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Fictional locations in England, Scotland, and Wales have played a significant role in literature, film, and popular culture.
Here is an atlas of fictional locations in England, Scotland and Wales created by Matt Brown for Landsat Ltd.
In England, fictional locations are often centered around historical contexts, urban environments, and countryside settings. These locations serve as backdrops for stories of romance, mystery, adventure, and more. One of the most iconic examples is Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series. Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Hogwarts represents a magical haven where young wizards and witches receive their education, showcasing a blend of fantasy and British charm.
Another notable example is Merryton from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” This fictional town captures the social dynamics and manners of Regency-era England, offering insight into the lives and aspirations of its characters. In urban environments like London, fictional addresses and neighborhoods often play pivotal roles in detective stories, like 221B Baker Street where Sherlock Holmes resides.
Scotland’s fictional locations often reflect its rugged landscapes, mystical folklore, and historical depth. One remarkable instance is the Brigadoon village from the musical of the same name. Brigadoon, hidden in the Scottish Highlands, materializes for only one day every century due to a magical spell. This concept weaves enchantment and romance into the story, drawing on Scotland’s mystical reputation.
In the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon, the fictional estate of Lallybroch is set against the dramatic backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. This location serves as a touchstone for the protagonist, Claire Randall, as she navigates the challenges of time travel and love.
Wales contributes to fiction with its Celtic heritage, ancient myths, and distinctive place names. While the real village of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is known for its lengthy name, it has been playfully used as a fictional location in various media due to its memorable absurdity, often for comedic purposes.
In the realm of Arthurian legends, the mythical land of Camelot and its associated locations, including PendragonCastle, bring Wales into the spotlight. These stories, although not exclusive to Wales, incorporate Welsh mythology and contribute to the enduring appeal of Arthurian tales.
If you haven’t already read these books or seen the movies, they’re all easily available on Amazon:
Much as I like this map the print is too small at normal resolution and too fuzzy when enlarged…
Pauline Armitage
1 year ago
Unable to read the map as print too small. Needs uploading as a PDF so people can zoom in and look at it properly
Steven Owen
1 year ago
Although this is very cool, and I hate to do this, but I’m going to have to be the picky Welshman and point out that Cantre’r Gwaelod wasn’t an island. It was reclaimed land from the sea, like the Netherlands and although it probably wasn’t as large as it’s portrayed in legends, there’s real evidence to show it did exist. There’s sunken villages off the coast of Ceredigion / Aberystwyth area apparently.
Mark Strevett
1 year ago
You missed out the 1964 film “The System” starring Oliver Reed. Filmed on location in Torbay in Devon, the fictional town was called Roxham.
Jenny Woodhouse
1 year ago
Can’t see Todday (Hebrides, Whisky Galore) or Sarn (Precious Bane).
Duke OfOmnium
1 year ago
I’m surer there are a lot of these kinds of quibbles, but putting Barsetshire (from Anthony Trollope’s novels) on the coast seems inaccurate. In none of the Barsetshire novels, and there are six very long ones, is any reference made to a nearby seashore.
Much as I like this map the print is too small at normal resolution and too fuzzy when enlarged…
Unable to read the map as print too small. Needs uploading as a PDF so people can zoom in and look at it properly
Although this is very cool, and I hate to do this, but I’m going to have to be the picky Welshman and point out that Cantre’r Gwaelod wasn’t an island. It was reclaimed land from the sea, like the Netherlands and although it probably wasn’t as large as it’s portrayed in legends, there’s real evidence to show it did exist. There’s sunken villages off the coast of Ceredigion / Aberystwyth area apparently.
You missed out the 1964 film “The System” starring Oliver Reed. Filmed on location in Torbay in Devon, the fictional town was called Roxham.
Can’t see Todday (Hebrides, Whisky Galore) or Sarn (Precious Bane).
I’m surer there are a lot of these kinds of quibbles, but putting Barsetshire (from Anthony Trollope’s novels) on the coast seems inaccurate. In none of the Barsetshire novels, and there are six very long ones, is any reference made to a nearby seashore.