PRESS RELEASE
After a year in which very few Midsomer Tours took place, thanks to coronavirus restrictions, the popular Midsomer Tours of Thame are back! They recommence on Wednesday 14th April, starting outside the Town Hall at 2 pm, and continue each Wednesday until 27th October. The tours are led by a team of seven knowledgeable guides (all volunteers) who are enthusiastic experts, not only on Midsomer Murders locations, the different episodes, the actors, the bizarre methods of murder and much more, but on local history too.
The guides will escort you round the 23 Midsomer filming locations in Thame, tell you about each location – including Thame Town Hall (aka Causton Town Hall), the Spread Eagle and Swan Hotels, estate agents Chancellors and Tim Russ, Rumsey’s Chocolaterie and Thame Museum. Participants will also learn fascinating snippets about Thame’s history, from Neanderthal remains to the English Civil War and Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. A popular stop point is the Prebendal, which featured in a recent episode, not only rich in history as a building, but also the former home of Bee Gee, Robin Gibb, buried in St Mary’s Churchyard nearby.
The globally acclaimed Midsomer Murders is a TV phenomenon, which has been running since 1997 and is still going strong. Thame is one of the most-filmed locations, sometimes appearing as Causton, sometimes as one of the many picturesque villages in Midsomer County (aka Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire).
Tony Long, tour organiser, commented, ‘We are delighted that the ever-popular Midsomer Tours can start again. Over 6 million people watch Midsomer Murders in the UK and millions more worldwide. When people see it on TV, they want to come and visit the beautiful towns and villages of Midsomer, such as Thame. When they are here, they spend money in our restaurants, pubs, hotels, and shops – which has got to be good for the town and its economy, especially following the lockdowns’.
He added, ‘Following government advice, we will ensure that the now smaller tour groups comply with social distancing guidelines. Participants may wish to wear face masks, but none of the locations involves being indoors, so this is not necessary. Hand sanitiser can be provided on request’.
DID YOU KNOW…?
- It’s estimated that one billion people around the world have seen Midsomer Murders and it has been viewed in over 200 countries
- There have been 22 series and 128 episodes since it began in 1997, series 22 is currently being aired, with another series in production
- More than 1,000 people have taken the Midsomer Tour of Thame to date
- Two thirds of tour income is donated to local charities, and over £4,000 has been donated to date
TOUR AND BOOKING INFORMATION
- The tour starts at Thame Town Hall every Wednesday at 2 pm April – October, and lasts around 75 minutes.
- A 5-person max per tour is in place while current restrictions are in force – two tours are possible each Wednesday, taking 5 people per tour.
- Tickets are £10 per person. Book online at ticketsource.co.uk/thamemidsomer or at Thame Museum in person during opening hours – check the website here.
- Ad hoc tours are available if Wednesday isn’t possible, for more information and to arrange, contact thamemidsomertours@gmail.com
FEEDBACK FROM TOUR PARTICIPANTS
‘We loved the tour. It was really interesting, how it mixes real history with facts about the show, and what a beautiful town! Alan was a wonderful guide – very warm and considerate, and of course brimming with knowledge. The photo opportunity outside Causton Town Hall at the end was a particularly lovely touch. I will definitely be recommending it.’
‘I can see why the tour is so popular – it was a delight! It was very informative, not only regarding Midsomer Murders, but also with more general historical information. We all had a very enjoyable time. I can confidently recommend the Midsomer tour for anyone with an interest in Midsomer and in Thame’s historical background.’
