Travelling To The UK? Do It Like A Duchess, With Our Ultimate Period Drama-Inspired Guide

Pull on those gloves, adjust those bonnets and prepare to swoon. This is Britain at its most romantic and regal. We’re stepping onto the sets of beloved period dramas, tasting the finest afternoon teas, and strolling out into the rolling countryside…

Ever dreamed of waking up in a world where the butler brings tea and the only thing on the agenda is a stroll through rose gardens or perhaps a little falconry before lunch? That world exists, and it’s scattered across Britain at some of the most iconic filming locations.

Here, we round up the historic spots worthy of a Jane Austen novel, to ensure you don’t miss out on the ultimate all-British experience while on your travels.

Princely places to explore

At Highclere Castle in Hampshire, home to the Carnarvon family, visitors can stay in one of the estate’s exclusive lodges, one of the many buildings on the historic estate that served as the iconic setting of Downton Abbey. History buffs can explore the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s remarkable collection of Egyptian artefacts, while romantics can watch the sunset from its secret garden. It’s the sort of place where one half expects Carson the butler to appear at breakfast – join a film-set-themed guided tour to explore the property’s cinematic past.

In Yorkshire, Castle Howard dazzles with its baroque drama and cinematic flair. It’s has appeared in both Bridgerton ballrooms and Downton Abbey dinner scenes, and come evening it lights up with candlelit tours.

Meanwhile, over in Lincolnshire, Grimsthorpe Castle starred in Bridgerton Season 3, with turrets and tapestries perfect for stolen kisses and sweeping romance.

If it’s windswept drama visitors are after, they can head to Ardverikie Estate in the Scottish Highlands, better known to fans of The Crown as Balmoral. With lochs glittering below misty peaks, it’s where nature meets nobility. Meanwhile, Chatsworth House in Derbyshire serves as the real-life Pemberley – the grand country estate belonging to Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. There, visitors can take a riverside stroll where Darcy once brooded and perhaps indulge in a mindful walk to truly soak up the romance of the Peaks.

The ultimate afternoon teas

Tea is never just tea in Britain, it’s a cherished ritual. Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire – straight out of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story – offers patisserie with panache as part of their afternoon tea, all within Renaissance-style architecture that whispers of royal intrigue. With gluten free, dairy free, vegan and nut free options, there’s something for everyone.

For a taste of maritime majesty, the Royal Deck Tearoom aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh’ port of Leith invites visitors to sip like a sovereign. Once the private retreat of Queen Elizabeth Il, this elegant floating palace now welcomes guests to enjoy afternoon tea in regal style. Seated in the light-filled salon, with polished wood and floor-to-ceiling windows, visitors can nibble finger sandwiches while gazing over Leith’s bustling harbour and the Firth of Forth beyond, before retreating to a luxury cabin.

In Hampshire, country house hotel Tylney Hall‘s Jane Austen-inspired tea brings together ‘Pride, Pastries and Pemberley’ in a playful nod to the author’s enduring appeal and one of her favourite snacks – mini cheese toasties – especially fitting in 2025, to mark 250 years since the author’s birth.

Meanwhile, in Cheshire, Lyme Park – the very estate that served as Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice – serves up its own heritage-rich afternoon tea. Take in the rolling views of the Peak District, sweeping grounds, and stately interiors while indulging in traditional British delights, just as Elizabeth Bennet might have done.

Carriages, trains and horse-drawn dreams

In an age of high-speed everything, what could be more romantic than slowing down? This is travel as the Victorians did it – with velvet seats and views that unfurl like storybook pages. The Belmond British Pullman and Belmond’s brand new Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train in Britain, deliver classic glamour on the rails. Think starched linens, gleaming brass, fine dining, and landscapes rolling past the window in cinematic slow motion. For a more rustic, but no less romantic experience, the Bala Lake Railway in Snowdonia (Eryri) is home to heritage train Alice the Little Welsh Engine and offers a gently chugging escape through green valleys with mountain vistas.

Elsewhere, horse-drawn carriage rides through Derbyshire (à la Pride and Prejudice) by The Ostler Hach offer visitors a chance to travel through the countryside like Mr Darcy and Miss Bennett. At Hampton Court Palace in London, once the playground of Henry VIII, visitors can ride beside the Thames in a carriage worthy of Lady Whistledown’s approval, pulled by some of the estate’s magnificent Shire horses. After the ride, they can explore Tudor kitchens, get lost in the maze, or wander through the grand Baroque apartments where King William III threw lavish banquets.

For the love of food

Romance is often found at the table, and Britain’s countryside restaurants are serving it up with style. At Askham Hall, a 13th-century stately home turned boutique hotel in Cumbria, a critically acclaimed kitchen delivers exquisite dishes in a centuries-old hall surrounded by gardens straight out of a fairytale. In Snowdonia (Eryri), Palé Hall matches grand surroundings renowned fine dining – this award-winning Victorian mansion in the Dee Valley was once graced by Queen Victoria herself. Today, it’s a five-star retreat with lavish rooms, landscaped gardens and gourmet cuisine.

Immersive escapes and time-travel treats

When visiting isn’t enough, try becoming the character. In Bath, the Jane Austen Festival (September 12-21) celebrates 250 years of the famous writer with dancing, theatre, and more bonnets than one can count. Just around the corner, No. 1 Royal Crescent lets visitors experience Georgian lifestyle with immersive ‘Jane Austen in Bath’ tours on select days, alongside a special exhibition to celebrate the writer’s anniversary.

In Scotland, the Enchanted Forest (October 2 to November 2 2025) in Pitlochry transforms Faskally Wood into a glowing wonderland of light and sound – perfect for a romantic evening to round off your trip.

For more information visit visitbritain.org.

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