Drama. Power. Family struggles. Although this sounds like a description of the beloved British royal family, these are the trials of a different Roy-al dynasty. Fans of HBO’s award-winning drama, Succession, have been privy to the strife surrounding the media moguls, and binge-watchers are anxiously awaiting the release of Season 3. Unfortunately, they will have to wait until the summer. Meanwhile, avid devotees can satiate their appetites by traveling to the show’s past filming locations. From a quaint island paradise to a real-life castle, here are a few must-visit destinations for those obsessed with success-ion.
New York City, New York, USA
The Big Apple is one of the most used US locations for filming. Past seasons have had viewers watching scenes surrounding Manhattan, Lexington Avenue, East 75th Street, and the Financial District. It’s no wonder that New York City is the ideal place to head for Succession addicts to experience a plethora of highlights.
Head to Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center or the pinnacle of the Empire State Building to enjoy a panoramic look at the city. Kids – both young and old – will enjoy observing the animals at the New York Aquarium and the Central Park Zoo. Many of the city’s staples, such as Yankee Stadium and NBC Studios, offer tours so that visitors can get a behind-the-scenes peek. When the town is bustling, travelers can savor a respite at one of the many parks, such as Central, Madison Square, and Prospect, to name a few.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
With art galleries, hiking trails, and an abundance of terracotta structures, Santa Fe is set against a lovely landscape. It is not surprising that the area has been the location for several shows, including Succession. Now serving as the capital city of New Mexico, the area was once home to the indigenous people of the US, and their imprint on the land still shows.
El Rancho de las Golondrinas is a living history museum that portrays life in the early days. Art lovers will enjoy learning about the life of Georgia O’Keeffe as they peruse her artwork at the museum that bears her name. Also of note is Meow Wolf, which is a creative exhibition of sorts that challenges the thinking of its patrons. The Santa Fe Botanical Garden is also a worthy stop, which affords a green haven amidst the desert.
Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA
Succession producers took a gamble when they requested that the Atlantic City-Brigantine tunnel close for filming, but it was well worth it when the answer was “yes.” Instead of playing a game of chance for the arts, Atlantic City travelers can enjoy time at one of the many casinos to test their luck. Win or lose, this coastal New Jersey town offers much more than slots and betting tables.
Spend time soaking in the sun on the free beaches during the day. At night head to Steel Pier, which is an amusement park that has been a staple in Atlantic City since 1898. For those that want to enjoy ocean views, a hike up the 228 steps of the Absecon Lighthouse will suffice. No matter how you choose to fill your time, the area is ideal for families and solo travelers alike, and be sure to take a stroll along the boardwalk while you are there.
Herefordshire, England
The English countryside is stunning, which made Eastnor Castle an ideal location for filming at the end of Succession’s first season. Aficionados of the show will rejoice when they hear that the manor is tourable and open to visitors on select days. Still, Herefordshire possesses other stunning architecture beyond the idyllic castle.
The medieval-style Hereford Cathedral has hidden gardens, and the church’s windows contain colorful stained glass. Hergest Croft Gardens is a 70-acre oasis that possesses rare trees and has been run by the same family for more than 120 years. If spirits are on the agenda, Herefordshire has both a distillery and brewery. Chase Distillery grows potatoes to make its signature vodka, and Wye Valley Brewery has been perfecting its craft brews since 1985.
Korcula, Croatia
Several scenes from Succession take place in Korcula, Croatia. A number of these occur on a yacht, which makes sense if you consider that Korcula is an island in the Adriatic Sea. The historic “Old City” is reminiscent of Dubrovnik with its architecture and red roofs. The town also lays claim that it is the birthplace of Marco Polo, but Venetians would significantly argue that point. Either way, Korcula’s Marco Polo House is quaint and offers lovely vistas of the sea.
The island is peppered with pristine beaches, and the shoreline lends itself to water-centric activities such as snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and jet-skiing. Boat tours are available for viewing the beauty of the island from the water. Additionally, Korcula is the place to go for those who want to live like the Roy family and splurge on chartering a yacht while spending a day at sea.
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