Step into Bridgerton’s England

When Bridgerton debuted on Netflix on Christmas Day 2020, it swiftly became the platform’s biggest-ever show. In the first month alone, 82 million households worldwide fell for its magic formula—flamboyant costumes, glittering balls, and, of course, scandalous intrigue.

A deep, delicious dive into Regency-era England, the backdrops to the drama are as elaborate as the gowns, with some of the country’s most beautiful heritage houses stepping into the spotlight. It’s prompted the so-called “Bridgerton effect,” which has contributed an estimated $6 million boost to the southwest of England, where much of the show is filmed. And that was before season three, the conclusion of which has just dropped. Read on to plan your own Regency pilgrimage… 

The new star of the show

Kingston Bagpuize House, Oxfordshire

Fresh for season three, Kingston Bagpuize House (pictured top), which can trace its history back to 1066, is a new regular character. The Georgian red-brick house in Oxfordshire’s Vale of the White Horse masquerades as a Kentish manor—the new home of a certain family that’s going up in the world. Keen-eyed period-drama fans can also spot it in several episodes of Downton Abbey, where it hosted Dames Maggie Smith and Penelope Wilton. Still a private home owned by an aristocratic family, the house and gardens are open to visitors on select Sundays and Mondays. 

A right royal palace

Hampton Court, Richmond-upon-Thames, London

The recognizable red-brick façade of Hampton Court Palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is the momentous backdrop for one of the most pivotal scenes in season three. The exterior of the Grade I-listed royal palace, which dates back to the early 16th century, is used to represent Buckingham House, Queen Charlotte’s royal residence, but in preceding episodes, the Great Hall, the Fountain Court and the Privy Garden have also popped up as shoot locations. When visiting, pre-booking is advised, or go full Regency and stay for high tea.

Pretty in purple

Ranger’s House, Greenwich, London

Draped in wisteria, the home of the show’s titular family is probably the most recognizable building in the show, purporting to be in Mayfair’s Grosvenor Square. In fact, Ranger’s House, which is run by the charity English Heritage, is in the leafy suburb of Greenwich in southeast London. The house is open to the public from Wednesday through Sunday, but a word of warning: Anyone wanting to get a selfie in front of the flower-draped house will be disappointed—the wisteria is only a prop.

A regal imposter

Royal Crescent, Bath

It takes a little suspension of disbelief and a sprinkling of CGI to persuade viewers that one of the most recognizable cities in the U.K.—Bath—is in fact London, but the Bridgerton team have been doing this since season one. Even the sweeping curve of Royal Crescent was fair game the location scouts, and it pops up regularly as the Featheringtons’ home and in Mayfair street scenes. Edward Street, Bath Street, Trim Street and Alfred Street have all made an appearance, as has the Holburne Museum, which appears as the exterior of Lady Danbury’s house. See them on a walking tour that hits up all 14 shoot locations in the city.

Gilt and grandeur

Wilton House, Wiltshire

While many visitors flock to Wiltshire to see Stonehenge, just down the road on the outskirts of Salisbury, is the glorious 17th-century, Palladian-style Wilton House, the seat of the Earl of Pembroke for over 400 years. In Bridgerton this is Queen Charlotte’s domain, where she receives courtiers in its gilded staterooms, including the wildly opulent Double Cube Room. The drawing room and grand hall, meanwhile, are “home” to Lady Danbury. Eagle-eyed viewers will recognize the house from The Crown, as well as Anna Taylor Joy’s 2020 film Emma. The house and grounds are open to the public May through mid September.

A versatile performer

Basildon Park, Berkshire

One of a handful of properties owned by conservation charity National Trust in Berkshire, the impressive Georgian Basildon Park was badly damaged during World War II, and was very nearly demolished. Fortunately, it was rescued in the 1950s by the devoted Lord and Lady Illife, who lovingly restored the house to its former glory. Its parkland features as the Featherington family’s garden (No.1 Royal Crescent in Bath acts as the front of their house, and Hertfordshire’s Hatfield House provides the interiors); while the house itself is reintroduced in season three as Lady Tilley Arnold’s home. A multi-tasking manor indeed, and open to the public year-round.