A royal woman living in rural Russia during the 18th century is forced to choose between her own personal happiness and the future of Russia, when she marries an Emperor.
Royal Pavilion, 4-5, Pavilion Buildings, Queen's Park, Hove, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, England, BN1 1EE, United Kingdom
University of Greenwich - Greenwich Campus, Romney Road, Greenwich Town Centre, East Greenwich, Greenwich, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London, England, SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
The wickedly funny, wildly ahistorical series about Catherine the Great’s rise recreates imperial Russia in the grand stately homes of England – from Yorkshire’s Castle Howard to Belvoir Castle – with a lavish palace in Italy.
Where was The Great filmed?
The Great was filmed across England – Castle Howard, Hatfield House, Hever Castle and Belvoir Castle – with a palace in Caserta, Italy.
Every location in The Great, explained
1
The Russian court – Castle Howard
The imperial palace used Castle Howard in Yorkshire and other grand English houses.
2
Hatfield and Hever
Palace scenes used Hatfield House in Hertfordshire and Hever Castle in Kent.
3
Belvoir Castle
The sweeping estate scenes used Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire.
4
Caserta – Italy
The most lavish palace scenes used the Royal Palace of Caserta in Italy.
Planning a visit
England’s grand stately homes – Castle Howard, Hever Castle and Belvoir Castle – are all real, visitable landmarks behind the series.
The Great Fun Facts
1
England plays Russia Imperial Russia was recreated in England’s grandest stately homes.
2
Castle Howard The Yorkshire palace of Castle Howard plays the Russian court.
3
'An occasionally true story' The show cheerfully bills itself as only loosely based on history.
4
A comic Catherine Elle Fanning plays a witty, ambitious Catherine the Great.
5
From a playwright The series comes from Tony McNamara, co-writer of The Favourite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was The Great filmed?
Across England – Castle Howard, Hatfield House, Hever Castle and Belvoir Castle – with a palace in Caserta, Italy.
Is it set in England?
No – it’s set in imperial Russia, but filmed in English stately homes.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Castle Howard, Hever Castle and Belvoir Castle are visitable.
Is it historically accurate?
No – it bills itself as ‘an occasionally true story’.
