Period Drama and Literary Adaptations
Harewood has played a starring role in some of Britain’s most beloved period dramas. In Downton Abbey, the estate was transformed into a royal residence, hosting lavish scenes featuring Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville. The Gallery, Cinnamon Drawing Room, and Terrace all feature prominently, culminating in a memorable dance sequence.
Literary adaptations have also found a natural home here. Death Comes to Pemberley used Harewood’s Main Library and Drawing Rooms, while Lost in Austen reimagined the house as Pemberley itself. Meanwhile, Victoria saw Harewood stand in for both Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace, with its interiors and grounds transformed across multiple seasons, even creating winter scenes in the height of summer.
Modern Drama, Thrillers, and Beyond
Beyond period pieces, Harewood has proven equally compelling in modern storytelling. The psychological drama Anne Boleyn used its woodland and pathways to evoke a haunting, introspective tone, while Bodies filmed across its lakeside gardens and forested areas.
Other productions, such as Gentleman Jack and Better, made use of the estate’s farms, church, and deer park to ground their stories in authentic Yorkshire landscapes. Even the comic thriller Boat Story and supernatural tales like Ghost Stories have taken advantage of Harewood’s atmospheric terrain.
A Home for Film, Television, and Culture
Harewood’s relationship with the screen extends beyond drama. It has long been associated with Emmerdale, whose purpose-built village set has been located on the estate since the late 1990s, making it one of the most enduring filming partnerships in British television.
Documentaries and lifestyle programmes have also showcased Harewood’s rich heritage. Art That Made Us explored its 18th-century interiors and craftsmanship, while Inside the Factory highlighted its connection to Thomas Chippendale. Seasonal charm was on full display in Mary Berry’s Country House at Christmas, where the estate’s preparations for the festive season took centre stage.
Filming at Harewood is always an exciting time for the team, from the first recce meetings to seeing it come to life in front of your eyes. So the next time you watch a British drama or film, keep an eye out! You might just spot Harewood in disguise!"
Rachel Crewes - CEO of Harewood House Trust
