After seven years and a multitude of awards and nominations, the highly anticipated drama series, 'The Crown,' concludes its remarkable journey with the release of its sixth and final season in December 2023. Unveiled in two captivating parts, with the first instalment already available for streaming since November 16, 2023, the series has held audiences spellbound with its intimate portrayal of the British Royal Family and the life of Queen Elizabeth II.

Over the years, 'The Crown' has offered a compelling glimpse into the complexities of ruling the nation of Great Britain and the behind-the-scenes decisions and conversations shielded from the public's prying eyes. Despite stirring both acclaim and criticism for its portrayal of royal history, its status as one of the most-watched shows on the Netflix streaming platform remains unaltered.

As the series gracefully bows out, concluding with the final episodes scheduled for release on December 14, 2023, we embark on a retrospective journey. Join us as we delve into the iconic filming locations that served as the backdrop for 'The Crown' over its six seasons. In honour of this six-season saga, discover six iconic filming locations of 'The Crown' and some substitutes that may surprise you…

Home to the Highlands, boasting enchanting castles, picturesque loch views, and the renowned Scotch whisky, Scotland holds not only these treasures but also the Queen's preferred summer retreat, Balmoral Castle. Given the country's profound significance to the Royal Family, it's unsurprising that nearly every season of the series spent some time filming against Scotland's stunning backdrop. Interestingly, the actual Balmoral Castle wasn't used for filming; instead, the majestic Ardverikie Estate stepped in as its stand-in.

The allure of Scotland in 'The Crown' extends beyond Balmoral. The second part of season six delves into the romantic journey of Prince William and Kate Middleton, whose initial meeting occurred at St. Andrew’s University—an authentic touch brought to life through on-location filming. Moreover, the Scottish narrative unfolds in other captivating destinations, such as Belfast, masquerading as Macduff during the Queen’s visit aboard the royal yacht. Additionally, Rhinefield House played a role, standing in for The Glen and portraying Princess Margaret's travels.

Renowned for its rich diversity in both nature and culture, South Africa emerged as a central and versatile setting, seamlessly accommodating various narrative angles throughout seasons one and two. Notably, season two spotlighted Prince Philip's extensive world tour aboard the royal yacht, the Britannia. This globe-trotting adventure unfolded against the breathtaking backdrops of South Africa, where filming predominantly took place. The country's diverse landscapes served as convincing substitutes, transforming Cape Town into Melbourne, Keurbooms River into the Amazon River, Kogel Bay into Tonga, and Hermanus into Bermuda.

Venturing to the southernmost tip of Africa at Cape Agulhas, the crew captured deck scenes, adding an authentic touch to Prince Philip's royal tour. Beyond this tour, South Africa continued to play a pivotal role in 'The Crown,' serving as the picturesque backdrop for the Queen's visit to Ghana for which the historic Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town became a compelling setting for this particular storyline.

When it came to capturing the essence of holidays or trips to sunny climates, Spain took centre stage, shouldering the majority of the load from season three onwards. Southern Spain skilfully transformed into Australia, providing a convincing backdrop for Charles and Diana's tour in 1983. Season six further showcased Spain's versatility as scenes depicting Diana's holiday with her sons and Dodi Fayed unfolded in Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands nestled in the picturesque Mediterranean Sea.

To transport audiences to Princess Diana's 1989 visit to New York, the streets of Manchester underwent a remarkable transformation, mirroring the essence of the Big Apple across the pond. The meticulous recreation brought the vibrant spirit of New York to life within Manchester's urban landscape. Specifically, for the poignant scenes capturing Diana's visit to homeless and AIDS patients, Stevenson Square served as the authentic setting. This intricate fusion of locations showcases the series' commitment to delivering a visually compelling and emotionally resonant portrayal of historical events within the unique context of 'The Crown.'

One might assume that for a series like 'The Crown,' which revolves so much around Buckingham Palace, the challenge arises when filming at the palace itself is not possible. In this case, Lancaster House steps in, faithfully portraying the interiors of Buckingham Palace throughout every season.

Beyond Buckingham Palace, Dartmouth House took on the role of Hôtel Ritz in Paris during season six, providing the setting for the final destination of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed. Additionally, both Harefield Grove and Brocket Hall were enlisted to bring Kensington Palace to life on screen. Notably, St. Paul’s Cathedral scenes were captured in Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire. England's transformative powers are showcased once again as Canary Wharf seamlessly becomes Chicago, setting the stage for scenes featuring President Clinton.

While numerous locations served as stand-ins for different countries or castles, the filming of Prince Charles’ investiture as the Prince of Wales took place at Caernarfon Castle —the very site where the ceremony occurred in 1969. This 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage site is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.

In the enchanting world of show business, the magic lies in transforming one place into another, weaving a tapestry of cohesive, structured, and meaningful stories. 'The Crown' exemplifies this magic, skilfully transporting us through time and space, revealing the hidden tales behind grand castles and historic events.

As we reflect on the past seven years, the series has unravelled the life of Queen Elizabeth II in ways never before seen—spanning six seasons, featuring three different casts, and captivating audiences with sixty episodes by the end of 2023. As the curtain falls on this remarkable journey, we're left with a lingering question: Will you be tuning in for the final six episodes, set to debut on 14 December 2023? The conclusion awaits, promising to be a fitting farewell to an era that has left an indelible mark on both the small screen and our hearts.