Leeds Castle

Phil Spencer’s Stately Homes – Series 3 (2020)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Phil Spencer wearing a purple jumper standing on the grass in front of the entrance to Leeds Castle.

Phil Spencer’s Stately Homes Series 3 Episode 4 Leeds Castle © Thomas Alexander / Channel 4

Starring: Phil Spencer, Liz Smith
Production Company: Mayfly Television
Kent Locations Used: Leeds Castle, Maidstone

Phil Spencer (Kirstie & Phil’s Love It or List It, Relocation, Relocation) returns for a grand tour of some of the country’s finest country houses to uncover the stories behind their creation in Series 3 of Phil Spencer’s Stately Homes (2016-2020) for Channel 4.

Phil, accompanied by Conservation Architect Liz Smith ,is given unprecedented access into fascinating stately home archives to reveal the incredible ambition of the house’s creators, as well as the huge quantities of materials, labour and money involved in turning their flights of fancy into bricks and mortar.

With a chance to try his hand at craft and restoration, and insight from the current custodians, Phil discovers how these homes became symbols of power – and play – and what the buildings and estates are really like to own.

The series is produced by Mayfly Television and written by Harry Williams and Jack Williams. The executive producer is Marcus Stephenson with Clemency Green Commissioning Editor for Features.

During filming in 2019 the production visited Leeds Castle in Kent in the year the castle celebrated its 900th anniversary. Filming took place inside the Castle when Phil interviewed staff members including Leeds Castle Curator Annie Kemkaran-Smith as well as a descendant of the last private owner Lady Baillie.  During the episode Phil went punting on the moat and visited the clock tower to raise Lady Baillie’s flag.

Set in the outskirts of the county town of Kent, Maidstone is the beautiful Leeds Castle which is set over 500 acres and boasts stunning period rooms, gardens, a moat, woodlands, maze with shell grotto and a falconry centre. Leeds Castle has previously been used as a film location by factual TV programmes Celebrity Antiques Road Show – Series 8 (2018),  Secrets of Great British Castles (2016) and Richard E. Grant on Ealing Comedies (2016).

Phil Spencer’s Stately Homes – Leeds Castle is due to air on More4 on Thursday 12th March 2020 at 9pm.

Exterior shot of Leeds Castle in the distance, taken from the ground behind some trees.

Phil Spencer Stately Homes S3 Ep4 Leeds Castle GV © Channel 4

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Purge of Kingdoms (2019)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Film poster depicting the portraits of 12 cast membersonn a grey medieval-style grid. With the title “Purge of Kingdoms” is in gold lettering

Purge Of Kingdoms Movie Poster © Conglomerate Media

Writers: J.J Mcdowell and Damián Romay
Director: Ara Paiaya
Starring: Angus MacFadyen, Lou Ferringo, Armando Gutierrez, Anna Hutchinson, Madison McKinley, Arin Aldridge
Production Companies: Conglomerate Media, Swen Group
Kent Locations Used: Leeds Castle

Purge Of Kingdoms (2019) is a parody of HBO’s hit TV series Game of Thrones. The story depicts nobles from Eight Kingdoms gathering for Purge Fest 3000 to try and put an end to their violent conflicts. Meanwhile, members of the Fat King’s own family conspire to overthrow him.

Purge Of Kingdoms was written by J.J. McDowell (Grow Old with Me, A Chance in Hell) and Damián Romay (Below the Surface, Dangerous Lessons), directed by Ara Paiaya (Instant Death, Skin Traffik). The film stars Angus Macfadyen (Braveheart, We Bought a Zoo), Lou Ferringo (The Incredible Hulk, Instant Death), Armando Gutierrez (The Little Mermaid, Anastasia: Once Upon a Time), Anna Hutchinson (Robert the Bruce, Encounter), Madison McKinley (The Wolf of Wall Street, Orange is the New Black) and Arin Aldridge (Guardians, The Bill (2000)).

The film was shot almost entirely at Leeds Castle in Maidstone including the Maiden’s Tower and the large grounds surrounding the castle, all  doubling as the fictional Kingdom of Kingshire.

Leeds Castle is located in Maidstone as is a romantic castle with medieval themed rooms. Other features include 1920s style interiors and original marble bathrooms, large estate – grounds, gardens, moat, river, large formal gardens, woodlands, maze with shell grotto and a aviary. The castle dates mostly from the 19th century and has been open to the public since 1976. The location was also used during the filming of Henry VIII (1979) and Lady Jane (1986).

