By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
The 16 May release of season three of Netflix's megahit Bridgerton has inspired fans to do more than just watch the show's Regency era high society seduction and scandal unfold. Enthusiasts of the series are increasingly booking trips to some of the show's iconic filming locations. According to Trainline, a British rail and bus booking platform, trips to Bridgerton based destinations across England have surged by an average of 50% in the past year, with a staggering 135% increase among American travelers year over year.
Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain, emphasizes the opportunity presented by Bridgerton's newest season to "promote [Britain's] world renowned history and heritage and associated experiences to a global audience, inspiring visitors to come and see the filming locations and destinations for themselves." From London palaces to Bath ballrooms, here are seven places around England where fans can immerse themselves in Bridgerton's lavish drama.
London
Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew Palace
Fans of the Bridgerton prequel, "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story," should visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew Palace along the River Thames. This historical site was home to King George III and Queen Charlotte, with much of that era's history preserved on site as a museum. Key filming locations include Kew's Belton House and the King's Observatory, built in 1769 at George's behest to observe Venus’s transit.
Hatchard's and St James's Church
Bookish fans of Eloise and Penelope should not miss Hatchard's, London's oldest bookshop, founded in 1797. Nearby, in Piccadilly, visitors can see St James's Church, where the dramatic wedding scene between Anthony Bridgerton and Edwina Sharma took place in season two. To view the interior, fans will need to attend a service as it is a working church.
Greater London Highlights
In Greenwich, the Queen's House served as Somerset House for the royal ball hosted for Prince Friedrich of Prussia. The Old Royal Naval College and the Ranger's House also provided exterior facades for many scenes. In Richmond, Hampton Court Palace's Master Carpenter's Court, Fountain Court, Clock Court, Base Court, the King's Stairs, and the Gardens were all used as filming sites.
Chatham
Just an hour east of London, Chatham's cobblestone streets were the backdrop for scenes involving Lady Featherington and Marina. The Historic Dockyard staged the boxing saloon where the Duke practiced his punches with sparring partner Will Mondrich. Mondrich’s character draws inspiration from Bill Richmond, a notable Black boxer of Regencyera England.
Bath
Holbourne Museum
The elegant city of Bath plays a starring role in Bridgerton. The iconic Holbourne Museum, known as "Lady Danbury's House" in the series, welcomes many tourists. Originally built as the Sydney Hotel in 1794, the museum now displays one of Queen Charlotte's wigs and a portrait of her.
Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
The Featherington residence facade is the Royal Crescent, a row of Georgian townhouses built between 1767 and 1775. For an immersive experience, book a Bridgertonthemed walking tour, followed by afternoon tea at The Pump Room Restaurant, The Abbey Hotel Tea Bar, or Roseate Villa Bath. The Fancy Ball at the National Trust’s Bath Assembly Rooms, scheduled for 15 June, invites attendees to dress in authentic Bridgertonera formal wear. If you miss the event, the Dressing Fancy exhibit on Georgian attire runs through 30 June.
York
Castle Howard
In the ancient city of York, Castle Howard and its gardens, known as Clyvedon Estate in the series, hosted scenes of Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton's honeymoon. Visitors can enjoy picnic afternoon teas while listening to the show's soundtrack played by a string quartet on select dates. A cruise on the estate’s North Lake and access to Skelf Island are additional attractions.
Oxfordshire
Kingston Bagpuize House & Gardens
A new filming location for Bridgerton season three, Kingston Bagpuize House & Gardens, was previously featured in Downton Abbey. Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands in for Buckingham House, the residence of Queen Charlotte and King George III. Its English Baroque architecture makes it a fitting filming location.
Surrey
Painshill Park
Painshill Park in Surrey, just southwest of London, featured the Featherington family picnic scene in season one. The park, created by Charles Hamilton to resemble a living landscape painting, offers modern and historical appeal. From 25 May to 25 June, visitors can explore the Bugs and Butterflies Trail and enjoy Painshill's sparkling wine and winter gin.
Buckinghamshire
Claydon House
Claydon House in Buckinghamshire is another season three filming location. This 18th century country house, associated with Florence Nightingale, offers immersive tours where visitors can interact with the furniture as Bridgerton residents might have done over 200 years ago.
Explore these captivating locations and step into the world of Bridgerton, where history and fiction intertwine to create a truly unforgettable experience.