Manor born: stay where the stories were made
Ever dreamed of waking up in a world where the butler brings tea and the only thing on the agenda is a stroll through rose gardens or perhaps a little falconry before lunch? That world exists, and it’s scattered across Britain at some of the most iconic filming locations. At Highclere Castle in Hampshire, home to the Carnarvon family and the heart of Downton Abbey, visitors can stay in one of the estate’s exclusive lodges. History buffs can explore the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s remarkable collection of Egyptian artefacts, while romantics can watch the sunset from the Secret Garden. It’s the sort of place where one half expects Carson the butler to appear at breakfast. Join a film-set-themed guided tour to explore the property’s cinematic past.
In Yorkshire, Castle Howard dazzles with its baroque drama and cinematic flair. It’s been both Bridgerton ballrooms and Downton Abbey dinner scenes, and come evening it lights up with candlelit tours. Over in Lincolnshire, Grimsthorpe Castle starred in Bridgerton Season 3, with turrets and tapestries perfect for stolen kisses and sweeping romance.
And if it’s windswept drama visitors are after, they can head to Ardverikie Estate in the Scottish Highlands, better known to fans of The Crown as Balmoral. With lochs glittering below misty peaks, it’s where nature meets nobility. Meanwhile, Chatsworth House in Derbyshire serves as the real-life Pemberley – the grand country estate belonging to Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. There, visitors can take a riverside stroll where Darcy once brooded and perhaps indulge in a mindful walk to truly soak up the romance of the Peaks.
A spot of tea (and a slice of romance)
Tea is never just tea in Britain, it’s a cherished ritual – and it has been for generations. At the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London, a showstopping afternoon tea at the Grand Salon delivers tiered delights in a setting dripping with Regency grandeur. Savoury treats include Blythburgh free-range pork sausage rolls with piccalilli ketchup, followed by a sweet course featuring homemade fruit scones with jam and clotted cream. Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire – straight out of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story – offers patisserie with panache as part of their afternoon tea, all within Renaissance-style architecture that whispers of royal intrigue. With gluten free, dairy free, vegan and nut free options, there’s something for everyone.
For a taste of maritime majesty, the Royal Deck Tearoom aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh’ port of Leith invites visitors to sip like a sovereign. Once the private retreat of Queen Elizabeth II, this elegant floating palace now welcomes guests to enjoy afternoon tea in regal style. Seated in the light-filled salon, with polished wood and floor-to-ceiling windows, visitors can nibble finger sandwiches while gazing over Leith’s bustling harbour and the Firth of Forth beyond. In Hampshire, country house hotel Tylney Hall’s Jane Austen-inspired tea brings together ‘Pride, Pastries and Pemberley’ in a playful nod to the author’s enduring appeal and one of her favourite snacks, mini cheese toasties – especially fitting in 2025 to mark 250 years since the author’s birth.
Meanwhile, in Cheshire, Lyme Park – the very estate that served as Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice – serves up its own heritage-rich afternoon tea. Take in the rolling views of the Peak District, sweeping grounds, and stately interiors while indulging in traditional British delights, just as Elizabeth Bennet might have done.
Slow travel: carriages, trains and horse-drawn dreams
In an age of high-speed everything, what could be more romantic than slowing down? This is travel as the Victorians did it – with velvet seats and views that unfurl like storybook pages. The Belmond British Pullman and Belmond’s brand new Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in Britain, deliver classic glamour on the rails. Think starched linens, gleaming brass, fine dining, and landscapes rolling past the window in cinematic slow motion. For a more rustic, but no less romantic experience, the Bala Lake Railway in Snowdonia (Eryri) is home to heritage train Alice the Little Welsh Engine and offers a gently chugging escape through green valleys with mountain vistas.
Elsewhere, horse-drawn carriage rides through Derbyshire (à la Pride and Prejudice) by The Ostler Hach offer visitors a chance to travel through the countryside like Mr Darcy and Miss Bennett. At Hampton Court Palace in London, once the playground of Henry VIII, visitors can ride beside the Thames in a carriage worthy of Lady Whistledown’s approval, pulled by some of the estate’s magnificent Shire horses. After the ride, they can explore Tudor kitchens, get lost in the maze, or wander through the grand Baroque apartments where King William III threw lavish banquets.
For the love of food: Michelin moments and field-to-fork feasts
Romance is often found at the table, and Britain’s countryside restaurants are serving it up with style. At Askham Hall , a 13th-century stately home turned boutique hotel in Cumbria, a Michelin-starred kitchen delivers exquisite dishes in a centuries-old hall surrounded by gardens straight out of a fairytale. In Snowdonia (Eryri), Palé Hall matches grand surroundings with Michelin green star dining. This award-winning Victorian mansion in the Dee Valley was once graced by Queen Victoria herself. Today, it’s a five-star retreat with lavish rooms, landscaped gardens and gourmet dining. In North Yorkshire, restaurant Mỹse offers British cuisine with a hyper-local twist. Much of the menu is grown on the nearby Castle Howard estate, creating dishes that are fresh and aromatic.
Step into the story: immersive escapes and time-travel treats
When visiting isn’t enough, try becoming the character. In Bath, the Jane Austen Festival (12–21 September 2025) celebrates 250 years of the famous writer with dancing, theatre, and more bonnets than one can count. Just around the corner, No.1 Royal Crescent lets visitors experience Georgian lifestyle with immersive ‘Jane Austen in Bath’ tours on select days, alongside a special exhibition to celebrate the writer’s anniversary.
In Scotland, the Enchanted Forest (2 October to 2 November 2025) in Pitlochry transforms Faskally Wood into a glowing wonderland of light and sound – perfect for a romantic evening. The immersive art event in Highland Perthshire has run for more than 20 years, with full details for the 2025 event still to be announced.
Why just watch Bridgerton when one could live it? Learn to glide through ballrooms and hold a teacup with etiquette classes at the Laura Windsor Etiquette Academy in London. Or for a broader brush-up, The British School of Excellence can teach visitors everything from dinner party decorum to the art of a perfect first impression.
