Where was The Crown filmed? Explore the real royal palaces, grand estates, castles, and spectacular filming locations behind Netflix’s hit drama.
Royal life looks rather glamorous on television – grand palaces, lavish banquets, and the occasional constitutional crisis over afternoon tea. Finding somewhere suitable to film all that pomp and circumstance, however, is another matter.
Buckingham Palace wasn’t exactly available for a production crew, so Netflix had to make do with a few hundred historic locations instead. Poor things!
Created by Peter Morgan, The Crown follows Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, from her marriage to Prince Philip and unexpected accession to the throne in 1952 through decades of political upheaval, royal scandals, and family drama.
Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton portray the Queen across six seasons, alongside Matt Smith, Tobias Menzies, Jonathan Pryce, Vanessa Kirby, Helena Bonham Carter, Josh O’Connor, Emma Corrin, Elizabeth Debicki, and Dominic West.
The production used 719 filming locations, from Scottish castles and English country estates to Mediterranean villas and Parisian streets. Here’s where to find the most memorable real-world locations behind the royal drama.
Table of Contents
👑 The Crown Filming Locations
The production used historic properties to recreate royal residences and locations around the world. Here are the filming locations for The Crown that transform monarchy into a living, breathing spectacle – equal parts elegance, charm, and scandal.
🏰 United Kingdom
Britain has no shortage of royal real estate, but even The Crown couldn’t commandeer Buckingham Palace for a television shoot!
Instead, the production travelled around the United Kingdom turning stately homes into royal residences, cathedrals into Westminster Abbey, and historic castles into settings for some of the monarchy’s biggest moments.
Many of these properties have fascinating royal connections of their own. Wilton House has belonged to the Earls of Pembroke since Henry VIII granted the estate to the family in 1544, while Lancaster House boasts Versailles-inspired interiors.
Burghley House was built by Elizabeth I‘s chief minister, William Cecil, and Belvoir Castle traces its origins to the Norman period.
Somerleyton Hall is a Victorian country-house showpiece with a famous garden maze. The elaborate Gothic Revival Woodchester Mansion was never completed!
The historic landmarks have equally impressive stories. Ely Cathedral‘s extraordinary Octagon Tower is a medieval architectural marvel.
Winchester Cathedral doubles as St Paul’s Cathedral in scenes depicting Churchill‘s funeral and Charles and Diana‘s wedding. St Andrews is where William and Catherine met while studying at Scotland‘s oldest university.
Caernarfon Castle in Wales was the actual setting for Prince Charles‘s investiture as Prince of Wales on 1 July 1969, a historic ceremony attended by the Royal Family and recreated in The Crown.
What was filmed here:
Royal residences & country estates:
- Wilton House, Wiltshire, England: Buckingham Palace’s rooms.
- Wrotham Park, Hertfordshire, England: Buckingham Palace’s interiors.
- Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire, England: Kensington Palace’s setting.
- Burghley House, Lincolnshire, England: Windsor Castle’s interiors.
- Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire, England: Windsor Castle’s rooms.
- Somerleyton Hall, Suffolk, England: Sandringham House country retreat.
- Somerley Park, Hampshire, England: Highgrove House, Prince Charles’s home.
- Hatfield House, Hertfordshire, England: Elizabeth’s lessons & court intrigue.
- Lancaster House, London, England: Grand interiors for state occasions.
- Harefield Grove, London, England: Stand-in for Kensington Palace.
- Woodchester Mansion, Gloucestershire: Gordonstoun School exterior.
- Woodchester Park, Gloucestershire: Gordonstoun grounds & outdoors.
- Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire, England: Downing Street’s interiors.
- Halton House, Buckinghamshire, England: Villa Windsor’s exteriors.
- West Wycombe Park, Buckinghamshire, England: Villa Windsor’s interiors.
- Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd, Wales: Prince Charles’s historic 1969 investiture.
- Ardverikie Estate, Inverness-shire, Scotland: Balmoral’s Highland setting.
Cathedrals & historic landmarks:
- Cromwell House, London, England: Winston Churchill’s residence in S4.
- Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire, England: Westminster Abbey’s interiors.
- Winchester Cathedral, Hampshire, England: Westminster Abbey & St Paul’s.
