As I deep dive further into middle age, and the body gives up its gamut of ghosts, I continue in my one-man quest for activity to occupy my time. Yes, I have taken up ‘droning’ which is met by the casual observer as a threat to their very being (folk act very strangely when they see a toy aircraft hovering over a rural field), as well as continuing to relax by writing these columns.

My brother, of a similar vintage, has taken up metal detecting which I have poured scorn upon until, that is, he found an Edward VI penny a few weeks ago which should pay for a decent summer holiday and a new rig should he so wish.

As a dad and trying to keep costs down I plump for holding off the expense whenever I can: In years past it would be a trip to Pets at Home which is, in effect, a miniature, free, petting zoo. Since they have grown up somewhat, I cannot get away with such tightness and theme parks have replaced them as I can think of nothing more appealing than standing around in the cold for eight hours for a total of two minutes ‘fun’.

But I recently got thinking when my 12-year-old asked me when the new series of the Apprentice was starting (we are both fans of the grizzled Lord and the hapless wanabees), and it was then I realised that I lived near to where they film the taxi ‘you’re fired’ scene. Granted, it only gave us but ten minutes entertainment, but I gleefully kept my wallet in my pocket as I filmed young Millie walking away from the non-descript doors as I shouted, ‘you’re fired!’ at her despite her obvious embarrassment.

Shortly after that detour, I read about a new ‘hobby’ which really appeals and one which I had not realised I have also lost my virginity to: Set-jetting.

As the name suggests, it is a collection of film and TV ‘fans’ who travel, sometimes internationally, to famous filming locations where they try, and inevitably fail, to recreate the films scene in pictorial form.

I realised that, although I had not put a label on such activity I had in fact been a participant for years: Being pictured outside Doc Martin's house in Port Isaac, Cornwall (the two-bed cottage was recently up for sale for a ‘cool’ £1.15million), recreating the ‘What’s the Story’ album cover in central London, being pictured outside McCartney's recording studio in Winchelsea, the hideout from Lock, Stock in Borough, Quadrophenia Alley in Brighton and likewise outside Hugh’s flat from Love Actually in Portobello Road.

And so, now with a label on it, I plan to do more, for purposes unknown: to visit Worzel Gummidge’s field in Romsey, Hampshire, to Gavin and Stacey’s drum in Barry or Paddington’s house in Chaldot Crescent, Primrose Hill.

There's certainly gold in them their hills for travel companies, as we all look for alternatives to the bucket and spade Benidorm experience. They are currently attempting to cash in by offering packages to view sets in far flung locations. The most popular destination this year? Venice Beach in California which was used for ‘Barbie’ and New Jersey which is a Marvel hotspot, apparently.

As for me, with my remit of keeping the costs down and interest up, I aim to make the most of what is on my doorstep and, to that end, I plan to surprise my 12-year-old with a trip to St Albans to visit HMP Slade from Porridge fame which now acts as the town's registry office. I have not broken the news to her yet, and no doubt she will be nonplussed having never watched the Ronnie Barker sitcom, but maybe, just maybe I can give her the bug as we set jet the south of England on the coattails of silver screen legends of yesteryear…

  • Brett Ellis is a teacher