British period dramas are films and TV series set in the past, often weaving political and societal norms and historical events into the storytelling (some more accurately than others). These dramas are known for their lavish costumes, detailed set designs, and emotional storylines - and we can't get enough.
British period dramas have recently become more accessible worldwide through streaming platforms. The Crown, for example, is one of Netflix's most-watched dramas and became the first Netflix show to win Best Drama Series at the Emmys in 2021.
In this article, we're diving into the best historical dramas set in London, a city famous for its history, wealth, power struggles and the monarchy. The perfect recipe for a great British period drama!
As we mentioned, The Crown is a hugely popular historical drama that chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II from 1947 to 2005. The six seasons explore the challenges of the British monarchy, political changes, and personal struggles within the royal family. The series begins with Elizabeth’s unexpected ascension to the throne following the death of her father, King George VI, and follows her journey as she navigates the demands of leadership, marriage, and family life.
The show features London's biggest landmarks including Buckingham Palace (the Queen's official residence), Westminister Abbey and 10 Downing Street. It also features huge historical moments for London like The Great Smog of 1952 which led to thousands of deaths, and Princess Diana's funeral.
Another successful royal drama, this time set in the 1930s. The King's Speech focuses on King George VI and his struggle to overcome a severe speech impediment. When King Edward VIII abdicates the throne, Albert unexpectedly becomes king on the eve of World War II. He must now overcome his fears to deliver a crucial radio speech to unite Britain.
The film highlights the wealth divide in London, contrasting grand royal locations like Buckingham Palace with more modest working-class places like Lionel Logue's speech therapy office. The film also features the BBC Headquarters - Broadcasting House where the King's speech was made. In reality, this scene was shot in Shoreditch Town Hall because the period features better reflect the original BBC recording studio.
Before Downton Abbey was narrating the Crawley family and their servant staff in the English countryside, there was the story of the wealthy Bellamy family (upstairs) and their loyal servants (downstairs) in their grand townhouse at 165 Eaton Place. The 1971 period drama Upstairs, Downstairs is set in Edwardian London from 1903 in the affluent borough of Belgravia.
The series explores the stark contrast between the aristocracy and the working class in London at that time, showing how their lives intertwine amid historical events. These major historical moments include the suffragette movement, World War I and the Great Depression.
And if you want to get your hands on more, the BBC also remade the series starring Keeley Hawes in 2010.
Bridgerton is a Netflix period drama set in Regency-era London, blending romance, scandal, and high-society intrigue. Based on Julia Quinn’s book series, the show follows the powerful Bridgerton family and their pursuit of love, marriage, and status in the competitive social season.
Each season focuses on a different Bridgerton sibling’s romantic journey while showcasing the grandeur and gossip-driven world of early 19th-century London’s aristocracy.
The series features some of London's most beautiful Regency-era architecture, including Lancaster House which was used for scenes inside Queen Charlotte’s court (representing St. James’s Palace) and Ranger's House in Greenwich which became the exterior of Bridgerton House. It also highlights outdoor London film locations like Greenwich Park which stood in for Regency-era Hyde Park.
Check out our list of top Bridgerton filming locations for more details.
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Belgravia is a British period drama based on Julian Fellowes' novel of the same name. Set in early 19th-century London, the story unfolds secrets, class tensions, and family legacy, beginning with the famous real-life event, the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball in 1815, just before the Battle of Waterloo.
The west London borough represents the clash between old aristocracy and new money, a central theme of the series. The Trenchard family, who have made their fortune in trade, move into Belgravia, symbolising their social ascent as they try to blend with old-money families like the Brockenhursts.
In reality, many of the Belgravia scenes were recreated elsewhere to get the authentic Regency-era look, including transforming film locations in historical areas like Edinburgh and Bath.
The Young Victoria (2009) explores the early life and reign of Queen Victoria from 1836 to 1841, focusing on her struggles for independence, romance with Prince Albert, and rise to power.
As the only heir to the British throne, Princess Victoria grows up in Kensington Palace under the strict control of her mother, the Duchess of Kent, and her advisor, Sir John Conroy, who attempt to manipulate her.
Westminister Abbey is shown at Victoria's coronation, and she moves into Buckingham Palace after becoming Queen, marking a turning point in her independence.
Call the Midwife is a beloved British drama series set in the 1950s and 60s and based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth. The story follows the midwives and nuns of Nonnatus House, a nursing convent in east London, as they provide medical care to the community. It features emotional and heartwarming stories and addresses real issues of the time like thalidomide, abortion laws, and racial discrimination.
The show gives you a glimpse of post-war London, particularly the working-class area of Poplar in Tower Hamlets, where the midwives are based. The series captures London's struggles with poverty, overcrowding, and poor housing conditions, reflecting the real challenges faced by Londoners at the time.
Atonement (2007) is a romantic war drama which spans several decades, beginning in England in 1935. A false accusation by 13-year-old Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) changes the lives of her older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy), the housekeeper’s son.
While the film follows the characters through different locations over the decades like the Tallis family's estate in the English countryside, and France during World War II, London also plays a significant role in the second half of the film. The film captures the devastation of the Blitz, with wounded soldiers filling the hospitals and bombed-out buildings reflecting the chaos of the war.
Bleak House is a BBC adaptation of Charles Dickens's novel and takes place in 1800s Victorian London. The story revolves around the long-running legal case of 'Jarndyce and Jarndyce', which entangles multiple characters in a web of greed, mystery, and corruption.
The series critiques the inefficiency of the British legal system while exploring themes of family, social class, and justice. Key locations include the grimy Court of Chancery, where endless legal disputes drag on, and the offices of the ruthless lawyer Mr Tulkinghorn. The desperate living conditions of characters like Jo, the homeless crossing sweeper, highlight the city’s harsh realities.
The Royal Courts of Justice were used to represent the oppressive Court of Chancery. Lincoln’s Inn, a historic legal district served as inspiration for Dickens and was used for some exterior shots. This area closely resembles the setting of Mr. Tulkinghorn’s chambers.
Taboo is a British historical drama set in 1814, starring Tom Hardy as James Delaney, a mysterious and scarred man who returns to England after spending years in Africa. Delaney is there to claim his late father's estate, which includes a valuable piece of land in the American colonies. However, he soon finds himself wrapped up in corruption, betrayal, and power struggles involving criminals and the ruling elite.
The series does a great job showcasing the seedy underbelly of 19th-century London, where gangsters, smugglers, and politicians hold power. The British East India Company is a fascinating central player in the series and the company's powerful influence is felt throughout the city. The focus shifts between elite private clubs where deals are made to the more gritty and dangerous areas like the London Docks and highlights the contrasting world the characters must navigate.
There you have it, the best period dramas set in London! From gripping political stories to sweeping romances, and tales of social upheaval to intimate family dramas, London continues to be the perfect backdrop for some of the most memorable British period films and TV series.
It’s no wonder British filmmakers and location scouts alike are drawn to this city’s historical charms with all its rich history, iconic landmarks, and atmospheric streets.
For more cinematic inspiration, check out 10 of the best films set in Ireland and films to watch in 2025.
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