With season four of the hugely popular Bridgerton now streaming on Netflix, Surrey is once again stepping into the spotlight. As romance, intrigue and Regency elegance unfold on screen, keep your eyes peeled - some very familiar local landscapes provide the backdrop to the drama.
Painshill, Cobham: The exquisitely manicured grounds of this 18th-century landscape garden create the perfect setting for promenading, picnicking and poetic encounters. With sweeping vistas, elegant follies and tranquil waters, it’s easy to imagine whispered conversations and scandalous secrets drifting through the air.
Loseley Park, near Guildford: This magnificent 16th-century estate appears as “My Cottage”, Benedict Bridgerton’s idyllic rural retreat. With its historic interiors and beautifully kept gardens, Loseley Park captures the refined charm and pastoral romance at the heart of the series.
Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey: The world-famous Tudor palace of Henry VIII is transformed on screen into St James’s Palace, the London residence of Queen Charlotte. Its grand courtyards and historic architecture provide a suitably regal setting for royal drama and high society spectacle.
Ham House, Richmond: This atmospheric 17th-century mansion beside the Thames plays host to one of the season’s most dazzling moments - the Masquerade Ball - along with other glittering gatherings. Its richly preserved interiors bring Regency opulence vividly to life.
While these iconic locations offer perfect inspiration for a Bridgerton-themed weekend in the Surrey area, much of the series was also brought to life behind the scenes. A bespoke two-acre backlot at Pinewood Studios’ renowned Shepperton Studios - right here in Surrey - helped create the show’s immersive Regency world, blending historic authenticity with cinematic craftsmanship.
From sweeping gardens to grand historic houses and world-class studios, Surrey provides the perfect stage for storytelling, where Regency romance meets movie magic.
A Bridgerton Weekend in Surrey
Day One - Countryside Elegance and Landscape Drama
Start the day at Painshill, Cobham, one of England’s finest 18th-century landscape gardens. Allow time to stroll at leisure past follies, bridges and lakeside viewpoints designed to inspire reflection and romance. This is the perfect place for a picnic or a relaxed café brunch.
Then head into the Surrey Hills at Loseley Park near Guildford, the on-screen setting for Benedict Bridgerton’s rural retreat. Explore the historic house (check opening dates) and wander the formal gardens, where symmetry, tranquillity and sweeping views set the tone for the weekend. Note: Loseley Park closes over the winter and opens again in spring.
In the afternoon, explore Guildford (make sure to wander through the Castle Grounds) or enjoy a riverside walk before settling in for dinner. Stay overnight at the countryside Barnett Hill Hotel, a luxurious four-star boutique hotel in a Queen Anne-style mansion, or the town centre Guildford Harbour Hotel, a stylish place to keep the pace relaxed and position you well for the following day.
Day Two - Royal Grandeur and Thames-side Splendour
Begin the day at Hampton Court Palace - its magnificent architecture appears on screen as St James’s Palace. Arriving early allows time to explore the courtyards and gardens in a more peaceful atmosphere.
A short journey along the Thames leads to Ham House, where richly preserved interiors and formal gardens evoke the spectacle and ceremony of Regency society. Its riverside setting provides a fittingly elegant backdrop for the weekend’s historic exploration.
From here, continue into Richmond, an 'Old Surrey' town long associated with elegance, leisure and riverside beauty. Take time to pause on Richmond Hill and drink in the views - famously protected for their natural beauty. As evening falls, settle in at Richmond Hill Hotel, for the perfect, unhurried finale to your Bridgerton-inspired escape.
Top travel tips
- Car travel recommended: Ideal for moving easily between countryside estates, historic houses and riverside towns.
- Car hire in style: Consider RNG Classics for vintage or classic cars to add a stylish twist to your weekend on the roads around Surrey.
- Rail alternative: Guildford and Richmond are particularly well connected to London for flexible arrival or departure.
- Airports: Heathrow and Gatwick are both on the doorstep.
- Advance booking: Required for Hampton Court Palace, Ham House and Loseley Park (seasonal openings).
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes recommended for garden walks, cobbled streets and historic estates.
- Pace yourself! Build in unhurried time to fully enjoy gardens, views and riverside strolls.
More Bridgerton-style charm in Surrey
- Hatchlands Park, East Clandon: a stately Georgian house and sweeping lawns; perfect for elegant promenades and garden vistas.
- RHS Garden Wisley: enjoy stunning seasonal displays and formal gardens; ideal for romantic strolls and picture-perfect scenery.
- Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden, Ockley: Whimsical sculptures set among beautiful plantings; a playful and dramatic countryside wander.
- Shere Village: Period cottages and village charm; the perfect spot for a cream tea or quiet stroll.
- Lovelace Bridges & Horsley Estate: Gothic-style woodland bridges and truly spectacular hotel; atmospheric and storybook-worthy walks.
