BBC Victorian Farm TV Series: Behind the Scenes Tour

Step into the world of the BBC’s much-loved Victorian Farm series with this exclusive guided tour of the original filming locations at Acton Scott Heritage Farm.

Led by Francis Acton, son of the late Thomas Stackhouse Acton, this special experience offers a rare opportunity to explore the authentic Shropshire farm that brought Victorian rural life to millions of television viewers.

Filmed on the Acton Scott Estate between 2007 and 2009, Victorian Farm and Victorian Farm Christmas starred historians Ruth Goodman, Alex Langlands and Peter Ginn. The series became one of the BBC’s most successful historical programmes and continues to captivate audiences around the world today.

Discover the Real Victorian Farm

Chosen for its remarkable authenticity, Acton Scott Heritage Farm provided the perfect setting for recreating everyday Victorian rural life. Long before filming began, the farm had already earned a reputation for preserving traditional farming methods, historic machinery, working horses, and rare rural skills.

Founded in 1975 by Thomas Stackhouse Acton, the farm became a pioneering centre for living history and heritage farming — making it uniquely suited to the series’ immersive approach.

Thomas Acton himself appeared throughout the programme and became fondly remembered by viewers for his role as the quintessential Victorian gentleman farmer.

What to Expect

During this guided walking tour, Francis Acton will share personal memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and fascinating insights into the making of the series while leading visitors through key locations used during filming.

Tour highlights include:

• Visit original filming locations from Victorian Farm
• Explore the historic farmstead featured throughout the series
• Discover where the famous pigsty was specially built for filming
• Hear behind-the-scenes production stories and anecdotes
• Learn where the presenters stayed during filming
• Explore the history of Acton Scott and Victorian farming traditions

Visitors will also have the opportunity to ask questions throughout the tour and experience the traditional landscapes, barns, and working farm environment that made the series so memorable.

For many guests, the tour is more than a television experience — it is a chance to reconnect with Britain’s rural heritage and step into the atmosphere of Victorian farming life itself.

Meet Your Guide: Francis Acton

As the son of Thomas Stackhouse Acton and a lifelong part of the Acton Scott Estate, Francis Acton brings a uniquely personal perspective to the history of the farm and the making of the BBC series.

His first-hand knowledge, family connection, and memories of filming offer visitors an insight that cannot be found anywhere else.

Tour Information

Tour Type: Guided walking tour
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Location: Acton Scott Heritage Farm, Shropshire
Suitable for: Adults and older children
Booking: Advance booking essential

Spaces are limited and expected to sell quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Victorian Farm filmed at Acton Scott Heritage Farm? Yes — much of Victorian Farm and Victorian Farm Christmas was filmed on the Acton Scott Estate and Heritage Farm in Shropshire.

Who leads the Victorian Farm Tour? The tour is led by Francis Acton, son of Thomas Stackhouse Acton, founder of Acton Scott Heritage Farm.

Can I visit the original filming locations? Yes — the tour includes access to several original filming locations featured in the series.

Is advance booking required? Yes — spaces are limited and advance booking is essential.

How long is the Victorian Farm Tour? The guided walking tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is the tour accessible? The tour includes walking across farmyards, grass paths, and uneven ground. Entrance to the Farm and bathrooms is step free. Visitors should wear suitable outdoor footwear. Please contact us in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements.

Can I take photographs during the tour? Yes — visitors are welcome to take photographs throughout the experience.

Is parking available? Yes — parking is available on site at Acton Scott Heritage Farm.

Are refreshments available? The Acton Scott Farm cafe will be open and able to provide hot and cold food and drinks from 10:30 to 16:00.

Is the tour outdoors? The tour will move in and out of buildings around the historic farm and estate, so weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Indoor spaces and under cover barns will feature highly in the case of wet weather!

Are tickets refundable? Tickets will be refunded in the event of extreme weather or cancellation by the hosts. An alternative date will also be offered too.

Will there be opportunities to ask questions? Yes — the tour is informal and interactive, with plenty of opportunities to ask Francis questions about the series, the Farm, and Victorian rural life.

Is the tour suitable for BBC Victorian Farm fans? Absolutely — the tour can be enjoyed by fans of the BBC series which will include behind-the-scenes stories, filming locations, and insights into how the programme was made.

Do I need to be a fan of the show to enjoy the tour? No — whether you have seen the BBC Victorian Farm series or not, the tour is designed for anyone interested in British history, traditional farming, rural life, and the heritage of the Shropshire countryside. Fans of the programme will recognise many familiar locations and stories, while first-time visitors can simply enjoy exploring one of Britain’s most historic working farms.