The Crown has captured the hearts of millions, bringing the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II to screens worldwide. Now, like many others, you are most certainly longing for a walk in the very places where the scenes of the series were filmed. From grand palaces to historic estates, The Crown filming locations are as majestic as the series itself.
In this article, we’ll take you through those places that will allow you to feel the grandeur of the British monarchy and step into its world.
Lancaster House, Greenwich Old Royal Naval College, and Wilton House as Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom, which, luckily for us, opens its doors to visitors. In The Crown, though, we don’t see Buckingham Palace as it was replaced for logical reasons by three other iconic landmarks: Lancaster House, Greenwich Old Royal Naval College, and Wilton House.
Lancaster House is a notable historical building in London, just off St. James’s Square. Built in the early 19th century, it has served various purposes, including as a venue for government meetings and official receptions. People familiar with The Crown will remember that scene where Camilla Parker Bowles visits Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, which was actually shot at Lancaster House.
Unfortunately, the mansion is not open to the public and can only be seen from outside via sightseeing tours, although some of its rooms are available for venues if you can afford the cost. If not, then here are the top ways to experience Lancaster House.
Unlike the latter, Greenwich Old Royal Naval College is open daily to visitors from 8 am to 11 pm. The admission ticket to the Painted Hall is £16.50. Greenwich Old Royal Naval College is a stunning historic site located on the banks of the Thames in London. This UNESCO World Heritage Site serves today as a center for education and culture, housing the University of Greenwich and the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance.
Wilton House is a little less well-known but still magnificent. Located in Wiltshire, England, the house represents the seat of the Earl of Pembroke. The place is famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into the glory of English heritage. It has welcomed film crews for many years, including Bridgerton, Emma, Tomb Raider, Young Victoria, Outlander, in addition to The Crown.
Wilton House is open periodically to the public and will reopen for Easter 2025. Here’s a list of the five best things to do in Wilton.
Belvoir Castle and Burghley House as Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle, located in Berkshire, England, is one of the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castles. It has been a royal residence for over 1,000 years, originally founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. The castle features impressive architecture, combining medieval structures with Victorian additions.
The grounds include the beautiful State Apartments that house a vast art collection. St. George’s Chapel, known for its Gothic architecture, is also part of the castle. You can visit this royal residence every day.
Many scenes from The Crown were set in Windsor Castle, but the latter does not appear in the series. Belvoir Castle, in Leicestershire, and Burghley House, in Lincolnshire, were used as substitutes.
Belvoir Castle is a stunning stately home that serves as the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Rutland. The castle has a rich history dating back to the 11th century, although the current structure was largely rebuilt in the 19th century in a Gothic Revival style, integrating striking towers and turrets. Belvoir Castle, Gardens and Adventure Playground are open 7 days a week.
Burghley House was used in seasons 3 and 4 of The Crown. Built in the late 16th century, it showcases an impressive mix of Elizabethan and Jacobean architecture. The estate hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, making it a popular destination for visitors interested in history, architecture, and the arts.
Check this page to see what you can do around the estate.
Ardverikie House and Knebworth House as Balmoral Castle
Balmoral Castle is another fine-looking royal residence located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852, the castle was built in the Scottish baronial style, characterized by its distinctive turrets and striking architecture. The grounds encompass beautiful gardens, woodlands, and expansive estate lands, providing a picturesque setting against the backdrop of the Scottish Highlands.
Balmoral is particularly significant as a private retreat for the members of the royal family, where they spend time each year, especially during the summer months. The castle’s grounds are open to the public on specific dates.
In The Crown, Ardverikie House and Knebworth House replaced the castle for filming. Ardverikie House is a Victorian mansion located in the Scottish Highlands, near Loch Laggan. Built in the 1870s, it is known for its architectural beauty, featuring a mix of Scottish Baronial and Gothic styles. The estate is surrounded by lush landscapes, including mountains and woodlands, making it a popular spot for photography and outdoor activities.
