The Crown Filming Locations You Can Visit in the UK

Netflix’s The Crown captivatingly portrays the British monarchy’s modern history through lavish sets and authentic locations. While primary filming occurred at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, exterior and interior shots drew from historic UK sites, evoking grandeur without accessing royal properties.

Iconic London Stand-Ins for Royal Residences

London’s architecture provided perfect proxies for the most famous royal homes. Lancaster House in the West End, a neoclassical mansion from 1825 near Buckingham Palace, served as the primary interior for palace scenes across multiple seasons. Its opulent rooms captured the formality of royal life.

The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich offered stunning exterior shots for Buckingham Palace, with its Thames-side symmetry mimicking the palace facade. Wilton House near Salisbury contributed its Double Cube Room, a baroque masterpiece appearing frequently for state occasions.

Other London-area spots like Wrotham Park in Barnet added to the palace illusion, showcasing manicured grounds and period interiors.

Scottish Highlands: Balmoral’s Dramatic Double

Balmoral Castle, the royals’ Scottish retreat, featured prominently, especially in scenes with Diana and Thatcher. Producers selected Ardverikie Estate near Newtonmore on Loch Laggan for exteriors. This Victorian Gothic castle’s turrets and lochside setting closely resemble Balmoral.

Visitors can stay at Ardverikie, touring reception rooms that hosted key dramatic moments, like Diana’s ‘Balmoral test’. Interiors sometimes shifted to Knebworth House in Hertfordshire.

Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia appeared in Scottish royal episodes, blending real history with fiction. Glamis Castle stood in for the Queen Mother’s home.

Wales and Northern England: Ceremonial and Castle Scenes

Caernarfon Castle in Gwynedd, Wales—a UNESCO site and actual venue for Charles’s 1969 investiture as Prince of Wales—was faithfully recreated on location for season 3.

For Windsor Castle scenes, including imagined royal weddings, Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire and Burghley House in Lincolnshire provided interiors and grounds. Belvoir’s Elizabeth Saloon doubled as royal apartments.

York Minster in northern England substituted for Windsor’s St. George’s Chapel in wedding sequences, offering Gothic drama.

Southern England Estates and Gardens

Highgrove, Charles’s cherished residence, came alive at Somerley House on the Hampshire-Dorset border. Its gardens and stately interiors captured the prince’s organic farming passion.

Brocket Hall near Welwyn Garden City and Harefield Grove in Hillingdon portrayed Kensington Palace post-Diana separation. Brocket Hall, now a hotel and golf course, welcomes overnight guests.

Wilton House’s versatility extended beyond palaces, while Lossiemouth, Macduff, and Covesea Lighthouse in northern Scotland featured in season 5 coastal scenes.

Beyond the UK: International Shoots

Though UK-centric, The Crown ventured abroad. Spain hosted multiple seasons: Barcelona, Mallorca (Palma de Mallorca, Puerto Andratx), and Almería for Mediterranean and sunny exteriors. Hungary covered season 2, and South Africa added diverse backdrops.

Visiting Tips for Fans

• Book Ahead: Sites like Lancaster House and Belvoir Castle require advance tickets; some offer guided tours highlighting The Crown connections.
• Seasonal Access: Scottish estates like Ardverikie are best in summer; check for private events.
• Combine Trips: London spots cluster closely; pair with Thames walks at Greenwich.
• Stay Royal: Overnight at Brocket Hall or Ardverikie for immersion.

Filming Locations Table

Frequently Asked Questions

Was The Crown filmed inside actual royal palaces?

No, due to security; stunning doubles like Lancaster House were used instead.

Can I visit Ardverikie Estate?

Yes, book stays to explore interiors used for Balmoral scenes.

Which location stood in for Diana’s Kensington Palace?

Brocket Hall and Harefield Grove recreated her post-separation home.

Did they film Charles’s investiture at the real site?

Yes, precisely at Caernarfon Castle.

Are there tours focused on The Crown sites?

Many operators offer themed tours; check Nordic Visitor or Trafalgar.

Why These Locations Captivate Travelers

These sites blend The Crown‘s drama with tangible history. Walking Lancaster House’s halls or Ardverikie’s grounds lets fans relive episodes while appreciating architecture from centuries past. Post-series finale in 2023, tourism surged, with sites promoting their screen fame.

Plan a road trip from London’s palaces to Scottish lochs, ticking off table spots. Each evokes monarchy’s splendor, from neoclassical elegance to rugged Highlands. Whether history buff or series devotee, these venues offer unforgettable escapes.