Where It Is Set Versus Where It Was Filmed
The story takes place in an alternate early 19th-century England, primarily in York and London, with Strange's travels extending to the continent. Filming concentrated in Yorkshire, using real historic buildings to stand in for both cities. Venice scenes were shot in Trogir, Croatia, and the Waterloo and Portugal battle scenes were filmed in Quebec, Canada.
The Studio Side
Interior work and set builds were based at Studio 81 in Leeds, which is not open to the public. However, Wentworth Woodhouse served as a second production base for extensive set builds and is visitable, with public tours available of the house used for so many of the show's London interiors.
Tours That Visit These Locations
Most of the Yorkshire locations can be visited independently, but a guided walking tour in York covers the key city stop and other screen sights.
York Film Locations Walk
York: TV and Movie Locations Walking Tour
This walking tour passes York Minster, where the series opens its story of magic, alongside the Shambles and other locations from film and television. At $19.83 it is an inexpensive way to see the city's screen heritage with a guide, and no dedicated Jonathan Strange tour exists, so this is the closest bookable option for fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell filmed in York?
Yes. York Minster features prominently, playing itself in the opening scene where Mr Norrell brings statues to life. Filming took place over a single night due to the cathedral's public access and worship schedule. A York walking tour can take you past the Minster and other screen locations.
Can you visit Wentworth Woodhouse?
Yes. Recently opened to the public, Wentworth Woodhouse offers tours. It is the largest privately owned house in Europe and was used extensively for the Lost Hope ballroom, London interiors, the House of Commons, Shoreditch scenes and the marble saloon tree scene.
Where were the Venice scenes filmed?
The Venice scenes showing Jonathan Strange's travels were shot in Trogir, Croatia, using the old town and Kamerlengo Castle. Trogir is a UNESCO site with historic streets and a castle open to visitors.
Which locations are free to visit?
Kirkstall Abbey in Leeds, St John's Square in Wakefield and Ilkley Moor are all free and publicly accessible. York Minster, Fountains Abbey, Wentworth Woodhouse, Oakwell Hall, Temple Newsam House and Newburgh Priory require tickets or, in the priory's case, select open days.
Where were the Waterloo battle scenes filmed?
The Waterloo and Portugal scenes were filmed in Quebec, Canada, rather than Europe. All of the English interiors and street scenes were handled in Yorkshire over the four-month production base there.
Was Hurtfew Abbey a real place?
No. Hurtfew Abbey was created using the exterior of Fountains Hall at the Fountains Abbey estate near Ripon, a National Trust and World Heritage site. The estate also contains the cottage where Strange performs his first spell, and tickets cover the grounds.
Yorkshire holds nearly everything a fan could want, from the free ruins of Kirkstall Abbey to the grandeur of Wentworth Woodhouse. Pair a York walking tour with a day trip to Fountains Abbey and the moors above Ilkley, and you will have covered the heart of the series in a single visit.
