'The Scratch Card'
The New Hertford Film
Set-jetting is the growing trend of audiences travelling to real places they have seen in films or television. Film locations often become tourist destinations in their own right, with visitors wanting to walk the same streets or landscapes as the characters they watched on screen.
Research from VisitBritain shows that more than 9 out of 10 potential visitors to the UK are interested in visiting film and TV locations during their trip, demonstrating how powerful cinema can be in inspiring travel.
Harry Potter – Oxford, Alnwick & across the UK
The Harry Potter films turned many UK locations into international tourist attractions. Oxford’s historic colleges, including Christ Church and the Bodleian Library, are visited by fans eager to see where Hogwarts scenes were filmed or inspired.
Alnwick Castle in Northumberland, where early Hogwarts scenes were filmed, now runs themed activities and tours that attract visitors from around the world.
Notting Hill – London
The romantic comedy Notting Hill turned Portobello Road and its colourful houses into globally recognised destinations. Visitors regularly seek out the famous blue door and the bookshop featured in the film, exploring the neighbourhood specifically because of its cinematic connection.
Downton Abbey – Highclere Castle, Hampshire
Highclere Castle became internationally famous as the home of the Crawley family in Downton Abbey. Since the show aired, thousands of visitors travel each year to tour the estate and experience the real location behind the story.
Bridgerton & Period Drama Locations
Historic houses and estates across England used in period dramas such as Bridgerton have also seen a surge in interest, with fans travelling specifically to see the stately homes and landscapes they recognise from the series.
How This Applies to Hertford
When audiences connect with a film, they often want to visit the places they see on screen. Streets, parks, rivers and landmarks featured in a story can become destinations in their own right, attracting visitors who want to experience the setting for themselves.
By filming The Scratch Card on location in Hertford, the town becomes closely associated with the film’s identity. This can encourage future visitors to explore the real locations featured on screen.
Increased visitor interest can bring additional trade to local cafés, restaurants, shops and businesses, helping to generate ongoing economic activity for the town long after the release of the film.