Brits are being told of iconic gardens across the UK that have been featured in their favourite TV shows and films.
Garden experts at Pergolux UK have compiled a list of eight breathtaking gardens from iconic on-screen productions that are open to visitors.
Harry Potter fans can visit the famous set at Alnwick Castle, which featured in the first two films, where characters spent their days in Hogwarts. Visitors can even try out broomstick training, just like their beloved characters.
Fans of the Batman franchise can take a trip to the stunning Elizabethan mansion, Wollaton Hall in Nottingham which was used as Wayne Manor in the 2012 film, The Dark Knight Rises.
Downton Abbey left its mark at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, where the post-Edwardian era series and subsequent films have made a lasting impression.
The castle offers guided Downton Abbey tours, allowing visitors to enjoy both the gardens and the iconic filming locations.
Sam Stevens from Pergolux UK said: “The UK is home to stunning architecture and gardens but you may be surprised to hear that some of these locations have been the backdrop in popular TV series and films.
“Game of Thrones, Bridgerton, Batman and Cinderella, are just a few that are set in or feature scenes in stunning UK gardens and the good news is you can visit a lot of these locations.
“Not only is this a great chance to see some stunning landscapes and greenery but it’s also a great opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the world of TV and film.”
8 famous TV series and film grounds you can visit:
Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
Cliveden is famous for its appearances in numerous films, including Cinderella (2015) Thunderbirds (2004) and Sherlock Holmes (2009.)
The estate’s breathtaking gardens and woodlands played a key role in the visuals for the Fountain of Love in Cinderella, located at one end of the estate’s drive. This fountain was also the inspiration for the water feature in front of the royal palace. Cliveden’s gilded clock tower is featured as the clock that strikes midnight where Cinderella flees from the ball.
Castle Ward, Strangford, Northern Ireland
Game of Thrones featured several iconic scenes filmed at Castle Ward in Northern Ireland. Castle Ward was the primary filming location for Winterfell, the Stark family’s ancestral home. Iconic scenes filmed there include the courtyard scene where the Stark family welcomes King Robert Baratheon in season one. It also appears in season two where it was used to depict the gardens of King’s landing, notably in the scene where Sansa Stark walks with Shae.
Painshill Park, Cobham
Season 3 of Bridgerton featured scenes from the stunning Painshill Park. In episode 3, Forces of Nature, a dramatic scene unfolds as the Hawkins hot air Balloon loses control in high winds. Painshill was transformed into a Regency-era funfair, complete with wonderful outfits and a crane holding the hot air balloon. Painshill had also previously appeared in Season 1.
The park has also been featured in the children’s programme ChuckleVision and in the Black Mirror episode Hang the DJ.
Chatsworth House, Derbyshire
Chatsworth House was featured in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice, where it served as the home of Mr. Darcy. The house, a grand stone building, resembles ‘Pemberley’ – the house described in the novel by Jane Austen, who is thought to have used Chatsworth House as her inspiration.
The famous series Peaky Blinders also featured Chatsworth House in series two, using it as May Carleton’s mansion. Several rooms were transformed for the set, and the garden was used in a scene where Tommy approaches May’s home.
Highclere Castle, Hampshire
The popular Edwardian-era series Downton Abbey starred the stunning Highclere Castle and Gardens, from its first series in 2010 through to its finale in 2015, as well as in the subsequent films. Downton Abbey made its mark at Highclere Castle, earning 7 BAFTA nominations and 2 Academy Award nominations. You can visit the castle and gardens and take tours to explore the world of the historical series.
Hatfield House, Hertfordshire
Hatfield House has been featured in numerous films and TV series, including The Crown, Bridgerton, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Harry Potter, Sherlock Holmes, and many more. The most recent was Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story in 2023, which featured various scenes filmed in the gardens and house.
Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
Wollaton Hall was chosen by Warner Bros to film Batman: The Dark Knight Rises. The Batman films are said to have a closer connection to the city of Nottingham than meets the eye. In the 13th century, the village of Gotham in Nottinghamshire feigned madness to stop King John from travelling through, a story now known as The Wise Men of Gotham. In the 19th century, author Washington Irving, became familiar with the Gotham tale and later gave it to Manhattan, New York, as a nickname. In turn, this connection between Gotham and New York inspired the setting for the Batman stories by DC.
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
With its stunning medieval architecture, the first two films from the iconic Harry Potter series, Philosopher’s Stone and Chamber of Secrets, were filmed at Alnwick Castle. Scenes included the famous broomstick training, as well as students and teachers going about their day to day activities in the baileys and courtyards.
The castle dates back to the Norman period (1066-1154) and is the second largest inhabited castle in the UK. You can visit the castle and its gardens to partake in broomstick training!
