Ant & Dec Road Trip: A U.K. Fan Tour With Where to Stay and What to See

Love Ant & Dec but hate chasing scattered tips and sold‑out shows? This cheeky U.K. fan tour puts filming spots, hometown pubs and curated hotel fan packages on one map — with concierge-style booking tips for 2026.

Entertainment tourism has matured: fans want verified access, last‑minute options and streamlined bookings. Between Ant & Dec's new Belta Box digital channel (and their podcast Hanging Out with Ant & Dec, launched in January 2026) and creators expanding into direct‑to‑fan channels, 2026 is prime time for a celebrity‑trail road trip that feels VIP without the fuss. Below is a curated, practical Ant & Dec road trip across the U.K., complete with filming locations, hometown pub picks, and partner hotel packages that bundle perks, local experiences and rapid checkout.

Why an Ant & Dec fan tour matters in 2026

In late 2025 and early 2026 two travel trends converged: a spike in experience‑first travel and creators expanding into direct‑to‑fan channels. Ant & Dec’s Belta Box launch — including their new podcast Hanging Out with Ant & Dec — gives fans fresh reasons to visit the places behind the headlines. As hotels and independent operators answer demand with curated packages, you can now book themed stays that include everything from guided filming‑location walks to exclusive pub nights and priority notifications for Belta Box live events or podcast live tapings.

"We asked our audience if we did a podcast what they would like it to be about, and they said 'we just want you guys to hang out' — so that's what we're doing," Declan Donnelly said on the launch announcement (January 2026).

How this guide helps you (fast)

• Practical route: A 7–9 day road trip that minimizes backtracking and maximizes fan moments.
• Where to stay: Curated partner hotels with Ant & Dec fan packages (what’s included and how to book).
• What to see & do: Verified filming locations, pub stops, and local experiences.
• Booking tips: 2026 trends — AR self‑guided trails, last‑minute concierge access, and sustainability‑minded travel.

Quick planning checklist (before you go)

1. Pick your travel window around Belta Box live events or podcast tapings — sign up for official alerts on Belta Box channels.
2. Book hotels offering fan packages at least 6–8 weeks out; partner packages often have limited inventory.
3. Decide if you want a self‑drive road trip or a rail + local taxi plan. Trains are greener; drivers get more remote filming spots.
4. Download 2026 AR trail apps and offline maps; many fan trails include geotagged clips and audio commentary.
5. Pack smart: waterproof layers (U.K. weather), phone power bank, and printed booking confirmations for pubs/hotels that prefer them.

The cheeky Ant & Dec 7‑Day Road Trip (sample itinerary)

Start in Newcastle (their roots), swing west to the North Wales castles that hosted reality TV, then south to Manchester and London for studio‑era stops — finishing on the coast for a seaside segment. This loop is optimised for fans who want a mix of nostalgia, photo ops and local pub stops.

Day 1 — Newcastle: Byker Grove and Geordie beginnings

• Morning: Arrive in Newcastle. Begin with the Byker area — the neighbourhood that connects to the early careers of both presenters (the set and era that launched them).
• Afternoon: Self‑guided walk including iconic Quayside views and the Angel of the North photo stop en route.
• Evening: Pub crawl option — book a table at a lively Quayside pub known for live football and local ales. These are great places for fan‑led quizzes and evening Ant & Dec discussion nights.
• Stay: Partner hotel — a boutique city centre hotel offering the "Geordie Roots" package: welcome Belta Box playlist, local walking map with Byker Grove references, and late checkout.

Day 2 — Northumberland coast / Durham detour

• Drive the scenic A1 north or take a short rail hop to coastal villages. This is a lighter day with beach photos and local seafood.
• Optional: Durham Cathedral quick stop for architecture lovers.
• Overnight in a countryside inn partnered with a fan package that includes an Ant & Dec movie night screening and pub voucher.

Day 3 — Drive to North Wales: Gwrych Castle & celebrity reality TV trail

• Morning: Head to Abergele, North Wales — Gwrych Castle became a focal point when high‑profile shows filmed there during pandemic relocations. The castle grounds and surrounding coastal views are a must for fans who followed the reality TV seasons.
• Afternoon: Guided walk around the estate (check local opening times — many filming access points are seasonal).
• Stay: Partner coastal hotel with an "Adventure & Ant & Dec" package: coach transfer to the castle, themed picnic, and a digital scrapbook of location footage.

