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A number of locations in our patch are already firmly on the map as a must visit after being made famous in films, TV programmes or even adverts.

The beautiful village of Goathland is one such location. Here you can step into the screen and enjoy a pint in the Aidensfield Arms or jump aboard a steam train from Hogsmeade Station...

Thanks to its screen fame a whole tourism industry has been built around the North Yorkshire village, which has been used for the setting of Yorkshire TV series Heartbeat and the film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

"Location vacation" is a trend where people take film-inspired holidays and it's on the increase. The hottest destinations right now include taking a trip to India to see the setting for Slumdog Millionaire and a holiday to Thailand to visit the actual beach used for the film The Beach.

Get Carter was filmed at Blackhall Rocks

They say that seeing is believing so why not save your cash and holiday closer to home this year?

A trip to Redcar beach takes you back to the scene of Atonement, which saw many locals appearing as extras in the film as soldiers. Whilst further up our coastline and you reach Blackhall Rocks, another beach that was the setting for the iconic movie Get Carter.

John Foster asked for your recommendations for places that could make the must visit "location vacations" for our area...

The list

Transporter Bridge, Middlesbrough - Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and Steel River Blues

Easington - Billy Elliot

Redcar Beach - Atonement

Blackhall Rocks - Get Carter

Darlington - Harry

Askrigg and Muker - All Creatures Great and Small

Whitby and Scarborough - The Royal and Rosie

Goathland - Heartbeat and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Middlesbrough - Boys from the Blackstuff

High Force - Ripping Yarns

Castle Howard - Brideshead Revisited

Hartlepool - Hovis advert

Hardrow Force and Aysgarth Falls - Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves

Wilton Castle - Spender

Reeth - All Creatures Great and Small and It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet

One of the ambulances used in the Carry On films was from our area

Any more?

Stunning locations and all within a short drive. You could even take the mode of transport as favoured in the film of your choice… so what are you waiting for?

Pop on your ballet shoes and make like Billy Elliot and let ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Tees know if you take a local "location vacation".