The villages of Box and Neston in Wiltshire, where ratings topping period drama Lark Rise To Candleford was filmed, could also see a surge in visitors following its final series this year.

These communities are likely to benefit from their on-screen links for a while yet as perennial BBC comedy favourite The Vicar of Dibley continues to attract visitors to chocolate-box Turville in Buckinghamshire five years after its end.

The Harry Potter film series has also inspired millions of holidaymakers to explore the locations of key scenes, with one in 20 Brits visiting Hogwarts (Gloucester Cathedral) and a similar number visiting Lavenham in Suffolk, best known as Godrics Hollow in the latest film.

The trend is being fuelled by the resurgence of British tourism, with close to a third of all Brits planning to stay in the UK for their main holiday this year to save money.

There has also been a surge in daycationers choosing to save cash and go on single days out rather than longer holidays in recent years.

However, the research shows that TV tourists are willing to travel significant distances to visit their favourite famous locations, driving up to 140 miles on a trip.

The devotion is inspired by the chance to meet the cast of the programme or be photographed in a famous locale with most TV tourists agreeing that visiting the setting for their favourite series increases their enjoyment of the programme afterwards.

The findings reveal that TV tourists are most attracted to TV and film locations that have added historical links, locations near the coast and rural spots, suggesting the next big hits to attract visitors may be the sets of forthcoming period dramas such as The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher, set in the village of Rode in Somerset, and The Crimson Petal And The White, filmed at Rochester in Kent.

Researchers say these locations could make significant cash from the influx of TV tourists, with the average family spending £76 per adult on each daytrip around Britain.

However, its not just period dramas that drive families to visit famous destinations. Raymond Blancs restaurant Brasserie Blanc in Bristol - home of reality show The Restaurant - is also among the most desirable destinations for would-be visitors.

River Cottage, centrepiece of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstalls cookery shows, is also a planned daytrip destination for one in 14 Brits (seven per cent).

This Easter weekend the CSMA is encouraging Brits to explore some of the destinations that the UK has to offer, whether theyve had their five minutes of fame or not. The CSMA Club owns a number of leisure retreats, which are exclusively available for members of the CSMA at discounted rates.

Mark Rothery, managing director of the CSMA, said: "While there may be a perception that watching TV stops us getting outside and enjoying the countryside, this research shows that our love of great British TV programmes and films has actually boosted the UK tourism industry.

"Locations such as Highclere House in Berkshire, Gloucester Cathedral in the Cotswolds and Coniston in Cumbria are a fantastic choice for a family day out, and hopefully their on-screen connections will get more people discovering Britains fascinating heritage."

CSMA Club was founded in 1923. Since then it has been providing its members with a wide range of motoring and leisure benefits such as discounted breakdown and car insurance, as well as exclusive access to leisure events and holiday homes.