Day 4 — Liverpool/Manchester: TV studios & media history

• Swing east to Manchester or Liverpool where many national TV productions and auditions tour. Explore media museums, studio exteriors and interactive exhibits that explain the UK TV ecosystem behind shows Ant & Dec have hosted.
• Evening pub: find a media‑town pub that screens classic clips and hosts local fan‑run Ant & Dec trivia evenings.
• Stay: A centrally located partner hotel offering a "Studio Trail" package — fast track tickets to media museum exhibits and a printed guide to TV‑era sites.

Day 5 — London: Studio vibes and big‑stage panoramas

• Morning: London studio exteriors and the West End photospots. Many prime time shows are recorded in and around London, and while studio tours are limited, the city is full of entertainment history worth exploring.
• Afternoon: Theatre or West End show; check for Ant & Dec‑adjacent talent or special events on Belta Box schedules.
• Stay: Partner central London hotel with a "Belta Box Break": voucher for a local pub quiz night, Belta Box merchandise pack, and priority booking for future podcast live tickets.

Day 6 — South Coast detour: Seaside showbiz nostalgia

• Head to a classic British seaside town for a traditional arcades and promenade afternoon. Ant & Dec have filmed segments and specials in various coastal settings — these stops capture the show's playful energy.
• Evening: look for seaside venues hosting fan nights or local TV retrospective events.
• Stay: Coastal partner hotel with a seaside fan package that includes curated playlists, local history walk and a discount for podcast merch.

Day 7 — Return to Newcastle (or extend to special events)

• Finish your loop or extend the trip for special appearances, Belta Box live events or to tie the visit to tapings and festivals. Many hotels offer loyalty points and verified fan badges for repeat visitors — a handy perk if you’re building a ‘status’ collection.

Where to stay: partner hotels & what their fan packages include

In 2026, boutique hotels and independent groups run the most creative fan packages. Below are the building blocks for what a good Ant & Dec fan package should include — and why it matters.

Core package elements to look for

• Belta Box welcome pack: curated playlist, itinerary printout, AR trail QR codes and a map of filming locations.
• Priority notifications: advance notice of Belta Box live tapings, podcast ticket drops and local fan events.
• Fan‑first concierge: dedicated booking support for studio tours, pub reservations and last‑minute show access.
• Local experiences: guided walks, backstage‑style talks (where available), and themed pub nights.
• Flexible cancellation: travel in 2026 still demands flexibility — look for refundable options and transferable bookings.

Examples of partner hotel offers (curated by your concierge)

Note: these are curated packages arranged through fan‑friendly hotel partners and travel concierges. They are designed to give you a fast booking path and verified perks — not official endorsements from the talent.

• Geordie Roots Package — Newcastle boutique: Welcome Belta Box playlist, local guide to Byker Grove spots, priority pub quiz reservation, and a small historic photo print of the city.
• Castle & Coast Package — North Wales coastal hotel: Coach transfer to Gwrych Castle, picnic on the castle grounds, seaside dinner and a digital scrapbook of your visit.
• Studio Trail Package — Manchester hotel: Fast‑track tickets to a media museum, a guided route to exterior studio locations and a voucher for a fan photo session.
• Belta Box Break — Central London hotel: Merchandise welcome pack, priority notice for podcast live recordings and a reserved table at a partnered West End pub for fan meetups.

Hometown pubs and fan‑friendly local spots

Ant & Dec’s Geordie identity makes Newcastle a natural first stop. Rather than claim personal hangouts, we recommend venues that are fan‑friendly & local‑loved — lively pubs with atmosphere, quiz nights and rooms that welcome groups. Always respect local privacy; these pubs are community spots, not celebrity claim‑outs.

Recommended pub experiences

• Quayside gathering: lively pub with river views, perfect for a fan trivia night. Book a corner table to bring playlist and photo slides to keep the theme.
• Local live‑music pub: rustic venue with regular local acts — a great evening after a day of filming‑location photos.
• Community inn: quieter, historic inn ideal for storytelling and sharing Ant & Dec trivia with locals — often where you’ll get the best insider anecdotes.

