Downton Abbey Filming locations

Including Downton Abbey: A New Era

After hubs and I began binge-watching Downton Abbey knowing we were planning a visit we also decided to visit some of the other Downton Abbey film locations.  Luckily we were house sitting in Oxfordshire and Warwickshire and were within an easy drive of several filming locations for Downton Abbey.

The real Downton Abbey, actually Highclere Castle, is a mid-nineteenth century castle located in Hampshire England and is the home of the Earl and Lady Carnarvon and has been for many generations. It has been used for filming the Downton Abbey series for several years now. Highclere has also been featured in the Downton Abbey Film and stars again in Downton Abbey: A New Era streaming now

Where is Downton Abbey filmed?

Is Downton Abbey a real place?

Yes, indeed the setting of Downton Abbey is actually Highclere House is in Hampshire where it is a working family home and estate.  Highclere Castle is a Grade I listed country house built in 1679 and largely renovated in the 1840s, with a park designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century. The 5,000-acre estate is in Hampshire, England, about 5 miles south of Newbury, Berkshire, and 9.5 miles north of Andover, Hampshire.

Most of the Downton Abbey filming is set at Highclere Castle which essentially became Downton Abbey out of financial need. I mean can you imagine running a house with over 500 rooms and paying the heat bills. The Earl of Carnarvon and in particular Lady Carnarvon invested in the estate and it became a major tourist attraction in this part of England. With the start of filming Downton Abbey in 2010, the Estate took on a new outlook. 

Depicting the lives of the beloved Crawley Family in an early 1900’s fictional Yorkshire country estate Downton Abbey caught the imagination of the viewing public so much so that one film has already been made and a second Downton Abbey movie is in the works.

Highclere Castle is not the only filming site for Downton Abbey there are several other Downton shooting locations that you can see or visit that are involved in the production of this addictive TV show. Downton Abbey filming sites are located all over England with a few in London and Scotland so you can make the most of your Downton Abbey pilgrimage.

The houses used in Downton Abbey are located all around England and there are several that you can visit.

So here is the list of some of the Downton Abbey Filming Sites you can visit or simply take a look at from the outside.

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22 Downtown Abbey Filming Locations

Highclere Castle 

Highclere Castle is set in the rolling hills and beautiful area of Hampshire. You arrive at the Castle site via a long road into the estate and when you see that beautiful castle at the end of the journey you do get a little Downton Abbey thrill and begin to remember scenes from the show.

Parking is in a large field below the house where you will see the entry gates and there is a lovely little refreshment van with chairs and seating from which to observe the house at a distance.

I would strongly advise that you book your tickets online and not expect to get them at the gate. The Estate is only open for a few months during the summertime and tickets do get sold out. Remember this is a family home and the Earl and Lady Carnarvon are often in residence at the estate.

Bampton Village aka Downton Village

Bampton is set in the Oxfordshire countryside of the Cotswolds. A chocolate box village that has very few tourists it sits about 20 miles west of Oxford.

Difficult to get to unless you have a car or are on a tour Bampton is a must if you want to combine the Cotswolds with your love of Downton Abbey. Bampton or rather Downton’s Village is supposedly in Yorkshire somewhere between Thirsk and Ripon.

Downton Village Map – aka Bampton, Cotswolds

St. Michaels’s and All Angels Church

Entering Bampton look for the signs to St. Mary’s Church there is a little street parking across the road from the Church and you will immediately recognize this area as the main filming location for Downton Abbey’s village scenes.

You will recognize St. Mary’s Church dates back to the 12th century with its 13th-century spire and carved stone reredos of Christ and the apostle from around 1400.  This is where Edith is jilted by Anthony Strallan and many scenes take place. Just think you are walking in the footsteps of Maggie Smith. The Church is called St. Michaels’s and All Angels in Downton Abbey.

Crawley House

The Crawley house where Isobel Crawley lives is located directly beside the Church and although the gates are usually closed you will see the exterior of the house which is in real life the Churchgate House or the old Bampton Rectory.