- York Minster, York, England: St George’s Chapel wedding scenes.
- Cobham Hall, Kent, England: Eton College’s historic setting.
- Historic Dockyard Chatham, Kent, England: Period streets & naval backdrops.
- Australia House, London, England: Interiors for Australian tour scenes.
- Dartmouth House, London, England: Ritz Paris hotel scenes.
- Finsbury Circus, London: Ritz Paris hotel entrance & exit scenes.
- 4–6 Throgmorton Avenue, London: Paris Ritz exterior scenes.
- RAF Halton Officers’ Mess, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire: Ritz hotel interiors.
- University of St Andrews, Fife, Scotland: Prince William’s university.
- St Salvator’s College, Fife, Scotland: Historic university interiors.
- St Andrews Harbour, Fife, Scotland: Coastal scenes around university.
- Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon, Wales: Welsh mining communities.
Tour the real royal palaces & castles:
- The Crown Walking Tour of London: Immerse yourself in Royal history.
- Buckingham Palace, London, England: State Rooms & Royal Collection.
- Windsor Castle, Windsor, England: State Apartments & St George’s Chapel.
- Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire, Scotland: Royal estate & Highland gardens.
- Sandringham House, Norfolk, England: Royal residence, gardens, & museum.
- Kensington Palace, London, England: Royal apartments & historic exhibitions.
- Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland: Royal apartments & chambers.
- Tower of London, London, England: Crown Jewels & medieval fortress.
- Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, England: Tudor apartments, kitchens, & maze.
- Kew Palace, London, England: Georgian royal residence & gardens.
- Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Crown Jewels & Great Hall.
- Stirling Castle, Stirling, Scotland: Renaissance royal apartments & Great Hall.
- Leeds Castle, Kent, England: Historic interiors & landscaped gardens.
- Chartwell House, Kent, England: Family home of Sir Winston Churchill.
- Osborne House, Isle of Wight, England: Queen Victoria’s seaside residence.
- Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd, Wales: Medieval fortress & royal history.
🐘 South Africa
South Africa holds a special place in royal history – Princess Elizabeth was on a Commonwealth tour with Prince Philip when news arrived that her father, King George VI, had died on 6 February 1952.
She became Queen at just 25 while staying at Treetops Hotel in Kenya, having left South Africa the day before. The Crown also revisits the strains in Elizabeth and Philip‘s marriage during their overseas tours, including a memorable argument between the couple in Australia.
South Africa itself doubled for several destinations, including Kenya, Ghana, Bermuda, Tonga, and even the Amazon. Hermanus Old Harbour also stood in for Corfu, where Philip‘s family fled Greece in 1922 when he was an infant.
From Cape Town‘s historic landmarks to tropical-looking river scenery and dramatic coastal roads, the production made one country look like half the world. Quite a travel budget saver!
What was filmed here:
- Cape Town, Western Cape: Kenya & royal tour scenes.
- Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town: Queen Elizabeth II‘s Ghana visit.
- Fisantekraal Airfield, Western Cape: Egyptian airbase during the Suez Crisis.
- Keurbooms River, Western Cape: Amazon River expedition scenes.
- Kogel Bay, Western Cape: Tonga scenes during Prince Philip‘s tour.
- Hermanus, Western Cape: Bermuda coastal scenes.
- Hermanus Old Harbour, Western Cape: Prince Philip‘s 1922 escape from Corfu.
What to see & do here:
- Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town: Historic fortress & military museum.
- Table Mountain, Cape Town: Cableway rides & panoramic views.
- V&A Waterfront, Cape Town: Shopping, restaurants & harbour cruises.
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town: Indigenous plants.
- Bo-Kaap, Cape Town: Colourful houses & Cape Malay heritage.
- Robben Island, Cape Town: Nelson Mandela’s former prison.
- Cape Point, Cape Peninsula: Dramatic cliffs & ocean views.
- Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town: African penguin colony.
- Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Peninsula: Spectacular coastal road.
- Hermanus, Western Cape: Whale watching & cliff paths.
- Gansbaai, Western Cape: Coastal scenery & marine wildlife.
- Stellenbosch, Western Cape: Cape Dutch architecture & wine estates.
- Franschhoek, Western Cape: Village charm & mountain scenery.
