If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to become a U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, then you may have finally found your show. And even if that’s not a desire of yours, “The Diplomat” takes viewers on a can’t-miss journey through some of the most beautiful and historic areas of the world. It’s not just sightseeing either – the Netflix original offers an inside look at corridors and offices that are accessible only to the highest government officials. Directed by Alex Graves, “The Diplomat” stars Keri Russell as Kate Wyler, a new-on-the-scene ambassador who’s expected to take charge amid an international crisis.
Russell has received numerous nominations for her role execution, including Primetime Emmy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and Golden Globes. But somehow, the filming locations in “The Diplomat” may be even more impressive than Russell’s performance. Viewers feel like they’re truly along for the ride as the ambassador is whisked from place to place on official, and often urgent, business.
Filming For ‘The Diplomat’ Season One Mostly Took Place In London, England
Key Scenes: The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London makes an appearance in “The Diplomat.” Most notably, viewers see the Grand Staircase and the Durbar Court. Several restaurants and event venues were also used for filming purposes. Wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd on London’s St. James Street appears in the seventh episode. An event space from the 1820s, located just off Trafalgar Square, can be seen on screen, as is the Royal Society of Arts. This London-based non-profit organization has been working to have a significant social impact in the arts since 1754. Additional filming for both Season One and Season Two took place on a sound stage at London North Studios, according to Tudum.
Best Time to Visit: From late June through August, London is at its most vibrant. This is the peak of “The Great British Summer,” featuring world-class events like Wimbledon and outdoor festivals in Hyde Park. You’ll enjoy the longest daylight hours (sometimes seeing the sunset as late as 9:00 PM), giving you plenty of extra time for sightseeing. Just be prepared for higher hotel prices and busier landmarks.
Transportation Options: Better known as “The Tube,” the London Underground is the city’s pulse. With 11 color-coded lines, it’s the fastest way to get across town. Elsewhere, the red double-decker buses are perfect for seeing the city on a budget. Use the “Hopper fare” to take unlimited bus trips within one hour for just £1.75. For the best view, head straight to the front seat on the top deck!
The cast and crew of “The Diplomat” were primarily located in London, England for filming of the first season. The Winfield House featured in the series is modeled after its real-life counterpart, though filming didn’t actually take place there. The official Winfield House is located in London’s Regent’s Park and currently houses the U.S. Ambassador, Warren Stephens. Ambassador Kate Wyler’s home in the series was filmed at a private residence in Wrotham Park, Hertfordshire, Atlas of Wonders reports. This area was also used for filming other period pieces, including “Downton Abbey,” “The Crown” and “Bridgerton.”
Things to Do: No trip is complete without seeing Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. To see the Crown Jewels without the massive midday lines, try to arrive right when the Tower opens. Walk across the Millennium Bridge to explore the Tate Modern, a former power station turned contemporary art hub, or head to Trafalgar Square to see masterpieces by Van Gogh and Da Vinci at the National Gallery.
Where to Eat: As London’s oldest restaurant (established in 1798), Rules in Covent Garden is the place for a quintessential British experience. It’s famous for game, oysters and puddings, all served in an opulent, red-velvet setting that feels like a time capsule. For a slightly more “local” and less crowded vibe, head to Maltby Street Market on the weekend to find gourmet snacks tucked into 19th-century railway arches.
Where to Stay: Z Hotels has locations across the city and offers compact, smartly designed rooms in prime central locations. Elsewhere, CitizenM (located in Bankside and Tower Hill) is perfect for tech-savvy travelers looking for modern style without the 5-star price tag. For timeless British opulence, Claridge’s in Mayfair or The Savoy remain the gold standards of luxury.
Scotland’s Inveraray Castle Shines In Season Two
Key Scenes: The third and fourth episodes of season two were heavily filmed at Inveraray Castle, located in Argyll. Scenes showing the city around the castle were filmed in Inveraray Village. West of here, the nearby area of Glen Torridon was used for outdoor scenes, showing off the area’s mountainous backdrops, per Screen Scot and Cosmopolitan UK.
Best Time to Visit: Visiting Scotland from spring to summer promises comfortable weather and long days, making it perfect for sightseeing and immersing yourself in the area’s history. Plus, Inveraray Castle is only open to visitors between March and October.
Transportation Options: Glasgow Airport is the closest to Inveraray, at just over an hour’s drive. Public transportation via trains are an option, as is renting a car to travel at your own pace.
Season two of “The Diplomat” takes on a different, more serious tone than the first installment. In the wake of an explosion traced to the British government, Kate works to rebuild trust and security, both personally and professionally. As Director Alex Graves said to Time Out, “Season two has really expanded on the scope and scale of the show, because the scope and scale of the story has really grown.”
