Regency romance has returned to our screens and reminded us to plan trips to Britain to fulfill our own Bridgerton-inspired fantasies. Season 3 of the wildly-popular and genre-bending Netflix series has introduced yet another romantic relationship among a member of the tight-knit family of Georgian-era aristocrats – and more real-life historic locations around England.

 

The country’s quintessential Regency period location is the spa town of Bath, which has had a starring role in Bridgerton since Season 1. But the actors get around. From stately homes to iconic English countryside, from London, to rural Surrey to Oxfordshire and beyond, here are places to include on your next trip to the U.K. to follow in their fictional characters’ footsteps.

 

The former home of King Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace (pictured, below) doubles as the opulent residence of Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton. Located in Richmond on the banks of the Thames, a visit to the palace is a must for those interested in British history. Fans of the series can follow in the footsteps of its stars with a stroll through the palace’s 60 acres of gardens, including the ornate Privy Garden, which was beloved by the King himself, or explore the beauty of Richmond Park – home to herds of red and fallow deer since 1637.

Visitors may recognise the Garden Room and parterre at Basildon Park from the party scene at the Featherington’s home in season two. The house and its lavish interiors return in season three, where it doubles as the home of new character Lady Tilley Arnold, a wealthy widow. The 18th-century house also featured in the hit series and movie Downton Abbey and the film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Squerryes Court (pictured below) is located just outside of Westerham in Kent, the ‘Garden of England’. The striking 17th-century manor house is surrounded by lush parkland, gardens and vineyards, and features as a backdrop to a garden party early in season three. The house has been inhabited by the Warde family for more than 300 years and is not open to the public. However, visitors can enjoy the views across the vineyards over a delicious meal at Squerryes Court’s award-winning restaurant. For a light bite with stunning vistas, head to the estate’s cafe serving hot drinks and pastries. Budding sommeliers can book a tasting, which includes a walking tour of the vines followed by a tasting.

 Copyright: Squerryes/Hannah Patterson 

Blenheim Palace (pictured, below) first appeared in Bridgerton spin-off Queen Charlotte. The royal residence makes its first appearance as a true Bridgerton filming location in season three. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the seat of the Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of British hero, Winston Churchill. Visitors can explore the palace and 2,000 acres of magnificent grounds, including a landscape designed by the renowned Lancelot Capability Brown.

The self-guided Lights, Camera, Action Trail takes visitors behind the scenes of some of the most famous blockbusters to be filmed here, from Harry Potter to super spy James Bond.

The majestic Grimsthorpe Castle doubles as the residence of new Bridgerton addition Lord Hawkins in season three. Surrounded by elegant gardens, historic woodland and a 50-acre lake, the house was built in the 16th century by Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard, to accommodate a visit from Henry VIII and his court.

The annual Jane Austen Festival in Bath, which takes place in early autumn, gives admirers of the beloved author and Bridgerton fans alike a unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the Regency period. The 10-day festival is packed with exciting events and activities – from costumed balls and theatrical performances to guided walks and talks. One of the highlights is the Regency Costumed Promenade.

Don’t miss the Jane Austen Centre in Bath, where staff in period costume bring the era of the original, beloved storyteller of early 19^th century life in the British aristocracy to life. (Pictured, top, copyright Jane Austen Centre.)

Alternatively, visitors can channel your inner Daphne (or Benedict) Bridgerton and enjoy the opulence of Regency London with a special afternoon tea at Theatre Drury Lane. The theatre has hosted every reigning monarch since 1812 and behind-the-scenes tours provide a fresh take on Regency life.