The Winter King comes to ITV after filming at Blaise Castle Estate

Arthurian legend The Winter King (ITVX) begins streaming on ITVX tomorrow.

The series launches on 21st December, after part-filming at Blaise Castle Estate with support from Bristol Film Office last year.

Laura Aviles, Head of Film, Bristol City Council:

“When The Winter King’s production team contacted Bristol Film Office seeking the ideal place to build Avalon, we were only too pleased to assist them to use Blaise Castle Estate as the location. The Film Office assisted the production to transform a quiet corner of the parkland into a bustling medieval village, a central setting within the series, with minimal disruption.

“Our thanks go to the Council’s Parks and Estates teams and Nature Conservation Officer for providing their input and expertise prior to and during filming. Blaise Castle Estate looks stunning on screen as Avalon and really demonstrates the potential that Bristol’s green spaces offer as filmmaking locations.”

A bold and revisionist take on the well-loved Arthurian Legends, The Winter King was filmed across Wales and the South West of England.

Left: Valene Kaneas Morgan. Right: Stuart Campbell as Derfel / Olumide Olorunfemi as Lunete

At the Grade II listed Blaise Castle Estate in Henbury, Bristol, a large section of the Echo Gate area of parkland was transformed into the medieval village of ‘Avalon’, complete with a large central tower (Merlin’s Tower) and authentic period thatched dwellings constructed from wood, wattle and daub.

Set building and site preparations began at the Estate in August 2022, with filming taking place there between September and December. Bristol Film Office also assisted the production to film in Redcliffe Caves in October 2022.

Left: Daniel Ings as Owain. Right: Iain De Caestecker as Arthur.

Speaking about filming locations for the series, Julie Gardener, Executive Producer, Bad Wolf:

“It was always an ambition for Bad Wolf to have the piece film in this part of the world. We’re a Cardiff-based company and always want to work locally and in the surrounding area. We were based out of Bristol for the first season, with great access to the West Country and Wales.”

The 10-part drama follows Arthur Pendragon, played by Iain De Caestecker (The Control Room, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) as he evolves from outcast to legendary warrior and leader. Set in the 5th century long before Britain was united, The Winter King explores a land of warring factions and tribes when the world was brutal and lives were often fleeting.

Commissioned for ITVX by ITV’s Head of Drama, Polly Hill, The Winter King is produced by Sony Pictures Television-owned Bad Wolf. Episodes 1-5 of The Winter King will stream on ITVX from Thursday 21st December. Episodes 6-10 will be added on Wednesday 27th December. Viewers can also go behind the scenes with Journey to the Winter King, streaming from 21st December.

Left: Simon Merrells as Gundleus. Right: Andrew Gower as Sansum.