The public is welcome to walk over the Ardverikie Estate at any time but motor vehicles are not permitted there. Visitors need to park in the layby on the A86 situated approximately a quarter mile from the estate and walk from there.
Knebworth House is a 16th-century stately home in Hertfordshire, England. The estate is perhaps best known for its expansive grounds, which include 250 acres of gardens and parkland, featuring a variety of landscapes. It has also become a popular venue for concerts and events, hosting legendary performances by bands like Led Zeppelin and Oasis.
Click here to see the dates when Knebworth House is open to the public, or here for the special events held on the estate.
St. Mary’s Church as Crathie Kirk
Crathie Kirk is a charming church located near Balmoral Castle in Scotland. It serves as the parish church for the members of the royal family when they’re in residence at Balmoral. The church is known for its idyllic setting, surrounded by the landscapes of the Cairngorms.
The scenes set in Crathie Kirk in the series were mostly shot at St. Mary’s Church in North Mymms Park, Hertfordshire. St. Mary’s Church dates back to the 12th century and features elements from various periods, including Norman and Gothic styles, contributing to its character.
You can visit the place from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, and on Sundays after the church service (approximately 10.30 am) until 4 pm.
Wrotham Park and Brocket Hall as Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens, in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London, England. It has been a residence of the British royal family since the 17th century and is currently the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, and their two sons. The place is open to visitors.
Two locations were used in The Crown to replace Kensington Palace: Wrotham Park and Brocket Hall.
Wrotham Park is a neo-Palladian English country house in the parish of South Mimms, Hertfordshire. It is one of the largest private houses near London inside the M25 motorway. The place is not open to the public but is an excellent venue for private parties, corporate hospitality events, wedding receptions, product launches, and presentations. In The Crown, Wrotham Park was also the substitute for Gatcombe Park, Princess Anne’s residence.
Brocket Hall is one of England’s finest stately homes. It is a neoclassical country house set in a large park on the western side of the urban area of Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, England. Just as Wrotham Park, though, the place is not open to the public but hosts private events like weddings and other celebrations.
Somerley House as Highgrove House
Highgrove House is the family residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. It lies southwest of Tetbury in Gloucestershire, England. One of the most notable aspects of Highgrove is its beautiful gardens, which Charles has personally designed and cultivated. The gardens are renowned for their sustainable practices and biodiversity, featuring a variety of plants, trees, and even a kitchen garden. They reflect the king’s deep commitment to environmental conservation and organic gardening.
The Highgrove estate welcomes visitors and also serves as a venue for charitable events and private engagements.
The mansion featured prominently in several seasons of The Crown but, as you probably guessed already, the scenes were not set there but at Somerley House. The Somerley estate sits on the Hampshire, Dorset border. Set within 7,000 acres of parks and woodland, Somerley House has been in the family of the current custodians, Lord and Lady Normanton, since 1828. The House still features its original Georgian interior.
Unfortunately, the only way to explore Somerley House is through private events.
Lamport Hall as Clarence House
Clarence House is a royal residence on The Mall in the City of Westminster, London. The Crown’s production crew chose Lamport Hall as its replacement. Lamport Hall is a historic estate located in Northamptonshire, England. Originally built in the 16th century, the hall features stunning architecture that combines elements from different periods, including Elizabethan and Georgian styles.
The estate welcomes visitors throughout the year for a wide range of events. Guided tours are also available.
The University of St Andrews and Royal Holloway University
The University of St. Andrews is where Prince William (Ed McVey) studied and connected with his future wife, Kate Middleton (Meg Bellamy). Most scenes were filmed in the university itself but others were at Royal Holloway University, west of London.
Good news: you can book a tour at St. Andrews. While there, why not treat yourself to a visit to Molly Malones Pub Restaurant, which was featured in The Crown as a stand-in for the University of St. Andrews’s pub.
York Minster Cathedral as St. George’s Chapel
Charles and Camilla married on April 9, 2005, in a civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall, right outside Windsor Castle. The ceremony was followed by a Church of England Service of Prayer and Dedication at St George’s Chapel. Standing for the latter in the series was York Minster Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe.
