From palaces to parks, follow in the well-heeled footsteps of the Netflix show.
Netflix’s Bridgerton has put the United Kingdom in the silver screen spotlight. The success of the show means that filming locations across the country have been beamed around the world. Now, it is back with its third season, which notched up 82 million viewers and counting.
Bridgerton brings together high society, seduction and scandal. Based on the novels by Julia Quinn, the diverse cast includes Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton and Adjoa Andoh. Season three follows eight close-knit siblings as they attempt to find love. Expect proposals, parties and plenty of tea.
The Bridgerton-effect has caused the United Kingdom’s playground of palaces and parks to see a surge in visitors. VisitBritain’s CEO Patricia Yates, explains: “Bridgerton promotes Britain’s world-renowned history and heritage and associated experiences to a global audience, inspiring visitors to come and see the filming locations and destinations for themselves.”
Don’t be afraid to venture beyond London. The country is well connected with motorways and trains from central London. Regency attire is optional, enthusiasm is a must. Here are the best of Bridgerton filming locations in the UK.
Abbey Green, Bath
When you walk around Bath, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re on the set of Bridgerton. The cobbled streets in Abbey Green lead to Madame Genevieve Delacroix’s clothing store, Modiste. While the actual shop does not exist, the area is home to the Grade-II listed building, Three Abbey Green. Even the greenery is old – spot the spawling plane tree dating back to 1793.
GO: Visit www.visitsomerset.co.uk for more information.
Bath Assembly Rooms, Bath
Bath Assembly Rooms provides the backdrop for tea and titillation. Dating back to the 18th century, the Grade I-listed building once hosted balls, concerts and teas. The venue was frequented by Bath’s finest, Jane Austen, and the likes of Charles Dickens and Thomas Gainsborough. So it comes as no surprise to find that in Bridgerton, it is where high society comes to celebrate.
GO: Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.
Bath Street, Bath
Mr Darcy appeared out of water, and the Duke galloped on a horse. Die-hard Bridgerton fans will remember the Duke making his debut onscreen and riding down Bath Street. While it doubled as a street in London, it is a popular place in Bath. If you want to take a closer look, we’d recommend visiting Thermae Bath Spa and the open-air rooftop pool for a view of the city.
GO: Visit www.thermaebathspa.com for more information.
Basildon Park, Reading
Basildon Park plays a reoccurring role in the Bridgerton filming locations. Not only was it used in a party scene at Featherington’s home in season two, but it was also Lady Tilley Arnold’s home in season three. Dating back to the 18th century, it sits on 400 acres of parkland and is open to visitors who want to admire the Old Masters, second-hand bookshop and rose gardens.
GO: Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.
Blenheim Palace, Oxford
Blenheim Palace is brimming with history. Built between 1705 to 1722, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill. It features in Bridgerton season three, and the spin-off Queen Charlotte as Buckingham House. Located 20 minutes outside of Oxford, the palace makes for a dazzling day trip. Visitors can explore the palace, grounds and Lancelot Capability Brown gardens.
GO: Visit www.blenheimpalace.com for more information.
Castle Howard, York
Rumour has it that the royals love the residences outside of London more than Buckingham Palace. When you venture outside the capital, you’ll be treated to sprawling stately homes. Castle Howard is located in York, Northeast England. Dating back to the 17th century, it has been home to eight generations of the Howard family. The castle featured in Bridgerton season one, as the Duke and Duchess’ ancestral home, and it doubled up as Clyvedon Castle. Visitors are welcome for tours including the bedrooms, halls and state rooms.
GO: Visit www.castlehoward.co.uk for more information.
Chiswick House, London
Chiswick House in Chiswick, London is a Neo-Palladian villa. Built between 1726 and 1729, it was designed and built by Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington. While the average visitor will be impressed by its splendour and scale, Duke of Cumberland once called it “a small cupboard stuck with pictures”. When it comes to the Bridgerton filming locations, it features in a range of scenes including a picnic between Daphne and Simon. Today, visitors can learn about the history of the venue, and join its programme of events.
GO: Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk for more information.
Claydon House, Buckinghamshire
Claydon House was created in a fit of competitiveness by Ralph Verney. As he wanted to outdo his wealthy neighbours, he soon found himself in financial trouble. The home has been occupied by the Verney family for 550 years, and boasts extravagant interiors. In Bridgerton season three, it serves as a backdrop in the show. Visitors can the state room, terrace and gardens.
GO: Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.
Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire
Grimsthorpe Castle, Park and Gardens has many claims to fame. Not least, it is home to descendants of deer that King Henry VIII once hunted. The site has been home to the same family since 1516, and it is filled with ancient furnishings, paintings and tapestries. In Bridgerton season three it doubles up as Lord Hawkins’ residence. Visitors can soak up the splendour and tour the gardens and groups.
GO: Visit www.historichouses.org for more information.
Hampton Court Palace, London
If it’s good enough for King Henry VIII, it’s good enough for Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton. Hampton Court Palace boasts the kind of history that could fill period dramas. Dating back to the 1500s, it is believed to be haunted, and it even hosts ghost tours for children. Sitting on the River Thames, it is near Richmond Park, which has been home to red and fallow deer since 1637. The palace is open to visitors and hosts concerts and festivals.
GO: Visit www.hrp.org.uk for more information.
