7 Filming Locations From The Crown You Can Visit

Prepare your cup of tea and any Princess Diana memorabilia as you get ready for the final season of Netflix’s acclaimed series The Crown, which offers a dramatized look at the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Anticipation builds for the release of season six, part one, on November 16, with part two arriving on December 14. This season kicks off in 1997, depicting the tragic death of Princess Diana (portrayed by Elizabeth Debicki) following her divorce from Prince Charles (played by Dominic West), along with the queen’s (Imelda Staunton) reactions to the ensuing chaos.

While audiences adore the characters and performances, another beloved aspect of the show is its stunning British locales, from magnificent castles to picturesque coastlines, primarily found in England, Scotland, and Wales. However, the production could not film at the actual royal residences like Buckingham Palace, Balmoral Castle, and Windsor Castle, which remain in use today. So, where did the crew film instead, and are these places accessible to the public? We’re excited to highlight the most stunning filming locations from The Crown across the UK, complete with visiting tips and even opportunities for overnight stays.

Where Was The Crown Filmed?

A significant portion of The Crown was shot throughout the United Kingdom, including areas in England, Scotland, and Wales.

1. Balmoral Estate

Actual location: Ardverikie Estate

The magnificent Balmoral Castle and Estate in Scotland serves as the backdrop for several key scenes, including the unforgettable season four episode titled “The Balmoral Test.” In this episode, Lady Diana (played by Emma Corrin) and new Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (Gillian Anderson) undergo an evaluation by the queen at her beloved Scottish retreat. Located near Kinloch Laggan, approximately 2.5 hours north of Edinburgh, Ardverikie was constructed on historic clan territory in the 1800s and has welcomed royalty, including Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901. Its turreted towers and Gothic details create a stunning stand-in for Balmoral. The estate is home to around 1,000 red deer and its grounds are accessible to the public. Although entry to the main castle is usually restricted, there are eight cottages available for rent, offering guests the chance to stay on the estate and, if circumstances allow, receive special access for a castle tour. Ardverikie is located at the edge of Cairngorms National Park, home to Balmoral; if you’re interested in a hike around the royal grounds, you can even book a tour with a ghillie, a Gaelic term for a guide specializing in hunting, fishing, and hiking, who has worked with the royal family for 15 years.

2. The Ritz Paris

Actual location: Waddesdon Manor

In season five, episode three, Mohamed Al Fayed (Salim Daw), the father of Diana’s partner Dodi Al Fayed (Khalid Abdalla), acquires the prestigious Parisian hotel Ritz Paris. The interiors of the hotel in this episode are portrayed by Waddesdon Manor, a French Renaissance château-style estate located in the English countryside, constructed by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the late 1800s. This hotel is also where the real Diana and Dodi spent their last night together before their tragic car accident, so it might reappear in season six. The splendid Waddesdon Manor welcomes visitors and offers daily tours of its house and grounds. During the festive season, it hosts a variety of events and holiday feasts.

3. Highgrove

Actual location: Somerley

Spanning 7,000 acres, this Georgian estate from the 1600s served as the backdrop for Highgrove, Prince Charles’s countryside retreat located in Hampshire, approximately 100 miles southwest of London and near the coast by Bournemouth. The magnificent house, adorned with luxurious furnishings and art, features nine bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a library, a drawing room, and more. It is situated next to New Forest National Park, where deer and pheasants roam the lush grounds. While it isn’t typically open to the public, you can book it for weddings, festivals, concerts, and other events, or gather your friends to rent the entire house. Additionally, there are two other rental options on the estate: the Old Salmon Hut, a refurbished lodge from 150 years ago that accommodates two, and the wisteria-covered, multi-room Farmhouse.

4. Caernarfon Castle

Actual location: Caernarfon Castle

This majestic medieval fortress is one of the few genuine historical sites used for filming in the series. Situated in Gwynedd, Wales, roughly 85 miles west of Liverpool, it was prominently featured in season four as the venue for Prince Charles’s investiture as the Prince of Wales, a ceremony that occurred here in 1969. Visitors are welcome to explore the site.

5. Windsor Palace (seasons one through three)

Actual location: Belvoir Castle

Windsor Palace, the queen’s residence, has been a significant location in the series; however, filming there was not permitted. Instead, the crew opted for Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire for the first three seasons, located about 70 miles east of Birmingham. With a history that stretches back to the 11th century, the estate has seen four castles; the current structure was constructed between 1801 and 1832, showcasing exquisite regency-era architecture. Today, this expansive estate welcomes visitors for various experiences, including tours, afternoon tea, and a festive Christmas event. There are also options for overnight stays on the grounds, featuring several cottages and glamping-style accommodations.

6. Windsor Palace (seasons four and five)

Actual location: Burghley House

During seasons four and five, the production transitioned to Burghley House in Lincolnshire, located approximately 30 miles south of Belvoir Castle, to represent Windsor Castle. Constructed in the mid-1500s by Sir William Cecil, the first Baron of Burghley, this estate is among the oldest and most magnificent that still exists today. Guests can explore the house, its gardens, and the extensive parkland surrounding it. Additionally, there’s a woodland-themed play area for children and a variety of cafés and restaurants on site.

7. Buckingham Palace

Actual location: Wilton House

We cannot overlook the iconic Buckingham Palace, the queen’s residence in London. In the series, Wilton House is one of several locations used to portray Buckingham (some alternatives, like Lancaster House, are not accessible to the public). This historic house, which is 450 years old and located about 95 miles west of London, remains in the ownership of the Earl and Countess of Pembroke and is adorned with exquisite art and antiques. Visitors can explore the estate seasonally (as it is closed during the fall and winter), and the expansive grounds feature a children’s playground and a café.