Experience royal Britain ahead of The Crown Season 5

Monday 07 November 2022
Marcel LeCorgi poses with his Corgi friends in front of Buckingham Palace

The much-anticipated season five of The Crown will be coming to our screens on Netflix this November. Centred around the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the series follows the real-life events of the Royal Family, and this season focuses on the 1990s. With the Coronation of King Charles III also on the horizon, now’s the time to immerse yourselves in regal living and discover royal Britain, inspired by the hit drama. Uncover royal things to do across the country with a right British Cheer.

Whether you’re seeing some of The Crown’s filming locations for yourself; embarking on royal tours; strolling around the grandest of palaces; or trying out first-class royal experiences, Britain has got you covered.

 

See some of The Crown’s filming locations for yourself

- Meander through Belvoir Castle, home to the Duke of Rutland's family since 1067, Leicestershire
 Proudly stood on a hilltop in the Vale of Belvoir, the interior rooms of the 19th century Belvoir Castle were used to replicate Windsor Castle in The Crown. After strolling through the castle’s formal gardens and getting lost in its opulent galleries and rooms, visitors to this Leicestershire icon can take in a bird’s eye view of the surrounding landscape. The Belvoir estate also offers a number of homestays and glamping spots for overnight stays.

- Bask in the magnificent structure of Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire

This magnificent Norman structure in the historic riverside city of Ely stood in for Westminster Abbey on the wedding day of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. It has also starred in The Other Boleyn Girl, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, and The King’s Speech.

- Stroll through 21 acres of landscaped parkland at Wilton House, Wiltshire 

Buckingham Palace features heavily in The Crown, but was unavailable as an actual location for the production team. Instead, the Queen’s residence was recreated with several stately homes across the country, including this elaborate Tudor estate in Wiltshire. As a result, Wilton House’s Double Cube Room – an eye-popping architectural feat – appears in almost every episode of The Crown.

- See Hatfield House, steeped in over 400 years of history, Hertfordshire

This grand estate was the childhood home of Henry VIII’s children; all three were raised in the Old Palace, a medieval masterpiece dating back to 1485. It was here where Elizabeth I was told of her accession to the throne, making it a fitting place to use in filming for The Crown.

- Discover the grandest state rooms at Burghley House, Lincolnshire

This grand stately home - found on the edge of Peterborough - was used as a double for several exterior shots of Windsor Castle in Season Four of The Crown. Built in the 1600s as a leading example of the Elizabethan prodigy house, Burghley House's unaltered period appearance makes it a more than capable fill-in for a royal residence.

 

Practice the royal wave as you tour with glamour

- Embark on a Royal London and Windsor Full Day Tour

Enjoy a relaxing panoramic bus tour of London introducing you to the most iconic landmarks of the capital; seeing some of the most famous London sights including Westminster Abbey, the Big Ben and the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Learn about Windsor town rich history before visiting the magnificent Windsor Castle, active residence of the British monarchy.

- Get a great value for money pass to see Scotland's top three Royal attractions with a Royal Edinburgh Ticket

The ticket includes trips to Edinburgh Castle, Scotland’s most popular attraction, with nearly 1,000 years of history and great views of the city; Palace of Holyroodhouse: the King’s official Scottish residence and a glorious regal palace; and Royal Yacht Britannia: take a fascinating and intimate tour of the ship, once owned by the Royal Family.

- Follow in royal footsteps with a Royal London and Royal Palaces Walking Tour, London

Follow the Kings and Queens of England's footprints and learn about their palaces, traditions and history on this unique London walking tour. Admire iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Clarence House, Horseguards Parade, Lancaster House, Westminster Abbey and more. Learn all about the Kings and Queens of England’s fascinating traditions and rich history.

- Witness the traditional ceremony with a Changing of the Guard Tour, London

Stand in the best spots to observe the world-known Changing of the Guard ceremony and get the best pictures. Understand the different stages of this traditional event involving the Queen’s Foot Guards, the Household Cavalry and the Regimental Musical Bands marching towards Buckingham Palace. Visit and learn about St James’s Palace and Clarence House and the link between monarchy and power in Westminster’s Big Ben, its Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.

 

Stroll through palaces, castles and estates that ooze decorum

- Visit  Palace of Holyroodhouse, His Majesty The King's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history

No trip to Edinburgh would be complete without a visit to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the King'a official residence in Scotland. The palace is best known as the home of Mary, Queen of Scots – she was married here, and witnessed the brutal killing of her secretary in her private apartments. A tour of the Palace will take you to the State Apartments, the gardens and the Queen’s Gallery, where you’ll find changing exhibitions from the Royal Collection.

- Explore Balmoral Castle & Estate, Scottish home of the Royal Family, Aberdeenshire

Purchased by Queen Victoria in 1852, Balmoral Castle has been a private Scottish home of the British Royal Family ever since. It opens its grounds, gardens and Castle Ballroom to the public from April to July each year. Look out for special theatrical events through the year from Shakespearean classics to contemporary plays, or for something a little more fast-paced join a Balmoral Expedition for a ride across the estate in a Land Rover.

- See the King's official London residence and a working royal palace, Buckingham Palace

One of Britain’s most recognisable landmarks, Buckingham Palace is the office and official residence of the King. From the end of July to September the doors open to visitors, giving you the chance to tour the lavish State Rooms and garden, and see some great treasures from the Royal Collection along the way. And don’t forget to catch the spectacular Changing the Guard ceremony. It’s free to watch and runs daily from April to July, and on alternate days for the rest of the year.

- Discover the home of young royals, Kensington Palace, London

Kensington Palace has been home to many members a royal including Queen Victoria and Diana Princess of Wales. Take a look back through the years of the Royal Family with exhibitions year-round, from touring The King's Gallery to visiting the Jewel Room.

- Marvel at Sandringham House & Estate, the much-loved country retreat of the British royal family, Norfolk

Since 1862, Sandringham has been the private home of 4 generations of monarchs and was once described as ‘The most comfortable house in England’. Visit the grand royal retreat for tours of the vast estate, and discover the royal parklands for a snippet of nature.

 

Be first class with royal experiences across Britain

- Check out one of the globe’s most famous fortresses, the Tower of London

The Tower of London has seen service as a royal palace, prison, armoury and even a zoo. Today, it’s a World Heritage Site, where you’ll be dazzled by the Crown Jewels; hear tales from the Tower on a Yeoman Warder tour and see where Henry VIII’s wives Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard are thought to have been executed.

- Head to this infamous church where coronations, royal weddings, kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers have been, Westminster Abbey, London

Westminster Abbey is steeped in over 1,000 years of history, and has been the setting for the coronation of every English monarch from 1066. The abbey has seen 16 royal weddings and is also the place where the late Queen Elizabeth II was crowned as queen 70 years previous. 

- Find historic royal carriages and working stables at The Royal Mews, London

Royal Mews, home to historic royal carriages and one of the finest working stables in existence. Open from May until October, groups can see the horses, marvel at The Queen's Diamond Jubilee State Coach - first used at the State Opening of Parliament on 4 June 2014, and tour the livery worn by The Queen's coachmen. 

 

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