The Da Vinci Code
England is used to its role as a literary and film location, but never has there been so much interest generated as there is in The Da Vinci Code. A variety of locations from London to Lincoln have already experienced a visitor surge since the phenomenal success of both Dan Brown’s novel and Ron Howard’s film.
The novel - read around the world by over 25 million people - mixes fiction with fact to page-turning effect and the movie starring Tom Hanks, Sir Ian McKellan and Audrey Tatou has been a huge hit on our cinema screens. It centres on a secret society, the Priory of Sion, which exists to safeguard the secret of the Holy Grail.
Starting in Paris, France with a memorable scene in the Louvre, Dan Brown’s thriller climaxes in England, as the increasingly beleaguered symbologist Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) and cryptologist Sophie Neveu (Audrey Tatou) look for the mysterious Teacher!
Follow in the footsteps of Tom Hanks and discover the hidden secrets of one of England’s most picturesque counties.
Lincolnshire
Famous for its lush meadows, towering cathedrals and enchanting villages - is becoming a popular film location for some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters. It’s no surprise Oscar-winning director Ron Howard chose this beautifully archetypal English county to shoot some of the film’s most intriguing parts.
Discover the historic city of Lincoln where the all-star cast shot climactic scenes inside Lincoln Cathedral (www.lincolncathedral.com/). The cathedral, which portrayed Westminster Abbey in the film, has dominated the surrounding skyline for almost 1,000 years and is spectacular both inside and out. The world famous Magna Carta, signed by King John in 1215, is one of only four surviving originals. It is on display at Lincoln Castle, and not Lincoln Cathedral as stated in the Da Vinci Code DVD booklet.
Relive more The Da Vinci Code movie magic at Burghley House. England’s grandest house of the first Elizabethan age with an exquisite 300-acre deer park landscaped by Capability Brown. No stranger to Hollywood, this magnificent residence also starred in the 2005 adaptation of Jane Austin’s 'Pride & Prejudice'.
Just over the border in Leicestershire lies Belvoir Castle, which featured as ‘Castel Gandolfo’ in the film. You’ll discover breathtaking views across the Vale of Belvoir, magical woodlands and Rose and Statue Gardens. Inside, browse the superb art collection that includes paintings by Reynolds, Holbein and Poussin.
London
As the quest continues, the puzzles become more complex. Only one thing remains certain – the answer lie somewhere in London.
A labyrinth of ancient buildings, dramatic courtyards and exquisite gardens lead you through London’s extraordinary historical centre to Temple Church. Built by the Knights Templar in the 12th century, this momentous sanctuary exudes historic grandeur.
Your search intensifies as you rush on to Westminster Abbey, an astounding masterpiece of 11th century Gothic architecture. Within its majestic chambers, amongst the relics of past kings and queens, you’ll find the tomb of Sir Isaac Newton – key to the riddle; ‘In London lies a knight a pope interred’.
Our daring duo also make some startling discoveries in the Reading Room at King's College - one of London's oldest colleges, situated on the Strand near to the River Thames.
Hurry on to St James’s Park. It’s here that the ‘The Teacher’ disposes of his unwanted accomplices and is one of London’s most picturesque Royal Parks. It’s flanked by three majestic palaces, and has extraordinary views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Finish your gripping tour of London at the National Gallery, symbolically located on the north side of Trafalgar Square. This world-class gallery houses thousands of precious artworks including Da Vinci’s celebrated Virgin of the Rocks, which Langdon uses to finally unlock the secrets of The Da Vinci Code.
Winchester
Dating back over 900 years, Winchester’s world-famous cathedral is as remarkable for its hidden treasures as for its spectacular architecture. Here, in the longest medieval nave in Europe, you’ll find outstanding works of art alongside the tombs of Jane Austen, Izaak Walton and the early English kings.
Winchester Cathedral provided the backdrop to some of the opening scenes in The Da Vinci Code, where its north transept portrayed the Vatican. The cathedral is now running a major exhibition entitled ‘Cracking the Code’, which invites you to explore the concepts and symbols in the book and to discover Winchester’s very own images and icons.