Live like a lord, live like a lady: A modern take on heritage, full of cinematic splendour, and a good dash of Downton Abbey
London
Old Royal Naval College
Step onto the cobbled courtyards of royalty. The Old Royal Naval College has doubled for Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and more in The Crown, thanks to its sweeping Baroque architecture and prime riverside spot in Greenwich. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the site includes the beautifully decorated Painted Hall and chapel, all wrapped in 500 years of royal and naval history. This is where kings studied, queens were portrayed, and now your clients can dine, tour or even attend a silent disco – and it’s just a DLR ride from central London. Don’t miss the new film tour ‘Wigs, Weddings, Powder and Palaces’, revealing behind-the-scenes secrets of blockbusters filmed here – from Bridgerton and Les Misérables to The Pirates of the Caribbean.
Hampton Court Palace
Gossip, grandeur and a touch of scandal – no wonder Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte found a kindred spirit in Hampton Court Palace. Once the playground of Henry VIII, this riverside royal residence near Richmond dazzles with its Tudor kitchens, a Baroque palace wing, opulent gardens and couryards, and Britain’s oldest surviving hedge maze. It’s also been a setting for other period dramas, from My Lady Jane to The Favourite. Time it right and your clients could also experience a packed events programme throughout the year, which features everything from costumed performances to jousting tournaments and classic car shows.
Evening Cruise on the Thames
This is London at its most romantic – bathed in twilight and reflected in the water of the River Thames. The City Cruises Evening Cruise features live music, champagne on arrival, and a front-row seat to some of the capital’s most iconic sights – from Tower Bridge and the London Eye to Big Ben – all glittering in the evening sun. Whether it’s a pre-theatre adventure or just a magical way to relax after a day of experiencing what the capital has to offer, this cinematic cruise is pure riverside romance.
Kew Gardens
Once the playground of royal botanists, Kew Gardens is now a UNESCO-listed wonderland of rare blooms and towering glasshouses. Your clients can stroll the very paths once taken by the real Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III and a known patron of the arts and sciences. Step into Palm House (Victorian engineering meets tropical jungle) or climb the Treetop Walkway for panoramic views. Seasonal exhibitions and the spellbinding Kew at Christmas make it a year-round destination for garden lovers and fans of Regency drama.
Dress Codes, Kensington Palace
Fashion is not just fabric – it’s power, identity and performance. The Dress Codes exhibition at Kensington Palace dives deep into what the royals wore, why they wore it, and what it meant. From George III’s red military coat to Princess Diana’s legendary gowns, the exhibition unpicks the stitching between image and influence. It’s housed in the very palace where Queen Victoria was born – a fitting setting for a story about style and sovereignty. The exhibition runs until the end of November 2025.
The Newman
Think of The Newman as a secret London club, minus the membership constraints. Tucked away in Fitzrovia, this new townhouse hotel – set to open in summer 2025 – will blend period features with modern design. Bedrooms will feature fine art, parquet floors and bathtubs made for lounging. Downstairs, a new brasserie will champion classic British ingredients with a contemporary twist. It’s the kind of place where a Bridgerton might stay if they were to find themselves in London’s W1 postcode today.
South-east England
Highclere Castle, Newbury, Hampshire
Welcome to ‘Downton Abbey’ – or as the locals call it, Highclere Castle. Nestled in the rolling hills of Hampshire, this grand country house has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679. The State Rooms, Library and sweeping staircase have all played a starring role on screen, but it’s the real-life stories that leave a lasting impression. From its Anglo-Saxon roots to serving as a hospital during World War I, the castle is steeped in history. Perhaps most notably, it houses a remarkable collection of Egyptian artifacts, thanks to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who, alongside Howard Carter, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. The castle is open seasonally for tours and special events, including film-set-themed guided tours, and live entertainment. For a truly immersive experience, your clients can stay in one of the estate’s lodges with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Just an hour-and-a-half from London, it’s a slice of aristocratic England, ready for your clients to explore.
Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Built between 1874 and 1889 by the Rothschilds, Waddesdon Manor is all Renaissance-style château on the outside and Victorian decadence hidden within. Owned by the National Trust, it played host to royal drama in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, standing in for the interiors of royal residences. Your clients can admire priceless art, and wine cellars beneath vaulted ceilings, or picnic in gardens bursting with seasonal sculpture trails and an aviary. Look out for the Savonnerie carpets, red fabric wallpaper and tapestries, as well as the musical elephant automaton whose parts move when it plays. Located just an hour from London and open year-round, it’s a top destination for day-trippers in search of a bit of royal romance. Event highlights include wine tastings and cellar tours and a foraging workshop.
Knebworth House, Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Victorian Gothic meets rock ‘n’ roll at Knebworth House – where The Crown captured stately life and the grounds have hosted everyone from Queen Victoria to Queen (the band). Just 30 minutes from London, Knebworth’s façade and lavish interiors have appeared on screens big and small – from The Crown to The King’s Speech. Visitors can explore ancestral portraits, literary treasures, and go behind-the-scenes in the ‘On Location’ Tour exhibition. Outside, the 28-acre formal gardens and dinosaur trail keep all ages enchanted. The house, gardens and park are open on select dates throughout the year.
Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Built as a gift to the 1st Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is also the birthplace of Winston Churchill. In Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, its Baroque splendour became a royal playground. Set in 2,000 acres of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown-designed parkland in Oxfordshire, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and every inch of it tells a tale. Think gilded state rooms, walled gardens, a miniature train, and a programme of exhibitions, concerts and an illuminated trail at Christmas. It’s just over an hour from London, and a peaceful place for your clients to stroll in the footsteps of royalty.
Stowe Gardens, Stowe, Buckinghamshire
When it comes to cinematic landscapes, Stowe Gardens knows how to impress. This sprawling 18th-century garden is dotted with classical temples, ornate bridges and winding paths, all crafted by master designers like Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. In Bridgerton, it plays the backdrop to carriage rides and secret conversations. Today, your clients can explore this National Trust site – whether that’s on a romantic lakeside walk or a tea-and-scone break at the garden café.
South-west England
Wilton House, Salisbury, Wiltshire
Wilton House doesn’t just play royalty, it lives it. This 17th-century stately home is the real-life seat of the Earls of Pembroke and a true scene-stealer in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, standing in for Buckingham House. Its Palladian beauty has also starred in Bridgerton, The Crown and Emma – but nothing beats seeing it in the flesh. Marvel at the Double Cube Room, with its soaring ceilings and Anthony Van Dyck portraits. Just outside Salisbury and a short hop from Stonehenge, visitors can tour the lavish staterooms, wander 22 acres of riverside parkland, or attend one of the seasonal events.
Stourhead Garden, Warminster, Wiltshire
This National Trust landscape garden was the romantic backdrop to Mr Darcy’s declaration of his love for Miss Bennett in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, filmed in the garden’s Temple of Apollo. Apart from screen fame, your clients can find a glistening lake, grottos and sweeping views that would make Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown swoon. Located near Warminster, it’s a prime destination for a romantic day trip from Bath or Salisbury. Don’t miss the Palladian mansion with its own Regency-style interiors, or the seasonal walking trails through rhododendron-filled woodland.
The Jane Austen Centre, Bath, Wiltshire
Step into the world of bonnets and ballroom gossip. Bath’s Jane Austen Centre brings the author’s life and legacy vividly to life, just a short stroll from where she once lived. Costumed guides welcome visitors into a townhouse filled with Regency fashion, waxwork figures, and writing desks. Clients can try on a top hat or corset, enjoy a themed afternoon tea at the Regency Tea Room upstairs, and pick up literary souvenirs in the gift shop. It’s a compact, characterful gem in the heart of Bath – the city that inspired Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Persuasion. Look out for a packed events calendar in 2025 too, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of her birth.
Bridgerton Bath Walking Tour, Bath, Wiltshire
Prepare the smelling salts – this two-hour guided tour is positively scandalous. The Bridgerton Bath Walking Tour takes visitors through the very streets where Lady Whistledown’s gossip sheets might have flown. From the Royal Crescent to the Holburne Museum (standing in for Lady Danbury’s home), this guided experience spills behind-the-scenes secrets from the hit Netflix series, while weaving in real tales from Bath’s Regency heyday. A treat for superfans or anyone who’s ever dreamt of a duel at dawn or a forbidden romance with a viscount. Tours depart from outside the Abbey Hotel.