Practical tips: tickets, last‑minute access and 2026 tech

1. Timing and alerts

Subscribe to Belta Box channels and official show newsletters. In 2026 creators increasingly use D2C platforms to announce live events and surprise pop‑ups — being on their list is the fastest way to secure spots.

2. AR trails and self‑guided audio

Many fan trails now include augmented reality layers that unlock video clips, behind‑the‑scenes audio and geotagged photos. Download local trail apps before departure and preload content for offline use.

3. Use a concierge for last‑minute access

Hotels with fan packages often offer concierge ticket‑sourcing for sold‑out events. A good concierge will find returns, cancellations or industry allocations — essential if a Belta Box live taping is announced during your trip. For platform operators, see how to prepare ops for fast pop‑ups and flash drops: platform ops for hyper-local pop‑ups.

4. Sustainable travel choices

Opt for rail where possible and choose hotels that offset carbon or participate in local conservation. Many 2026 fan packages include a small sustainability donation or tree planting option as part of the price — and you can lean on circular packaging and green supply tactics when booking local experiences (circular supply tactics).

Case study: converting a Belta Box podcast event into a weekend getaway (realistic plan)

Scenario: Belta Box announces a live podcast taping in Manchester with limited tickets. Here’s how to turn it into a low‑stress fan weekend:

1. Sign up for ticket alerts and confirm travel dates within 24 hours of announcement.
2. Book a partner hotel on a flexible tariff that includes ticket‑sourcing concierge.
3. Reserve space at a recommended local pub for a pre‑show fan meetup (concierge can prebook food and a private area).
4. Use the hotel AR trail voucher to explore studio exteriors the next morning, including a media museum visit if time allows.
5. Extend with an optional fan package add‑on: printed scrapbook and a digital clip collection from the trip (great for quick vlogging or social share — see budget kits that scale: budget vlogging kit).

Safety, legality and respecting privacy

Fans should always respect local residents and private property. Filming locations may be on private land or in neighbourhoods; look for public access points, guided tours or official open days. Avoid trespass or harassment of cast/crew. Booking through verified partner hotels and concierges reduces the risk of invitations that are not legitimate.

Future trends to watch (2026 & beyond)

• Creator‑led travel drops: Expect more creators to announce pop‑up events through their channels; real‑time alerts and rapid booking will be essential.
• Verified fan badges: Hotels and event operators will increasingly offer verified fan credentials tied to loyalty programs — useful for priority seating and recognition at events. See how micro‑influencer marketplaces are evolving: micro‑influencer marketplaces.
• Immersive AR experiences: Trails will layer short video clips and full‑length retrospective interviews over real locations to deepen the fan experience.
• Concierge + AI itinerary builders: In 2026, expect AI to build dynamic day plans that integrate local transport, hotel packages and last‑minute ticket opportunities — including on-device and local LLM approaches (run local LLMs).

Actionable takeaways

• Plan around Belta Box: sign up to official channels for earliest notice of live events and podcast tapings.
• Book partner hotel packages: they bundle local access, concierge help and fan perks — saving time and uncertainty.
• Use AR trails: load geotagged content before you travel for richer, self‑guided exploration.
• Respect privacy: follow official visitor routes and guided tours; don’t trespass or crowd private residences.
• Choose flexibility: in 2026, refundable options and concierge sourcing are worth the slight premium.

Final notes — make it yours

This Ant & Dec fan road trip is designed to be cheeky, practical and flexible. Whether you want a nostalgic weekend retracing early‑career footsteps or a longer exploration that follows the duo’s TV journey across the U.K., 2026 gives fans more ways to access curated experiences without the usual friction. Use partner hotel packages for rapid booking, watch Belta Box channels for surprise drops, and layer on AR and sustainability choices to travel smarter.

Book your Ant & Dec fan experience

Ready to turn the nostalgia into a weekend (or week) you’ll actually enjoy? Our concierge team curates partner hotel packages, sources last‑minute tickets and builds AR‑enabled routes so you can spend time fangirling — not planning. Click through to explore available Ant & Dec fan packages, check real‑time Belta Box alerts and reserve your preferred dates.

Start your Ant & Dec tour now — claim a curated package and get instant access to route maps, priority notifications and concierge booking.

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