The British royal family consistently captures global attention, inspiring tourism to the UK’s grand palaces and historical sites, and fueling countless books and films. Many movies and television series, both fictional and historical, showcase British royalty, requiring opulent costumes, meticulous historical accuracy, and majestic settings. Let’s explore some remarkable estates that have doubled as royal residences on screen.
Arundel Castle in West Sussex, England
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Dating back to 1067, Arundel Castle, with its Victorian-era restorations, portrayed Windsor Castle in the 2001 film Albert & Victoria. Interestingly, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Arundel Castle in 1846, planting an oak tree to commemorate their stay.
Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, England
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The political machinations of 2018’s The Favourite, set during Queen Anne’s reign, unfolded within the magnificent Hatfield House and its sprawling gardens, substituting for Kensington Palace.
Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, England
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Waddesdon Manor’s meticulously landscaped gardens provided the backdrop for Queen Elizabeth II’s contemplative strolls in the 2006 film The Queen.
Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, England
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Belvoir Castle’s stately interiors served as Windsor Castle in The Crown, assisting actors portraying Queen Elizabeth II in embodying their roles.
Eilean Donan in Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland
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This 13th-century island fortress, expanded over centuries, has featured in multiple films, representing Clan McLeod’s home in Highlander (1986) and Fotheringhay Castle in Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007).
Hampton Court Palace in Richmond Upon Thames, England
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Hampton Court Palace’s blend of Tudor and Baroque architecture, a result of expansions by various monarchs, makes it a popular filming location for productions like The Young Victoria, The Favourite, and Bridgerton.
Montacute House in South Somerset, England
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Montacute House, with its Tudor connections, stood in for Greenwich Palace in the historical drama Wolf Hall.
Ardverikie House in Inverness-shire, Scotland
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This 19th-century baronial estate served as the royal family’s Balmoral Castle in The Crown, depicting scenes of their holidays and notable visits.
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England
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Blenheim Palace’s grandeur and elegant landscaping have made it a recurring choice for Buckingham Palace in films like Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Queen Charlotte, and The Young Victoria.
Lancaster House in London, England
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Lancaster House’s opulent interiors have frequently doubled for Buckingham Palace in productions such as Bridgerton, The King’s Speech, Downton Abbey, and The Crown.
Haddon Hall in Derbyshire, England
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This striking medieval English country house has graced the screen in films like The Other Boleyn Girl and Mary, Queen of Scots.
Wilton House in Wiltshire, England
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Wilton House, renowned for its stunning gardens and currently the residence of the Earl of Pembroke, has often portrayed Buckingham Palace in productions like Bridgerton and The Crown.
Knebworth House in Hertfordshire, England
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Knebworth House, a historical residence still occupied by Lytton descendants, has served as Balmoral Castle in films such as The King’s Speech and The Crown, in addition to hosting an annual music festival.
Ham House in Richmond Upon Thames
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Ham House, a significant historical site and museum, with its rich history of courtiers and nobility, served as a filming location for the 2017 film Victoria and Abdul.
