Revisiting British Grandeur: 10 Stunning Country Homes from Film and TV Featured in Brideshead Revisited
From the rolling hills of Hampshire to the picturesque landscapes of Surrey, a selection of ten historical properties in the United Kingdom have provided the perfect backdrop for a series of captivating period dramas and romantic comedies. These iconic locations, steeped in history and architectural grandeur, offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of the UK, transporting audiences to another era.
First on our list is Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, often referred to as the "real Pemberley." This stunning estate was featured in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, as well as The Duchess and Peaky Blinders.
Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, with its unique Gothic architecture, has been a favourite among filmmakers. The abbey and the picturesque village surrounding it have been used in various productions, including the Harry Potter series, Wolf Hall, Downton Abbey, and Cranford.
Somerset House in London, with its neoclassical style, has graced the screens in The Duchess, Suffragette, and X-Men: First Class. The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, known for its stunning architecture and historical significance, has also been featured in numerous films and dramas.
Arley Hall in Cheshire, with its impressive interiors and exteriors, was used as Thomas Shelby's home in Peaky Blinders. Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, with its Baroque facade and vast library, has been featured in Brideshead Revisited and Victoria.
Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, known for its connection to the Churchill family, has been a setting in In Hyde Park and The Young Victoria. Highclere Castle in Hampshire, most famous for being the setting of Downton Abbey, has also appeared in other period dramas due to its authentic Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
Haddon Hall in Derbyshire, a medieval manor house, has been featured in several period dramas, including Pride and Prejudice and The Other Boleyn Girl. Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, with its Jacobean architecture, has been used in The Great, The Favourite, and other historical dramas.
Lyme Park in Cheshire, a Grade I-listed Italianate mansion, was used as the setting for Fitzwilliam Darcy's country seat of Pemberley in the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Castle Ward in Co Down, with its mix of Classical and Gothic architecture, was used as Winterfell, the ancestral home of the mighty House of Stark, in the fantasy drama Game of Thrones.
Wilton House in Wiltshire, built on land granted by Henry VIII and redesigned by Inigo Jones in the Palladian style, was used as a stand-in for Buckingham Palace in the first three series of The Crown. Cliveden, a National Trust property in Buckinghamshire, has appeared in numerous productions, including Sir Kenneth Branagh's 2015 film Cinderella, a 2004 live-action version of Thunderbirds, Robert Downey Jnr's 2009 interpretation of Sherlock Holmes, and The Beatles' 1965 feature film Help!
Fiona Carnarvon, the 8th and current Countess of Carnarvon, has described Downton Abbey's long-lasting appeal as "a reassuring anchor for us all in challenging times and something of a world apart." Castle Fraser in Aberdeenshire, built from 1575, was used as Balmoral in the garlanded 2006 film The Queen.
Painshill in Surrey, considered Britain's greatest contribution to the visual arts, was used as a setting for several scenes in the Netflix series Bridgerton. Cliveden now forms part of luxury hotel Cliveden House, based in National Trust grounds.
These properties, with their rich history and architectural beauty, continue to captivate audiences worldwide, offering a unique blend of history and entertainment.
- The garden design of Chatsworth House in Derbyshire, known as the "real Pemberley," has been showcased in various fashion-and-beauty and entertainment pieces, including Pride and Prejudice and Peaky Blinders.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might recognize Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, with its formal gardens, from popular period dramas such as the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey.
- Food-and-drink connoisseurs can enjoy dining near Somerset House in London, a historical location featured in films like The Duchess and Suffragette.
- Travelers planning a trip to the UK might be interested in visiting Haddon Hall in Derbyshire, a historical property that is also a popular destination for lifestyle and general-news enthusiasts, thanks to its use in prominent productions like Pride and Prejudice.