Downton Village Square

The centre of Downton village square is where a great deal of the outdoor scenes take place and you may think you see Thomas lounging outside the hospital which is just down from the square with the green plaque on the side of the wall.

There is a lovely little Downton Abbey exhibition being held in the building that served as Downton’s Cottage Hospital with a look behind the scenes of the filming.  This is actually the old Grammar School Building which needs a new roof (please donate). It now holds the Bampton Community Archive and has a selection of Downton Abbey memorabilia for sale.  

Grantham Arms and the Dog & Duck

Church View has appeared regularly throughout the series and is home to two fictional pubs – The Grantham Arms and The Dog & Duck – both featured in various episodes. It was also the site of the Downton Fair.

Once you have wandered and taken all the photos and donated to the Bampton cause to fund a new roof, take a little walk to the main village high street and grab a pint at the Horseshoe Inn or stop by the Bampton Coffee House for a lovely cup of tea and scone.

Cogges Manor Farm aka Yew Tree Farm

Cogges Manor Farm is a unique historic farm that is in the show called Yew Tree Farm and was the Drewe Family farm. This fictional Yorkshire country estate is in real life a beautiful manor house, a stunning walled garden, 17th-century farm buildings and friendly animal residents. Cogges is actually a farm museum site where you can experience life on a 19th-century farm. You can get married here, watch Shakespeare on the lawn, pet the animals and have a great coffee in the cafe.

Cogges is used as the setting of Yew Tree Farm, the home of Farmer Drewe and his wife, Margi. Lady Mary and Tom Branson visit the farm in series 4, in series 5, we found out that Farmer Drewe and his wife, were looking after Marigold, the illegitimate daughter of Lady Edith.  

This lovely farm is turned into Yew Tree Farm Yorkshire by camera trickery and great angles. Transforming Cogges into Yew Tree Farm includes some very clever set dressing and really clever camera work to give the appearance of a small farm cottage. Add in some set pieces like a child’s wooden car, a few milk churns and some laundry and the place is transformed.  

Lady Rosamund’s Manor House – West Wycombe Park

West Wycombe Park this grand Palladian house belongs to the Dashwoods who have owned the property for over 300 years. In Downton Abbey, it is home to Lady Rosamund and it is where the Grantham girls, Edith and Mary go when they are in London and need a shoulder to cry on or an ear to confide in.

If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey you may recognise the blue drawing room with its ceiling painting of a Bacchanalian revel. You can tour the house with the National Trust from April to August if you are in England.

For all of us mega fans, Amazon has a complete boxed set of Downton Abbey available now and of course, Downton Abbey can be seen in all its glory on Netflix.

Downton Railway Station aka Horsted Keynes Station

This remarkable former train station was chosen as the Downton Abbey railway station. It was first opened in 1882 and today is part of the Bluebell Railway Heritage Line on the North Yorkshire Moors railway. This is where Mary waved goodbye to Matthew on his way to fight in WWI.

This is where Mrs Crawley goes into labour when they returned from cousin Rose’s home Duneagle Castle (aka Iverary in Scotland).

You can take a step back in time with a steam train service journey and those with train obsessions can take in the Carriage & Wagon Departments Behind the Scenes Tours. Don’t forget to stop in at the Green Man pub for a ploughman’s lunch and a pint.

If you love the music from the show you must grab a copy of this CD which is a compilation of all the original music from Downton Abbey. 

 

Alnwick Castle – aka Brancaster Castle

So Alnwick has not only starred in Downtown Abbey but it was also the most famous wizarding school in history – Hogwarts. The Castle is open from the end of March until November if you want to visit. The castle has a Downton Abbey exhibition which you can see and it features photography, costumes and props used during filming. The castle also featured as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films.

Alnwick is the seat of the Duke of Northumberland and is currently home to the current Duke and family who live in a small portion of the Castle.