Thermae Bath Spa, Bath, Wiltshire
The Romans knew a thing or two about luxury, and this spa proves they were onto something. At Thermae Bath Spa, your clients can bathe in Britain’s only natural thermal waters, just as our ancestors did – only with better views and no togas. The showstopper is the open-air rooftop pool, overlooking Bath’s historic skyline. Inside, there are steam rooms and a whirlpool worthy of a duchess. Pair it with a visit to the ancient Roman Baths next door, and there’s 2,000 years of wellness in one afternoon.
Roman Baths and Pump Room Restaurant, Bath, Wiltshire
Here’s where history, hydrotherapy and high society all meet. The Roman Baths offer a peek at Britain’s ancient spa culture – complete with steaming Great Bath, temple ruins and costumed guides who know their togas from their tunics. Afterwards, take tea at the elegant Pump Room Restaurant next door, once the Georgian elite’s social headquarters. Guests can sip mineral-rich waters, enjoy a full afternoon tea, or even catch live classical music drifting through the chandeliers.
The Francis Hotel, Bath, Wiltshire
With its Regency-style interiors and address on Queen Square, The Francis Hotel is the sort of place Mr Darcy might have considered ‘acceptable’. It’s made up of seven connected Georgian townhouses, each full of character – your clients can expect four-poster beds, velvet armchairs, and a healthy dose of modern flair. Downstairs, brasserie Emberwood serves modern British flavours beneath Art Deco lighting, while outside, Bath’s best shops and sights are just a short walk away.
The Midlands
Belvoir Castle, Grantham, Leicestershire
Swap ‘Buckingham Palace’ for rural Leicestershire. The Crown’s lavish interiors were filmed at Belvoir Castle, a neo-Gothic treasure that’s still home to the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. With more than a thousand years of history under its roof, Belvoir offers opulent rooms, an expansive art collection, and landscaped gardens that sweep across the Vale of Belvoir. From Downton-style afternoon teas with estate-produced sparkling wine to flower shows and classic car events, it’s a full aristocratic experience. Alongside daily tours of the state rooms and bus tours of the Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown-designed parklands, Belvoir Castle offers several carefully curated tours on select dates throughout the year.
Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire
When Miss Bennet visits Pemberley in Pride & Prejudice, it’s Chatsworth House that leaves her – and soon your clients – breathless. Nestled in Peak District, this is more than Mr Darcy’s cinematic estate – it’s home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and is one of Britain’s grandest stately homes. Inside: regal rooms, centuries of art, and a sculpture gallery that features in the 2005 film adaptation. Outside: acres of gardens, waterfalls, and maze-like paths. From garden tours to Christmas markets and art exhibitions, it’s a year-round destination fit for romantics and history-lovers.
Buxton Crescent Hotel and Spa, Buxton, Derbyshire
This 18th-century architectural gem has been beautifully revived as a five-star spa hotel. Located in the heart of Buxton – once a favourite among Regency society – the hotel draws on the town’s famous thermal spring waters, offering luxurious modern wellness treatments in a Grade I-listed setting. There are Roman-style thermal pools, saunas, steam rooms and a rooftop relaxation area. Buxton is easily accessed by train from Manchester or Sheffield.
Northern England
Lyme Park, Stockport, Cheshire
At Cheshire’s largest estate, Jane Austen fans can re-live that romantic moment when Mr Darcy met Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice.Lyme Park’s grand façade and windswept grounds were used for that memorable lake scene in the BBC adaptation of the Austen classic. But there’s much more to see behind the lens. Set in the foothills of the Peak District, this National Trust property combines Elizabethan architecture with 18th-century polish. Clients can roam the library, grand hall and opulent Drawing Room – then picnic where Elizabeth once walked. Situated just a 40-minute drive from Manchester, Lyme Park also has a deer park, a lake, and walking trails to explore, making it a top destination for a day-trip from the northern hub.
