Discover The Crown filming locations in Britain

Monday 26 October 2020

Experience Royal Britain by following Her Majesty The Queen through the 20th century in smash-hit TV series The Crown. All of these British locations were used for filming the show and provide a glimpse into the royal lifestyle…
 

The Royal Yacht Britannia, Scotland

The Royal Yacht Britannia featured in the second series of The Crown, as HRH Prince Philip toured the world, and is set to reappear in the fourth series. While the scenes weren’t filmed on board the actual royal yacht, a renowned visitor attraction which is now berthed in Leith, in Edinburgh, the production company worked very closely with Britannia to recreate the detail that was reflected on screen. Britannia was home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for more than 40 years, sailing more than one million nautical miles around the world.

 

Hatfield House, Hertfordshire

Home to the 7th Marquis and Marchioness of Salisbury and their family, this grand house in Hertfordshire also includes the Old Palace, which was owned by Henry VIII. The King raised his three children in the palace, including Elizabeth I and it was here she was told of her accession to the throne. A very fitting filming location for The Crown, it doubles as the residence of Queen Mary in the series.

 

Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire

Spectacular Ely Cathedral dates back to AD 672, with the current building dating back to AD 1083. In The Crown, it stood in for Westminster Abbey on the wedding day of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. Thought the location looked familiar? The cathedral has also starred in The Other Boleyn Girl, Elizabeth: The Golden Age and The King's Speech!

 

Knebworth House, Hertfordshire

Walk through 500 years of history, both on- and off-screen, at this striking country house. With generations of the Lynton family residing at Knebworth since the Tudor times, each has been sure to make their mark on this magnificent building. With a romantic exterior adorned with turrets, domes and gargoyles, the house appeared as a location in The Crown, and has also starred in The King's Speech and Batman the Movie.  

 

Slains Castle and Cruden Bay, Scotland

Standing on a Scottish clifftop overlooking the North See are the ruins of Slains Castle in Aberdeenshire. This enchanting spot was once ruled by the powerful Clan Hay and in its prime the castle was a Scots Baronial Mansion with three gardens. Used as a filming location in The Crown, the Castle is steeped in history and is said to have been the inspiration for some of the scenes in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Picturesque Cruden Bay, a short distance away, was also used for scenes in The Crown.

 

Balmoral Castle, Scotland

Purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire has been a Scottish home for the British Royal Family ever since. While it is still very much a private residence, the grounds, gardens and Castle Ballroom open to the public on selected dates each year. Built in 1855, the current property was designed by Prince Albert and Aberdeen architect William Smith. Although Balmoral is depicted in The Crown, the scenes were actually shot at the Ardverikie Estate, a 19th-century Scottish baronial house in Kinloch Laggan in the heart of the Scottish Highlands. Princess Diana and Prince Charles spent part of their honeymoon at Balmoral, and the striking Victorian gothic architecture of Ardverikie – which also featured in the hit drama Monarch of the Glen – acts as a stand in for scenes in series four, as well as for others earlier in The Crown.

 

10 Downing Street, London

Series four introduces fans of The Crown to Britain’s first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, portrayed by Gillian Anderson. She can be seen waving to crowds outside number 10 Downing Street. Although re-created on set, the real life 10 Downing Street is the official residence and office of the British Prime Minister and the backdrop to meetings with dignitaries ranging from Her Majesty the Queen to presidents and other world leaders. History buffs and fans of the show can even take a virtual tour through some of its historic rooms to discover more about one of the most important locations in Britain.

 

St Paul’s Cathedral, London

Lady Diana Spencer married Prince Charles in 1981 in the glorious surroundings of St Paul’s Cathedral. An unforgettable moment in the history of the Royal Family, it is re-enacted in series four of The Crown, with Winchester Cathedral doubling as the iconic London location. The real St Paul’s Cathedral, designed by renowned architect Sir Christopher Wren, dates back to 1711 and is one of the most recognisable features on the London skyline. Topped by a magnificent dome with a beautifully decorated interior that can be viewed as part of a virtual tour, the cathedral has not only seen royal weddings and funerals, but also survived the bombing raids of World War II.

 

The Savoy Hotel, London

The luxurious landmark hotel The Savoy has long been a favourite with royals and Princess Diana is seen arriving at the glamourous five-star hotel in series four of The Crown. For a taste of royal living, visitors could plan a stay in one of 267 lavish guest rooms, including The Royal Suite which offers panoramic views of the River Thames, a Jacuzzi, private mini bar and a 24-hour butler service. Guests could also enjoy afternoon tea within the glass-domed atrium or sample a cocktail in The Savoy’s award-winning American Bar - the oldest surviving cocktail bar in Britain.

 

The Royal Opera House, London

Home to the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera, London's Royal Opera House is an icon of high musical culture. Featuring in series four of The Crown as part of the royal birthday celebrations, the current structure was originally known as the Theatre Royal and dates back to 1858. Architectural highlights within the building include the Paul Hamlyn Hall – formerly known as the Floral Hall – a vast iron and glass structure that was once part of the original Covent Garden flower market, where visitors can enjoy a glass of champagne before shows begin.

 

Old Brompton Road, London

Beyond the royal wedding, series four of The Crown gives visitors a glimpse into Lady Diana Spencer’s life before she became a princess, at No 60, Coleherne Court. Located in Old Brompton Road in west London, it was here that Diana lived with her three roommates when her courtship with Prince Charles began. Although it remains a private property, the building is located a relaxed stroll away from Kensington Palace – Princess Diana’s next place of residence!  

 

Caernarfon Castle, Wales

The sprawling beauty of Caernarfon Castle in Wales is another former filming location for The Crown, having graced our screens in season three. Used as the backdrop to Prince Charles’ investiture, the castle was the real-life location of this historic event in 1969, when the 20-year-old Charles claimed his title and became HRH The Prince of Wales.

For more information contact:

VisitBritain Press Team

pressandpr@visitbritain.org

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