The gripping new Netflix adaptation of Agatha Christie's Seven Dials has arrived, transporting viewers back to the intrigue of 1920s England. This three-part series, based on the Queen of Crime's 1929 novel, follows the tenacious Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brent, played by Mia McKenna-Bruce, as she investigates a murder in her own home. Beyond its stellar cast, including Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman, the drama is brought to life by a stunning array of filming locations across the West Country, Wales, and even Spain.
From Bath to Bristol: Capturing 1920s Britain
Production for Agatha Christie's Seven Dials spanned multiple counties, with key filming taking place in Somerset, Bristol, Bath, and Gloucestershire. The narrative required settings ranging from a grand, crumbling estate to the bustling streets of London, which were ingeniously recreated closer to home.
The historic city of Bath served as a stand-in for 1920s London, with areas like Abbey Green and Great Pulteney Street transformed for the screen. Abbey Green doubled as the market square for the fictional Market Basing, having previously featured in Netflix's Bridgerton. Meanwhile, Bristol's diverse architecture provided numerous backdrops. Key locations included:
- Queens Square, All Saints Street, and Clare Street for the exterior of the Seven Dials Nightclub.
- The Ox restaurant, which posed as the Bon Temps Restaurant.
- The Corn Market, standing in for the Met Police offices.
- Arnos Vale, transformed into a period cemetery.
The production was based at The Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol, a hub for major TV shows, which also housed the set for the Seven Dials Society meeting room. Martin Freeman, portraying Superintendent Battle, was spotted filming with period vehicles on the streets of Bristol.
The Grand Estates: Chimneys and Wyvern Abbey
The heart of the story is Chimneys, the grand but dilapidated estate of Bundle and her mother, Lady Caterham. This pivotal location was filmed at the magnificent Badminton House in Gloucestershire. Director Chris Sweeney sought a "romantically crumbly" yet lavish feel, inspired by the homes of Cecil Beaton and Vita Sackville-West. The Grade II listed seat of the Dukes of Beaufort provided the perfect, authentic backdrop of faded grandeur.
Another key setting, Wyvern Abbey—the home of George Lomax (Alex Macqueen)—was brought to life by Westonbirt House in Tetbury, Gloucestershire. This Victorian architectural gem, with its stunning gardens created by the Holford family, offered the requisite opulence for Lomax's residence.
Further afield, scenes set on a train were filmed on the West Somerset Railway at Blue Anchor and Minehead. Somerset Council's Mike Rigby highlighted the economic benefit, noting that hosting such productions is "great for the county's economy."
Spanish Flashbacks and Where to Stream
The series also features flashbacks to Ronda, Spain in 1920, filmed on location in the breathtaking Andalusian town. Perched atop a mountain, Ronda's iconic Puente Nuevo bridge features prominently in the opening sequence. Scenes were also shot at the historic Plaza de Toros de Ronda bullring, built in the 18th century, and around the town's ancient Arab Baths and bridges.
With filming also taking place in Cardiff—where the Crown Court doubled as Market Basing train station—the production showcases a rich tapestry of British and European heritage. Agatha Christie's Seven Dials is available to stream on Netflix now, offering a visually sumptuous and mysterious journey into the past.
