The Crown Filming Locations: A Tour of Royal London

Introduction

Planning a London trip and a fan of the Netflix series? You are probably wondering where the show is actually filmed. The answer is more complicated than you might think. This is a practical guide to the crown filming locations london guide, built for fans who want to see the places that stand in for Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and other royal settings. We’ll cover the logistics, tube stops, ticket booking tips, and exactly what to expect when you show up. You’ll learn which sites are actual palaces and which are clever substitutes used by the production. No cinematic storytelling here—just useful information for planning your trip.

How The Crown Uses London: Substitutes vs. Real Palaces

The first thing to understand is that The Crown doesn’t film inside the real Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle for interior scenes. That would be logistically impossible and too disruptive. Instead, the production uses a network of stately homes, historic buildings, and churches dressed to look like the royal residences. This is standard for period dramas, but it creates a specific challenge for fans: you cannot walk into Buckingham Palace and see the same corridors the Queen walks down in the show.

Lancaster House stands in for the palace interiors. Wilton House substitutes for Windsor Castle. Ely Cathedral and Winchester Cathedral provide settings for royal weddings and funerals. The Shard offers modern London backdrop shots. Knowing this distinction will save you from disappointment and help you plan a more focused itinerary. The production also occasionally uses the real exteriors of palaces, but interiors are filmed elsewhere. This article will guide you to the best stand-in locations accessible to the public.

Must-See London Location: Lancaster House

Lancaster House is the most accessible interior filming location for The Crown in central London. It’s located on Stable Yard Road, off The Mall, and the nearest tube station is Green Park (Jubilee, Piccadilly, Victoria lines). The building is a magnificent early 19th-century mansion that serves as the primary stand-in for the corridors and state rooms of Buckingham Palace. You can see the exterior from the street, but interior access is limited.

Lancaster House is not a permanent museum. It’s a government conference center and event venue. This means it is only open to the public during special open days or occasional tours. Check the official website for event schedules and guided tour availability. Ticket prices vary, but expect to pay around £10-15 for a tour. Photography is usually permitted without flash, but always confirm on the day. If you want a guaranteed interior visit, a guided tour of the St. James’s area often includes Lancaster House as a stop. This simplifies the booking process for you. A guided tour covers multiple locations in one morning, saving time and removing guesswork. Travelers who need a reliable way to carry tickets and maps may find a travel document organizer useful for keeping everything accessible.

Wilton House: The De Facto Windsor Castle

Wilton House is located near Salisbury, about 90 minutes from London by train. It is the primary stand-in for the interior of Windsor Castle in The Crown. If you want to see the rooms where the Queen has private meetings and family dinners in the show, Wilton House is your best bet. Compared to the actual Windsor Castle, Wilton House offers a quieter, less crowded experience. The architecture and gardens are stunning, and you can explore the rooms at your own pace without the crush of tourists.

Logistics: Take a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury station. Trains run frequently and take about 90 minutes. From Salisbury, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Wilton House. Opening hours are typically from March to October, with reduced hours in winter. Check the website before you go. Ticket prices are around £15 for an adult. Wilton House is best for fans who want period architecture without the queues of Windsor Castle. If you are short on time, you can combine a visit with a day trip to Salisbury Cathedral. A day trip package that includes train and entry tickets will save you money and simplify logistics. This is a good opportunity to book through a travel platform.

Ely Cathedral and Winchester Cathedral: Royal Ceremonies

These two cathedrals are used for major ceremonial scenes in The Crown. Ely Cathedral appears in episodes featuring royal weddings, while Winchester Cathedral stands in for St. George’s Chapel in Windsor for funeral scenes. Both are worth a visit if you have the time.

Ely Cathedral is about 80 minutes from London by train from King’s Cross. It is famous for its octagonal lantern tower and stunning medieval architecture. Guided tours are available and worth the extra cost. Dress code is respectful but not strict. The best time to visit is weekday mornings when it is quieter. You can also walk to the nearby Oliver Cromwell’s House for some extra history. Winchester Cathedral is about an hour from London by train from Waterloo. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe and has a beautiful crypt. A guided tour is highly recommended for context on the filming locations. If you have only half a day, Winchester Cathedral is easier to reach and offers more to see in a shorter time. For a full day, combine Ely with a walk through the town and a visit to the Ely Museum. Both cathedrals have small entry fees, so budget around £10-15 per person.

The Shard: Modern London as a Backdrop

The Shard appears in The Crown for aerial shots and modern London establishing scenes. It is a quick stop, not a full-day destination. The best viewing levels for photography are the 68th, 69th, and 72nd floors. You can see the entire city from here, and it is an easy addition to a Thames-side walk. The Shard is located directly above London Bridge station, making it very accessible. A combo ticket for The Shard and Tower Bridge is a smart idea because you can do both in a few hours. The Shard is expensive as a standalone attraction, so a combo ticket offers better value. If you are on a tight budget, a photo from the outside is free and still provides a recognizable landmark for your Crown tour.

Constructing a Self-Guided Walking Tour of Central Locations

This is the core logistics section. If you have limited time, this self-guided loop walk will cover the most important Central London locations used in The Crown.

• Start point: Green Park tube station (exit onto Piccadilly).
• First stop: Lancaster House. Walk from the station through Green Park to Stable Yard Road. Total walking time: 10 minutes. Spend 15 minutes taking photos of the exterior.
• Second stop: St. James’s Palace. Walk from Lancaster House along The Mall to St. James’s Palace. This is a short walk of about 5 minutes. The exterior is used in the show. No public interior access.
• Third stop: Buckingham Palace. Continue along The Mall for 10 minutes to the Victoria Memorial and the palace forecourt. Take photos from outside the gates. This is a good spot for a photo op.
• Fourth stop: The Mall itself. Walk back along The Mall toward Admiralty Arch. This is the iconic road used in many establishing shots.
• Distance: Approximately 2 miles total.
• Time: 2 to 3 hours depending on how many photos you take and whether you stop for a coffee.
• Best for: Fans with limited time who want to see the central exteriors. This route is ideal for a morning before a lunch break.

