The Crown Filming Locations: Castles, Cathedrals and Real Royal Residences

Coronations, royal weddings and stays at Balmoral: the series The Crown It retraces the reign of Elizabeth II in sumptuous settings. Yet, the production almost never filmed in the actual royal residences. Visit the filming locations of The Crown, It's about discovering cathedrals, mansions, and castles that have stood in for Buckingham, Windsor, or Balmoral, in addition to the actual palaces open to the public. Based in the UK since 2012, we organize these tailor-made trips. Here are the places to see and our suggested itinerary.

In short: Among the filming locations for The Crown, Ely Cathedral stands in for Westminster Abbey during the coronation, Lancaster House and Wilton House serve as interiors for Buckingham Palace, Belvoir Castle stands in for Windsor, and Ardverikie House in the Highlands represents Balmoral. Complete your trip with visits to the actual residences: Buckingham Palace in summer, Windsor Castle, and Balmoral. Allow 4 to 7 days.

The filming locations of The Crown in England

Ely Cathedral, Westminster Abbey

In Cambridgeshire, this immense medieval cathedral has been the setting for several major events, including the coronation of Elizabeth II. Filming inside Westminster Abbey itself is extremely difficult. Ely is easily accessible by train from London or Cambridge.

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What kind of traveler are you for? Filming locations for The Crown: castles, cathedrals and real royal residences "?

5 quick questions to see what suits you best.

Question 1 of 5

In a castle, you look first…

The history of the placeThe architecture and decor

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Would you prefer to visit…

A must-haveA more discreet location

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During the visit?

With a guideAt your own pace

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Which setting appeals to you the most?

An impressive fortressA house with beautiful gardens

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What do you like to feel?

Understanding what happened hereTo transport you to another era

Lancaster House and Wilton House, the drawing rooms of Buckingham

In London, Lancaster House, next to Buckingham Palace, often served as the palace's state rooms. Similarly, Wilton House, near Salisbury, lent its state rooms to royal interiors. Wilton House is open to visitors in good weather and can be combined with a visit to Stonehenge.

Belvoir Castle, Windsor Castle

In Leicestershire, Belvoir Castle has stood in for Windsor Castle in several seasons. This neo-Gothic castle, resembling a palace, is open to the public at certain times. Also discover our selection of England’s most beautiful castles.

Balmoral and the filming locations of The Crown in Scotland

For the royal family's stays in Scotland, the production company chose Ardverikie House, A manor house on the shores of Loch Laggan in the Highlands, which stands in for Balmoral. The estate is private, but it can be seen from the loch road. Then you can visit the real Balmoral Castle, near Braemar, whose gardens and some rooms are open to the public at certain times. To see the Highland Games the royal family likes best, read our guide to Highland Games.

The real royal residences to visit

• Buckingham Palace : the state rooms generally open in the summer; ;
• Windsor Castle, open all year round, with the Saint-Georges chapel; ;
• Westminster Abbey, the site of royal coronations and weddings; ;
• Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh, the King's official residence in Scotland; ;
• Balmoral Castle, in Aberdeenshire.

More information is available on the official website of Royal Collection Trust, which manages visits to the royal palaces.

Our 5-day itinerary to the filming locations of The Crown

• Day 1: London, Westminster, Buckingham Palace and Lancaster House (exterior view).
• Day 2: Windsor Castle.
• Day 3: Wilton House and Stonehenge.
• Day 4: Ely and its cathedral, then Cambridge.
• Day 5: return to London, or extension to Scotland and Balmoral.

Do you enjoy period dramas? Also read our guide to Bridgerton filming locations and all our guides to trip to the filming locations.

Frequently asked questions about the filming locations of The Crown

Was The Crown filmed at Buckingham Palace?

No. The palace scenes were filmed in other residences, such as Lancaster House and Wilton House, as well as in a studio. However, you can visit the real Buckingham Palace in the summer.

Where was the coronation scene filmed?

Primarily in Ely Cathedral, Cambridgeshire, which stands in for Westminster Abbey.

How much does a trip to The Crown cost?

Expect to pay from €1,100 per person for 5 days including accommodation, transport and assistance, excluding flights and entrance fees. However, the price depends mainly on the season and the chosen visits.

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