With the new season of Bridgerton capturing global attention once again, interest in the real-life estates behind Britain’s most loved period dramas is surging. Series four follows Benedict Bridgerton’s story — and features one of the UK’s most atmospheric historic houses.
For Australian travellers planning a UK adventure, these aren’t just filming backdrops. Many are National Trust places open to visitors — offering the rare chance to step into locations made famous on screen. Through international reciprocal benefits, a National Trust membership in Australia unlocks access to these remarkable sites across the UK.
Here are five standout filming locations where heritage and Hollywood meet.
1. Ham House and Garden, Surrey (Bridgerton)
On the banks of the River Thames in Richmond sits one of England’s best-preserved Stuart mansions. In the latest season of Bridgerton, Ham House doubled as several grand residences, including Bridgerton House and Benedict Bridgerton’s country retreat.
The South Terrace garden set the stage for one of the season’s most romantic moments, framed by a pergola built especially for filming. Scenes were also shot in the original 17th-century kitchen, taking viewers below stairs in classic period-drama style.
Today, visitors can explore the richly decorated interiors and formal gardens that made it such a perfect Regency setting.
2. Basildon Park, Berkshire (Downton Abbey & Bridgerton)
This elegant 18th-century mansion has become a familiar sight to period-drama fans. Basildon Park featured prominently in Downton Abbey, including as Grantham House — the Crawley family’s London home — during key storylines and Christmas specials.
Almost all of its main reception rooms appear in the upcoming cinema release Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, including the Hall, Dining Room and the striking Octagon Room with its deep red walls.
The estate also appeared in season three of Bridgerton, reinforcing its status as one of the UK’s most recognisable filming locations.
3. Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire)
The woodlands of Ashridge Estate helped bring the wizarding world to life in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005). The Quidditch World Cup campsite scenes were filmed in the Frithsden Beeches area, where Harry and the Weasley family arrive via Portkey.
While a distinctive old beech tree once stood at the site of Cedric Diggory’s memorable scene, visitors can still wander the same atmospheric woodland.
Beyond its film connection, Ashridge offers rolling countryside, ancient trees and extensive walking trails — a destination worth exploring in its own right.
4. Castle Ward, County Down (Game of Thrones)
Overlooking Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland, Castle Ward provided some of season one’s most recognisable Game of Thrones locations.
The estate’s historic farmyard stood in for Winterfell’s courtyard and archery range, while other scenes — including Robb Stark’s army camp and moments from episode ‘Baelor’ — were also filmed here.
Fans can download location maps and explore the estate at their own pace, walking through landscapes that once represented the fictional North.
5. Bodiam Castle, East Sussex (Doctor Who)
With its picture-perfect moat and medieval towers, Bodiam Castle has appeared in both classic and modern eras of Doctor Who.
In 1983’s The King’s Demons, the Fifth Doctor witnessed a jousting sequence filmed in front of the castle. More than three decades later, in Robot of Sherwood (2014), Bodiam stood in for Nottingham Castle during the Twelfth Doctor’s adventure with Robin Hood.
It remains one of England’s most photogenic castles — and one that visitors can explore in full.
See More of the World with National Trust Membership
A National Trust Membership connects travellers to historic places across Victoria and in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the UK, Europe and Canada. From castles and country houses to gardens, landscapes and cultural landmarks, membership opens doors to places that have shaped history — and modern storytelling.
Join during a visit to any National Trust property in Victoria and the $40 joining fee will be waived. With digital membership cards, access is immediate.
Wherever the next journey leads, the story is already waiting. Join today.
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