Purge of Kingdoms was released on Monday 16th December 2019.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.

Celebrity Antiques Road Show – Series 8 (2018)

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Cast of Celebrity Antiques Road Show - Series 8- Four celebritites standing in a row holding up various antiques.

Cast of Celebrity Antiques Road Show – Series 8 ©BBC Two

Starring: Kelly Brook, Denise Van Outen and Peter Andre
Production Company: STV productions
Kent Locations Used: Ramsgate, Margate, Whitstable, Faversham, Sittingbourne, Maidstone, and Ashford

A brand-new series of Celebrity Antiques Road Show (2011-) returns to BBC two.  In the programme each antique expert is paired up with a celebrity and they travel across the UK in vintage cars, in a quest to find worthy antiques to sell at auction.

The series producer for the upcoming show is John Redshaw, and the chosen stars for Series 8 include reality-star Peter Andre, actress Denise Van Outen and model Kelly Brook.

One of the episodes visited Kent where the celebrities played mini-golf in Margate, went antiques hunting in  the sea-side town of Ramsgate and paid a visit to Leeds Castle and Pleasant View Garden Centre in Maidstone, and Whitstable Harbour in Canterbury.

Filming also took place in Faversham and Sittingbourne, which are towns in the district of Swale, as well as further filming in villages Appledore and Chilham in Ashford.

Ramsgate, Margate and Whitstable are seaside towns in East-Kent.  Ramsgate has been a significant filming location for popular television shows such as Juliet, Naked(2018), EastEnders (2015) and The Apprentice (2015).

Faversham and Sittingbourne are both towns within the Swale borough of Kent. Previous productions which filmed there include Celebs on the Farm (2018) and Walks With My Dog (2017).

Ashford is a market town with many shops, eateries, and a designer outlet shopping centre with London and Europe are just a train ride away through Ashford International train station. Previous productions which filmed include The Apprentice (2015).

Maidstone has been a popular site for TV programmes, productions include Long Lost Family: Born Without Trace (2020). Tunbridge Wells has also been an attractive location for TV programmes like Question Time (2016) and Series Two of Hunted (2016).

The series will start on Monday 5th November on BBC Two at 7pm with the Kent episode.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

Bargain Hunt Christmas Special (2016)

Posted on by Kent Film Office
Behind the scenes at Leeds Castle - presenter in apron being filmed in front of a fireplace

Charlie Ross behind the scenes at Leeds Castle © Leeds Castle/BBC

 

Production Company: BBC

Kent Locations Used: Kent Showground in Detling, Leeds Castle

Popular BBC daytime show Bargain Hunt comes to Kent for a festive edition. Charlie Ross presents at the Kent Showground alongside experts Raj Bisram and Richard Madley who assist the two teams in their Christmas shopping. Charlie also pays a visit to Leeds Castle where he learns about the history of Christmas decorations.

The Kent Showground in Detling is near the county town of Maidstone. The event venue sits on over 200 acres and hosts the renowned Kent County Show every July as well as fares and conferences. Bargain Hunt (2012) has previously been filmed at the Kent Showground.

Set in 500 acres on the outskirts of Maidstone, is the beautiful Leeds Castle which boasts stunning period rooms, gardens, a moat, woodlands, maze with shell grotto and an aviary. A popular film location, Leeds Castle has previously been used by projects such as The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses (2016), Gadget Man (2014) and Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

The Bargain Hunt Christmas Special filmed in Kent will air on Friday 9th December 2016 at 12:15 on BBC One. Leeds Castle will also feature in the second Christmas episode on Friday 16th December at 12:15 on BBC One.

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

 

Secrets of Great British Castles (2016)

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Dan Jones standing in front of the water at Leeds Castle with the castle in the background.

Dan Jones at Leeds Castle © Sideline and Channel 5

Production Company: Sideline

Kent Locations Used:  Leeds Castle

Secrets of Great British Castles returns for a second series, where historian Dan Jones explores the turbulent history behind Britain’s castles. Exploring the secrets behind the castles, Dan uncovers stories of intrigue, drama, romance, rebellion, and murder.

Between May and June 2016, the production team filmed at Leeds Castle where Dan Jones delves into its history, seen and unseen, such as the hidden 13th Century bathhouse built for Edward I. For the first time visitors will be able to hear about top secret letters between Winston Churchill and Geoffrey Lloyd, Minister in charge of the Secret Petroleum Warfare Department, detailing fascinating World War II plans that had their inception at Leeds Castle.

