When Netflix released The Diplomat – an edge-of-your-seat political thriller reminiscent of House of Cards, The Americans, and Homeland – we tuned in without hesitation.
And there’s no better way to gear up for season 2’s release on Oct. 31, 2024, than by checking out the London and Paris filming locations featured in The Diplomat – all accessible by train.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Yiannis Liassides. Image Location: Old Royal Navy College, London, England.
The Diplomat filming locations
Trying to find the real filming locations for Netflix’s The Diplomat? You can visit all the London and Hertfordshire spots by rail – and you can easily reach the Paris locations by taking the Eurostar train from London to Paris.
Old Royal Naval College, London
Closest station:Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich
In the opening episode, Kate Wyler places a memorial wreath at the Old Royal Naval College.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greenwich is near loads of other historic sites like the National Maritime Museum, the prime meridian (Greenwich), and the Royal Observatory.
Regent’s Park and Winfield House, London
Closest stations:Marylebone | Regent’s Park (London Underground)
Regent’s Park is a sprawling greenspace featuring the London Zoo, Queen Mary’s Gardens, an open-air theater, sports fields, and a boating lake.
Although the real US Ambassador to the UK lives in Winfield House, located in Regent’s Park, the scenes in The Diplomat depicting the ambassador’s residence were actually filmed at Wrotham Park in Hertfordshire. But you can still enjoy a stroll through Regent’s Park and see the real Winfield House from the outside.
Afterward, you can explore the nearby neighborhood of St. John's Wood, known for the iconic Beatles crosswalk at Abbey Road the famous Abbey Road Studios.
Image Credit: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023. Image Location: Wrotham Park, Hertfordshire, England, UK
Wrotham Park, Hertfordshire
Closest station:Potters Bar
While the real US Ambassador resides in Regent’s Park,The Diplomat filmed the scenes set at the ambassador’s residence at Wrotham Park, a large country house in South Mimms, Hertfordshire.
🚂Trainline Trivia: Wrotham Park has welcomed filming crews for countless productions, including The Gentlemen(2024),The Crown, Bridgerton, and Downton Abbey.
The US Embassy in London
Closest station: Nine Elms (London Underground)
The Diplomat blends reality with fiction, using the real US Embassy in London for establishing shots. The embassy is an imposing square building located at 33 Nine Elms Lane.
Foreign, Commonwealth
Closest station: Westminster (London Underground)
Located near the Imperial War Museums and Churchill War Rooms, the stunning 18th-century Italianate complex known as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office features in The Diplomat. Interior shots include the Durbar Court, Grand Staircase, and Grand Locarno Room.
See more:London’s best war museums
Image Credit: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023. Image Location: The Louvre, Paris, France
The Louvre, Paris
Closest station: Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre (Paris Métro)
The Louvre, arguably the most famous museum in France, makes a cameo in The Diplomat.
Beyond the Mona Lisa, the museum houses countless treasures, and you can easily spend an entire day exploring the galleries. If you're pressed for time, a day trip from London will still let you see the highlights.
Oh yes, you can indeed visit Paris while exploring England. The Channel Tunnel, often referred to as “the Chunnel,” connects London and Paris by train, making it easy to travel between the two cities without the hassle of airports, security lines, or cramped airline seating.
Read more in our train station guides about London’s St. Pancras International and Paris Gare du Nord, the major railway hubs connecting the two cities.
Image Credit: Getty Images, L. Toshio Kishiyama. Image Location: US Embassy, Nine Elms, London, UK
The Diplomat
What is The Diplomat about?
The Diplomat follows Kate Wyler, played by Keri Russell (The Americans), as she takes on the role of US Ambassador to the United Kingdom. This high-stakes political thriller ramps up the drama as Wyler navigates both international crises and a rocky marriage to her manipulative husband, Hal, a high-profile political figure.
Who is in The Diplomat on Netflix?
Keri Russell leads the cast, joined by other familiar faces like Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler (you might recognize him from The Holiday), Michael McKean (Better Call Saul), Ato Essandoh (Chicago Med), and Pearl Mackie (Doctor Who).
Where is the current American embassy in London?
The current US Embassy is located at 33 Nine Elms Lane. It’s near Battersea Park, and you can reach it by taking the Northern line on the London Underground to Nine Elms station. While you’re in the area, stop by the newly renovated Battersea Power Station, now home to shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars.
Keri Russell as Kate Wyler, Ato Essandoh as Stuart Heyford, Ali Ahn as Eidra Park, Adam Silver as Howard in episode 101 of The Diplomat. Image Credit: Alex Bailey/Netflix © 2023
Where was the previous US embassy in London?
The former American Embassy was located at Grosvenor Square in Mayfair. This historic site, near Hyde Park, can be accessed via Bond Street station (London Underground and Elizabeth line). The area now features a 9/11 memorial garden, the Eagle Squadrons Memorial, and statues of US Presidents Reagan, Eisenhower, and FDR. The building is currently being redeveloped into The Chancery Rosewood, a luxury hotel and shopping destination.
Which stately home is used in The Diplomat?
Wrotham Park in Hertfordshire is the stately home featured as the US Ambassador’s residence in The Diplomat. This estate has also been used for other popular productions, including The Crown, Downton Abbey, Bridgerton, The Gentlemen (2024), and films like Kingsman: The Secret Service, Gosford Park, and Jane Eyre (1996).
See more: England’s most beautiful country manor houses by train
Image Credit: Getty Images, TerryJ. Image Location: Former U.S. Embassy, Grosvenor Square, London, England.
How did season 1 of The Diplomat end?
In season 1, Ambassador Kate Wyler arrives in London to investigate who was behind the bombing of a British aircraft carrier – finding the culprit could prevent an all-out war. By the season finale, Wyler makes the shocking discovery that British Prime Minister Nicol Trowbridge likely ordered the attack… and orchestrated a second explosion that puts Hal’s life at risk.
Will there be a season 2 of The Diplomat?
Yes! On May 1, 2023, Netflix confirmed that The Diplomat will return for a second season. “We had such a great time making The Diplomat. And it’s a thrill to see how much people are enjoying it,” said series creator Debora Cahn.
When will The Diplomat season 2 be released?
The Diplomat season 2 premiers on Netflix on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024. You can stream the first season now, only on Netflix.
Is there a trailer for The Diplomat season 2?
Netflix hasn’t dropped an official trailer for The Diplomat season 2 yet, but they have released an official teaser trailer:
Who is in The Diplomat season 2 cast?
Keri Russell returns as Kate Wyler in season 2, alongside Rory Kinnear as British PM Nicol Trowbridge. Allison Janney The West Wing will join the cast as Vice President Grace Penn. We expect a few other familiar faces from season 1, such as David Gyasi, Ali Ahn, and Nana Mensah, to return.
Where is The Diplomat being filmed?
The Diplomat season 2 was partially filmed in the UK, with London once again serving as a major filming location. We also expect production crews to visit other parts of England, similar to season 1’s shoots in Gloucester and Oxford. Hopefully, season 2 of >The Diplomatwill also take us beyond the UK.
Step into your favorite scenes
London is filled with beautiful filming backdrops. Stroll the colorful streets of Notting Hill, where many famous movies were shot, and explore iconic Notting Hill filming locationsin the neighborhood. Walk along the canals of Richmond to see the real-life scenery from Ted Lasso.
Looking to explore even further? Download the Trainline app to purchase your tickets to magical places like Paris or other great .
Header Image Credit: Alex Bailey/Netflix © 2023
