As one of Netflix’s most iconic and visually stunning dramas, The Crown has captured the world’s attention with its intricate storytelling and impeccable production values. The series, which chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the events surrounding the British royal family, is renowned not only for its stellar performances but also for its striking filming locations. For fans of the show, the locations featured throughout the series offer a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of royalty.

If you’re wondering where the magic happens behind the scenes, here are some of the most notable UK filming locations for The Crown that you can actually visit.

1. Windsor Castle – Windsor, Berkshire

The royal residence that features prominently in The Crown is none other than Windsor Castle, located just outside London in Berkshire. While most of the interior scenes are filmed on sets in purpose-built studios, the exteriors of Windsor Castle are often used to capture the grandeur of the British monarchy.

The actual castle is still a working royal residence, but visitors can tour the State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and the beautiful grounds. With its centuries of history, Windsor Castle provides an atmospheric backdrop for The Crown, and visiting it in person allows fans to step into the very world that the show portrays.

• Visit: Windsor Castle is open to the public year-round, except during certain official events.

2. Lancaster House – St. James’s, London

For many of the scenes set within Buckingham Palace, Lancaster House in London doubles for the iconic royal residence. Situated near St. James’s Park, Lancaster House is a magnificent 19th-century mansion known for its grand neoclassical architecture and opulent interiors.

In The Crown, it serves as a stand-in for the royal palace’s lavish rooms, where key political and personal moments unfold, from high-level meetings to private royal moments. While Lancaster House is not a public building, it is occasionally open for private tours and events, allowing fans of the show to admire its regal setting up close.

• Visit: Lancaster House is used for occasional public events and can be booked for private tours through specific channels.

3. Palace of Westminster – Westminster, London

As the seat of the UK Parliament, the Palace of Westminster is featured heavily throughout The Crown. This iconic building plays a central role in many political storylines in the show, especially scenes involving government ministers and parliamentary debates.

The real-life Palace of Westminster is open to the public for guided tours, which allow visitors to explore the House of Commons, House of Lords, and the magnificent Westminster Hall. The proximity of the Palace of Westminster to other London landmarks also makes it a perfect addition to a Crown-inspired itinerary.

• Visit: Tours of the Palace of Westminster can be booked in advance and are available when Parliament is not in session.

4. Eltham Palace – Eltham, London

For the stunning interiors of the royal family’s residences, Eltham Palace in South East London frequently serves as a backdrop for various episodes of The Crown. The palace is famous for its mix of medieval architecture and Art Deco interior, which is particularly well-suited to depicting the grandeur and historical richness of the royal family’s homes.

Although Eltham Palace is not a royal residence, it’s a captivating historic house that offers an immersive experience into British history. The house and gardens provide an extraordinary setting for fans to walk in the footsteps of the characters from the show.

• Visit: Eltham Palace is part of the English Heritage collection and is open to the public for tours, with beautiful gardens to explore as well.

5. Bristol Old Vic Theatre – Bristol

In several episodes, The Crown delves into the world of theatre, particularly as the Queen’s children, such as Princess Margaret, navigate their own public lives and careers. The Bristol Old Vic is one of the filming locations used for some of these theatre scenes.

The Bristol Old Vic is one of the oldest and most respected theatres in the UK, and it’s well worth a visit if you’re a fan of both The Crown and British theatre. Visitors can explore the historic venue and enjoy world-class performances. For those wanting to see where some of the drama unfolds, you can book tickets to watch a live performance in the very same venue that appeared in the series.

• Visit: Bristol Old Vic offers a full programme of performances throughout the year and is open for theatre tours.

6. Wilton House – Salisbury, Wiltshire

For scenes that depict royal estates and palatial settings, Wilton House in Wiltshire often steps in as a stand-in for some of the grand estates associated with the royal family. The Wilton House estate, with its classical architecture and stunning grounds, has also been used in films such as The Favourite and Sense and Sensibility.

In The Crown, the house doubles for several royal locations and the elegance of its rooms and gardens mirrors the sophistication of royal life. Wilton House has an impressive collection of art and sculptures, making it a wonderful spot for history lovers and fans of British aristocracy.

• Visit: Wilton House is open to the public, with guided tours available during specific times of the year. The gardens are particularly beautiful and well worth exploring.

7. Glasgow’s Pollok House – Glasgow, Scotland

Though The Crown focuses largely on English royal locations, certain scenes have ventured into Scotland. Pollok House in Glasgow has been used as a stand-in for Scottish royal estates. With its stunning interiors and expansive grounds, Pollok House is a beautiful location and a hidden gem for fans of the show.

The house, built in the 18th century, offers a glimpse into Scotland’s aristocratic past and features an impressive collection of Spanish art. The Pollok Country Park, where the house is situated, is also the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll amidst historic grounds.

• Visit: Pollok House is part of National Trust for Scotland and is open to the public with guided tours available.

8. Hatfield House – Hertfordshire

Used in several episodes to represent the royal estates, Hatfield House in Hertfordshire plays a key role as a filming location in The Crown. The house’s grand exterior, surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland, provides the perfect setting for moments of reflection and royal interactions in the series.

Hatfield House has been a royal residence in the past, and its 400-year-old history offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the British aristocracy. Visitors can explore the beautiful interiors and the expansive grounds, which are often used for events, weddings, and festivals.

• Visit: Hatfield House is open to the public for tours, with a lovely café and gift shop available on site.

9. Church House – Westminster, London

The Church House in Westminster, a building associated with the Church of England, is used in The Crown to depict important political events and meetings involving the British government. It serves as a neutral and stately backdrop for key moments of diplomacy and royal influence.

• Visit: Church House is not typically open for casual tours, but it can be visited for specific events or conferences.

10. Dover Castle – Dover, Kent

As one of England’s most famous fortresses, Dover Castle plays an important role in The Crown when it comes to scenes that depict the Second World War era and post-war royal life. The castle’s imposing structure and historical significance offer a perfect backdrop for the wartime period that features in the series.

• Visit: Dover Castle is open to the public and offers a variety of exhibitions about British history, including World War II.

Conclusion: Experience the Royal World of The Crown

For fans of The Crown, visiting these iconic filming locations offers a unique opportunity to step into the world of the British monarchy. From the grandeur of Windsor Castle to the cinematic splendour of Lancaster House, these sites provide a tangible connection to the dramatic stories portrayed on screen. Whether you’re exploring the regal interiors of Eltham Palace or the dramatic landscapes of Dover Castle, these locations offer something for every royal enthusiast, history lover, and fan of The Crown.

With the popularity of the show continuing to soar, these locations provide the perfect chance to experience the UK’s rich royal heritage firsthand, while also getting a glimpse behind the curtain of one of the most successful television dramas of our time.