Bridgerton in Bath
Bath has long been a favourite backdrop for period drama, with its honey-coloured stone and elegant crescents offering a ready-made Regency stage. In late August, parts of the city were once again transformed—this time for the filming of Netflix’s Bridgerton.
As an occasional local, I had the rare pleasure of watching Bath play its part in this global phenomenon, catching sight of familiar streets dressed for the early 1800s and seeing the scale of production unfold just outside my window.
Set between 1813 and 1827, Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton novels follow the lives and romances of the eight Bridgerton siblings: Anthony, Benedict, Colin, Daphne, Eloise, Francesca, Gregory, and Hyacinth. The Netflix series has brought their world to life with lavish costumes, sumptuous ballrooms, and sweeping location shots—many of which were filmed right here in Bath.
Bridgerton Filming at the Royal Crescent
One half of the Royal Crescent was closed for three days of filming, with No. 1 Royal Crescent doubling as a grand London townhouse. Beyond the house itself, the wider crescent became the stage for street scenes complete with carriages, horses, and promenading extras in their Regency best.
For those of us who know the city well, it was a thrill to see Bath transformed. The Royal Crescent is always a spectacle, but add flickering lamps, smartly dressed footmen, and the bustle of horse-drawn carriages, and it feels like stepping back two centuries.
The first day was entirely about preparation. Crews placed topiary and statues outside No. 1, fitted period-style street lamps, and even repainted the front door. Dark grey mats were laid over the double yellow lines, ensuring not a trace of the modern world crept into shot. Opposite, two huge green screens were hoisted on forklifts to block out less authentic backgrounds.
By the second day, filming was underway. From our window, we watched as beautifully dressed extras strolled in pairs along the Crescent, their gowns sweeping across the cobbles. Horses and carriages clattered into position, only to reset a moment later for another take. Hours of preparation went into creating what, on screen, might amount to no more than a fleeting sequence.
Behind the Scenes
What struck me most was the sheer scale of people involved. You expect actors, directors, and camera operators, but there were many more working quietly to make it all possible. Costumiers darted in to adjust bonnets and hems. Handlers stayed close to each horse. Assistants kept the young actors warm and supported between takes. The security team managed the road closures, while caterers and dressers ensured the cast and crew were well looked after.
It was a reminder that for every second of screen time, there are dozens of unseen hands making it happen. From the drivers delivering carriages to the general runners moving props into place, it’s an immense machine running with surprising precision.
The Magic of Bath on Screen
Bath’s honeyed stone has a habit of stealing the show. Watching the Crescent dressed for the early 19th century, it was easy to forget the passing traffic and modern shops just a few streets away. Despite the occasional inconvenience of road closures, it was hard not to feel proud seeing the city so perfectly cast.
The series may be set in London, but Bath’s timeless architecture has been central to its look and feel. The city has always inspired filmmakers, from Persuasion to Vanity Fair, but Bridgerton has introduced it to an entirely new audience around the world.
Bridgerton’s Bath – the Book
If you’re as taken with the glamour of Bridgerton as the city that helped bring it to life, you’ll find more of my behind-the-scenes photos in a beautiful book now available in local bookshops and online. It’s a wonderful keepsake for any Bridgerton fan visiting Bath.
