Immerse yourself in a world of clashing swords, royal conspiracies, and breathtaking landscapes with these five gripping medieval dramas set across the British Isles. From the rugged coastlines of Viking-era Northumbria to the opulent courts of the Wars of the Roses, these series are the ultimate time machine for historical travelers.
For travellers who love nothing more than pacing the ramparts of a stone keep or imagining the clash of iron shields in a rainy valley, or wandering through the many medieval castles dotted around Britain, television has long been our time machine.
If you are looking to fuel your wanderlust for the British Isles, these five gripping medieval dramas, all streaming now, will take you on a virtual journey into the heart of old Britain.
The Last Kingdom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxPApTGWwas
Long before the UK was united, it was made up of several territories and tribes. Based on Bernard Cornwell’s The Saxon Stories, The Last Kingdom takes viewers through the struggles between the native Anglo-Saxons and the invading Danish Vikings during the late 9th-century. The series follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon-born noble raised by Danes, caught between two worlds.
Embark on a journey of windswept coastal fortresses, dense ancient forests, and rugged northern shorelines. The series was based on reality, with Bebbanburg inspired by Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland, a stunning coastal fortress that still stands majestically over the North Sea today.
The Pillars of the Earth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd4e1dF_CkM
Set during a chaotic 12th-century civil war known as 'The Anarchy,' The Pillars of the Earth is an epic adaptation of Ken Follett’s bestselling novel. Instead of focusing only on royalty and the country’s kings, the story dives into the lives of masons, monks, and ambitious nobles, dedicating their lives to building a monumental Gothic cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. It perfectly captures the grit, engineering marvels, and religious fervour of Norman England.
This eight-part mini-series boasts rising stone arches, bustling medieval market squares, and towering cathedrals cutting through the mist. To bring to life the spirit of Kingsbridge, you can visit Salisbury Cathedral or Wells Cathedral, both masterpieces of early English Gothic architecture.
The Winter King
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZLAtg-yuPA
Based on Bernard Cornwell's Warlord Chronicles, this show takes a different approach to the shining armour and pristine castles typically associated with the legends surrounding King Arthur. The Winter King offers a raw, grounded take on the King Arthur legend. Set in the 5th century during the 'Dark Ages', the transition from Roman rule to tribal Britain, the show follows an exiled Arthur attempting to protect a fractured land from Saxon invasions.
Enter a world of moss-covered standing stones, damp hillforts, Celtic mysticism, and rain-soaked valleys. The show’s backdrop breathes life into the historic landscapes of Wales and the West Country, perfectly mirroring legendary sites like Tintagel Castle in Cornwall.
The Hollow Crown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngNXFbTwZZ4
If you’re looking for drama, then The Hollow Crown should be added to your watchlist. This lavish, star-studded adaptation of Shakespeare’s history plays spans the late Middle Ages, mapping the downfall of Richard II, the rise of Henry V, and the chaotic family blood feud known as the Wars of the Roses. Featuring masterclass performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston, it trades stage constraints for grand, cinematic British landscapes.
Step inside Shakespeare’s mind with opulent royal courts, echoing stone crypts, and the legendary mud and blood of Agincourt. Real-world historical sites across the UK were used as sets, such as the imposing towers of Caerphilly Castle in Wales and the historic halls of Westminster.
The White Queen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydneyl2S30o
If you want to experience the cutthroat politics of the 15th century through a different lens, The White Queen shifts the focus to the powerful women navigating the Wars of the Roses. Based on Philippa Gregory’s novels, the drama follows Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, and Anne Neville as they manipulate behind the scenes, scheme for survival, and claim the ultimate prize: the throne of England.
Discover a world of rich tapestries, candlelit castle chambers, and hidden political conspiracies. While much of the show was filmed in the wonderfully preserved medieval streets of Bruges, Belgium, it meticulously recreates historic English hubs like the Tower of London and the historic city of York.
Are you a fan of historical drama? Find your next watch in these articles:
- In England, fans of Downton Abbey will absolutely love this little-known period drama (it’s filled with corsets, estates and etiquette)
- In England, here are 10 films that accurately capture 19th-century Britain, including some classics (you need to watch them!)
- If you loved Downtown Abbey, you need to watch these 10 period dramas set in 19th-century France (you’ll be hooked right away!)
