‘Downton Abbey' Summer Olympics and the Royals boost tourism (Anglophenia)

 

By Fraser McAlpine | Posted on Friday, January 27th, 2012

 

 

2012 is going to be something of a ‘perfect storm’ year for the British tourist industry. Several events which have been bubbling away for a while will reach a peak of excitement between now and the end of the year, and each will bring a fresh batch of visitors in its wake. So if you’ve a trip to Britain planned, you’ll be in good company.

First, and most obvious, is the Olympics. London is being thoroughly spruced up right now, all the nooks are being dusted, the pigeons groomed and the homeless people tidied away, ready for the enormous influx of visitors.

But it’s not just sports fans who are flocking our way this year. The 19th Century Highclere Castle in Newbury has reported a massive increase in tourist interest, and it’s entirely due to one thing: Downton Abbey.

Highclere is the home of the eighth Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, and it’s also the breathtaking location of Downton Abbey, which means fans of the show are now flocking to see it.


Read more:  http://www.bbcamerica.com/anglophenia/2012/01/downton-abbey-the-olympics-and-the-royals-boost-uk-tourism/