As the latest series of Bridgerton launched this week, we’re taking a closer look at one the show’s filming locations
One of Netflix’s most successful shows returned to screens this week. This is of course Bridgerton, the period drama based on best-selling novels by Julia Quinn, which has caused millions of people to fall in love with the regency era since 2020.
As many begin to work their way through the new season, we are taking a look at a captivating castle near Cambridgeshire that was used as a previous filming location. This is Grimsthorpe Castle in Bourne, Lincolnshire – only a 37-minute drive from Peterborough.
The castle featured in series three as the set for the home of Lord Hawkin, a newcomer in the series. Vanbrugh Hall, a prominent part of the privately-owned castle, was the centre of scenes. It provided a backdrop for unfolding drama between the leading characters in episode three. The front of the castle can also be seen when carriages arrive and depart.
As well as the beautiful castle, Grimsthorpe has 3,000 acres of parkland surrounding it. It is made up of picturesque lakes and woodland. These were landscaped by Capability Brown, known as England’s greatest garden designed. He is also familiar to Cambridgeshire, as he lived in Fenstanton.
The castle has been in the Willoughby de Eresby family for 500 years. It was first given to William, Baron Willoughby de Eresby by Henry VIII, after he married Maria de Salinas. Maria was lady-in-waiting to Henry VIII’s first wife Katherine of Aragon. The oldest part of the castle, King John’s Tower, dates back to the 13th century.
Inside, there are collections of paintings, furniture, tapestries and other historic objects on display. Around the castle are the tranquil gardens that feature formal lawns and ornamental ponds.
Grimsthorpe Park is on the edge of the great Lincolnshire forest. Oak trees that were recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 were said to have grown in the park.
Some of these trees were still growing in the 20th century. Most of the oak trees people will see today were planted as part of a restoration carried out by Stuart Monarchy.
Grimsthorpre Castle, Park and Gardens is currently closed but reopens to visitors on April 30.