Delve into the authentic Georgian-era history of England, inspired by Netflix's Queen Charlotte

In the world of Queen Charlotte, life unfolds in a realm filled with strict etiquette, grand balls, and opulent entertainment. Days and nights are spent far removed from the mundane reality, within the expansive estates or elegant city townhouses.

It all appears to be quite the adventure, showcasing the allure of Georgian-era England. This is the very country where young Princess Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz entered in 1761, marrying the newly crowned King George III to become Queen.

As you dive into Netflix's latest series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, keep in mind that those aren't mere film sets. They are actual locations, enhanced by a dreamy fairytale aesthetic brought to life by the extravagant production. Even in today’s New Carolean England, the enchanting landscapes of Charlotte's realm are just beyond an endless driveway or slightly obscured by neatly trimmed Ligustrum ovalifolium (that's privet hedge, my dear).

By examining the cleverly selected filming locations for Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte, we've crafted an amazing itinerary for a week or more in southern England that, with the right fancy attire, will make your friends believe you’ve secured a role in your own upcoming spinoff.

Day 1: Discover London’s southwest and visit the spot where Queen Charlotte rested.

London and its nearby areas are a goldmine for any Bridgerton enthusiast. Despite 250 years of constant change, urban growth, and wartime destruction, the city still showcases the finest Georgian treasures. This is one reason the Bridgerton world is so prominently set here. Just southwest of the city, yet easily accessible by train, Hampton Court Palace, with its stunning interiors and gardens, plays a significant role in the series. Spending a day exploring this Tudor marvel is a must, and the surrounding region is equally delightful — no other part of London, with its lush greenery like Richmond Park, quite captures the refined essence you might envision.

To the north of Richmond Park lies Kew Gardens, home to Kew Palace and the somewhat hidden Queen Charlotte's Cottage. Across the river, you'll find Syon House, the backdrop for the 'Material Girl' ball in Season 2 of Bridgerton. The River Thames flows gently here, lined with footpaths that invite exploration. Riverside areas like Richmond, Teddington, and Kew are perfect for a leisurely afternoon tea or a pub lunch, with charming riverboats and rowers drifting by.

Day 2: Discover the historic gems that are hiding in plain sight.

After a delightful day exploring western London (preferably with a charming white parasol), you’ll want to spend another day in Greenwich, easily reached by a short train ride or an exciting Thames Clipper ride southeast. Here lies the Old Royal Naval College, featured not only in this series but also in countless films and TV shows. Close by, the Queen's House, the UK’s first Classical structure, served as a stand-in for the Royal College of Physicians in the show. The beautiful colonnades and lawns of the college, built atop the site of Greenwich Palace—birthplace of both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I—overlook Greenwich Park, offering stunning and often breezy views of London. Where the park meets Blackheath stands the Bridgerton mansion itself, the real Ranger's House. Despite its prominence in the series, this house remains one of London's hidden gems, showcasing Sandro Botticelli's Madonna of the Pomegranate among the treasures of the Wernher Collection.

However, London isn't merely a vast museum filled with old buildings and attitudes. Following Queen Charlotte's path will lead you to some contemporary hotspots. Hackney Empire, the famed arts venue located in the vibrant east London, doubles as Charlotte's Opera House. Wilton's Music Hall, another East End landmark known for providing joyous celebrations to the working class over the years, also featured in Bridgerton. Though more refined, the Wren-designed St James' Church in Piccadilly—used for several pivotal moments in the series—offers a serene escape from the busy West End. Its light-filled baroque interior and tranquil church garden beckon visitors to pause and catch their breath.

Day 3: Embark on a journey to Bath.

If you're a true Bridgerton fan, you're likely yearning for that quintessential country house and ball fantasy, which often means venturing outside of London. This is indeed the case. A quick and easy way to immerse yourself in the Bridgerton ambiance is to hop on the 90-minute high-speed train from Paddington Station to Bath. While Paddington is a Victorian station and not Georgian, its impressive glass-roofed architecture and white-painted columns evoke a sense of history. If possible, try to travel from here on a summer Friday evening to enjoy performances by Britain’s last station band for commuters.

With its renowned Georgian architecture, it's no surprise that many consider Bath a popular day trip from London. Bath is undeniably charming, featuring the magnificent Royal Crescent, the Assembly Rooms—whose ballroom appears in the series—and Holburne Museum, which serves as Danbury House in the show. As one of southern England's top destinations, it's often included in a day-trip itinerary alongside Windsor Castle and Stonehenge, leaving travelers feeling as if they've just collapsed onto an ottoman like a grand dame at the end of the summer season. To truly experience its beauty, spend at least one night and rise early for those perfect selfies. Beyond the Royal Crescent, Bath offers a variety of other crescents and stunning honey-colored buildings, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Day 4 (and beyond): Explore Hertfordshire and Oxfordshire on day trips

Taking another excursion from the capital, Dorney Court, a magnificent Elizabethan estate near Windsor that represents the exquisite Danbury Manor in the series, is only open on June afternoons. Firle Place, the residence of Violet Ledger, has limited summer hours on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. If these options don't align with your schedule, consider Hatfield House in Hertfordshire or Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, both of which have more flexible visiting hours. You can reach either destination by train or bus, and Blenheim offers a 30% discount for those arriving via public transport. Blenheim pairs well with a visit to nearby Oxford, where Merton College's chapel served as the wedding venue for the royal couple in the show. Interestingly, they married on the same day they first met at St James' Palace in London. Merton College has a more Hogwarts-like atmosphere than Bridgerton, which might be a nice treat for any teenagers who've endured your itinerary so far.

No tour of exclusive England would be complete without encountering a few closed doors. Goldsmith's Hall, one of the historic Livery Halls for London guilds, provides guided tours only four times a year. Other filming sites like Wrotham Park, located just north of London in Hertfordshire, and Ditton Manor in Berkshire (which doubles as Charlotte's childhood home of Untere Schloss in Germany) are typically closed to the public except for special events. Consider making friends with someone planning a wedding, or look for alternatives.

A few tips to keep in mind before your visit

It's beneficial to plan ahead for the major attractions in this itinerary. Reserve tickets in advance to avoid long queues, and consider packing picnics for a full day out to save on expenses. Many of these locations host summer theatre performances, concerts, and other events, which can be delightful ways to enjoy them, especially if the weather cooperates. No matter how your plans shape up, after these few days, Charlotte's world may still seem like an enchanting illusion, but one that feels a bit more tangible.