☀️ Spain
Sun-soaked harbours, luxury villas, glamorous hotels, and yacht-filled marinas made Spain the perfect stand-in for the French Riviera, Monaco, and Mustique.
Mallorca’s Port d’Andratx has long attracted an international sailing crowd, while Palma’s Passeig del Born is one of the city’s most elegant historic boulevards.
In The Crown Season 6, multiple locations in Barcelona and Mallorca, doubled for the sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline of Saint-Tropez, where Diana and Dodi Fayed took their famous ocean strolls.
The Yellow Castle (Castillo Mallorca) in Port d’Andratx doubled as Mohamed Al-Fayed‘s Saint-Tropez villa. Princess Diana actually vacationed at the estate before marrying Prince Charles, which now features a commemorative Lady Di Suite.
The luxurious Villa Sol De Mallorca doubled for Princess Margaret‘s Caribbean villa, Les Jolies Eaux on Mustique, where her private holidays, glamorous gatherings, and romantic scandals unfolded away from the royal spotlight.
Barcelona also doubled for Paris and Sarajevo, while Málaga stood in for Sydney and Brisbane during Charles and Diana‘s 1983 Australian tour.
Almería‘s rugged landscapes provided the Australian outback & Uluru backdrops. Quite a few royal miles covered without leaving Spain!
What was filmed here:
- Port d’Andratx, Andratx, Mallorca: Saint-Tropez harbour & yacht scenes.
- GPRO Valparaiso Palace & Spa, Palma, Mallorca: Luxury hotel scenes.
- Real Club Náutico de Palma, Palma, Mallorca: Mediterranean marina scenes.
- Passeig del Born, Palma, Mallorca: Monte Carlo’s elegant streets.
- Plaza Tagamanent, Palma, Mallorca: Monte Carlo street scenes.
- Yellow Castle (Castillo Mallorca): Al-Fayed’s French Riviera villa.
- Villa Sol de Mallorca, Calvià, Mallorca: Mustique estate scenes.
- Son Bonet Airfield, Marratxí, Mallorca: Mustique airport scenes.
- Plaça Francesc Macià, Barcelona: Parisian street scenes.
- Carrer de Mestre Nicolau, Barcelona: Paris car journey scenes.
- Camí de la Riera de Viladecavalls, Barcelona province: Sarajevo street scenes.
- Málaga, Andalusia: Sydney & Brisbane scenes.
- Almería, Andalusia: Australian outback & Uluru scenes.
What to see & do here:
- Port d’Andratx, Mallorca: Harbour, cafés & boat trips.
- Palma Cathedral, Palma: Gothic cathedral & waterfront.
- Palma Old Town, Mallorca: Medieval lanes & plazas.
- Bellver Castle, Palma: Panoramic hilltop views.
- Valldemossa, Mallorca: Mountain village & monastery.
- Sagrada Família, Barcelona: Gaudí’s iconic basilica.
- Gothic Quarter, Barcelona: Historic streets & squares.
- Park Güell, Barcelona: Mosaics & city views.
🚢 France
France becomes especially important in the final season, as Diana and Dodi‘s Mediterranean holiday gives way to their tragic final journey through the French capital.
The production filmed around Paris, with one notable exception – the Ritz Paris Hotel, where the interiors were recreated on a studio set rather than filmed at the actual hotel.
The city also carries a royal history of its own – Villa Windsor, once home to the Duke & Duchess of Windsor, recalls another royal romance that caused a constitutional crisis when Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson.
What was filmed here:
- Place de l’Alma, Paris: Diana & Dodi‘s final journey.
- Pont Alexandre III, Paris: Parisian bridge & street scenes.
- Pont des Invalides, Paris: Seine-side city scenes.
- Pont Louis-Philippe, Paris: Riverside walking scenes.
- Cours Albert 1er, Paris: Parisian street scenes.
- Villa Windsor, Paris: Duke & Duchess of Windsor‘s home.
What to see & do here:
- Eiffel Tower, Paris: Panoramic city views.
- Louvre Museum, Paris: World-famous art collections.
- Musée d’Orsay, Paris: Impressionist masterpieces.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris: Restored Gothic architecture.
