The Palaces and Country Estates of Bridgerton
Dearest gentle reader, the highly anticipated return of Bridgerton is finally here! As 82 million viewers worldwide can attest, the greatest gift of Christmas 2020 was Netflix's costume drama set in Regency London, brimming with pomp, romance, and scandalous storylines. Based on Julia Quinn’s beloved historical romance series, the show follows the Bridgerton family and the decadent lives of high-society London in the 1800s. The new 2024 season promises to delve into the (as yet) unrequited romance between Colin Bridgerton and Penelope Featherington.
It’s been two years since the last Bridgerton installment. Still, fans had plenty to keep them excited with the release of "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" – a delightful spin-off focusing on the beloved, gossip-loving Queen Charlotte, which landed on Netflix last May. The third season of Bridgerton is highly anticipated and split into two parts, with four episodes available today (16 May 2024) and the remaining four dropping on 13 June.
Under the masterful direction of TV superstar Shonda Rhimes, of Grey’s Anatomy fame, the show once again focuses on the ton’s wallflower, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan), and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), exploring their will-they-won’t-they romance that has been subtly brewing over the past two seasons. Fans will be thrilled to see many familiar faces return, including Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury, and Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton. We’ll also see the newly married lovebirds Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), whose tumultuous courtship delighted viewers and ended season two on a high note.
But it’s not just the tantalizing storylines that have captivated millions. The show’s exquisite period costumes, clever contemporary string quartet soundtrack, and lavish ballrooms and stately homes have us all dreaming of a more glamorous life. Much of the filming for both Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte took place in various stunning locations in London and beyond, creating the perfect backdrops for the Regency era.
SQUERRYES COURT, KENT
This 17th-century manor house in Westerham experienced quite the awakening in August 2022 when the Bridgerton production team arrived and made it their home for two weeks. Cloaked in secrecy, the Warde family's residence at the heart of the Squerryes Estate was chosen as a filming location for season three of the Netflix hit series. The manor's charming gardens served as the picturesque setting for a grand garden party, which you can catch in the opening episode of season three.
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough, is not only a key location for the spin-off "Queen Charlotte" but also features prominently in the third season of Bridgerton. This luscious estate provides the perfect backdrop for a hot air balloon event attended by the ton in one episode. Additionally, Blenheim Palace stands in for Buckingham Palace, adding a touch of regal splendor to the series.
Belton House
The filming of "Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story" brought the crew to the magnificent Belton House, a 17th-century stately home now owned by the National Trust. This historic venue provides a stunning backdrop to the young queen’s life as she settles into the UK. Belton House is no stranger to the spotlight, having previously appeared in the BBC’s "Pride and Prejudice" and the 2006 adaptation of "Jane Eyre."
DORNEY COURT, WINDSOR
While Bridgerton portrays Dorney Court as a modest overnight stop on the way to Clyvedon Castle, we can hardly think of a more enchanting place for newlyweds to spend their first night together. This Grade I-listed early Tudor mansion in Windsor, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, has a rich history of noble ownership, including Sir William Garrard, Lord Mayor of London. Today, it is a sought-after wedding and filming location, having featured in productions like Bohemian Rhapsody, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Midsomer Murders, and of course, Bridgerton. Just 30 miles from London, Dorney Court is also open to visitors, making it the perfect destination for a spring day trip.
