Step Into Netflix's The Diplomat: Explore the Real Diplomat Filming Locations in London

A diplomatic debut with a royal twist. Kate and Hal arrive in true London style—horse-drawn tension included.

If you've been hooked on Netflix's The Diplomat, watching Keri Russell navigate high-stakes diplomacy in stylish coats, you're likely just as captivated by its London backdrops. The series doesn't just deliver gripping political drama—it doubles as a sleek, cinematic tour of the city's most iconic sites.

The good news? You don't need diplomatic credentials to visit them. This guide to The Diplomat filming locations in London turns screen magic into real-life adventures, offering an itinerary where politics, history, and culture converge.

1. St Paul’s Cathedral – Where Drama Meets Legacy

Where legacy lives. This soaring space hosted one of the show’s most moving moments—and it's even more breathtaking in person.

St Paul’s Cathedral delivers one of the most visually and emotionally arresting moments in The Diplomat Season 2—a somber funeral scene that unfolds under its iconic dome. The fact that the production was granted access to film inside this sacred space, shutting it down for four days, speaks volumes about the gravity and cinematic ambition of the show. It's a moment that lingers long after the screen fades to black.

But long before the series, St Paul’s was already steeped in its own dramatic history. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710, it has survived the Great Fire of London, the Blitz, and centuries of royal ceremonies, state funerals, and national milestones. Climbing its dome and whispering into the Whispering Gallery is a rite of passage for visitors—and the panoramic views from the Golden Gallery make you feel like you're standing above the city’s very soul.

Visit Tip: Book timed entry online. Climb to the Golden Gallery for a 360° view that will stop you in your tracks. Or, attend a candlelit Evensong and let the music wash over you.

2. Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich – Baroque Grandeur on Screen

More ‘wow’ than war room. The Painted Hall doubled for government interiors in The Diplomat, but its true drama is ceiling-deep.

A UNESCO site, the Old Naval College stands in for key government buildings in The Diplomat and is featured in the opening episode The Diplomat as Kate Wyler lays a memorial wreath at this historic site. Its sweeping courtyards and the glittering Painted Hall doubled for various government buildings throughout the series, and for good reason—this riverside marvel is pure architectural theatre. No wonder it is often dubbed "Britain's Sistine Chapel."

Visit Tip: Roam the grounds for free or step into the Painted Hall to stand beneath a ceiling so ornate it rivals Versailles. Arrive by Thames Clipper for a storybook entrance.

3. Trafalgar Square – London's Living Room

Featured in multiple scenes and referenced by Hal in Season 3, Nelson’s Column stands tall over London’s most filmed square—British grit, carved in stone.and granite

A centerpiece of multiple episodes, Trafalgar Square feels like the capital's front porch. In Season 3, Hal quips about Nelson's Column being a monument to British stubbornness—a sly nod to the historical Admiral Nelson, who commanded the Royal Navy to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The 169-foot column, watched over by four bronze lions, is more than just scenery—it's a symbol of British resilience.

Once the site of royal mews and now a gathering point for demonstrations, celebrations, and political speeches, this square pulses with history and civic life. Whether you're snapping selfies or tracing historical footsteps, it's a place that makes London feel alive.

Visit Tip: Grab a warm drink, perch on a stone bench, and watch the world go by. Then head to the National Gallery for a brush with masterpieces

4. Regent’s Park – The Ambassador's Real-World Address

Just beyond this serene fountain sits the real US Ambassador’s residence. While Kate Wyler’s home was fiction, this garden is fabulously real.

While The Diplomat filmed the ambassador’s residence at Wrotham Park, the real U.S. Ambassador lives in Winfield House, nestled within Regent’s Park. You won’t get past the gates—but the surrounding gardens and greenery are yours to enjoy. It’s a rare look into where fictional drama and real-world diplomacy overlap.

Visit Tip: Don’t miss Queen Mary’s Gardens in full bloom. Or rent a rowboat and drift beneath weeping willows. Pure London romance.

5. Grosvenor Square – From Embassy to Memorial

From embassies to memorials, this Mayfair square has seen it all. A quiet power spot with more history than meets the eye.

The elegant Grosvenor Square in Mayfair was once home to the U.S. Embassy and now features a 9/11 memorial garden—its legacy visible in every corner. In The Diplomat, it’s referenced as part of the city’s political geography, grounding the storyline in authentic London locales.

Visit Tip: Bring a coffee, stroll through leafy paths, and pause by the fountains. It’s a peaceful stop amid London’s luxury shopping scene.

6. Nine Elms – The New U.S. Embassy

The most cinematic moat in London? Possibly. The Nine Elms US Embassy starred in the swearing-in of President Grace Penn—and it steals the scene every time.

