Netflix’s hit period drama The Crown returns this weekend for its fourth season, bringing with it an abundance of stately homes and decadent interiors to admire alongside the corgis, tiaras, and ballgowns. Although parts of the new episodes were shot at Elstree Studios, much of the series is filmed in country estates and historic houses around the UK. Here are eight filming locations from The Crown that you can visit in real life.
Somerleyton Hall
The Crown recreated Sandringham, the Queen’s private Norfolk retreat where the royals traditionally celebrate Christmas, at Somerleyton Hall. The sumptuous Suffolk property boasts a dazzling stone and red-brick facade overlooking 12 acres of parkland and formal gardens. A Tudor-Jacobean manor house that was extensively remodeled in the Victorian era, the estate retains few of the Jacobean features – with the exception of the marvelous panelled Oak Parlour – though the Victorian elements have been carefully preserved, including the chintz ballroom and, outside, the yew hedge maze, glasshouses, and walled gardens. Currently, only the garden is open to the public (tickets £7.95).
Ardverikie Estate
The second episode of the new season showcases the young Diana Spencer and Margaret Thatcher undergoing the “Balmoral test,” where they must navigate the etiquette associated with a weekend at the Queen’s holiday home, from long days stalking deer on the grounds to strict royal dining protocols. Ardverikie, located on the shores of Loch Laggan, stands in for Balmoral, making a great likeness for the royal residence built in a similar Scottish baronial style and surrounded by dense forestry. Visitors are welcome to explore the estate, although only guests staying in self-catering cottages are allowed to tour the castle.
Knebworth House
Interior shots for the Balmoral scenes were captured at this beautiful site in Stevenage, an 80-minute drive from London. The public rooms offer an eccentric mix of styles, including the Victorian library, Jacobean banqueting hall, and Edwardian dining parlour. Furthermore, Knebworth House is just as impressive from the outside, covered in Gothic turrets and gargoyles, recognized as Wayne Manor from Tim Burton’s 1988 Batman. With a history dating back to 1490, the estate has hosted numerous prominent guests, and outdoorsy visitors can stroll through the colourful formal gardens. Currently, the gardens remain open on weekends, but pre-booking is essential (tickets £7).
Goldsmiths’ Hall
One of The Crown’s filming locations for the interior scenes set in Buckingham Palace is the magnificent Goldsmiths’ Hall, a mid-19th century livery hall situated in the City of London. The exterior features a dramatic central portico with six columns, along with elaborately carved balconies. Inside, visitors can admire the strikingly ornate marble staircase and elegantly decorated reception rooms with gold accents – a reflection of the Goldsmiths’ Company’s mission to protect the trade. Several open days are held throughout the year, with guided tours costing £5.
Winchester Cathedral
Although we don’t see Prince Charles and Princess Diana’s wedding on screen, the new season of The Crown does include a notably tense rehearsal at St Paul’s Cathedral. Winchester Cathedral doubles as the iconic landmark and has been host to royal weddings, including Queen Mary Tudor’s. Dating back more than 900 years, guests can also visit Jane Austen’s grave, see the 12th-century Winchester Bible, and explore the early Norman crypt. The cathedral is typically open daily (tickets £9.95).
Burghley House
The fourth season of The Crown casts a new location for the role of Windsor Castle, the Queen’s preferred weekend home. Burghley House, a Tudor mansion in Stamford, was built by Queen Elizabeth I’s Lord High Treasurer William Cecil in the 16th century. It is a spectacular example of Elizabethan architecture, featuring three facades adorned with spires and tall chimneys. Inside, the state rooms are lavish, and the parkland remains a draw for visitors, despite the house and gardens being closed until 2021.
Brocket Hall
The scenes set at Kensington Palace were filmed at Brocket Hall, a historic estate dating back to 1239, now home to a luxurious hotel and two golf courses. This Hertfordshire property has its own royal history, as Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria both stayed there. Today, the interior reflects 18th-century style, featuring original furniture and hand-painted silk wallpaper. Additionally, Brocket Hall offers afternoon tea in the ballroom, where one of the UK’s longest tables is found, second only to Windsor Castle.
Stevenson Square
The fourth season of The Crown depicts numerous foreign holidays and royal tours abroad, including Princess Diana’s first solo trip to New York in 1989. Instead of taking the shoot to America, however, the filmmakers gave Manchester a Manhattan makeover by transforming Stevenson Square into downtown New York, featuring yellow taxis and more. This square is part of the city’s Northern Quarter, which previously stood in for New York in the first Captain America film.
