UK Filming Locations: 5 Famous Country Estates

Lights, camera, road trip! Discover five spectacular country estates that deserve a starring role in your next campervan adventure.

Ever watched a TV show and thought, I need to go there? Some of the most iconic UK filming locations are hidden amongst Britain’s beautiful country estates, just waiting to be discovered.

Maybe you’ve fancied a snoop around the mysterious castle from The Traitors, dreamed of wandering the gardens of Bridgerton, or pictured yourself living the high life at Downton Abbey.

Well, grab your popcorn (and your campervan keys), because it’s time to go set-jetting!

If you haven’t heard the term before, set-jetting is all about travelling to the real-life locations of your favourite films and TV shows.

From dramatic Scottish castles to grand country estates worthy of a period drama, we’ve rounded up five iconic destinations to inspire your next UK road trip.

No red carpet required. Just a sense of adventure, a trusty campervan and perhaps a slightly overactive imagination.

1. Ardross Castle, Scottish Highlands – The Traitors

Trust no one. Except perhaps your sat nav.

Tucked away in the Scottish Highlands, the magnificent Ardross Castle is the dramatic backdrop to the BBC’s The Traitors.

With its imposing turrets, sweeping grounds and mysterious atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for a little deception, drama and some seriously questionable friendships.

And while we can’t promise you’ll bump into Claudia Winkleman lurking in the shadows, the surrounding Highlands certainly deliver on atmosphere.

Filming fact: Both the UK and US versions of The Traitors have been filmed at Ardross Castle. Its interiors, exterior and grounds have all featured on screen, making the estate a star of the show in its own right.

Can you visit? Not quite, but you can explore the surrounding area! Ardross Castle is privately owned and isn’t open to the public, so you won’t be wandering through its grand halls or taking a seat at the famous round table. However, the beautiful Highland countryside around Alness makes for a spectacular road trip. Stick to public routes and respect the estate’s privacy.

With winding roads, dramatic landscapes and peaceful lochs nearby, you might just find that the journey is as exciting as the destination. Minus the banishment, thankfully.

2. Chatsworth House, Derbyshire – Pride & Prejudice

Calling all hopeless romantics. This one’s for you.

Set amongst the rolling hills of the Peak District, Chatsworth House played Mr Darcy’s rather impressive Pemberley in the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen.

And frankly, we can see why Elizabeth Bennet might have reconsidered a few things.

With its magnificent architecture, landscaped gardens and countryside views, Chatsworth is the kind of place that makes you want to dress up, speak in unnecessarily romantic sentences and take approximately 400 photographs.

Filming fact: Remember the scene where Elizabeth Bennet admires a sculpture of Mr Darcy? That was filmed in Chatsworth’s Sculpture Gallery. Even better, the original bust created for the film is still at Chatsworth, where you can find it in the Orangery shop.

Can you visit? Absolutely! Explore the grand interiors, wander through the beautiful gardens and discover some of the very rooms featured in the film. The surrounding Peak District also offers gorgeous walking routes, picturesque villages and plenty of cosy pubs.

It makes a wonderful stop on a campervan escape. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself looking wistfully across the landscape, waiting for Mr Darcy to appear.

3. Highclere Castle, Hampshire – Downton Abbey

Fancy yourself as a member of the Crawley family?

Welcome to Highclere Castle, the real-life star of Downton Abbey, where grand entrances, afternoon tea and a healthy dose of family drama are practically part of the furniture.

With its magnificent rooms, sweeping staircases and beautifully kept grounds, this spectacular estate feels as though you’ve stepped straight onto the set of the much-loved series.

All that’s missing is the Dowager Countess delivering a perfectly timed one-liner.

Filming fact: Highclere Castle isn’t just the exterior of Downton Abbey. Many of the show’s most recognisable interiors were filmed here too, including the grand entrance hall, library, dining room and staircase. So when you visit, you’re walking through rooms where some of the Crawley family’s most memorable moments unfolded.

Can you visit? Yes! Highclere Castle welcomes visitors on selected dates throughout the year, with opportunities to explore the house and its beautiful grounds. You’ll need to plan ahead, as opening dates are limited and tickets for popular events can sell out.

Why not make a weekend of it? Hampshire’s charming villages, beautiful countryside and peaceful walking routes are perfect for a leisurely campervan getaway.

4. Castle Howard, North Yorkshire – Bridgerton

Dearest gentle reader, your next adventure awaits.

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the impossibly glamorous world of Bridgerton, allow us to introduce Castle Howard.

This breathtaking Yorkshire estate doubled as Clyvedon Castle, the Duke of Hastings’ country residence, in the first series of the hit Netflix show.

With its ornate architecture, romantic gardens, dreamy lakes and beautiful countryside surroundings, it’s every bit as spectacular in real life as it looks on screen.

We can’t promise a handsome duke around every corner, but the scenery certainly makes up for it.

Filming fact: Remember that romantic rain scene where Daphne and Simon take shelter together? It was filmed at Castle Howard’s Temple of the Four Winds. The dramatic downpour was actually created using special effects, with filming taking place late into the evening.

Can you visit? Yes! Castle Howard welcomes visitors to its house and gardens, where you can explore some of the very locations featured in Bridgerton. The surrounding Yorkshire countryside is also packed with charming villages, beautiful walking routes and plenty of opportunities to extend your visit into a longer adventure.

A little Regency romance followed by a cosy evening in your campervan? Sounds like a lovely pairing to us.

5. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire – Harry Potter & More

Calling all witches, wizards and lovers of a little movie magic.

Some places are simply destined for the spotlight, and Blenheim Palace is definitely one of them.

This magnificent Oxfordshire estate has appeared in an impressive collection of films and TV shows, including Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Bridgerton, Spectre and Cinderella.

Quite the impressive CV, really.

With its enormous parkland, beautiful architecture and picture-perfect views around practically every corner, Blenheim is the kind of place where you could happily spend an entire day exploring.

Filming fact: Potterheads might recognise the famous Cedar of Lebanon, affectionately known as the Harry Potter Tree. It appeared in a flashback scene from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, where a young Severus Snape is bullied by James Potter.

Can you visit? Absolutely! Blenheim Palace is open to visitors, with beautiful gardens, magnificent state rooms and vast parkland to explore. There’s even a dedicated film trail to help you discover locations that have appeared on the big screen.

And with the Cotswolds right on the doorstep, why not turn your visit into a longer campervan adventure? Think honey-coloured villages, winding country lanes, cosy pubs and plenty of scenic stops along the way.

Magic wand optional. Campervan highly recommended.

Ready for Your Own Set-Jetting Adventure?

Who says you need to jet off to Hollywood to experience a little movie magic?

And the best part? The adventure doesn’t have to end when the credits roll.

With a campervan, you’ve got the freedom to explore beyond the filming locations, discovering hidden villages, beautiful countryside, independent cafés and unexpected little gems along the way.

Whether you’re chasing Mr Darcy, dreaming of Bridgerton or heading into the Highlands for your very own Traitors-inspired escape, we’ve got just the thing to help you get there.

At Quirky Campers, our collection of lovingly handcrafted campervans is made for adventures a little out of the ordinary. Think cosy beds, clever little kitchens and the freedom to wake up somewhere wonderful.

So, pick your favourite filming location, cue the road trip playlist and get ready for your starring role.

Hire a campervan with Quirky Campers and let the set-jetting begin!

Before setting off, check individual estate websites for opening dates, ticket information and access arrangements. Remember to book a suitable campsite or permitted campervan stopover for overnight stays.

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