Filming Locations from "The Crown" in the British Isles

The hit Netflix series, The Crown, is a fictionalised drama chronicling the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II who served for 70 years.

The six-series television show was filmed in studios and on location in England, Wales, Scotland, France, Spain, Hungary, and South Africa. Many filming locations are duplicates of the official royal palaces and residences. These are some of the places you can visit for the day or even spend the night in the United Kingdom.

Lancaster House (Buckingham Palace)

Her Majesty’s London residence and office wasn’t used as a filming location. Lancaster House was used as a double for Buckingham Palace throughout the series. This governmental palace is open to the public only in September as part of London’s Open House Festival.

The Old Naval College in Maritime Greenwich was also used during the third and fifth series. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Painted Hall is one of London’s most impressive sights. 

Despite not being an official filming location, history enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the opportunity to tour the State Apartments at Buckingham Palace when they open briefly over the summer season. 

Brocket Hall (Kensington Palace)

This country lodge in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, was once a favorite of Queen Victoria. Brocket Hall was used as the filming location for Kensington Palace, the home of Diana and Charles. The estate comprises two championship golf courses, luxurious accommodations in its converted carriage house, and elevated dining in the former hunting lodge. The “real” Kensington Palace is also open to the general public. 

Knebworth House (Balmoral Castle)

This Tudor property in Stevenage is famous for its summer concerts and open-air theater. The interiors of Knebworth House were used to film the Ghillies Ball in the fifth season of The Crown. This annual dance is traditionally held at Balmoral Castle where Queen Elizabeth spent her summers. Knebworth House and gardens are open between March and September.

Belvoir Castle and Burghley House (Windsor Castle)

Belvoir Castle in Grantham, Leicestershire, and Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire, were used to film scenes depicting Windsor Castle. 

Belvoir is a “faux” castle showcasing Gothic romantic architecture. Its hilltop location and sweeping views of the surrounding parkland and woodlands earned its name which means “beautiful view”. Burghley House is one of the largest surviving estates built during the first Elizabethan era. It comprises lavish state rooms, manicured gardens, a deer park, and an orangery restaurant. 

Both stately homes are open to the public, as is Windsor Castle. 

Hylands House (The White House)

The meeting of Princess Margaret and President Lyndon B Johnson wasn’t filmed on location in Washington DC. Rather, in the Hylands House Estate in Chelmsford, Essex. The neoclassical villa is open for tours on the third Sunday of the month, hosts outdoor summer theater, and is available for private hire.

Royal Yacht Britannia 

Britannia served as the Royal Yacht for 44 years and played a major role in the fifth season of The Crown. Some scenes were filmed onboard. The vessel is moored in Leith, Edinburgh, and open to the public as a museum with a tea room serving traditional afternoon tea. The Royal Yacht Britannia is adjacent to a "floating" five-star boutique hotel which echoes the royal cabins.

St Andrews

This charming seaside town is where Prince William met Catherine Middleton. Wander the harborside path where the students crossed paths on morning jogs and sign up for the daily walking tour of the world’s third oldest university. St Andrews is also a leading destination for golf tourism and the gateway to the Scottish Whisky Trail.

Contact Darby at Darby’s Destinations to devise a bespoke itinerary of the British Isles inspired by The Crown and royal heritage.