—travelling to destinations made famous by film and TV—is booming. Whether it's charming British pubs, misty Scottish highlands, or bustling American kitchens, fans are flocking to the places their favourite characters live, work, and fall in love. Here are some must-visit destinations and how to explore them like a local—with a little help from some expert guides.

⚽ Ted Lasso – Richmond & London, England

With its heartfelt optimism and quirky humour, Ted Lasso turned London’s Richmond neighbourhood into a fan-favorite destination. Stroll the same cobblestone streets Coach Lasso and Keeley do, stop by The Prince’s Head pub (aka The Crown & Anchor), and wander Richmond Green.

• Richmond is a perfect day trip from central London or a peaceful base for your stay, an easy tube ride from the heart of the city.
• It’s also a lovely riverside walk or cycle to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court palace.
• The local London guides on ToursByLocals can combine Ted Lasso stops with broader cultural and historical highlights for a well-rounded experience.

Explore London tours inspired by Ted Lasso

🏔 Virgin River – Vancouver & British Columbia, Canada

While the fictional town of Virgin River is set in California, the lush, pine-draped landscapes are pure British Columbia. Filmed in and around North Vancouver and Squamish, the show has inspired viewers to explore Canada’s wild beauty.

• Drive up the gorgeous Sea to Sky highway to get from Vancouver to Squamish. You’ll see waterfalls and breathtaking views of Howe Sound, plus locations that double as the show’s scenic backdrops. It’s less than an hour away from downtown.
• Pair your set-jetting with a guided hike or a day of nature photography—many of the guides in the region specialize in outdoor experiences.

Discover Virgin River locations on this specialized day trip from Vancouver

🏴 Outlander – Scotland

This historical-fantasy epic has brought 18th-century Scotland into the spotlight. From the standing stones of Craigh na Dun (a fictional location) to real-life Doune Castle (Castle Leoch), the Outlander trail is rich with mystery, romance, and stunning scenery.

• Go beyond the show and learn about the Jacobite history and clan culture that shapes the narrative.
• Local Scottish guides often weave in folklore, battlefields, and hidden highland gems for fans looking to step back in time.

Take an Outlander-inspired tour through Scotland

🍟 Derry Girls – Derry/Londonderry & Belfast, Northern Ireland

Set during the Troubles of the 1990s, Derry Girls uses humour and nostalgia to paint a portrait of teen life in a divided society. From school corridors to the city’s famous murals, fans can experience the world of Erin and her friends firsthand.

• A guided tour is especially valuable for understanding the political context and history portrayed in the show.
• Many of the Northern Ireland guides on ToursByLocals offer deeply personal perspectives on this era—creating a moving and memorable experience.

Join a Derry Girls tour in Northern Ireland

🍽 The Bear – Chicago, USA

The Bear’s gritty kitchen drama put Chicago’s food scene front and centre. From Italian beef joints to upscale culinary landmarks, the series made the city’s layered food culture a character in itself.

• Explore neighbourhoods like River North, West Loop, and Ukrainian Village for a true taste of the show’s spirit.
• Opt for a food-themed walking tour or culinary history experience with a Chicago guide, who loves sharing their passion for the Windy City.

Savour Chicago on a food tour inspired by The Bear

👜 Emily in Paris – Paris, France

Emily in Paris may be pure escapism, but its dreamy Parisian backdrops are very real. From the Place de l’Estrapade where Emily’s apartment sits in the fifth arrondissement, to luxe locations like Palais-Royal, this is your chance to step into a rom-com fantasy.

• Combine show locations with local secrets—like the best patisseries or vintage markets in the Marais.
• The Paris guides on ToursByLocals can tailor a walking itinerary to capture both the glamour of the show and the charm of real Parisian life.

Stroll through Paris like Emily with a guide who loves to capture photos of the experience, just like Emily

🐉 Game of Thrones – Dubrovnik, Croatia

Few shows have left as indelible a mark on tourism as Game of Thrones, and Dubrovnik is perhaps the ultimate set-jetting pilgrimage. As the stand-in for King’s Landing, this ancient walled city plays host to many of the show’s most pivotal scenes.

• Visit Fort Lovrijenac (the Red Keep) and walk the city walls where Cersei made her infamous walk of shame.
• Local guides (who often worked as extras!) can share filming anecdotes and medieval history in one immersive experience.

Tour Dubrovnik as King’s Landing

🌋 The White Lotus – Taormina, Sicily, Italy

Season two of The White Lotus brought the Sicilian coast into the global spotlight. Filmed in and around the stunning San Domenico Palace Hotel, the show captures Taormina’s cliffside vistas, ancient ruins, and old-world elegance.

• Take a guided stroll through the Greek Theatre, the Corso Umberto, and nearby beaches—each featured or echoed in the show.
• A Sicilian guide can blend food, architecture, and storytelling for the full White Lotus effect (minus the drama!)

Live the White Lotus dream in Sicily

Plan Your Own Set-Jetting Adventure

From British pubs to Highland castles, Parisian cafés to cliffside hotels in Sicily, these destinations invite fans to go beyond the screen and into the story. And with local guides who know the backdrops and behind-the-scenes details, your set-jetting journey can be more than just a photo op—it can be an unforgettable cultural experience.