filming at waddesdon
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.
Interior Locations
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-the-scenes areas
Exterior Locations
Our most popular exterior locations include:
- Ornate Aviary
- Formal gardens with parterre
- Parkland
- Statues
- Fountains
- Grand avenues
- Over 6 miles of private roads
- Woodland areas
- Contemporary architectures
- Farmland
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
The Dairy
Nestling in a tranquil waterside setting amidst glorious gardens, the Dairy is an enchanting private building on the Waddesdon Estate. Made up of 3 impressive rooms, a terrace overlooking the lake and a courtyard. The West Hall is an impressive room with vaulted ceilings and two huge open fireplaces. The Wintergarden, a classical room made predominantly of glass with exterior wooden slatted blinds and the South Hall which is full of art and contemporary styling.
Windmill Hill
Windmill Hill continues the tradition of Rothschild architectural patronage in the Vale of Aylesbury. With spectacular views, an old dairy farm has inspired a place to enjoy cutting-edge art and architecture.
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 contact Head of Events and filming, Marie Stewart
Email: [email protected]
For Bridal and Wedding photoshoots, please contact [email protected]
“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 the House and Gardens is only permitted outside open hours (Monday or Tuesday or after 1800) and is subject to availability and advance permissions. Please complete the enquiry form HERE for more information or to discuss your requirements contact [email protected]
Please note that professional photography and videography (whether commercial, portrait, social content, wedding or engagement) is not permitted at Waddesdon unless it is pre-arranged with one of our teams.
Visitors dressed in wedding attire will not be allowed access to the House or Gardens.
We reserve the right to ask visitors taking part in wedding, engagement, portrait or commercial photography or videography to leave the premises.
If you are uncertain whether your shoot falls into this category, please contact our Filming team at [email protected] to discuss your requirements.
Wedding Photography
You do not need to be getting married at Waddesdon to purchase one of the packages below. Contact the Private Events team to discuss wedding and engagement photography at Waddesdon [email protected]
Filming in the House & Gardens
£3,000 plus VAT
Stage your wedding photography in some of the Manors most opulent rooms – The White Drawing Room, Red Ante Room or the Blue Dining Room. Enjoy exclusive access to these areas with a member of our experienced team. Once outside in the gardens, you are welcome to select your favorite spot to capture some outdoor images. Available April to October on Mondays and Tuesdays and after 6pm on any other days.
Filming in the Gardens only
£1,500 plus VAT
Spend up to three hours in the historic garden to capture some beautiful images. Available – All year on Mondays and Tuesdays and after 1800 on any other days.
Online Image Library & 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:
- Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAV’s)
- Small unmanned Aircraft (SUA)
- Small Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft (SUSA)