Why Soap Tours Mean So Much To Me: Lucy's Story Of Coronation Street, Emmerdale And Finding Joy Again
For many soap viewers, Coronation Street and Emmerdale are part of the daily routine. They are familiar, comforting and have become part of people's lives over many years. For Lucy, visiting the real life sets behind two of Britain's biggest soaps has become something much more personal.
A passionate fan of both shows, Lucy has visited the Coronation Street and Emmerdale tours multiple times and describes them as some of her favourite experiences.
Her connection to Coronation Street carries an especially emotional meaning.
Speaking to SoaplandTV, Lucy explained how she visits the Coronation Street set every year around the anniversary of the Manchester Arena attack.
"There is a bench at Coronation Street dedicated to the victims of the Manchester Arena attack. As a survivor of that attack, I go to Corrie every year around the anniversary to see the bench and to do something fun and that I love in Manchester. It helps me heal and helps me find joy in a dark time."
The annual visit has become an important personal tradition and one that combines remembrance with positive memories.
Alongside the emotional significance, Lucy says the tours themselves offer an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves the soaps.
"Both the Coronation Street and Emmerdale tours are fantastic. You are immersed into the real world of the show and it is the perfect day out for a regular watcher of the soaps."
One of her favourite parts is meeting the people who bring the characters to life.
"My personal favourite part is the Star Tour meet and greet. Meeting a cast member is so exciting and always such a lovely experience. I have found every actor I've met to be so welcoming and friendly and it really adds something extra special to your day."
Lucy believes the tours offer something unique that cannot be replicated by simply watching at home.
"The tours are absolutely worth the money, especially for super fans. They are a little pricey but it is a wonderful day out and for people like me who love and care about the soaps, it is worth every penny."
One location in particular holds a special place in her heart.
"There is something so special about setting foot in the village or on the cobbles. It's a feeling of happiness for me and it really does bring me so much joy to go on these tours."
While Coronation Street remains an important annual destination, Lucy admits there is one soap location she feels most connected to.
"The Emmerdale village is my favourite place on earth."
That connection has only grown stronger through repeated visits to the Yorkshire set.
A standout memory came during a visit with friends when they had the opportunity to meet actress Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle.
"A personal highlight for me was the day me and my friends went to Emmerdale and met Lisa Riley. She was genuinely the nicest person ever, so gorgeous and kind and took her time with everyone."
For Lucy, the atmosphere of the village itself is every bit as memorable as meeting the stars.
"The Woolpack is always one of my favourite spots. I can't explain it but I feel genuinely so elated and emotional every time I get to see it. It symbolises everything I love about Emmerdale, a show that has changed my life."
She added:
"Getting a photo outside it never loses its sparkle no matter how many times I attend the tour."
One of the things she enjoys most about the tours is seeing familiar locations in person after years of watching them on television.
"I would 100% recommend the tours to soap fans. Imagine watching something on TV every day and then suddenly stepping into that world. That's exactly what the tours are."
The experience also provides a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes.
"You learn so much about how the soaps work behind the scenes and the tours are interactive and fun. It truly does create memories for a lifetime."
As a Yorkshire location, Emmerdale also offers visitors the chance to explore some of the surrounding areas.
"The Emmerdale village is closely located to Harrogate, which is such a beautiful town. I love spending time there before or after the tour. It makes the perfect weekend away."
For Lucy, the tours are about much more than seeing television sets. They are places connected to friendships, memories, healing and happiness.
Whether standing outside The Woolpack, walking the famous cobbles of Weatherfield or reflecting beside the Manchester Arena memorial bench, each visit continues to create lasting memories.
As Lucy puts it:
"They are so much fun. It is my favourite way to spend a weekend."
Photo Credit: Lucy
Special thanks to Lucy for sharing her story and photographs with SoaplandTV.
