The story of the one of England’s most famous queens will help raise awareness of the country’s historic houses and destinations as more British travellers look to experience a domestic holiday in 2009. A new website, www.enjoyengland.com/theyoungvictoria, is promoting a wealth of locations just as The Young Victoria receives its world premiere in London (3 March 2009).

National tourism agency VisitBritain’s domestic arm, Enjoy England, has teamed up with Momentum Pictures to promote English destinations featured in The Young Victoria, starring Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend. Released nationwide on 6 March, just as many Brits will be looking ahead to the Easter break, it will be the perfect opportunity to remind holidaymakers of the wealth of heritage attractions England can offer.

Oscar-winner Julian Fellowes wrote the film and says in an interview: “I love England… and I love the great houses of England, I think they have wonderful stories to tell. I think that the rather – to me – narrow view that the upper classes have nothing to contribute is a false one. I think those houses and collections illustrate that. It was a treat to be filming at Wilton [House] and Blenheim [Palace], all of them. I think the wonderful thing about this kind of film is that it can transport you to all of these places.”

The website has sections on locations Arundel and Belvoir Castle, Blenheim Palace, Ham House, Lancaster House, Ditchley, Greenwich, Osterley Park, Wilton House and Lincoln Cathedral. Interviews with cast and crew complement a section on attractions, destinations and events linked to Queen Victoria. These will include details of exhibitions of the film’s stunning costumes at Blenheim Palace and Belvoir Castle.

Amanda Smyth, head of marketing for Enjoy England, says: “We love historic adaptations on TV and film – just look at the TV schedules – and tourist boards know they can be a wonderful advert for attractions and destinations around the country. I think when people see The Young Victoria, they will get a real taste of some of our treasured historic houses and be inspired to visit at the weekend or for Mother’s Day perhaps.

“A fantastic English cast, one of our most prolific and highly regarded actor-novelists, and knowing the impact Queen Victoria has had on our nation is surely a winning combination. With the current exchange rate hopefully encouraging more Brits to consider taking a holiday at home, this is perfect timing to remind them of some of the special attractions they can enjoy.”

Directed by Jean-Marc Vallee, The Young Victoria is written by Oscar-winner Julian Fellowes and stars Emily Blunt as the titular monarch and Rupert Friend as her consort. The cast of English heavy-weights also includes Miranda Richardson, Mark Strong, Paul Bettany, Jim Broadbent and Julian Glover.

Academy Award winning producer Graham King, says: “It adds so much to the film to shoot at these beautiful UK locations.  You look at these places and think how can one not shoot here. Not only does the film look ravishing, but it's important for everyone especially the cast and director to feel that authenticity and see that translate onto the screen.”

The Young Victoria receives its world premiere in London on 3 March and is on nationwide release from 6 March 2009.