Famous funny places across the world
Everyone should be game for a laugh on holiday, but some places are likely to provide more than others. Across the world there are destinations that are inextricably linked to some of the world’s greatest comedy shows and films, whether it’s the amphitheatre from the Life of Brian, Father Ted’s Craggy Island or the hotel that inspired Fawlty Towers.
The Aran Islands
Where: County Clare, Republic of Ireland.
Comedy claim to fame: The Aran Islands, a particularly windswept collection off Ireland’s west coast, were the filming locations for priestly sitcom Father Ted. The opening sequence to the popular show sweeps over Inis Oírr, the smallest of the three main islands.
Why visit? The Arans have plenty of old churches, quaint country charm and walking tracks. Oh yes, and real Irish pubs.
Funny facts: Parts of the series were filmed all over County Clare (the parochial house is in Glenquin, for example) and every year a Tedfest celebration is held on Inis Mór (the main Aran Island).
Holmfirth
Where: Yorkshire, England.
Comedy claim to fame: The small Pennine Town has been appearing on our screens since 1973 in the world’s longest-running sitcom – it’s the home of Last of the Summer Wine.
Why visit? It’s right on the cusp of the Peak District, and going for a stroll (or roll down a hill in a bathtub) on a summer’s day in the Holme Valley is idyllic.
Funny facts: The pub regularly featured in the series is the White Horse Inn at nearby Jackson Bridge, whilst in Holmfirth itself it’s possible to visit the Wrinkled Stocking Cafe next to Nora Batty’s house. A gift shop and exhibition about the show are thrown in.
Torbay
Where: Devon, England.
Comedy claim to fame: Though it was set in nearby Torquay, the inspiration for Fawlty Towers came from an establishment in Torbay. When John Cleese was staying in the Gleneagles Hotel with his fellow Monty Python cohorts, he was intrigued by the behaviour of the manager. Basil Fawlty, therefore, was born.
Why visit? Both Torquay and Torbay are classic British seaside destinations that have undergone a serious sprucing-up in recent years. Bring a bucket and spade, but expects some quality dining too.
Funny facts: Neither Torquay nor Torbay was used during the filming of Fawlty Towers – the Woodburn Grange Country Club in Buckinghamshire doubled as the exterior of the famous hotel.
Monastir
Where: Tunisia
Comedy claim to fame: The city’s Ribat, an old fortified complex, was where most of the outdoor scenes for Monty Python’s The Life Of Brian were filmed.
Why visit? Monastir is Tunisia’s tourist hub, and the Ribat is a fascinating place to visit in order to learn about the Arab way of life. It’s also right on the Mediterranean Sea – the perfect place to catch some sun.
Funny facts: The scene where Brian joins the People’s Front of Judea was shot in the town of El Djem, also in Tunisia. The amphitheatre where all the action takes place is World Heritage-listed.
Boston
Where: Massachusetts, United States
Comedy claim to fame: The most famous (fictional) bar in the world comes from Boston – it was the setting for Cheers. The inside of the bar was filmed in a studio, but the exterior was the Bull and Finch pub. It’s now cashed in on its fame, and is known as Cheers Beacon Hill.
Why visit: Aside from the Cheers bar, Boston is one of the most intriguing cities in America to visit. Packed with history, the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail links 16 major colonial and Revolutionary sites. Fittingly, Boston is home to two of America’s best breweries, too – Samuel Adams and Harpoon.
Funny facts: The interior of the TV bar has been recreated elsewhere in the city – check it out at Cheers Faneuil Hall.
This article was originally written for AOL UK.
Copyright David Whitley.
