Unveiling the Enigmatic Charm: Exploring the Reality of Midsomer Murders’ Locations

Midsomer Murders locations: Is Midsomer a real place? Are the villages and towns in Midsomer Murders real places?

Filming Locations of Midsomer Murders

Midsomer Murders, the long-running British TV drama, has captured the hearts of audiences for the past 27 years. While the cast has undergone changes over the years, the idyllic English villages and picturesque countryside that serve as the backdrop for the series have remained constant. The show, known for its unusually high number of murders in a small county, showcases a collection of charming and picturesque villages.

The series, first aired in 1997, follows the investigations of Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Barnaby as he tries to solve the complex and often twisted murders. In 2011, Neil Dudgeon took over the role of DCI Barnaby from John Nettles, who played the character of Tom Barnaby.

The latest episode, titled “The Witches of Angel’s Rise,” aired on ITV on Sunday, August 27, and can also be viewed on ITVX. This particular episode features a guest appearance by TV presenter Holly Willoughby, known for her role on This Morning.

Filming Locations

Midsomer Murders is primarily filmed in various locations across the UK, with Wallingford in Oxfordshire serving as the fictional town of Causton. Oxfordshire, known for its impressive country houses and picturesque landscapes, provides the perfect setting for the series.

The production crew has also utilized other locations in Oxfordshire, such as Henley-on-Thames, Chinnor, Dorchester on Thames, Warborough, and Thame, to shoot scenes for Midsomer Murders.

Midsomer: Fictional or Real?

While many of the villages featured in Midsomer Murders bear the name “Midsomer,” the county itself and the town of Causton are purely fictional. There is no real Midsomer or Causton in England.

However, it is believed that the fictional county of Midsomer was inspired by the town of Midsomer Norton in Somerset. According to Visit Somerset, Midsomer Norton serves as the namesake for the popular ITV show.

About “The Witches of Angel’s Rise” Episode

In the episode “The Witches of Angel’s Rise,” the village of Angel’s Rise hosts an annual Psychic Fayre in the grand and gothic Eddon Hall. This event, founded by the Saint-Stephens family in memory of their late daughter, attracts mediums, psychics, and those interested in the occult.

The Saint-Stephens family has faced challenges over the years, with Peter Saint-Stephens, once tipped as a future Nobel Prize winner, now relying on the Fayre as their sole source of income. Jeanie, Peter’s wife and a devout Christian, has always opposed the Fayre, viewing it as a catalyst for debauchery and a tarnishment of their daughter’s memory.

However, this year, strange occurrences disrupt the equilibrium of the spirit world in Angel’s Rise. Jeanie firmly places blame on the local empaths, a group of self-proclaimed witches who conduct their rituals in the nearby Hades Caves. These caves, with a rich history dating back to the 18th century, were initially excavated to hide a secret society and continue to be shrouded in mystery.

Conclusion

While Midsomer Murders might not be set in a real county or town, its fictional world has captivated audiences worldwide for almost three decades. The show’s combination of intriguing mysteries and the charm of the English countryside has established Midsomer Murders as a beloved and enduring series.

As viewers continue to tune in to watch the investigations of DCI Barnaby and his team, they can revel in the fact that even though Midsomer may not be a real place, its allure and the compelling nature of its stories remain very much intact.