Sleek, secure, and unmistakably modern, the U.S. Embassy in Nine Elms makes a bold visual statement with its gleaming glass facade and surrounding moat. It’s one of the most recognizable diplomatic buildings in Western Europe—and in The Diplomat, it’s featured prominently in Season 3 during the swearing-in of President Grace Penn. The scene underscores the embassy's role as a symbol of American authority and presence abroad, blending cinematic tension with architectural gravitas.

Visit Tip: While you can't go inside, the striking exterior is worth the detour—especially at dusk when the building glows against the Thames skyline. Afterwards, walk over to the newly redeveloped Battersea Power Station for cutting-edge dining, riverside views, and high-end shopping.

7. Parliament Square – Politics in Motion

Where history watches everything. Parliament Square is more than a backdrop—it’s a silent witness to politics, protests, and presidents-in-waiting.

Season 3 of The Diplomat features a dramatic moment in Parliament Square, where Kate walks among the statues of political giants, contemplating the weight of her choices. Framed by the grandeur of Big Ben and the Gothic elegance of the Houses of Parliament, this square pulses with political heritage. It's not just a place for tourists—it's where the soul of British democracy lives and breathes. Statues of Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi stand like sentinels, watching over decades of protest, policy, and public discourse.

Visit Tip: Wander the square and imagine the voices that have echoed here—from world leaders to grassroots activists. Book a tour of the Houses of Parliament to witness British politics up close, or visit Westminster Abbey across the street for even deeper historical immersion.

8. Foreign Office & One Great George Street – Historic Interiors

Power never looked so polished. This opulent staircase set the scene for key negotiations and dramatic entrances in the show

Few filming locations in The Diplomat are as rich in symbolism as these two. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office—seen in pivotal diplomatic moments—features the opulent Grand Staircase and Durbar Court, where ornate columns and marble floors evoke an era of global influence. These scenes mirror the show's high-stakes negotiations and behind-the-scenes maneuvering.

Meanwhile, One Great George Street, a neoclassical conference venue used for key scenes involving political briefings and international press moments, brings a sense of stately formality and quiet power. It's where diplomacy happens in hushed tones and decisive glances.

Visit Tip: The Foreign Office opens its doors for Heritage Open Days, offering rare public access. One Great George Street frequently hosts exhibitions and public events—check the schedule for a chance to walk through its hallowed halls.

9. Beyond London – Bonus Diplomatic Day Trips

While London provides the pulse of The Diplomat, some of the show’s most luxurious scenes are set just outside the city—where rolling estates and opulent settings add visual drama and narrative weight.

Not your average residence. This regal estate doubles as the US Ambassador’s London home—cue the guarded gates and perfectly placed tension.

Wrotham Park, Hertfordshire: This 18th-century neo-Palladian estate serves as the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in the series. With its sweeping driveway, stately architecture, and cinematic interiors, Wrotham Park exudes the elegance and exclusivity expected of a diplomatic power base. Though it’s typically closed to the public, its film legacy extends beyond The Diplomat—it’s also featured in The Crown, Downton Abbey, and Bridgerton.

When diplomacy demands grandeur—Blenheim Palace delivers. As seen in the season finale’s pivotal dinner scene, it’s where political stakes meet palatial style.

Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire: As the backdrop for the season finale’s high-stakes diplomatic dinner, Blenheim provides a breathtaking setting. The birthplace of Winston Churchill and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this palace showcases Baroque splendor at its finest—from its gilded staterooms to its formal gardens. It's not just a day trip—it's a time-travel experience.

Visit Tip: Both estates require advance planning. Blenheim offers full visitor access with exhibitions and garden tours. For Wrotham Park, keep an eye out for special event openings or film location features.

Why These Diplomat Filming Locations in London Matter

The series The Diplomat doesn’t merely show London—it celebrates its gravitas. From the grand dome of St Paul’s to the modern cube of the new U.S. Embassy, each location weaves together stories of architecture, politics and prestige.

Whether you're a fan of the series, a lover of architecture, or simply chasing wanderlust with a twist of intrigue, these filming locations unlock a new way to explore London’s power, history and cultural resonance.

Ready to Walk in the Footsteps of The Diplomat?

With this guide you can follow in The Diplomat's Kate Wyler's footsteps - just remember to wear comfortable shoes!

Whether you’re drawn to the high-stakes drama or the irresistible elegance of the show’s backdrops, these filming locations reveal a side of London few travelers truly explore. It’s not just about where the scenes were shot—it’s about stepping into the stories they tell. The cathedrals of power, the gardens of quiet reflection, the grand halls where history is still being written—they’re all waiting for you.

If you're inspired to plan a Diplomat-themed journey through London (or beyond), let Christina Gales Travel help you turn screen dreams into a tailored itinerary—seamless, stylish, and unforgettable.

Let’s plan your next inspired escape—reach out anytime by email or schedule a free consultation to get started.

Have you visited any of the filming locations listed here? We’d love to see your photos and hear your stories—tag @christinagtravel on Instagram to share!