Where was The Pursuit of Love filmed?

If you're a fan of sweeping period dramas, The Pursuit of Love delivers everything you’d hope for - lavish interiors, sprawling estates, and the kind of idyllic countryside that looks like it was pulled straight from a storybook. Add in a dash of Parisian flair, and you’ve got a series as visually rich as it is emotionally layered.

Much of the magic lies in the stunning real-world locations that bring the 1940s setting to life. With grand country manors, meticulously manicured gardens, and romantic European backdrops, the series was filmed in places that are not only cinematic but also often open to the public. Let’s take a tour through the breathtaking filming locations of The Pursuit of Love.

Rousham House, Rousham, Oxfordshire

Scenes in Alconleigh, the grand home of Linda and her family, were filmed across a variety of historic homes. One of them was the 17th-century Rousham House, set in spectacular grounds full of follies and unusual statues. The gardens are open to the public, while the house, which is still owned by the same family who built it, offers very occasional tours where you can see the impressive Jacobean interiors.

Dyrham Park, Dyrham, South Gloucestershire

A sprawling country mansion with acres of formal gardens, Dyrham Park has long been a popular filming location for period dramas. In The Pursuit of Love, parts of the property were used to represent two different homes. The Great Hall became the setting for the coming out balls at Alconleigh. The grounds were used to film scenes at Merlinford, the home of Lord Merlin, as well as standing in for London’s Hyde Park.

Badminton House, Badminton, Gloucestershire

Horsey people may recognise the exteriors of Merlinford. Badminton House is where the annual Badminton Horse Trials take place as well as a variety of other festivals and events. Since being built in the late 17th century, it’s been the seat of the Dukes of Beaufort. It’s often used for filming, as well as weddings and parties. Some historians trace the invention of badminton to the house, where it’s said the eighth duke invented the lightweight shuttlecock so he could play indoors without damaging the paintings.

No 1 Royal Crescent, Bath, Avon

Scenes in London were often filmed in Bath as the city has plenty of Georgian architecture. No 1 Royal Crescent was the filming location for Linda’s Marylebone home. This historic property has been refurbished and turned into a museum, furnished in typical 18th-century style. However, the crew managed to carry out some TV trickery to bring it into the 20th century.

Place Dauphine, First arrondissement, Paris

Linda moves to Paris in episode three. While the crew planned to film a few scenes through the city, due to COVID restrictions there was only a short window. Place Dauphine became the perfect backdrop for Parisian scenes. Set on Île de la Cité, an island on the Seine, this public square was built under the orders of Henry IV of France in the early 17th century. Many of the buildings have now been turned into luxury hotels, boutiques, and cafés, all set around the leafy square.

If you’re in the mood for romance, drama, and a touch of vintage glamour, The Pursuit of Love is streaming now on BBC iPlayer in the UK. With its stunning period settings and star-studded cast, it’s the perfect escape into another era.

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