Inveraray Castle & Gardens is an iconic stop for tourists. It’s a magnificent structure that is home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll. Tourists exploring the castle are advised to wear comfortable shoes to fully appreciate the gardens’ grandeur. Some also consider it wise to visit during off-peak times to avoid larger crowds, allowing you to fully take in the site’s history, which dates back to 1057. The town of Inveraray, known as the “Capital of Argyll,” is a sight to behold for lovers of Scottish Georgian architecture. As you walk through the city, you may recognize sites that pop up in the background of “The Diplomat.”
Speaking of recognizable landmarks, fans who are familiar with British architecture are sure to recognize St. Paul’s Cathedral. Tudum reported that the crew was able to borrow robes from the cathedral for filming – a high honor, considering the robes had only been worn three times before, counting the funerals for Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.
Things to Do: After exploring the grounds of Inveraray Castle & Gardens, follow the River Clyde toward the Firth of Clyde waterway to enjoy time on the coast. If you prefer the big city, Glasgow features many historic spots, including the Glasgow Cathedral and The Necropolis. It can also be fun to spend an afternoon admiring the architecture of Buchanan Street, an area lined with history, art and culture.
Where to Eat: Seafood is the star of the show in western Scotland, with places like the Samphire Seafood Restaurant catering to locals and visitors alike. In Glasgow, you must visit Drouthy’s, a pub styled like a Highland bar, and The Butterfly and the Pig for traditional Scottish fare.
Where to Stay: The George Hotel in Inveraray is just a short walk from the famous castle and gardens. If staying in Glasgow, consider the Z Hotel Glasgow, the Travelodge Glasgow Queen Street Hotel or the budget-friendly House of Gods Glasgow.
Where Was ‘The Diplomat’ Season Three Filmed?
Key Scenes: British Prime Minister Trowbridge’s home was created at the Coe Hall Historic House in the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Upper Brookville, New York. Similarly, the Seacroft Estate on Long Island became the Penn Mansion for the third season, reports Woman & Home.
Best Time to Visit: Despite the cold, December is a bucket-list time for many to visit NYC. The holiday windows on 5th Avenue, the Rockefeller Center tree and the Christmas markets create a magical atmosphere. If you’re a budget traveler, January and February are the “low season,” where you can find the best deals on hotels.
Transportation Options: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is your best bet for reaching Long Island and the surrounding areas where filming took place. Public transportation is accessible throughout most of the state, but you’ll need to rent a car to access Long Island easily.
While some filming for “The Diplomat” season three continued in London, production relocated to New York to stand in for Washington, D.C., locations that became crucial to the storyline. Being in New York was also vital to actors on a personal level – both Russell and writer Debora Cahn wanted to balance their shoot schedules with time spent with their families.
In an interview with WWD, Russell said that Cahn had “always pitched the show to me as starting in London and then being able to come home. And what we did is just moved anything that shot inside a stage back to New York so that our children didn’t forget who we were.”
Location director Rob Coleman told Tudum that the Coe Hall Historic House permitted very little filming in the past, but their team was able to close it for two months while working on “The Diplomat.” Coleman said, “It was one of the only homes we scouted because we all knew early on that it was the right fit.”
Things to Do: If you haven’t already, plan to take a tour of the iconic Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. After soaking in that history, kids will love a day spent at Coney Island in Brooklyn. If you’re staying closer to the center of the state, take a visit to the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo or take a tour of the Thomas Edison National Historical Park.
Where to Eat: Fresh seafood is popular in Newark due to its proximity to the water. If that piques your interest, stop in at Sol-Mar Restaurant or the Adega Grill for unique fish-forward dishes. In Long Island, check out La Villetta for great Italian or the Haunted House of Hamburgers for a unique experience with American fare.
Where to Stay: There are plenty of hotels close to EWR and downtown Newark that can make for a comfortable stay, including SpringHill Suites by Marriott and TRYP by Wyndham. If staying for a short weekend in Long Island, consider a stay at the filming location itself, The Mansion at Glen Cove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the house in “The Diplomat” the same as “Bridgerton”?
Yes. Wrotham Park was used as Winfield House in “The Diplomat” and also as the family’s summer home in “Bridgerton.”
Is “The Diplomat” based on a true story?
No, “The Diplomat” is not based on a true story. However, ScreenRant reports that ideas and situations in the show were inspired by conversations with real-life U.S. ambassadors.
Is there a season four of “The Diplomat”?
Yes, there will be a season four of “The Diplomat.” Netflix confirmed the renewal in May.
