Burghley House in the running for national award - but what was being filmed there over Easter?
The house closed for filming over the Easter holidays
The gardens of a historic country house near Peterborough are in the running to be named the UK’s best.
The Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award 2026 has shortlisted the gardens at Burghley House alongside five others across the UK for this year’s award.
Since 1984 the prestigious awards have recognised the very best of stately home gardens across the country, with last year’s winner being Arundel Castle in West Sussex.
Burghley House will go up against five other gardens, including Kelmarsh Hall in Northampton and Scotland’s Monteviot House.
Members of the public have until August 31 to cast their votes, before the winner is crowned at an award ceremony on November 13.
The 16th century country house is widely recognised as one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture in the UK.
Over Easter the house was the subject of widespread speculation after closing its doors to film crews.
What was being filmed at Burghley House over Easter?
The Grade I listed building closed to the public on Tuesday, March 31, before reopening on Saturday, April 4.
During this time the house, as well as its orangery, courtyard shop and south gardens, were closed.
While the nature of the filming has not been officially revealed, unconfirmed reports suggest that crews were shooting scenes for season four of Netflix series The Diplomat.
The new series, starring Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell is due for release later this year.
The show focuses on an American diplomat who juggles her new high-profile job as ambassador to the United Kingdom and her turbulent marriage.
This isn’t the first time Burghley House has been used as a filming location, with the 16th-century building previously appearing in films such as The Da Vinci Code, Oscar winner Frankenstein, and Pride & Prejudice.
To vote for the Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award 2026, visit https://www.historichouses.org/historic-houses-launches-the-2026-garden-of-the-year-award/