Castle Howard, York, Yorkshire
Your clients may know it as the Duke of Hastings’ ancestral seat in Bridgerton, but Castle Howard is every bit as show-stopping in real life. This baroque beauty near York delivers more than 300 years of aristocratic history, sweeping gardens, follies, temples and dramatic interiors – all wrapped in romantic scandal thanks to Bridgerton. Visitors can marvel at the Great Hall’s soaring dome, wander sculpture-studded woodlands, or take the Filming Locations Guided Tour. Castle Howard also hosts classic car shows and other seasonal events. To fully soak up the atmosphere, stay in one of the on-site cottages for a romantic escape with a royal twist. It’s easily reached from York (30 minutes by car) or Leeds (one hour by car).
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
From Hogwarts to High Society – Alnwick Castle knows how to steal a scene. One of Britain’s largest inhabited castles, it’s been home to the Duke of Northumberland’s family for more than 700 years. Downton Abbey fans will recognise it as Brancaster Castle, scene of festive intrigue and scandal. By day, visitors can try archery, spot medieval falcons or stroll through Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown-designed parkland. In summer, the castle hosts jousting tournaments and broomstick-flying lessons (yes, really). Alnwick is just a stone’s throw from the Northumberland coast and a two-hour train journey from Edinburgh or York.
Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire
Grimsthorpe may sound dark and brooding, but step inside and it’s pure Bridgerton magic. Set in 3,000 acres of rolling parkland, this Lincolnshire estate dates back to Henry VIII, yet its Georgian grandeur made it perfect for Bridgerton’s high society scenes. From tapestry-clad halls to Rococo drawing rooms, the castle is a time capsule of aristocratic life. Your clients can tour the lavish interiors – from Gothic bedrooms to Chinese drawing rooms – and stroll manicured gardens. This is a living, breathing family home – complete with seasonal events, and a dash of Regency drama.
Belton Estate, Grantham, Lincolnshire
Belton Estate boasts a striking stone façade and perfectly manicured lawns. This 17th-century National Trust treasure doubled as Queen Charlotte’s Greenwich Palace. It’s got all the grandeur: pleasure gardens, a deer park, and a formidable collection of art – from oriental ceramics to English portraiture. Located just outside Grantham, it’s an easy add-on for clients touring the east Midlands or heading north. Events include family-friendly trails, flower festivals, and sunset walks.
Another Place - The Lake, Ullswater, Lake District
This is where Jane Austen meets modern luxury in the heart of the Lake District. Another Place is a contemporary country house hotel on the shores of Ullswater, where Georgian grandeur meets hot tubs, a fellside sauna and paddleboarding before breakfast. Think four-poster beds, velvet sofas and lake views. There’s a Swim Club with a glassy pool, and a restaurant with a menu that is big on local ingredients. It’s a place where guests can rest like nobility, ramble like a Romantic poet, and recharge like a well-heeled traveller of centuries past.
Askham Hall, Askham, Lake District
This 13th-century stately family home turned boutique hotel has all the elegance of a manor house – oak-panelled drawing rooms, art and antiques in every corner, and a kitchen – but with a laid-back, modern twist. There’s a Michelin-starred restaurant in the old barn, quirky bedrooms with four-poster beds and squashy antique sofas, and spa treatments in the Health Barn. Nestled near Penrith, Askham Hall is also a gateway to the Lake District. Your clients can sleep like aristocrats, dine like dukes, and stroll the grounds like characters from their own costume drama.
Scotland
Ardverikie Estate, Newtonmore, Scottish Highlands
Brooding mountains, mirror-glass lochs, and a mansion your clients might know better as Balmoral from The Crown. Welcome to Ardverikie – a 19th-century estate near Loch Laggan, in the Scottish Highlands. Today, Ardverikie is still privately owned but open for luxurious self-catering stays in its estate cottages. Your clients can walk the trails that snake around the loch, enjoy stargazing without a single streetlamp, or simply soak up the cinematic landscapes.
Royal Whisky and Cheese Tour, Ballatar, Aberdeenshire
Nothing says refined indulgence quite like a whisky and cheese pairing – and this Royal Deeside tour by Bothies and Bannocks doesn’t disappoint. Clients will sip drams fit for the palace at Royal Lochnagar Distillery and visit the Old Station in Ballatar to get a glimpse of the royal train carriage. Add in local cheeses from Cambus O’May Creamery alongside artisan bites at a local bakery cafe, and your clients can have a tasting experience that’s as rich in royal history as it is in flavour.
