ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
Where they filmed The Princess Bride( 1987) Penshurst Place & Gardens, Tonbridge penshurstplace. com
An extremely popular filming location where other productions such as Mary Queen of Scots( 2018), Renegade Nell( 2024) and Merlin( 2008) were once filmed, Penshurst Place & Gardens welcomed the cast of The Princess Bride( 1987) almost four decades ago.
Based on the 1973 book by American writer William Goldman, The Princess Bride( 1987) was adapted into a fantasy adventure comedy film directed and co-produced by Rob Reiner. A tale of giants, sword fights, pirates and true love, the movie’ s iconic fight scene between the protagonist Inigo Montoya and antagonist Count Rugen was filmed within The Baron’ s Hall at Penshurst. Featuring the original 60ft-high beamed ceiling, The Baron’ s Hall is a popular sight for visitors of Penshurst, the home and gardens of which were once used by Henry VIII as a hunting lodge. In the present, history and movie enthusiasts alike can explore Penshurst’ s collection of antique furniture, family portraits and skilfully crafted tapestries. To rest your head after a long day’ s adventuring through the grounds of Penshurst Place & Gardens, take a 30-minute drive south to The Bell in Ticehurst, a quirky hotel and pub that is a home away from home for all. With menus featuring seasonal and locally sourced fresh ingredients, we’ d recommend heading there at the weekend to enjoy a quintessential Sunday roast.
Where they filmed The Crown( 2016- 2023) High Street, Rochester
A historical drama television series inspired by the story of Queen Elizabeth II and the personal and political events that her reign was shaped by, The Crown( 2016- 2023) was a popular show first released on Netflix in 2016. Peeking into the private life of the monarch, this acclaimed dramatisation landed 18 Emmy nominations for its sixth and final season, which followed the royal family into the early 2000s.
For fans of the show, one of their most iconic scenes was filmed in Kent; the wedding of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. With Rochester High Street’ s Guildhall doubling as Windsor Guildhall in the backdrop, local businesses across Rochester town were decorated with bunting to celebrate the event that originally happened in 2005. For those who’ d like to have their very own royalinspired day out in Rochester, there is the historic Rochester Cathedral to explore as well as Baggins Book Bazaar, England’ s largest second-hand bookshop. For an on-theme bite to eat, why not enjoy an afternoon tea in style at Cafe Nucleus for just £ 40 per person? Alternatively, drive just 15 minutes to Cobham Hall, another iconic location from the show. Within seasons five and six, Cobham Hall was used to replicate Eton College, and though a co-educational school for students aged 11- 18, they offer
PENSHURST PLACE & GARDENS
74 • www. insidekent. co. uk