Filming at Waddesdon
Location information
The grandeur of this French renaissance-style chateau in the heart of Buckinghamshire makes for a truly inspirational setting for all types of filming projects. It was first used as a location in 1967, when Waddesdon’s façade was transformed into ‘Chateau Neuf’ for Carry On Don’t Lose Your Head.
Since then, the Manor has provided the backdrop for a variety of productions working with major studios such as – Columbia Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures.
We have played host to a Bollywood musical, and some of the nation’s favourite BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5 drama series and national broadcasts and even featured in a J-Pop video. More recently, we have worked with Netflix and Amazon Prime on major feature films.
With over 50 of years filming experience, we can offer excellent facilities for any size of crew and our helpful, friendly and experienced team pride themselves on a great understanding of film company’s needs.
Take a tour
Our most popular interior locations include:
- Opulent rooms
- Galleries
- Circular staircases
- Conservatory with garden access
- Portico balcony
- Wine Cellars (refurbished in 2023)
- Fully working Edwardian Lift
- Basements and behind-the0scenes areas
Within the Grounds and wider Estate:
- Ornate Aviary
- Formal gardens eith oarterre
- Parkland
- Statues
- Fountains
- Grand avenues
- Over 6 miles of private roads
- Woodland areas
- Contemporary architectures
- Farmland
Wedding Cake
Located at The Dairy, Wedding Cake is a 12metre tall ceramic sculptural pavilion in the form of a three-tiered cake standing in a grove of trees. Thousands of gleaming, icing-like ceramic tiles decorate the cake, all made in a traditional Portuguese manufactory and glazed in pale pinks, greens and blues.
Facilities
- 1000 space car park for unit base and parking
- Green room space
- Catering
- Out of hours access
- Night filming
- On site staff
- Self-catering accommodation
- The Five Arrows Hotel
Central Location
Waddesdon is located just off the A41 between Bicester and Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, with access to plenty of hotels & restaurants in either direction. We are 1 hour away from London by train with services from London Marylebone to Aylesbury and Aylesbury Vale Parkway and Haddenham and Thame parkway.
We are within an hours drive of the following Buckinghamshire studios:
We are proud to be a Filming in England Partner, welcoming filming to Waddesdon and ensuring cooperation and commitment to assist Film and TV drama productions.
The Filming in England Partnership exists to connect different organisations across England, outside London, to create a film-friendly environment.
Visit Waddesdon on screen for more information on previous productions.
Filming enquiry
For all filming enquiries including fees please complete this enquiry form
Or contact Head of Events and filming, Marie Stewart
Email: marie.stewart@waddesdon.org.uk
Mob: 07802 657603
One of the most impressive locations in the country and a pleasure to work with. The team went above and beyond to help make our shoot run as smoothly as possible
Jamie Jones, Supervising Location Manager
Thanks to the team at Waddesdon for helping to make our filming run so smoothly. We ended up with a long list of requirements and requests, all of which were accommodated without fuss. What a fantastic place to work.
Ben Gladstone, Location Manager
Commercial Photography
Commercial photography of interiors is only permitted outside of opening hours (Monday or Tuesday), and is subject to availability and advance permissions. Please complete the enquiry form for more information.
Online Image library and Copyright
Thousands of images of objects, architectural details and exterior views are available for reproduction on request. The copyright of all images unless otherwise specified remains the property of Rothschild Foundation Waddesdon. Requested images and images on the website may be used for non-commercial, personal and educational use. If you wish to reproduce images for any other purposes, please contact the Waddesdon Manor Image Library in order to make a request. Reproductions may be made only with permission in writing from the Waddesdon Image Library. Find out more>
Personal Photography
Photography without flash is permitted inside the house for personal, non-commercial use. No photography is permitted in temporary exhibitions and displays due to objects and works of art on loan to Waddesdon Manor.
Drone filming
There are various permissions and considerations in order to permit drone filming on the property and any requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Requests for commercial television and movie companies and commercial still shoots (i.e fashion, magazines, product shots) should be made by completing the enquiry form.
We require any applicant to supply the following documentation on application:
- Public Liability Insurance with a minimum value of £5 million (it must be EC785/2004 compliant)
- Aviation Liability Insurance – this is normally excluded from standard public liability insurance policies.
- Employee liability insurance with a minimum value of £10 million
- Risk Assessment
Unfortunately, we cannot provide permission to fly for amateur or student filming or approve requests from any fliers who seek permission in return for access and use of footage obtained.
The term ‘drone’ covers the following definitions of aircraft types:
- Small unmanned Aircraft (SUA)
- Small Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft (SUSA)
- Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAV’s)