Set in the outskirts of the county town of Kent, Maidstone is the beautiful Leeds Castle which is set over 500 acres and boasts stunning period rooms, gardens, a moat, woodlands, maze with shell grotto and an aviary boasts medieval themed rooms. Leeds Castle has previously been used as a film location by film The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses (2016), Gadget Man (2014) and Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

The Leeds Castle episode of Secrets of Great British Castles airs on Channel 5 at 20:00 on Friday 25th November 2016.

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

Richard E. Grant on Ealing Comedies (2016)

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Richard E. Grant standing in front of a white background, writing says Richard E Grant on...Ealing Comedies

Richard E. Grant on Ealing Comedies © UKTV

Production Company: Phil MacIntyre TV

Kent Locations Used: Kent and East Sussex Railway Tenterden Station, Leeds Castle

Richard E. Grant on Ealing Comedies is a three part series exploring the history of Ealing Studios and the iconic films that were made there including the silent films made at the turn of the 20th century, music hall comedies of the 1930’s and the 1940’s film that started the phrase ‘an Ealing comedy’ – Passport to Pimlico.

Throughout the series, Richard is joined by special guests including Jonathan Ross, Michael Palin, Mike Leigh, Peter Capaldi and Carrie Fisher.

Richard E. Grant on the Kent and East Sussex Railway leaning through the window of a stream train with the driver

Richard E. Grant on the Kent and East Sussex Railway © Kent and East Sussex Railway

In April 2016, the Richard E. Grant on Ealing Comedies team visited Kent and East Sussex Railway Tenterden Station and Leeds Castle which was used as a film location for Ealing Comedy film Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

Kent & East Sussex Railway is a ten and a half mile rural light railway from Tenterden to East Sussex. Kent & East Sussex Railway has previously featured in film and TV productions including Mapp and Lucia (2014) and Last Passenger (2013).

Near to the county town of Kent is the stunning Leeds Castle. Sitting on a 500 acre estate, this location boasts period rooms, beautiful gardens, a moat, woodlands, maze with shell grotto and an aviary. The castle has previously been used as a film location for Rustom (2016), The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses (2016), and Lady Jane (1987).

Richard E. Grant on Ealing Comedies airs on GOLD (Sky 110, Virgin 124, BT 310) from Sunday 18th September 2016 at 19:00.

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

 

Rustom (2016)

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Rustom film poster with army officer on the cover. Image of women is faintly shown behind. Rustom is written on top in white

Rustom film poster © Friday Filmworks

Director: Dharmendra Suresh Desai

Writer: Vipul K. Rawal

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Ileana,  Arjan Bajwa

Production Co.: Cape of Good Films, Kriarj Entertainment, Plan C Studios, Zee Studios

Kent Locations Used: The Chequers Inn pub in Aylesford, Canterbury, Maidstone River Path and County Hall, Leeds Castle, Dover seafront, South Foreland Lighthouse, The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Rustom is a Hindi  murder mystery romance inspired by the true 1959 legal KM Nanavati v. State of Maharashtra, which changed the face of the India judicial system. Kawas Manekshaw Nanavati (Akshay Kumar) was a naval officer who was tried for killing his English-born wife’s lover, Prem Ahuja.  The murder case is still famous on the subcontinent and the film’s tagline is “3 shots that shocked the nation”.

The film is directed by Dharmendra Suresh Desai (Special 26, Players), written by Vipul K. Rawal and stars Akshay Kumar (Singh Is Kinng, Housefull 2), Ileana (Barfi!, Devadasu), and Arjan Bajwa (Son of Sardaar, Bobby Jasoos).

The Rustom production filmed on location in Kent in April 2016 for the romantic montage where Rustom (Akshay Kumar) and Cynthia (Ileana D’Cruz) visit England including The Chequers Inn pub in Aylesford, Canterbury, Maidstone River Path and County Hall, Leeds Castle, Dover seafront and  South Foreland Lighthouse.

The Historic Dockyard Chatham features as the Bombay naval port and HMS Cavalier as the destroyer on which he serves. A snowy Commissioners House also features in a montage and Slip 5 in a dinner scene between Rear Admiral Prashant Kamath (Parmeet Sethi)and Cynthia (Ilene D’Cruz).

Aylesford is a picturesque village located on the banks of the River Medway complete with a Norman Church and Victorian houses. It has previously featured in Half A Sixpence (1967).

Canterbury is a historic cathedral city with parks and open spaces, shopping areas, bars and restaurants and has previously featured on screen in projects such as Take Me Out (2010-2019) Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip (2015) The Apprentice (2014).

