Wolf Hall and the West Country: The Somerset Locations Behind One of Britain's Greatest TV Dramas

From Beyond Paradise in Cornwall to Hot Fuzz in Somerset, the West Country has long been a favourite with filmmakers.

But few productions have showcased the region's historic beauty quite like Wolf Hall and its acclaimed sequel, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light.

Based on the bestselling novels by the late Hilary Mantel, the BBC series follows the extraordinary rise and fall of Thomas Cromwell in the court of King Henry VIII. Starring Mark Rylance as Cromwell and Damian Lewis as Henry VIII, the drama has been praised as one of the finest historical television productions ever made.

What many viewers may not realise is that some of the series' most spectacular scenes were filmed right here in Somerset.

Somerset Takes Centre Stage

While the story unfolds in Tudor England's royal palaces and grand estates, many of those original buildings no longer exist.

Instead, the production team turned to some of the West Country's most beautiful historic properties to recreate Henry VIII's world.

Among the stars of the show is the magnificent Montacute House near Yeovil. The National Trust property appeared throughout both series and played the role of Greenwich Palace, one of Henry VIII's most important royal residences. Its grand façade, magnificent rooms and historic tapestries provided the perfect setting for the Tudor court.

Fans may recognise Montacute House from some of the drama's most memorable scenes, including royal gatherings, court intrigue and key moments involving Henry VIII himself.

Barrington Court: A Hidden Somerset Gem

Another Somerset location to feature prominently is Barrington Court.

The beautiful Tudor manor house near Ilminster was transformed into York Place, the home of Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cromwell's mentor and close ally. Its spacious interiors provided the perfect backdrop for many of the political discussions and power struggles that drive the story.

Today, visitors can walk through the same rooms where cameras once rolled and experience the atmosphere that helped bring Tudor England back to life.

Wells Cathedral's Royal Role

Somerset's starring role didn't end there. The spectacular Wells Cathedral was also used during filming for Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light. The cathedral's extraordinary Gothic architecture helped recreate some of the most important religious and royal settings of the Tudor period.

Combined with nearby historic locations, Somerset became one of the key regions used to create the authentic world of the series.

Why the Producers Chose the West Country

One reason Wolf Hall feels so immersive is its commitment to authenticity. The production team deliberately chose real historic buildings rather than relying heavily on studio sets. National Trust properties played a major role, with around 40% of the original series filmed at heritage locations.

The result is a drama that feels remarkably real, transporting viewers directly into the dangerous and fascinating world of Tudor politics.

A Growing Screen Tourism Destination

The success of Wolf Hall has encouraged thousands of visitors to explore the locations featured in the series.

Just as fans travel to Cornwall to discover the world of Beyond Paradise, and to Wells to walk in the footsteps of Hot Fuzz, history lovers are now seeking out the houses, gardens and cathedrals that brought Thomas Cromwell's story to life.

The West Country's combination of magnificent architecture, breathtaking landscapes and rich history continues to make it one of Britain's most sought-after filming destinations.

The West Country Escapes Verdict

If you're a fan of Wolf Hall, a lover of history, or simply looking for an unforgettable day out, Somerset offers a chance to experience the drama for yourself.

From the grandeur of Montacute House and the elegance of Barrington Court to the soaring beauty of Wells Cathedral, these remarkable locations remind us why the West Country remains one of Britain's greatest stars of both screen and stage.

And long after the cameras have gone, their stories continue to captivate visitors from around the world.