Christmas gift ideas: 12 of 2022’s best British period dramas DVDs and box sets
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
2022 has treated us to a wonderful range of great new British period dramas, with some magical movies back on the big screen as cinemas reopened post-pandemic, lots of brand new TV shows to enjoy, and plenty of our favourite series returning with new seasons.
If you’re starting to think about finding the perfect Christmas present for a loved one (or a festive treat for yourself), we’ve scoured Amazon for this year’s best new DVDs and box sets!
Downton Abbey: A New Era
Set in 1928, the second Downton Abbey movie sees our beloved characters embark on a lavish trip to the South of France where they must uncover the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa.
Buy Downton Abbey: A New Era on DVD on Amazon here!
Around the World in 80 Days – Season 1
Doctor Who star David Tennant leads the cast of this adventure series based on French writer Jules Verne’s classic 1873 book, as Phileas Fogg and friends attempt to circumnavigate the world in 80 days.
Buy the Around the World in 80 Days DVD box set on Amazon here!
Mrs Harris Goes to Paris
World on Fire actress Lesley Manville stars in as a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London who becomes obsessed with a couture Dior dress and decides to go on an adventure to Paris in this movie based on the novel by Paul Gallico.
Buy Mrs Harris Goes to Paris on DVD on Amazon here!
Father Brown – Season 9
Set in the Cotswolds in the 1950s and starring Harry Potter actor Mark Williams as the titular crime-busting Roman Catholic priest, the BBC’s hit crime drama series returned for a ninth season and celebrated the show’s 100th episode!
Buy the Father Brown Season 9 DVD box set on Amazon here!
Death on the Nile
Kenneth Branagh returns as Hercule Poirot alongside an all-star cast in this sequel to 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express, with Poirot investigating a murder while on a luxury cruise on the Nile River in Egypt.
Buy Death on the Nile on DVD on Amazon here!
All Creature Great and Small – Season 2
Based on author James Herriot’s much-loved collection of stories, Channel 5’s hit revival of All Creatures Great and Small returned for a second season earlier this year, with more heartwarming and humorous adventures in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s.
Buy the All Creature Great and Small Season 2 DVD box set on Amazon here!
The Duke
Helen Mirren (The Queen), Jim Broadbent (Bridget Jones), and Matthew Goode (Downton Abbey) star in this uplifting 1960s tale from the director of Notting Hill.
Buy The Duke on DVD on Amazon here!
Grantchester – Season 7
Tom Brittney (Outlander) and Robson Green (Soldier Soldier) returned for a seventh season of ITV’s popular 1950s crime drama series, busy as ever investigating a range of local murder cases.
Buy the Grantchester Season 7 DVD box set on Amazon here!
Mr Malcolm’s List
Based on the novel by Suzanne Allain, Mr Malcolm’s List follows a young woman in 1800s England enlists the help of her friend to get revenge on a suitor who rejected her for failing a requirement of his list.
Buy Mr Malcolm’s List on DVD on Amazon here!
Endeavour – Season 8
Set in 1971, the eighth season of ITV’s Inspector Morse prequel saw Shaun Evans reprise his role as DS Endeavour Morse, alongside Roger Allam as DCI Fred Thursday.
Buy the Endeavour Season 8 DVD box set on Amazon here!
Magpie Murders – Season 1
From the creator of Foyle’s War and based on his acclaimed 2016 novel Magpie Murders, this crime drama series is a murder mystery within a murder mystery, spanning two time periods; the 1950s and contemporary Britain.
Buy the Magpie Murders Season 1 DVD box set on Amazon here!
Sister Boniface Mysteries – Season 1
Based on the character of Sister Boniface from Father Brown, this spin-off series stars Lorna Watson (Watson & Oliver), reprising her role as the sleuthing nun in ten new light-hearted murder mysteries set in the 1960s.
Buy the Sister Boniface Mysteries Season 1 DVD box set on Amazon here!
You can take a look at more of our Christmas gift ideas here.