Old Royal Naval College Visitor Centre, King William Walk, Greenwich Town Centre, East Greenwich, Greenwich, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London, England, SE10 9HU, United Kingdom
College Tunnel, Park Row, Greenwich Town Centre, East Greenwich, Greenwich, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London, England, SE10 9NB, United Kingdom
The Crown recreates the reign of Elizabeth II without ever filming in Buckingham Palace – because the palace never opens its doors to cameras. Instead the show built its royal world from England’s grandest stately homes, a Scottish estate for Balmoral and the soundstages of Elstree.
Where was The Crown filmed?
The series was shot across England and Scotland – stately homes like Waddesdon and Hatfield House, the Ardverikie estate in the Highlands as Balmoral, cathedrals such as Ely, and studios at Elstree – with some filming in South Africa and elsewhere.
Every The Crown location, explained
1
Ardverikie estate – Balmoral
The royal family’s Scottish retreat, Balmoral, is the Ardverikie estate around Loch Laggan in the Highlands – a grand baronial house standing in for the Queen’s private world.
2
Stately homes – the palaces
Buckingham Palace and other royal interiors were assembled from England’s country houses, including Waddesdon Manor, Hatfield House and Woodchester Mansion, dressed to royal splendour.
3
Ely Cathedral – the abbey scenes
Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, with its soaring nave, stood in for Westminster Abbey in the coronation and church scenes.
4
Elstree Studios and the Royal Naval College
Interiors were built at Elstree Studios, while the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich – a favourite royal-London stand-in – also appears.
Planning a visit
Many of The Crown’s locations are open to visitors: Waddesdon Manor and Hatfield House are grand houses with gardens, Ely Cathedral welcomes visitors, and the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich is a free, spectacular slice of royal London.
The Crown Fun Facts
1
Balmoral is Ardverikie The royal Scottish retreat is the Ardverikie estate around Loch Laggan in the Highlands.
2
Ely Cathedral plays Westminster Abbey The coronation and church scenes used Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire.
3
No real Buckingham Palace The palace never allows filming, so its interiors were built from stately homes and sets at Elstree.
4
Waddesdon and Hatfield feature Grand houses including Waddesdon Manor and Hatfield House supplied royal interiors.
5
A lavish Netflix production The Crown became one of Netflix’s most expensive and acclaimed dramas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was The Crown filmed in Buckingham Palace?
No – the palace does not allow filming, so its interiors were recreated from stately homes and studio sets.
Where is Balmoral in The Crown?
The Ardverikie estate around Loch Laggan in the Scottish Highlands plays Balmoral.
Can you visit The Crown locations?
Yes – Waddesdon Manor, Hatfield House, Ely Cathedral and the Old Royal Naval College are all open to visitors.
Which cathedral plays Westminster Abbey?
Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire stands in for Westminster Abbey.