The county town of Kent, Maidstone has many parks, shopping areas and sports facilities and is home to The Maidstone Studios. Maidstone has been used to film The Great Interior Design Challenge (2014), Couples Come Dine With Me (2014) and Don’t Tell the Bride (2013), to name a few.

Leeds Castle is a romantic castle with medieval themed rooms, 1920’s style interiors and original marble bathrooms. The large 500 acres estate boasts beautiful gardens, a moat, woodlands, maze with shell grotto and an aviary. The castle has been used to film The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses (2016), Henry VIII (2003) and Lady Jane (1987).

South Foreland Lighthouse in Dover, is a Victorian lighthouse landmark along the White Cliffs of Dover. The Dover area has been used for projects including Mr Selfridge Series 3 (2015), The Apprentice (2015) and On A Clear Day (2005).

The Historic Dockyard Chatham is a 17th century dockyard set over 80 acres, containing over 100 buildings dating from the Georgian and Victorian Periods. It has been used extensively for filming, appearing in productions such as Call the Midwife (2016), Les Miserables (2013) and Downton Abbey (2013).

Rustom was released worldwide on 12th August 2016 and is now available for DVD purchase.

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses (2016)

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(HUGH BONNEVILLE), Margaret (SOPHIE OKONEDO), Richard III (BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH), Cecily (JUDI DENCH), Henry VI (TOM STURRIDGE) staring into the camera with trees behind them

The Hollow Crown: The Wars Of The Roses – Gloucester (HUGH BONNEVILLE), Margaret (SOPHIE OKONEDO), Richard III (BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH), Cecily (JUDI DENCH), Henry VI (TOM STURRIDGE) © BBC/Carnival Film & Television Ltd/Robert Viglasky

Director: Dominic Cooke

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Sturridge, Judi Dench, Jeremy Irons, Keeley Hawes, Sophie Okonedo, John Mackay, Stanley Townsend, Ben Daniels

Production Companies: Neal Street Productions, NBCUniversal, WNET

Kent Locations Used: Leeds Castle, Dover Castle, Penshurst Place

The Hollow Crown returns to BBC Two with a second series, The Wars of the Roses that include adaptations of three more historic plays by Shakespeare – Henry VI Part 1 & 2 and Richard III. The series is part of the BBC’s Shakespeare Season commemorating the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes, The Imitation Game) stars as Richard III and Tom Sturridge (The Boat That Rocked, Far from the Madding Crowd) plays Henry VI.

The supporting cast includes a wealth of talented actors, including Judi Dench (Philomena, Skyfall), Jeremy Irons (Eragon, The Lion King), Keeley Hawes (Doctor Who, Upstairs Downstairs), Sophie Okonedo (Doctor Who, Criminal Justice), John Mackay (Doc Martin, Casualty), Stanley Townsend (Cars, Ripper Street) and Ben Daniels (Locke, Madaline).

The first series aired in 2012 and featured Richard II, Henry IV, Part I and 2 and Henry V. The latter of which was also partly filmed in Kent; at Penshurst Place and Squerryes Court.

The Hollow Crown The Wars of the Roses (2016) Benedict Cumberbatch as Richard II fighting in battle on a field

The Hollow Crown The Wars Of The Roses © BBC/Carnival Film & Television Ltd/Robert Viglasky

The second series of The Hollow Crown filmed in Kent where Leeds Castle‘s Barbican and moat to depict scenes at the Tower of London, Penshurst Place doubled as the exterior of the Palace of Westminster’s Great Gates and Dover Castle features as The Tower of London as well as Anjou’s Palace and Joan’s Chambers in Rouen in Part 1 and a French Prison and St Alban’s Chapel and Market Place in Part 2.

Rich in history, Leeds Castle is set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland and formal gardens. The castle has opened its doors to a number of film productions over the years including Gadget Man (2014), Henry VIII (2003) and Lady Jane (1987).

Dover Castle is one of the most iconic of all the English fortresses, guarding the gateway to the realm for nine centuries. With its beautiful medieval interior, secret wartime tunnels and set overlooking the English Channel, Dover Castle is a popular film location having previously welcomed productions such as Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015), Into the Woods (2015) and To Kill a King (2003).

Penshurst Place is a 14th Century Manor House with preserved interiors, including the unique medieval Baron’s Hall as well as 11 acres of Elizabethan walled gardens. Wolf Hall (2015), Merlin (2008) and The Other Boleyn Girl (2008) have previously filmed at Penshurst Place.

The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses also features in the Kent Film Office Tudor(ish) Trail which celebrates Kent’s Tudor history and film connections.

Don’t miss The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses:

Henry VI part 1 will air on Saturday 7th May 2016 on BBC Two at 21:00.

Henry VI part 2 will air on Saturday 14th May 2016  on BBC Two at 21:00.

Richard III will air on Saturday 14th May 2016  on BBC Two at 21:00.

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

 

Gadget Man (2014)

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Gadget Man Presenter Richard Ayoade in an orange suit and blue tie

Gadget Man Presenter Richard Ayoade © Channel 4/North One Television

Production company: North One Television

Kent Locations: House in Faversham, Wye National Nature Reserve, Leeds Castle, Teapot Island Maidstone

Channel 4’s Gadget Man returns as Richard Ayoade takes a look at the world of gadgets and how new technology can help to make everyday life a little bit easier.

In the third series, Richard finds gadgets that can help tasks such as cooking, shopping, moving house and even going out or staying in. Guest stars who help Richard test the latest technology offerings include Richard E Grant, Allison Steadman, Tim Vine and David Mitchell.

Richard Ayoade and Phill Jupitus sitting on chairs with gadgets on their legs

Richard Ayoade and Phill Jupitus © Channel 4/North One Television

The Gadget Man team visited Kent where they used a private residence in Faversham for Richard’s house which features throughout the series as well as Wye National Nature Reserve in Ashford and Leeds Castle which are in episode three where Richard looks at gadgets that can solve “staycation” issues.

Faversham is a beautiful, historic market town which boasts nearly 500 listed buildings and is set on the picturesque Faversham Creek. It has many restaurants, shops, attractions and beautiful walks. The area has been used as a film location for productions such as Great British Railway Journeys (2014), Channel 4 drama Southcliffe (2013).

The 133 hectares of Wye National Nature Reserve consists of chalk grassland and woodland on steep coombes and offers spectacular views over the Romney Marsh and Weald. Ashford and surrounding areas has been used for filming with previous visiting productions including The Monuments Men (2014) and Emma (2009).

Leeds Castle is set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland and formal gardens in Maidstone. The castle itself was built in 1119 and has state rooms a mote. Leeds Castle has previously been featured in productions such as Lady Jane (1987) and Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

Don’t miss Gadget Man which starts on Monday 25th August 2014 at 20:30 on Channel 4 and the staycation episode will be shown on Monday 8th September 2014 at 20:30 on Channel 4.

 

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map. 

Henry VIII (2003)

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close up of Ray Winstone wearing a gold crown looking away from the camera

Henry VIII © ITV

Director: Pete Travis

Writer: Peter Morgan

Starring: Ray Winstone, Charles Dance, Mark Strong, David Suchet, Danny Webb, Helena Bonham Carter, Emilia Fox, Sean Bean, Emily Blunt

Production Company: Granada Television, Power, Powercorp, WGBH

Kent locations: Leeds Castle

Henry VIII is an Emmy Award winning two-part TV movie, which follows the life of Henry VIII throughout his radical 38 year reign and unpicks the volatility of Henry’s nature, particularly when it comes to love, as he marries and discards a string of wives with quick succession.

Henry VIII was written by British film writer and playwright Peter Morgan and directed by Pete Travis (Dredd, Vantage Point).

The cast includes an array of renowned British actors, such as Ray Winstone (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Great Expectations), Charles Dance (Game of Thrones, Alien 3), Mark Strong (Kick Ass, Sherlock Holmes), David Suchet (Poirot, Great Expectations) Danny Webb (Alien 3, Valkyrie), Helena Bonham Carter (Sweeney Todd, The King’s Speech), Emilia Fox (The Pianist, Merlin), Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones) and Emily Blunt (The Young Victoria, The Devil Wears Prada).

Long shot of Leeds Castle and lake

Leeds Castle in Henry VIII © ITV

Historically, Leeds Castle was used as a palace by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon but the production chose Leeds Castle to represent exteriors of Henry’s castle in Richmond.

Leeds Castle is near Maidstone and is set within 500 acres of parkland and gardens and surrounded by a moat. Features include original marble bathrooms, a river and maze with shell grotto. The location has previously featured in productions such as Gadget Man (2014), Lady Jane (1987) and Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).

Henry VIII also features in the Kent Film Office Tudor(ish) Trail which celebrates Kent’s Tudor history and film connections.

Henry VIII was first shown on ITV in 2003 and is now available to buy on DVD.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.