The Expansion of a Cinematic Universe
The second season of The Gentlemen, Guy Ritchie’s stylish foray into the world of televised crime, marks a significant departure from the insular world of the British aristocracy. While the first season established the «cweed and cannabis» aesthetic within the confines of English manor houses, the new episodes take us on a grand tour that stretches from the rolling hills of Surrey to the opulent palazzos of Lake Maggiore in Northern Italy. This geographical expansion mirrors the rising stakes for Eddie Horniman as he navigates the treacherous waters of international crime syndicates.
For fans of the series, the locations are more than just backdrops; they are essential components of the storytelling. The contrast between the damp, green expanses of the United Kingdom and the crystalline light of the Italian lakes creates a visual tension that defines the season. In this editorial, we break down the most iconic filming locations, offering a glimpse into the real-world history and the adventurous possibilities these settings provide for the intrepid traveler.
«The visual language of ‘The Gentlemen’ has always been about the friction between old money and new methods; moving the action to Italy heightens this conflict to a global scale.»
Badminton House: The Ancestral Seat in Gloucestershire
Returning as the primary residence of the Horniman family is Badminton House. Situated in Gloucestershire, this Grade I listed building has been the seat of the Dukes of Beaufort for centuries. Its sprawling estate and neoclassical facade provide the perfect anchor for the series’ themes of heritage and hidden corruption. The production team masterfully utilizes the estate’s grand halls and muddy stables to ground the show in a sense of lived-in history.
For those interested in the «adventure» side of filming locations, the area surrounding Badminton offers exceptional walking trails. The Cotswold Way passes nearby, providing hikers with a quintessential English experience: ancient stone walls, grazing livestock, and views of architectural masterpieces peeking through the trees. It is easy to imagine the characters of the show conducting their illicit business just beyond the next hedgerow.
Surrey: The Lush Backdrop of the Home Counties
This season places a greater emphasis on Surrey, a county known for its dense woodlands and affluent villages. Locations like Loseley Park and the surrounding North Downs provide a textured, atmospheric setting for the show’s more grounded moments. The terrain here is varied, offering everything from steep chalk ridges to ancient yew forests, making it a prime destination for hikers looking for a challenge close to London.
The use of Surrey’s landscapes emphasizes the proximity of the criminal underworld to the heart of British power. The «Gentlemen» of the title are never far from the city, yet they operate in a world that feels centuries removed from modern life. The winding lanes and hidden valleys of the Surrey Hills serve as the perfect staging ground for the high-stakes maneuvers that define the plot.
Crossing the Alps: The Allure of Lake Maggiore
The most striking change in scenery occurs as the narrative shifts to Lake Maggiore. Located on the border of Italy and Switzerland, this lake has long been a favorite of the European elite. Unlike the more commercialized Lake Como, Maggiore retains an air of quiet, aristocratic mystery. The deep blue waters and the dramatic backdrop of the Alps provide a cinematic scale that matches the ambition of the second season.
The transition to Italy introduces a new aesthetic: the Italian Mob Territory. Here, the violence is as sun-drenched as the landscapes. The production captures the unique light of the region, where the shadows are sharp and the colors are vibrant. It is a world of speedboats, linen suits, and ancient vendettas, providing a stark contrast to the slow-burning tension of the English countryside.
Stresa and the Borromean Islands
The lakeside town of Stresa serves as the gateway to the series’ Italian adventures. Known for its grand hotels and promenade, Stresa embodies the elegance of the 19th-century Grand Tour. However, the true stars are the Borromean Islands. Isola Bella, with its incredible Baroque palace and ten-tiered gardens, is used to represent the seat of a powerful Italian family. The gardens, which resemble a stone ship anchored in the lake, are a masterpiece of theatrical architecture.
Walking through the gardens of Isola Bella is a sensory overload. The scent of citrus trees, the sight of white peacocks, and the intricate shell-covered grottoes create an atmosphere of surreal luxury. In The Gentlemen, this beauty is used to mask the predatory nature of the characters who inhabit it, suggesting that in the world of Guy Ritchie, the most beautiful places are often the most dangerous.
Hiking the Italian Lake District
Beyond the palazzos, the region offers world-class hiking that allows travelers to see the filming locations from a different perspective. The Sentiero del Castagno (Chestnut Trail) and the paths leading up to Monte Mottarone provide panoramic views of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding estates. These trails offer a rugged counterpoint to the refined world of the show, reminding us of the natural power of the landscape.
For the adventurous traveler, these hikes are a way to engage with the geography of the series. The physical exertion of the climb is rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the islands and villas, allowing one to appreciate the strategic importance of these properties throughout history. It is a reminder that land has always been the ultimate currency.
«Italy brings a certain ‘operatic’ quality to the show. Everything is louder, brighter, and more dramatic, which is exactly what a second season needs to stay fresh.»
Production Design: British Restraint vs. Italian Excess
The production design of Season 2 leans heavily into the cultural differences between the UK and Italy. In England, the sets are filled with dark wood, oil paintings, and worn leather—a look that suggests stability and permanence. In Italy, the focus shifts to marble, frescoes, and open-air loggias, emphasizing a more performative and volatile form of wealth.
This visual storytelling is a hallmark of Guy Ritchie’s direction. By choosing authentic locations rather than soundstages, he allows the history of the buildings to seep into the performances. The actors must compete with the grandeur of their surroundings, which adds a layer of theatricality to the dialogue-heavy scenes. The result is a show that feels both grounded in reality and elevated by its cinematic ambition.
Traveler’s Guide to ‘The Gentlemen’ Locations
- Badminton House: Located in South Gloucestershire. While the house is a private home, the gardens are open on specific days, and the annual Horse Trials are a great time to see the grounds in their full glory.
- Stresa, Italy: Easily accessible by train from Milan. It is the perfect base for exploring the lake. Take the public ferry (Navigazione Laghi) to reach the Borromean Islands.
- Isola Bella: The palace and gardens are open from March to October. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak summer months.
- Surrey Hills AONB: Explore the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty via the many public footpaths. Box Hill offers some of the best views and most iconic landscapes featured in the series.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Cinematic Journey
The second season of The Gentlemen proves that a change of scenery can be as transformative as a plot twist. By moving the action from the estates of England to the palazzos of Italy, the series captures a broader sense of adventure and intrigue. These locations are not just places where the story happens; they are the story itself. For those inspired by the show, visiting these sites offers a chance to step into a world of high-stakes drama and timeless beauty, where every trail leads to a new discovery.
Source: Connor Sturges, Rebecca Cope for Condé Nast Traveler.
