Tourists flock to street used as a film set - and Airbnb row is 'final straw'

Chalcot Crescent, located in the charming area of Primrose Hill in London, is a street that has become quite popular among visitors. This street is known for its beautiful pastel-colored townhouses, which are painted in shades of yellow, pink, blue, and grey. Each house stands tall with four or five floors, creating a picturesque scene that many people admire. Recently, Chalcot Crescent has attracted a new kind of visitor: film tourists. This is largely due to its appearance in the beloved Paddington movie series, where one of the houses serves as the home of the fictional Brown family. Local councillor Matt Cooper expressed his concerns about the situation, noting that he has witnessed tourists taking selfies right in front of residents' living room windows. He mentioned that if it were his home, he would feel quite annoyed to have strangers showcasing his living space on social media. This highlights the impact that tourism can have on the lives of local residents. The situation has escalated into a conflict between the residents of Chalcot Crescent and Airbnb, the popular holiday booking platform. Airbnb is currently running a competition that allows three families to stay in a house on the street to celebrate the release of a new film. To prepare for this event, Airbnb has announced plans to renovate the property for two weeks, transforming it to resemble the film set. This includes painting the facade blue, blocking off five parking spaces, and causing noise disruptions during the renovation period. Many residents have voiced their concerns in a letter to Airbnb, arguing that this competition will exacerbate the existing issues of over-tourism that the street is already facing. Mr. Cooper described the situation as 'the straw breaking the camel’s back,' indicating that it may be the final issue that pushes residents to take action. In response to the backlash, Airbnb stated that they have not disclosed the exact location of the house and that they are making a 'sizeable donation' to the Primrose Hill Community Association to support the local community. This is not the first time that film tourism has sparked controversy in various locations. For instance, Glenfinnan in Scotland is renowned for its appearance in the Harry Potter films, particularly the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, which serves as part of the Hogwarts Express route. However, the influx of Harry Potter fans has led to complaints from local residents in the small village of Glenfinnan, which has a population of only 150 people. In the first ten months of 2023 alone, nearly half a million tourists visited the viaduct, resulting in significant traffic congestion and a lack of public facilities. Some locals have reported that the traffic reaches 'complete gridlock,' while others have expressed frustration over the absence of sufficient public toilets, leading to unsightly situations. Similarly, in Bampton, Oxfordshire, known for its role in the popular series Downton Abbey, residents have voiced their concerns about the arrival of large groups of tourists who come to take pictures of filming locations but do not contribute to the local economy. In response to these issues, an agreement was reached with coach companies to help manage parking and reduce congestion in the area. In Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, locals have also reported an increase in stag and hen parties following the popularity of the BBC crime series Happy Valley. The challenges associated with tourism, such as overcrowding, litter, and parking problems, are compounded by the unique issues that film tourism brings. Dr. James Cateridge, a senior lecturer in film studies at Oxford Brookes University, explained that while there may be a surge in tourists when a film is released, this influx can quickly diminish, making it difficult for towns to plan for the future. However, Primrose Hill has a history of accommodating visitors, as it has long been a popular spot for fans of the Bridget Jones films and for those seeking to enjoy the stunning views from Primrose Hill Park. Despite the challenges, film tourism can also provide significant benefits to local economies. A report from the British Film Institute (BFI) revealed that film-related tourism from international visitors to the UK was estimated to be nearly £900 million in 2019, with high-end television tourism contributing an additional £500 million to the economy. This demonstrates the potential for films to boost local businesses and attractions. For example, residents of Barry Island in south Wales welcomed the recent filming of a special episode of Gavin and Stacey, as it brought crowds of onlookers and increased economic activity. Local resident Marco Zeraschi noted that every time filming occurs, there is a noticeable boost in the local economy. Similarly, in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, the anticipation of a new film is expected to attract more tourists, and VisitScotland is eager to see the positive effects it may bring. To achieve a balance between the needs of local residents and the influx of film tourists, Dr. Cateridge suggests that councils and tourism organizations should proactively plan to distribute visitors across a wider area. Dr. Peter Robinson from Leeds Beckett University points out that smaller filming locations, which often have fewer opportunities for visitors to spend money, tend to struggle more than larger locations. He compared Glenfinnan, which has limited commercial options, to Highclere Castle, where parts of Downton Abbey were filmed, noting that the latter has many more amenities for visitors. In Primrose Hill, Airbnb has assured residents that the temporary renovations for the competition winners will be reverted to their original state 'in a matter of weeks. ' A spokesperson for Airbnb emphasized their respect for the community and their commitment to maintaining communication with local residents. While this particular dispute may resolve itself once the Airbnb project concludes, the connection between Chalcot Crescent and the Paddington films is likely to endure, continuing to attract tourists eager to capture their own memories in front of the famous houses. If you have a location near you that has been featured in films, we would love to hear your experiences regarding the impact of tourism on your community.