The Crown filming locations you can visit that won’t break the bank

New data reveals the most affordable filming locations of The Crown, with Ely Cathedral taking the top spot.

The study, conducted by casino sweepstake comparison site CasinosSweeps.com, analyzed the lowest adult ticket prices for over 45 filming locations. These were then ranked to reveal which filming locations are the cheapest to visit.

Ely Cathedral, in Cambridgeshire, tops the list with tickets starting from £9. This marvel of medieval engineering doubled as Westminster Abbey for the wedding of the Queen and Prince Philip in season one and was also recently found to be one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ filming locations of the entire series. Enjoy wondrous illuminations and festive concerts at the cathedral this Christmas season.

Heading over to Buckinghamshire, West Wycombe Park takes second place, with tickets starting from £10. The stunning estate has been used for numerous well-known Hollywood blockbusters, including Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) and The Duchess (2008). The regal interiors of the Palladian house were used for scenes involving the sick Duke of Windsor in his French mansion during season three. The house and grounds reopen in April 2024.

Placing third is Woodchester Mansion in Gloucestershire, with tickets from £11. This grand Gothic revival mansion stood in for Gordonstoun, the Scottish boarding school that has Prince Philip and King Charles amongst its alumni. Charles famously hated his time at the school, as was depicted in season two. The Cotswolds masterpiece reopens to visitors from April 2024.

Taking the fourth spot is Chenies Manor House in Buckinghamshire, with this year’s tickets starting from as little as £12. The house was transformed into Churchill’s Chartwell House for seasons one and two and is considered to be one of the finest examples of a Tudor Mansion in the UK. The house and gardens reopen in April.

In fifth place is Caernarfon Castle. This spectacular fortress-palace is regarded around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. Given the impressiveness of the architectural design of this Welsh icon, it’s no surprise that the hit Netflix show chose to recreate Charles’ investiture here, and with adult tickets starting from £12.50, a day trip here won’t empty your wallet.

Placing joint fifth is Winchester Cathedral, with tickets from £12.50. The magnificent structure became St Paul’s Cathedral for Churchill’s funeral in season three and doubled as Westminster Abbey for Diana’s funeral in season six. The cathedral also plays host to one of the UK’s most ‘Instagrammable’ Christmas markets, which is being held until 21st December.

Eltham Palace in London takes the sixth spot, with tickets available from £14.50. This vogue art deco house is one of London’s best kept secrets and has been used multiple times throughout the series. In season one, the magnificent entrance hall was transformed into Norman Hartnell’s studio for the Queen’s meeting with the fashion designer. For the Christmas season, Eltham Palace is hosting a magical interactive light trail, created by internationally renowned creators – tickets start from £19.25.

Placing in seventh is Basildon Park in Berkshire. This sprawling estate now belongs to the National Trust, with tickets starting at £15. The magnificent house stood in for the Royal Lodge, which was the Queen Mother’s residence until her death in 2002. This festive season, the park is putting on an immersive Christmas adventure: ‘A Wind in the Willows Christmas’. The event is free, with no booking required (normal admission charges apply).

London’s Old Royal Naval College is in joint seventh place, with tickets from £15. This historic landmark forms the heart of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site and has regularly doubled as Buckingham Palace. The exquisite paintwork in the Painted Hall has earned the room the title of ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’. With many festive events taking place at the iconic estate this Christmas, including heart-warming family performances, magical dining experiences and a Coalescence exhibition, make sure to visit to immerse yourself in seasonal spirit.

Rounding off the rankings in eighth place is York Minster in North Yorkshire. Not only was this mighty cathedral recently named The Crown’s most ‘Instagrammable’ filming location, but it is also one of the most affordable. With tickets starting from £16, make sure to visit this iconic Yorkshire landmark. A Christmas tree festival, Carols by Candlelight and Midnight Mass are part of the festive calendar at the cathedral this year. Earlier in the year, the cathedral was transformed into St George’s Chapel for Camilla and Charles’ wedding in the final season.

Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson from CasinosSweeps.com said: “Access to historical estates, parks and properties should be affordable for all. At a time when people are really suffering financially, it’s reassuring to know that these beautiful locations are still economically accessible as they bring much joy to the lives of many.

It is also interesting to note that hit shows such as The Crown are benefiting the economy through the niche form of film tourism. Not only do TV series provide entertainment to many, but they also financially boost many filming locations, as the featured spots often see a rise in visitor numbers. With The Crown coming to an end this season, it will be interesting to see whether the filming locations of season six will see an increase in tourism. It could be a key indicator of how well the season has performed with audiences.”