The Wuthering Heights film has driven a sharp rise in searches for Yorkshire filming locations, spurring increased interest in walking tours, horse riding and experience-led travel.
Summary: The new Wuthering Heights film has driven online searches for Yorkshire filming locations up dramatically — Bókun reports a 5,000% rise in searches for filming locations over the past 30 days and strong growth in interest for walking tours and horse-riding experiences.
The release of the Wuthering Heights film has produced a notable spike in interest for Yorkshire as a destination, with Bókun — a Tripadvisor company — reporting a 5,000% increase in online searches for filming locations in the last 30 days. The surge highlights how cinematic releases can rapidly translate into travel demand for real-world places associated with on-screen storytelling.
Search term surges tracked by Bókun
Bókun analysed recent Google search data to measure immediate interest following the film’s debut on Friday 13 February. The company found sharp week-on-week rises across a range of location- and experience-related queries, indicating short-term attention that could convert into bookings and visits.
- where is Wuthering Heights set: 236% increase in the past week
- Wuthering Heights experience: 150% increase
- where is Wuthering Heights filmed: 144% increase
- Wuthering heights yorkshire: 136% increase
- Yorkshire Moors: 64% increase
- Arkengarthdale: 39% increase
- Low Row Swaledale: 25% increase
- Trips to Yorkshire: 20% increase
- Haworth: 17% increase
- Swaledale: 15% increase
Specific places in Yorkshire see renewed attention
The Yorkshire Dales — long associated with the moody landscapes of the novel — recorded a 64% jump in searches for the 'Yorkshire Moors' in the seven days after the film’s release. Smaller villages and valleys that featured in location shoots also registered double-digit increases in interest, suggesting that travellers are looking beyond headline destinations to explore quieter, film-linked sites.
Search behaviour indicates both curiosity about where scenes were filmed and a wish to experience the landscapes in person. In the immediate week after the release, the query 'where is Wuthering Heights set' alone rose 236%, underlining the film’s role in prompting destination research.
Experience-led travel demand increases
Interest is not limited to location searches. Bókun’s data shows travellers are seeking immersive experiences tied to the film’s setting: searches for Yorkshire walking tours rose by 19% while queries for horse riding in Yorkshire jumped by 115% in the week after release. These patterns reflect the broader growth of 'set-jetting' and experience-driven itineraries.
Social media amplifies discovery and bookings
Across platforms, user-generated content showcasing visits to 'real Wuthering Heights' locations has attracted substantial attention, with videos featuring on TikTok and other channels receiving hundreds of thousands of views. That organic exposure appears to be reinforcing search interest and encouraging travellers to seek out curated routes and local experiences.
Samuel Jefferies, Senior Growth Marketing Manager at Bókun, said:
“The influence pop culture has on tourism is a fascinating phenomenon that continues to shape travel trends globally. “Following the release of the new Wuthering Heights film, we’re already seeing on-screen storytelling translate into real-world tourism, bringing new life to destinations, attractions, and experiences. “With searches for filming locations, including the “Yorkshire Moors”, continuing to surge since the film’s release, we predict this momentum to have a notable impact on global tourism to Yorkshire in 2026. “Social media is also playing a key role, with videos of fans visiting filming locations gaining hundreds of thousands of views on platforms like TikTok — fuelling both awareness and demand. “Beyond this, the film is clearly influencing the types of experiences travellers are seeking. As we see a wider shift towards experience-led travel, with global demand for “walking tours” hitting an all-time high – increased by 34% YoY- it’s no surprise that the release of Wuthering Heights has driven a surge of interest in Yorkshire-based walking tours. “This is an exciting moment for the travel industry to capitalise on cultural moments and social media-driven trends to drive global tourism. “From creating new walking tours across the Yorkshire Moors and historic villages to adding themed experiences such as Wuthering Heights-inspired horse riding or afternoon tea, experience providers have a unique opportunity to adapt their offerings and capitalise on this surge in demand.”
What this means for operators and travellers
For tour operators, accommodation providers and attractions in Yorkshire, the current attention offers a timely chance to develop themed itineraries, guided walks and experience packages tied to the film’s imagery. For travellers, it means more options for curated routes and activities that bring the story’s landscapes to life — but also the possibility of busier sites as interest grows.
So what? If you’re planning a trip to Yorkshire because of the Wuthering Heights film, expect a richer choice of walking tours and themed experiences — and consider booking in advance as local demand rises.
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