For this walk, comfortable walking shoes are essential. I recommend a pair of lightweight walking trainers or travel-friendly leather shoes. A portable phone charger is also a good idea because you will use your phone for maps and photos all day. Frequent travelers may benefit from a portable phone charger to keep their device powered throughout the day.

Where to Stay Near the Filming Locations

Accommodation near the filming locations will save you travel time. The best areas are Green Park, Westminster, and Victoria. Here are specific recommendations with price ranges.

• The Stafford London (St. James’s): Luxury level. Located just off Green Park, walking distance to Lancaster House and St. James’s Palace. Expect rates of £400+ per night. This is a good choice for a special occasion or if you want to be in the middle of everything.
• St. Ermin’s Hotel (Westminster): Mid-range to upper mid-range. A beautiful hotel with a historic bar. Located near St. James’s Park station, a 15-minute walk from Lancaster House. Rates around £200-300 per night. Good value for the location.
• Budget option: A Premier Inn near Victoria station. Victoria is a major transport hub and a short walk from the walking tour route. Rates from £100-150 per night. This is practical if you plan to use the tube for everything else.

Book early for summer months (June-September) because prices rise significantly. Winter months are cheaper but have shorter daylight hours. A hotel with breakfast included will save you time in the morning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on a Crown-Themed Tour

Avoid these mistakes to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

• Assuming all interiors are open: Don’t expect to walk into Lancaster House or St. James’s Palace without a pre-booked tour. Most interiors are closed to the public. Plan for exterior visits unless you have a guided tour booked.
• Not booking cathedral tickets in advance: Ely and Winchester cathedrals often sell out on weekends and during school holidays. Book online at least a week ahead to guarantee entry. Same-day tickets are risky.
• Visiting during state events: The Mall and Buckingham Palace area can be closed or heavily congested during state occasions like Trooping the Colour or royal processions. Check the British royal family’s official calendar before you go.
• Relying only on Google Maps for real palace locations: Google Maps will show you the real Buckingham Palace, but it won’t tell you that the interior shots are filmed elsewhere. Trust this guide instead.

Sometimes a stand-in site is actually better than the real thing. Wilton House, for example, offers interior access without the queues of Windsor Castle. If you want to see the rooms from the show, the stand-in is often the superior choice.

Best Guided Tours for Die-Hard Fans

If you want a structured experience, a guided tour is the way to go. Here are three good options.

• Brit Movie Tours’ The Crown Tour: This is a popular 3-hour walking tour covering Central London locations. It covers Lancaster House, St. James’s Palace, and Buckingham Palace exterior. Price is around £20-25 per person. Group size is usually 15-20 people. Best for: fans who want exterior locations and historical context from a knowledgeable guide. This tour does not include interior access.
• Private walking tour with a Blue Badge guide: This is more expensive (around £150-250 for a half-day) but offers a completely customizable experience. You can focus on specific locations and get a deeper dive into the history. Best for: small groups or couples who want a personalized experience. You can also ask the guide to include lunch recommendations.
• Combination tour (Wilton House or Ely/Winchester): Some tour operators offer day trips to Wilton House or the cathedrals. These are usually full-day tours and include transport. Prices vary widely, but expect £50-100 per person. Best for: fans who want to see the major stand-in locations without renting a car.

For interior access, the private tour or the cathedral-specific day trip are your best bets. The Brit Movie Tours tour is excellent for a quick overview. You can book any of these through a major tour platform.

When to Go: Seasonal Advice and Crowd Management

The best months for a Crown-themed tour are April-May and September-October. These months have lower crowds than summer and more comfortable temperatures. Avoid July and August if you can, as these are peak tourist months. Christmas week is also very busy and many attractions have reduced hours.

For better photos, visit early in the morning (8:00-9:00 AM) before crowds arrive at Lancaster House and the Mall. Check the church service schedule for Ely and Winchester cathedrals, as services can affect access to certain areas. A travel umbrella or a lightweight rain jacket is essential year-round, as London weather is unpredictable. Pack one in your day bag. Travelers dealing with unpredictable weather may appreciate a lightweight travel umbrella that is easy to carry.

Packing Essentials for Your Royal Location Hunt

This is what you should pack for a successful day of Crown filming location hunting.

• Comfortable walking shoes: You will be on your feet for 3-5 hours. A good pair of walking trainers or cushioned loafers is non-negotiable.
• Portable charger: Your phone battery will drain with maps, photos, and navigation. A 10,000mAh power bank is ideal.
• Compact camera with zoom: Many locations restrict flash photography. A camera with a decent zoom lens lets you capture details without breaking rules.
• Small umbrella: A compact travel umbrella fits in a day bag and will save you from getting soaked.
• Notebook and pen: For jotting down location details, historical facts, or just impressions.

Remember that some venues have strict bag policies. Large backpacks may not be allowed inside cathedrals or Lancaster House. Use a small crossbody bag or a daypack that fits under your arm.

Final Thoughts and Practical Next Steps

The best starting point for your Crown tour is Lancaster House. From there, you can walk to St. James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace, completing the central loop. For interior access, prioritize Wilton House or a guided tour of the cathedrals. Book your accommodation and tours early, especially if you are traveling during peak months. The real palaces are not used for interior filming, so plan around the stand-in locations for a more authentic experience. Your next step is to book a combo Crown tour ticket that includes multiple locations in one day. This will save you time and money. Enjoy your trip.