You can visit this Anglican cathedral in the city of York, North Yorkshire, from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 4 pm and on Sundays from 12.45 pm to 2.30 pm.
Rothiemurchus Estate
In series 4 of The Crown, the Royal Family is seen attending the Braemar Games, also known as the Braemar Gathering. The Games were filmed on the sprawling Rothiemurchus Estate, near Aviemore, in the Cairngorms National Park, Scotland.
You can book activities on the estate or experience nearby attractions.
Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle is an imposing fortress in North Wales, built between 1283 and 1330 by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales. It features a distinctive polygonal design with massive walls and towers, making it one of the most impressive examples of medieval military architecture.
Caernarfon Castle is where Prince Charles’s investiture as Prince of Wales was held, in 1969. The ceremony was shot at the same place in the sixth episode of the third season of The Crown. Learn how you can visit the estate by clicking this link.
Ely Cathedral as Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey, also named the royal church, is a Gothic church located in the heart of London renowned for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. Founded in 960, it has been the site of numerous royal ceremonies, including coronations, weddings, and funerals.
Ely Cathedral was a great stand-in for Westminster Abbey in The Crown, particularly in scenes depicting royal weddings and coronations.
You can visit this magnificent place of worship seven days a week.
Winchester Cathedral as St Paul’s Cathedral
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were married at St Paul’s Cathedral, in 1981. The ceremony does not appear on the screen, but other scenes from The Crown set at St Paul’s were shot on location. When this was not possible, Winchester Cathedral was used as the double for the iconic London landmark. Here’s how you can visit Winchester Cathedral.
Guided and self-guided tours in multiple languages are available every day at St Paul’s Cathedral and will lead you from the depths of the Crypt to the spectacular heights of the Stone and Golden Galleries.
Eltham Palace
Eltham Palace is a hidden gem in London that combines medieval splendor with Art Deco elegance. This unique location plays a significant role in The Crown, serving as a substitute for various royal residences.
Click this page to plan your visit to Eltham Palace.
Cobham Hall and Winchester College as Eton College
Prince William enrolled at Eton College in 1995. In The Crown, the scenes set at this school were shot at Cobham Hall and Winchester College.
Cobham Hall is a historic mansion located in Kent, England. It is renowned for its stunning architecture, set within expansive grounds. The hall was originally built in the 16th century and has served as a country house and, more recently, as a girls’ school. Its classical design and beautiful parkland make it a notable landmark in the area.
Winchester College is one of the oldest and most prestigious independent schools in the UK, founded in 1382. Located in Winchester, Hampshire, it is known for its rigorous academic tradition, historic buildings, and strong emphasis on classical education. The school has a rich history and maintains a reputation for excellence in both academics and extracurricular activities.
Filming Locations Depicting Scenes in France and Spain
- The Royal Exchange for scenes at Repossi Jewelers and the Ritz Hotel. In The Crown, Dodi offers Diana a ring he bought at Repossi Jewelers, in Paris, and the couple stays at the Ritz, a 5-star luxury hotel, during their trip to the French capital. These scenes were shot at The Royal Exchange, a historic building in London that has served as a center for commerce and trade since its opening in 1568. Originally established as a trading venue for merchants, it was designed by architect Edward Mountford in a grand neoclassical style, featuring an impressive central courtyard surrounded by a colonnade.
- Tunnel d’Alma, Pont de l’Alma: exterior shots of the Mercedes crashing in the tunnel.
- Yellow Castle in Mallorca: the property that Diana and Dodi vacationed at was in southern France, but it is Yellow Castle, a villa in Spain, that was used to film this phase in The Crown. Now guess what: you can rent Yellow Castle on Airbnb.
Touring The Crown filming locations offers more than just a glimpse into the world of British royalty; it’s a chance to step into history, culture, and the magic of filmmaking. Each location is steeped in its own stories, both real and fictional, making these tours a must for fans of the show and history buffs alike. Ready to explore? Book your tour today and walk in the footsteps of kings and queens!
