Are you looking for inspiration for your next filming or photo shoot? In this article, we explore enchanting castles, charming country estates, and grand manors that whisper tales from many centuries ago. Our focus? Finding the perfect places to visit for your next shoot.
Whether you're after a Tudor manor, a Georgian house, or an abbey turned into a family home, we've got you covered. So grab your camera, and let's set off to discover the most beautiful and historic photo locations near you!
What Makes Manor Houses Ideal Photoshoot Locations?
Manor houses are more than just beautiful buildings. They're a blend of history, art, and nature. Firstly, their unique architecture — Tudor, Elizabethan, Georgian, and even Palladian — gives you varied backdrops. With each century house, you step into a different time!
Then, there are the formal gardens. From geometric shapes of Edwardian style to wild woodland landscapes, you'll find a dreamy setting for every mood. Plus, the history that these manors hold adds depth to your photos. Can you imagine your subject in the great hall of a 16th-century manor? Or perhaps by the moated castle that was once an ancestral home? The possibilities are endless.
Lastly, manor houses are often easy to reach from cities. It means you can escape to a country retreat without a long journey. Imagine capturing stunning views across acres of parkland without straying too far from London!
Accessible Alternatives: London's Stately Grandeur Within Reach
While famous manor houses may be out of reach or prohibitively expensive to rent for a day of photography, plenty of alternative locations around London offer the same level of stately grandeur at a fraction of the price. One excellent resource for discovering these accessible manor houses is Locations Direct.
Locations Direct is a trusted source for photographers seeking stunning manor houses in London. They specialize in curating a wide range of picturesque properties that provide the perfect backdrop for photoshoots. From elegant Georgian houses to charming Tudor manors, they offer various options to suit a range of aesthetic preferences.
Must-Visit Manor Houses and Estates in the UK
Looking for a stately manor, a country escape, or Victorian Gothic for your next photo shoot? The following Locations Direct manor house listings are accessible and ready to fuel your creative process for your next photoshoot.
18th Century Marvels (Location #1323): Venture into the serene countryside, just a stone's throw from London, and discover two charming late 18th Century lodges. Nestled within lush woods and scenic landscapes, these twins carry unique touches, including a recently revealed dome ceiling unearthed during restoration efforts. Whether you're an amateur photographer or a seasoned professional, this locale offers many captivating photo opportunities.
Botanical Oasis (Location #0750): Explore an enchanting Tudor house standing proud amidst meticulously maintained gardens. This haven of tranquillity promises visuals of a refreshing retreat away from worldly troubles as you explore the luscious greenery and use your lens to explore the delicate balance of nature and heritage.
Countryside Retreat (Location #0587): Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of traditional British country homes. From rustic charm to the intricacies of old-world architecture, these abodes will offer a glimpse into how the better half lived centuries ago with a cosy modern twist.
19th Century Manor House (Location #1424)
Experience the quaint beauty of this residential property South of Birmingham. It’s the perfect location to appreciate the unique blend of comfort and aesthetics, enriched by the stunning backdrop of some of the UK's best countryside.
Hampton Manor (Location #0753):
A great example of history meets modern day with the historical Manor House set amounts some of Londons most prized parkland, now used as a school.
Medieval Splendour (Location #1715): Transport your viewers into the past when you use this spectacular, immaculately restored Medieval manor house. Offering a spacious dining and sitting area capable of comfortably accommodating sixteen guests, this manor promises ample room for any photographic endeavour. The considerable downstairs expanse complements the intriguing charm of a turret-styled reading room, delivering an unmatched atmosphere of historical grandeur and tranquillity.
Step Inside To Be Transported to a Different Era
Walking into a manor house is like stepping into a different era. At the heart of each is the 'great hall'. Once a place for banquets and celebrations, it's now a fantastic photo backdrop. And every house includes something unique. A 16th-century Tudor house, for instance, will boast timber panelling, while a Georgian one may have fine needlework on display.
The Egerton family home is a perfect example. Every room, from the grand hall to the kitchen garden, is a testament to their legacy. And then there's the "house and gardens" of Adlington, one of the finest examples of a Tudor manor, complete with a courtyard and stunning wall paintings.
Manor Houses as National Trust Properties
The National Trust plays a crucial role in preserving these historic gems. It's a charity organization that takes care of some of the best stately homes in Britain. When the National Trust owns a manor house, it's not just preserved; it's given a new lease on life.
National Trust properties offer unique experiences, from exploring 450-year-old woodlands to wandering in an 18th-century Palladian country house. For photographers, it means access to interiors full of period furnishing, beautiful gardens, and views that will leave you breathless.
Places like Lyme Park, Dunham Massey, and Highclere Castle (yes, the Downton Abbey filming location!) are managed by the National Trust. So, every visit supports the trust's efforts to preserve these stunning locations for future generations.
Manor Houses as Filming Locations
Manor houses offer filmmakers a ready-made set rich in history and charm. Highclere Castle, for instance, is world-famous as the home of "Downton Abbey". Its grand exterior and elegant interiors captured the imagination of millions of viewers worldwide.
But it's not the only one. With its Tudor-style architecture and stunning gardens, the historic Arley Hall has graced the small screen in the gritty drama series "Peaky Blinders". Even its interior, including the long gallery and kitchen garden, have been used in the show!
In Greater Manchester, Dunham Massey is no stranger to the spotlight either. Its beautiful deer park and Georgian house were the perfect backdrop for several period films and series.
Then there's the grand Lyme Park. Its impressive façade and 17th-century house and gardens were featured in the iconic 1995 BBC adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice". Who can forget the scene of Mr Darcy emerging from the lake?
When visiting these places, it's fascinating to imagine them as the backdrop of your favourite scenes. They're more than just historic houses; they're stars in their own right!
Conclusion
By turning to Locations Direct, photographers and filmmakers can find exquisite manor houses that offer all the grace and beauty of their more exclusive counterparts. These locations provide the opportunity to capture timeless moments without breaking the bank.
So, if you're looking for affordable manor house options in and around London, consider Locations Direct as your go-to resource. They make it easy to discover and book these remarkable locations, enabling you to create stunning photographs that rival those taken in the most exclusive estates.