Castle Fraser Garden and Estate, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire
This fairy-tale fortress is one of Scotland’s grandest tower houses – and inside, it’s all sweeping staircases, secret trapdoors and rooms packed with period treasures. With extensive parklands, a walled garden boasting specimen trees and herbaceous borders, Castle Fraser Garden and Estate is made for romantic walks and picnic stops. Keep an eye out for highland cattle and red squirrels along the trails – and ghosts in the tower, if the stories are to be believed…
The Fife Arms, Turiff, Aberdeenshire
Nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, The Fife Arms is what happens when a traditional Scottish hunting lodge meets world-class art and Scottish eccentricity. Owned by gallerists Hauser and Wirth, the interiors are a treasure hunt – Picasso sketches, contemporary sculpture, tartan armchairs, antlers, taxidermy and watercolours painted by Queen Victoria herself. It’s where Highland tradition goes haute couture. Enjoy scenic views over Braemar and the surrounding Highland landscapes from the Victorian suites decorated with antique furniture and period wallpaper. A rich programme of events and experiences will keep clients entertained – from Pony Picnics to the Festival of Fashion and creative writing workshops. In the evening, your clients can channel their inner bon viveur at the glamorous Berties Whisky Bar – think plush red velvet sofas, dimmed lights and dark wood-paneling all round.
The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh
All aboard Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s floating palace. Moored in Leith, Edinburgh’s stylish dockside district, the Royal Yacht Britannia served the Royal Family for more than 40 years. Downton’s big-screen adventure brought this ship into cinematic orbit – and guests can now explore five decks of royal life at sea. From Queen Elizabeth II’s bedroom to the engine room, every corner has a story. Afterwards, toast the experience with a gin and tonic in the Royal Deck Tearoom. The site is open year-round and accessible via the Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre.
Wales
Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon, north Wales
In The Crown, Caernarfon Castle sets the stage for one of the most important royal moments – Prince Charles’ investiture as Prince of Wales. But even without Netflix, this UNESCO World Heritage fortress is a storybook destination. Commissioned by Edward I in the 13th century, it dominates the Menai Strait with its octagonal towers and battlements. Inside, visitors can climb towers, explore the Eagle Tower with its wartime museum, and take in panoramic views across Snowdonia (Eryri).
Castell Harlech, Harlech, north Wales
Few castles in Wales are as commanding – or as poetic – as Harlech. Set high above the dunes of Cardigan Bay, this UNESCO-listed fortress has watched over the north of Wales for 700 years. Built by Edward I in the 13th century, it’s a stronghold with sweeping views and stories of rebellions and heroic sieges. There is a path to the beach below for a stroll back through time.
Wave Garden Spa, Conwy, north Wales
Tucked into the Conwy Valley, a 50-minute drive from Chester, this luxury spa is a well-deserved reward after a mountain hike or castle crawl. With steam rooms, a Tyrolean sauna, outdoor hydrotherapy pools and treatments inspired by Welsh botanicals, it’s a place where time slows and relaxation takes over. Clients can even enjoy scenic views of Snowdonia (Eryri) while soaking – a uniquely Welsh twist on the spa day.
Palé Hall Hotel and Restaurant, Bala, Snowdonia (Eryri)
If your clients dream of aristocratic splendour with Michelin green star finesse, Palé Hall delivers. This AA award-winning Victorian mansion in the Dee Valley was once graced by Queen Victoria. Today, it’s a five-star retreat with lavish rooms, landscaped gardens and gourmet dining at the Henry Robertson Dining Room. Guests can explore Snowdonia (Eryri) by day and feast like nobility by night. Menu highlights include hogget with asparagus and black garlic, and cod with smoked pike roe.
Portmeirion, north Wales
Step into another world where Italian-style piazzas and pastel palazzos meet lush Welsh countryside. Built by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, Portmeirion mixes architectural whimsiness with heritage flair. This unique village became a cultural icon as the filming site for the 1960s cult classic The Prisoner, where its surreal environment complemented the show’s themes. Your clients can take guided tours to learn about the village’s design and history or simply wander amid its colourful buildings and forest trails. There are also plenty of boutique shops, cafés and restaurants to sample.