- Sainte-Chapelle, Paris: Spectacular stained-glass windows.
- Arc de Triomphe, Paris: Champs-Élysées views.
- Montmartre, Paris: Artistic streets & cafés.
- Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Paris: Hilltop city views.
- Luxembourg Gardens, Paris: Fountains & manicured gardens.
- Seine River, Paris: Scenic sightseeing cruises.
- Palais Garnier, Paris: Lavish opera house interiors.
- Le Marais, Paris: Historic lanes & boutiques.
- French Riviera: Èze, Monaco, Monte Carlo, & Antibes.
❓ The Crown FAQs
From royal romances and family feuds to historical surprises, these questions reveal a little more about the drama behind The Crown.
Who created The Crown?
Peter Morgan created the historical drama, The Crown, drawing on real events and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
How accurate is The Crown?
The Crown series blends historical events with fictionalised dialogue, private conversations, and dramatic embellishments, so while broadly rooted in real events, not every scene is historically accurate.
Where was Buckingham Palace filmed in The Crown?
Buckingham Palace was recreated using several locations, including Wilton House, Lancaster House, Wrotham Park, and Elstree Studios. Each property represented different rooms and areas of the royal residence.
Was The Crown filmed at the real Balmoral Castle?
No. Ardverikie Estate in the Scottish Highlands stood in for Balmoral Castle, providing both exterior and interior filming locations.
Where was Windsor Castle filmed in The Crown?
Burghley House in Lincolnshire and Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire were used to represent Windsor Castle.
Where was Princess Diana’s death filmed?
The production filmed parts of Diana and Dodi‘s final journey in Paris, including scenes around Place de l’Alma and the Seine. Other sequences were filmed in Barcelona, with the Ritz Paris Hotel interiors recreated on a studio set.
Where was Charles and Camilla’s wedding filmed?
York Minster in northern England stood in for St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle for the wedding scenes in Season 6.
Where was Prince Charles’s investiture filmed?
The 1969 investiture was filmed at Caernarfon Castle in Wales, the same historic fortress where the real ceremony took place.
How many seasons of The Crown are there?
Running from 2016 to 2023, the award-winning historical drama spans six seasons, comprising 60 episodes.
Who’s in the cast of The Crown?
- Verity Russell: Teenage Princess Elizabeth
- Viola Prettejohn: Princess Elizabeth at 19 on VE Day
- Claire Foy: Young Queen Elizabeth II
- Olivia Colman: Middle-aged Queen Elizabeth II
- Imelda Staunton: Senior Queen Elizabeth II
- Finn Elliot: Teenage Prince Philip
- Matt Smith: Young Prince Philip
- Tobias Menzies: Middle-aged Prince Philip
- Jonathan Pryce: Senior Prince Philip
- Vanessa Kirby: Young Princess Margaret
- Helena Bonham Carter: Middle-aged Princess Margaret
- Lesley Manville: Senior Princess Margaret
- Emma Corrin: Young Princess Diana
- Elizabeth Debicki: Middle-aged Princess Diana
- Josh O’Connor: Young Prince Charles
- Dominic West: Middle-aged Prince Charles
What are some shows & movies like The Crown?
- Victoria (2016-2019): A young queen navigates love and power.
- The Tudors (2007-2010): Henry VIII‘s court filled with intrigue.
- The Queen (2006): Royal family deals with Diana‘s death.
- The King’s Speech (2010): A monarch battles his speech impediment.
- Downton Abbey (2010-2015): Aristocratic family navigates changing Britain.
- Queen Elizabeth II: Before The Crown: Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
- Royals: Keeping the Crown: Rise & fall of royalty in the 20th century.
📺 Where to Watch The Crown
Where is The Crown streaming? You can stream all six seasons of the royal drama on Netflix.
From grand English estates and Scottish castles to Mediterranean harbours and Parisian landmarks, The Crown turned an impressive collection of real places into a royal world of its own.
You may not get the palace keys or a personal audience with the monarch, but you can still visit many of the locations that brought the series to life. Mind the protocol, naturally.
Disclaimer: ‘The Crown’ and all related images, clips, and content are the property of Netflix and Left Bank Pictures. This fan-created article is for informational and educational purposes only and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the show’s creators.
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