Lancaster House, London
Queen Charlotte’s Palace looks like Hampton Court Palace on the outside and Lancaster House on the inside. Located in St James’s, London, it is within walking distance of Buckingham Palace, naturally. The sweeping staircases and Grand Hall draw inspiration from the Palace of Versailles. The Grade-II stately home is now owned by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and used for diplomatic receptions.
GO: Visit www.gov.uk for more information.
Luton Hoo Estate and Walled Garden, Luton
Luton Hoo Estate has featured frequently as in the Bridgerton filming locations. It has been the country estate, exterior of the printing press and even the Bridgerton family garden. If you want to pretend you have a garden big enough for a Bridgerton, head down to the English country home in Luton, which is approximately one hour outside of London. Visitors can book a Garden Tour and explore the Walled Garden and Woodyard Café.
GO: Visit https://lutonhooestate.co.uk for more information.
No. 1 Royal Crescent, Bath
Bridgerton is set in London but much of the filming took place in Bath. The city is famous for its Regency buildings, history and festivals – the Jane Austen Festival each September, no less. Onscreen, No. 1 Royal Crescent’s exterior is the Featherington family’s London abode. Offscreen, it is a museum where you can explore the 18th century. The venue previously hosted a Bridgerton dress-up day, and offers Bridgerton-themed tours.
GO: Visit https://no1royalcrescent.org.uk for more information.
Osterley Park and House, London
Osterley Park and House is a glorious example of Georgian architecture. Located in West London, it was originally a Tudor home built in the 1570s by Sir Thomas Gresham. In 1713, it was acquired by Sir Francis Child. It was known as a party house, which is fitting for as one of the Bridgerton filming locations. During season three, it features in an outdoor ball. Today, visitors can visit the grounds and special events.
GO: Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.
Petworth House, West Sussex
Anthony Van Dyck, J.M.W Turner, Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough are just some of the painters you’ll find in Petworth House. The gallery was featured in Bridgerton season two, and visitors are welcome to waltz around the collection. Dating back to the 17th century, it also includes a pleasure garden, woodland walks and a 700-acre deer park with ancient trees.
GO: Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.
Stowe Gardens, Buckinghamshire
Step back in time at Stowe Gardens. Boasting 300 years of history, the grand Georgian building is located in Buckingham. The site includes lakes, temples, winding paths and pleasure gardens, which once hosted events during the Regency era. In Bridgerton season one, it was transformed into Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens and played a key role in Daphne Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings romance. Warning: you may swoon at the grounds.
GO: Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.
The Ranger’s House, London
The Ranger’s House in Greenwich, London is portrayed as the Brigderton’s family home. While it’s depicted as being in the heart of the city, it’s actually on the edge of Greenwich Park. Originally designed for the Admiralty in 1723, it has been home to Augusta, Duchess of Brunswick, and Princess Sophia Matilda of Gloucester. Brigderton’s Supervising Location Manager, Paul Tomlinson, explains: “The size of the property fitted the brief perfectly, as it feels grand yet it has a welcoming quality that is not always the case with period houses of this size”. Today, visitors are welcome and they can admire the heritage as well as 700 words of art.
GO: Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk for more information.
The Reform Club, London
What do E M Forster, Henry James and Sir Winston Churchill have in common? They were all members of The Reform Club on Pall Mall London. The private members’ club prides itself on attracting academics, lawyers and politicians. If you can’t afford the membership, you can admire the building from the outside. In Bridgerton, the venue was the location for a meeting between Anthony Bridgerton and the Duke of Hastings.
GO: Visit www.reformclub.com for more information.
Squerryes Court, Kent
Kent is nicknamed the Garden of England. At Squerryes Court, outside of Westerham, Kent, you can see why the area has this accolade. The 17th-century manor house is surrounded by parkland, gardens and vineyards. In Bridgerton, it features in season three in a garden party. The house is not open to the public but visitors can enjoy the views across the vineyards.
GO: Visit www.squerryes.co.uk for more information.
Syon House and Park, London
Syon House is one of London’s most dazzling destinations. The Grade-I listed is home to a grand conservatory, and it featured in season two of Bridgerton – minus the frequent flights overhead from London Heathrow. The site was previously home to the Dukes of Northumberland for more than 400 years and is open to visitors in the grounds, parkland and art collection.
GO: Visit www.syonpark.co.uk for more information.
Wilton House, Salisbury
Wilton House Wilton House’s notable guests include Ben Johnson, Christopher Marlowe, John Donne and potentially you. The site has been the Earl of Pembroke’s ancestral home for over four and a half centuries. In 1647, it was redesigned by Inigo Jones and John Webb, and it features state apartments and cloisters. In Bridgerton, it features as Queen Charlotte’s stately rooms where debutantes are presented. Visitors are welcome to the house and grounds.
GO: Visit www.wiltonhouse.co.uk for more information.
Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
Wrest Park is located in Silsoe, Bedfordshire. If you want to visit a quiet country village, head to the area. The English Heritage site is filled with unexpected delights from a Chinese temple to Bowling Green House. Built in the 1830s, it was inspired by 18th-century French chateaus. In Bridgerton, it stands in for Aubrey Hall, and in season three it is the Fuller family home. The grounds include an ornate marble fountain and baroque pavilion. Visitors are welcome to the home and garden.
GO: Visit www.english-heritage.org.uk for more information.
