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The Grandest Historic Filming Locations to Visit Across the Globe

Relive key moments from Downton Abbey, Spartacus, Inferno and more at these historic sites

By Mary Elizabeth Andriotis
Statues and a reflecting pool in front of a large historic building under a blue sky with scattered clouds
Castle Howard. Photo: Visit Britain, Daniel Wildey

It’s common for historic sites to be used as filming locations in movies and television—and even music videos—given their grand nature. While there are many locations to mention, Galerie has selected five places that design and cinema enthusiasts alike should put on their list to visit, from the coast of California to the rolling hills of England and beyond.  

Historic castle with towers, set amidst expansive green lawns and surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
Highclere Castle. Photo: Highclere Castle LLP.
Historic castle surrounded by lush greenery under a partly cloudy sky, viewed from behind a neoclassical temple-like structure.
The grounds and gardens at Highclere Castle. Photo: Highclere Castle LLC.

1. Highclere Castle | Hampshire, England

Rebuilt in 1679, Highclere Castle has famously been featured prominently in the Downton Abbey series, as well as the franchise’s three films. In the 1800s, the castle underwent a significant renovation that transformed its architectural style to both Jacobethan and Italianate, designed by architect Charles Barry. In total, there are somewhere between 250 and 300 rooms in Highclere Castle, including state rooms, bedrooms, old staff quarters, and an Egyptian exhibit, which commemorates the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. In addition to tours of the interiors, visitors are welcome to explore the Monk’s Garden, the Secret Garden, the White Border, the Wood of Goodwill, the Rose Arbour, the Wild Flower Meadow, and the Healing Herb garden. Highclere offers different tours throughout the year, with most requiring reservations.

Aerial view of a large historic mansion surrounded by lush gardens and trees with mountains in the background.
The Biltmore Estate. Photo: The Biltmore Company
Aerial view of an elegant formal garden with a landscaped lawn, flowers, and a large mansion in the background.
The Biltmore Estate.
A room at the Inn at Biltmore Estate.
Accommodations at the Inn at Biltmore Estate. Photo: The Biltmore Company

2. Biltmore Estate | Asheville, North Carolina

Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore Estate is a historic house museum that once belonged to George Washington Vanderbilt II. The grand former residence, which opened on Christmas Eve 1895 and still houses the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of art, furniture, and more, has been featured in various films, including Forrest Gump, Hannibal, Richie Rich, and, more recently, A Biltmore Christmas, from the Hallmark Channel. Constructed from 1889 to 1895, this Châteauesque structure was designed by Richard Morris Hunt, with landscapes by Frederick Law Olmsted. This 250-room château, which spans 175,000 square feet, sits on 8,000 acres, which were recently impacted by Hurricane Helene but suffered no structural damage. Today, visitors can book tours of the vast interiors and grounds or an overnight stay at the property.

Outdoor swimming pool with intricate tiled design, flanked by classical architecture and palm trees under a clear sky.
Hearst Castle Photo: ©Hearst Castle®/CA State Parks

3. Hearst Castle | San Simeon, California

William Randolph Hearst’s former estate, known as Hearst Castle, was constructed between 1919 and 1947. Architect Julia Morgan designed the famed Mediterranean Revival castle, which boasts 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens and was dubbed La Cuesta Encantada—Spanish for “Enchanged Hill.” Although Hearst had to leave the location before its completion due to fragile health, the completed project is all built to his specifications. Today, Hearst Castle is a National Landmark and a California Historic Landmark, as well as a state park. A number of productions, including Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus (1960) and Lady Gaga’s G.U.Y. music video (circa 2014), were filmed on site. Ticketed tours are available, with reservations recommended.

Ornate ceiling with classical paintings and sculptures in a grand architectural setting, featuring detailed artwork and columns.
A view to sculptures, columns and an ornate painted ceiling at Castle Howard. Photo: Visit Britain, Daniel Wildey
Statues and a reflecting pool in front of a large historic building under a blue sky with scattered clouds
Castle Howard. Photo: Visit Britain, Daniel Wildey

4. Castle Howard | North Yorkshire, England

Castle Howard, a storied English country house, has been home to the Howard family for over three centuries. Built from 1701 to 1811, the historic masterpiece first began with the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, who tapped John Vanbrugh, who recruited Nicholas Hawksmoor to assist in the design and construction, but it was the Earl’s son-in-law who saw its completion, resulting in mixed styles. The sprawling estate has been featured in various films and shows, including Sophia Loren’s Lady L, and the wildly successful Bridgerton series. There are other structures on the property, some of which are available for overnight bookings, and the grounds are open for ticketed tours.

View of a grand architectural courtyard with a fountain and lush green gardens under a partly cloudy sky.
Bobli Gardens. Photo: Press Office, Gallerie degli Uffizi)
View of a historic building with a fountain in the foreground surrounded by lush greenery and a cityscape in the background.
Bobli Gardens. Photo: Press Office, Gallerie degli Uffizi)
Lush green park with a pond, surrounded by trees and pathways under a clear sky.
Bobli Gardens. Photo: Press Office, Gallerie degli Uffizi)
Ornate garden entrance with gate flanked by statues, leading to a fountain surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Bobli Gardens. Photo: Press Office, Gallerie degli Uffizi)
View of Pitti Palace gardens with tourists and Florence skyline featuring the Duomo in the background under a blue sky.
Bobli Gardens. Photo: Lourdes Flores, VisitFlorence.com

5. Boboli Gardens | Florence, Italy

Behind Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy, are the magnificent Boboli Gardens. Open to the public since 1766, the gardens were initially designed for the Medici family and feature various design elements by the notable Italian architect, sculptor, and artist Bernardo Buontalenti. Expanding to over 100 acres, the gardens have been featured in several films, including Inferno, Hannibal, Lost in Florence, and more. Today, visitors can enjoy the gardens as part of a ticketed tour of the palace.