Following in the footsteps of Sammy Davis Jnr., the LEWIS scaffold towers Herefordshire driver couldn’t believe his eyes as he drove up to the enchanting Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire. He saw the deer grazing happily in Eastnor Deer Park and imagined how many wonderful memories had been created in the castle and its grounds ever since the 19th century. Built between 1810 and 1824, Eastnor Castle these days is home to deer, humans, visitors, film crews and other creatures.
“Today, Imogen Hervey-Bathurst, daughter of owner James Hervey-Bathurst, is masterminding the castle’s next chapter – and making its sensorial overload a calling card. She grew up at Eastnor, and in 2023 became director of what is now a visitor attraction, wedding venue and film location….”
Excerpt above from The Financial Times, article entitled: “How To Future Proof Your Castle,” by Harriet Quick.
Filming at Eastnor Castle
Eastnor Castle’s dramatic Gothic Revival architecture and picturesque setting have made it a sought-after filming location for film and television. Its imposing turrets, grand interiors, and sprawling grounds create the perfect backdrop for period dramas, action films, and fantasy stories.
One of the most notable productions filmed at Eastnor Castle is Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011), starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law. The castle’s exterior and grounds were used to depict a Germanic fortress, adding to the film’s dark and mysterious aesthetic. Eastnor has also appeared in various television series, including Doctor Who, where it provided the perfect setting for eerie and otherworldly encounters. The Canterville Ghost (1997), based on Oscar Wilde’s classic tale, also made use of the castle’s historic ambiance, emphasising its ghostly appeal. Beyond fiction, the castle has been featured in reality shows such as The Amazing Race, where its rugged terrain and grand architecture added an extra challenge for contestants.
With its versatility and timeless charm, Eastnor Castle continues to attract filmmakers looking for an authentic and atmospheric setting. Its ability to transform into anything from a medieval fortress to a haunted mansion ensures it remains a favourite for productions across multiple genres.
Eastnor Castle Fun Facts
1. Built for Prestige and Defense (Sort of)
Eastnor Castle was built in the early 19th century (1811-1824) by John Cocks, the 1st Earl Somers. Although designed to look like a medieval fortress, complete with a moat, battlements, and towers, it was never intended for actual defense—just grandeur and prestige.
2. Designed by a Famous Architect
Renowned architect Robert Smirke, who also designed the British Museum, was responsible for the castle’s design. He created Eastnor in the Gothic Revival style, giving it an imposing, medieval look.
3. Surrounded by a 5,000-Acre Estate
The estate covers 5,000 acres, featuring a deer park, an arboretum with rare trees, and a stunning lake. The grounds were landscaped by Humphry Repton, one of England’s most famous landscape designers.
4. A Treasure Trove of Art and Antiques
Inside the castle, visitors can find an impressive collection of armor, fine art, and tapestries. The interiors are lavishly decorated with rich wood paneling, chandeliers, and intricate ceilings.
5. A Filming Location for Hollywood and TV
Eastnor Castle has been used as a filming location for many productions, including:
- “The Canterville Ghost” – BBC Studios (2021)
- “Succession” – HBO (2018)
- “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” (2011)
- “The Canterville Ghost” (1997)
- TV shows like “Doctor Who” and “The Amazing Race”.
6. A Venue for Weddings and Events
Today, Eastnor Castle is a popular venue for luxury weddings, corporate events, and adventure activities, offering visitors a taste of aristocratic living.
7. A Family Home to This Day
Despite its grand history, Eastnor Castle remains a privately owned home, still occupied by the descendants of the Somers family.
Scaffold Towers Herefordshire: The Choice of Industrial Scaffold Towers
Below is the selection of LEWIS industrial scaffold towers that we deliver to Herefordshire and to all over the United Kingdom. If you are looking for ladders and other access equipment, go to the scaffold tower homepage and choose what you need.
Industrial Scaffold Towers Herefordshire
