MASTERPIECE 40th Anniversary Sweepstakes

Fans given chance to win a VIP trip to see the "real" Downton Abbey

BOSTON, Feb. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For forty years, fans of the popular drama series MASTERPIECE on PBS have been dazzled by the stunning locations featured in its programs. Now MASTERPIECE has launched the MASTERPIECE 40th Anniversary Sweepstakes. In collaboration with VisitBritain, Britain's national tourism agency and home of the Great British Heritage Pass, MASTERPIECE offers viewers the chance to win a trip to England to visit select locations—including Highclere Castle, the "real" setting for the MASTERPIECE hit series Downton Abbey. The Sweepstakes runs through April 26, 2011.

"Viewers are constantly writing to ask us where our programs were filmed," says MASTERPIECE executive producer Rebecca Eaton. "What better way to celebrate MASTERPIECE's 40th anniversary than to offer our fans an opportunity for an exclusive tour of some of these fabulous locations?"

"'Set-Jetting' has increasingly become one of the most popular travel trends for American travelers and the UK is full of iconic film and TV locations that are open to the public," says Karen Clarkson, VisitBritain's VP, North America. "VisitBritain is delighted to be working with MASTERPIECE on PBS and we are looking forward to welcoming their fans to Britain soon."

The MASTERPIECE 40th Anniversary Sweepstakes Grand Prize winner will win roundtrip travel to the UK courtesy of British Airways for two adults. The exclusive four-day, three-night trip includes VIP tours of MASTERPIECE locations: Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey), Greenway (home of Agatha Christie) and Blenheim Palace (The Lost Prince), all of which are included in VisitBritain's Great British Heritage Pass. Accommodations are at MacDonald Hotels & Resorts in the historic cities of Bath (Persuasion) and Oxford (Inspector Lewis).  Travel must take place from September 11 through September 15, 2011.

Information on how to enter the Sweepstakes and the Official Sweepstakes Rules can be found on the MASTERPIECE Web site at pbs.org/masterpiecesweepstakes.  

To find more information about VisitBritain and The Great British Heritage Pass, go to VisitBritain.com or visit their online shop at VisitBritainShop.us.

MASTERPIECE is presented on PBS by WGBH Boston. Rebecca Eaton is executive producer. Funding for the series is provided by public television viewers with additional support from contributors to The MASTERPIECE Trust, created to help ensure the series future.

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