Be more Bridgerton! Living like the upper crust…

Dearest Reader, though this may feel like a most confusing shift in tone to our usual CommunityAd articles, I am sure you will forgive me for being so bold.

The Season is in full swing and with May upon us, we must make haste if suitable matches are to be made. With this in mind, I have put together a guide on the best places to be seen, should you wish to be a fully-fledged part of The Ton.

The Ton…

Just a bit of background before we get started. During the Regency era, high society folk were known as The Ton. Coming from the full French phrase le bon ton which roughly means something similar to good manners or etiquette.

Somerley House (Hampshire) – Bridgerton Season 1

Daphne and Simon may have stolen the show during Season 1 of Bridgerton but no one can deny THAT Gallery scene (you know the one!) was something else entirely. The setting for what would become an iconic part of the couple’s love story was filmed at Somerley House in Hampshire and we can see why!

The estate just screams elegance and sophistication so it’s no surprise to hear that they are a sought-after wedding venue! Tucked away in what feels like a little world all alone, Somerley House was the perfect choice for Bridgerton.

Petworth House and Park (Sussex) – Bridgerton Season 2

Petworth House may not be one of the most well-known Bridgeton filming locations but it sure is a significant one! Representing the Danbury Wing where Kate and Anthony’s chemistry all but boils over! The scene is made all the more anxiety-inducing by the steely-eyed gaze of the judgemental Ton.

Even without an interest in the hit Netflix show, Petworth House and Park is a beautiful location to visit. Open (almost) all year round and free to members of the National Trust, this decadent delight will make you feel like high society was made for you!

The Historic Dockyard Chatham (Kent) -Bridgerton Season 1 & 2

Whilst it may appear that being part of high society is all glitz and glamour, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The grey streets of London are a striking contrast to the vibrant, colourful world that the upper crust inhabits and I think this is why they work so well! The Historic Dockyard Chatham, which is set over an 80-acre complex, makes a terrific backdrop for those more casual scenes. With 400 years of history behind it, you can visit The Historic Dockyard Chatham (which makes a fantastic and interesting family day out) now by purchasing your tickets here. Did you know the dockyard is also home to Call the Midwife?

Ranger’s House (London) – Bridgerton Season 1 & 2

The most iconic location of all! Ranger’s House is immediately recognisable to any Bridgerton fan as the home of the core family. Well, the exterior anyway!

The Georgian villa contains over 700 works of art and borders Greenwich Park. Nothing is more indicative of the show’s vibe than the sight of this wisteria-covered (only during filming, unfortunately) dream house.

To end this article, I wanted to throw in a wildcard that feels very Bridgerton in its aesthetic but unfortunately has not been used in any filming so far…

Walmer Castle and Gardens (Kent)

Why not promenade through the beautiful gardens before exploring the many rooms within Walmer Castle?

You won’t see Simon or his dreamy gaze wandering the corridors, however, the Duke of Wellington spent 23 years at the castle and that’s sort of the same, right? Write your own regency romance, this story is all about you!

It is with great sadness that I must now leave you. The diamond of the season will not pick itself!