The Treasure Houses Of England - As Seen On Screen

Pride & Prejudice filmed at Burghley

As well as being among the finest palaces, historic houses and castles in the country, the Treasure Houses of England have also provided the backdrop for some of the most memorable screen and television moments of the past quarter of a century.


From iconic television series like ‘Brideshead Revisited’ (Castle Howard) to blockbuster films like ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ (Blenheim Palace) the Treasure Houses of England have become ‘stars’ in their own right.

Among the most familiar properties is Hatfield House in Hertfordshire which was used recently as a filming location for Anna Karenina with Kiera Knightly and Jude Law and the multi-Oscar-winning hit ‘The King’s Speech’ starring Colin Firth.   It’s many other credits include films from The Libertine, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, My Week with Marilyn to Clash of the Titans, Tomb Raider, Batman to more traditional costume drama with Vanity Fair.

Visit Beaulieu for ‘On Screen Cars’ to view the actual ’Flying’ Ford Anglia that featured in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.  Also on display; Mr Bean’s notorious Mini and television’s most famous set of three wheels from Only Fools and Horses – Del Boy’s Reliant Regal.  Beaulieu is also extending its hugely popular and critically acclaimed BOND IN MOTION exhibition for 2013, an exclusive, official showcase of 50 original James Bond vehicles including cars, boats, motorbikes and jets.

Blenheim Gulliver's Travels
® 2010 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Blenheim Palace’s impressive film credits include Harry Potter, The Young Victoria and Gulliver’s Travels. Discover how it becomes transformed by Hollywood’s finest in a brand new exhibition – “Lights, Camera, Action” opening on the 9th February until 1st April.  Talks, tours and special activities will explain how the palace has played out everything from murder to mayhem and action adventure.

Pride & Prejudice filmed at Burghley

From historical films to modern movies, Burghley brilliantly brings history to life on the big screen courtesy of its original Elizabethan buildings and inspiringly eclectic interiors. Wander in the starlit footsteps of the famous who have featured in films such as The Da Vinci Code, Pride and Prejudice and Elizabeth: The Golden Age and relive various movie scenes for yourself.

Castle Howard is particularly famed for its role in Brideshead Revisited, in the acclaimed Granada TV production in 1981 and again in the 2008 movie by Ecosse Films.  A new exhibition brings together the story of restoration at Castle Howard and the filming Brideshead Revisited.  In this exhibition visitors can witness the extraordinary transformation of the High South, from derelict rooms to film set, learn about the great fire of 1940 and subsequent restoration in this part of the house, and discover how Evelyn Waugh’s famous novel came to be filmed not just once – but twice – at Castle Howard. Other notably movies filmed at Castle Howard include The Buccaneers and Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties

Chatsworth recently aired a popular and prime time behind-the-scenes TV series giving the BBC authorised access to its 30,000 acre estate.  Affording a rare insight into the lives of the people who live and work there – including the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire – ‘Chatsworth’ explores the real-life relationships and everyday events in the stately home, including the £14million Masterplan restoration project.  It’s also provided locations for films such as The Wolfman, The Duchess and Pride and Prejudice.

Continuing the Austen theme, Harewood House in West Yorkshire was the setting for the mini-series ‘Lost in Austen’ .  Its unsurpassed collection of Chippendale was also the subject of the recent BBC4 TV documentary about the famed furniture maker, Thomas Chippendale.  You can also spot scenes and settings from popular television series such as A Touch of Frost, The Royal, At Home with the Braithwaite’s and Emmerdale.
Leeds Castle in Kent was used as a film location for Elizabeth Golden Age and regularly appears on television productions including The Apprentice, Celebrity Masterchef to The Antiques Roadshow.

BBC’s Countryfile continues to favour the wonderful walled gardens and Victorian glasshouses of Holkham Hall, reporting on their Community Growers’ Scheme and ‘Hot Pepper Sauce’ creation with the beautiful backdrop of one of Norfolk’s most renowned country estates.  Holkham’s award winning beach was featured in ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and the Hall as a location for ‘The Duchess’ which starred Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes.