Old Royal Naval College heralded as the No. 1 heritage filming location in the UK

With over 200 productions shot over the last 100 years, the Old Royal Naval College is now the No. 1 heritage filming location in the UK. Establishing its place in cinematic history, this remarkable UNESCO World heritage site has delivered the perfect backdrop, from Bond to Bridgerton and Les Misérables to The Muppets.  

In 2024, The Old Royal Naval College welcomed over 800,000 visitors on site, with a notable uplift in themed events following the streaming of Bridgerton’s third series on Netflix, where the chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul created the perfect setting for the wedding of Colin and Penelope. 

This remarkable riverside UNESCO World Heritage site holds international historical and architectural significance, offering 17 acres of versatile filming potential.  Having provided a rich tapestry of backdrops befitting of eras and dystopias, the Old Royal Naval College most commonly plays everything but itself on screen. Over the years the site has doubled for Paris, Florence, Berlin, New York, Moscow and even Lilliput, only playing itself three times, in 1925 in Sons of the Sea; 2013 for Thor: The Dark World; and 2017 in The Foreigner.  

From the breathtaking Painted Hall – one of Europe’s finest Baroque interiors – to its sweeping lawns, grand courtyards, and elegant colonnades, the iconic site has played host to A-list celebrities and Oscar winning directors. Praised as the No. 1 filming location, the Old Royal Naval College is ready to position itself as the UK’s No. 1 screen tourism destination, welcoming ‘set-jetters’ to discover more about their favourite films and TV shows. 

Data from VisitBritain highlights that 7 in 10 UK leisure visitors over the last 10 years have visited a film or TV location while in the UK, with this desire jumping to 9 in 10 for prospective visitors. VisitBritain’s global ‘Starring GREAT Britain’, part of the UK Government’s GREAT campaign, highlights the Old Royal Naval College as a ‘must visit’ location for lovers of all thing’s period drama, mysteries and thrillers.  

Featured in acclaimed productions such as Bridgerton, The Crown, Les Misérables, Napoleon, Enola Holmes, Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Diplomat, and Pirates of the Caribbean, Skyfall and Patriot Games, the site’s architectural grandeur and timeless beauty captivate filmmakers. The Old Royal Naval College’s distinctive charm sets the tone and immerses audiences in unforgettable cinematic moments. 

Matthew Mees, Chief Executive of the Old Royal Naval College, comments, “The Old Royal Naval College’s rich history and breathtaking architecture continue to inspire storytellers from around the globe. This milestone highlights the enduring appeal of our site as a cultural and cinematic treasure in the UK.  

We are delighted that the VisitBritain campaign is showcasing UK destinations and their starring role in attracting visitors from around the world. As screen tourism continues to thrive, the Old Royal Naval College is perfectly positioned to connect visitors to the magic of filmmaking while showcasing the site’s history.” 

Launching in Spring 2025, visitors can explore the location’s fascinating history and discover behind-the-scenes insights through a brand-new guided tour celebrating its role in film and TV history.  Whether you’re a film buff, history lover, or just curious to see where some of your favourite scenes were shot, the Old Royal Naval College offers an unforgettable experience. 

As a charity, the Old Royal Naval College is dedicated to preserving and sharing one of the most iconic heritage sites in the UK. Income generated from filming directly supports the conservation of its historic buildings and grounds, ensuring they are protected for future generations. Filming income also plays a vital role in enhancing public access to the site enabling the development of educational programmes, exhibitions and public events that explore its rich history and stunning architecture.