Alnwick was featured in Downton Abbey as a stand-in for Brancaster Castle which was featured in the episode where Lady Rose’s father-in-law Lord Sinderby rented the castle for a shooting party.  

It also featured as the Castle owned by Lady Edith’s fiance Bertie Pelham, now Lord Hexham. Lord and Lady Grantham join Edith at Brancaster, where they meet Bertie’s formidable mother and decide the future of Edith’s relationship with Bertie once and for all.

It is here that Mrs Crawley’s receiving room is actually set (not Bampton’s Rectory). This is where Matthew and Isobel come to live when they learn of his inheritance of Downton Abbey. Alnwick Castle has over 950 years of history to discover, and the origins of the Castle date back to the Norman period. The Castle is open to the public and tickets cost £19.50 each for adults.

Basildon Park aka Grantham House

Stands in for the Crawley’s London residence Grantham House. The interiors of Basildon Park are used as the Crawley family’s London residence, Grantham House. In season five this elegant Georgian mansion was at the heart of Lady Rose and Atticus Aldridges’ wedding.

During the London Season episode in 2013, the house was used as the location for preparing Rose for her Coming Out ball. Shirley McLaine is also featured in this particular episode along with Paul Giamatti as Cora’s brother Harold.  

The stunning 18th-century reception rooms were restored by the Iliffes in the 1950s and even the kitchen has been restored to the 18th century.

This is what I need the Downton Abbey Complete Series 1,2,3,4,5 & 6 + Bonus “Secrets of Highclere Castle” [Blu Ray LIMITED EDITION]

 

Inveraray Castle aka Duneagle Castle

Home to my family clan the Campbell’s Inveraray Castle is set in the gorgeous landscape of Argyle and Bute in Scotland. Inveraray Castle on the banks of Loch Fyne was transformed into Duneagle Castle for the first Downton Christmas special.

It was all drama in the scenes filmed at Inverary. Edith attempts to decide to become a married man’s mistress. Rose drives her mother mad with her “modern” ways. Miss O’Brien meets her match in the Marchioness’ ladies’ maid. Anna and Bates cause trouble “downstairs” unknowingly.

The spectacular Ghillies Ball is when the whole household comes together dressed in the Campbell tartan for an evening of Scottish dancing and a tension-racked evening.

Lincoln Castle – Mr Bates’ Prison cell

In season 3 Lincoln Castle was used as Mr Bate’s prison when he was found guilty of murdering his wife. The Victorian prison had not been seen by the public and has since undergone a huge restoration so can now be visited.

The Castle was built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror and was still in use as a prison until 1878.

The Castle is famous for housing the original Magna Carta since 1215 and in 2012 a massive £22m restoration took place. Now, visitors can walk the full circumference of the walls for the first time.  An impressive third of a mile long, the Medieval Wall Walk is a journey through the history of Lincoln and a vantage point for spectacular views across this beautiful city and surrounding countryside.

There is no finer view of Lincoln Cathedral than that from the castle’s east wall battlements, which look onto the Cathedral’s majestic West Front and soaring spires.

A wall calendar for 2020 would make a great Christmas gift for that Downtown Abbey fan in your house.

 

The Albert Memorial, Kensington Gardens, London

In the Christmas special of 2013, a picnic takes place in Kensington Gardens with Cora, her brother Harold, Madeleine and William Allsopp, Martha Levinson and Violet, all picnicking in the park in front of the Albert Memorial.

The Memorial is a Gothic monument commissioned by Queen Victoria in memory of her beloved Albert. Prince Albert sadly died of typhoid in 1861 and Victoria mourned his loss until her death.

You can visit the memorial free of charge in Kensington Gardens and visit several iconic pieces of art such as the Peter Pan statue and Diana’s Italian gardens.

Goldsmith’s Hall – Lady Rose’s presentation

The drinks reception following Lady Rose’s presentation to the King was done in the Drawing Room at Goldsmiths’ Hall.

Redesigned in 1950, following war damage, this elegant room is one of the two key reception rooms within the Hall. The most striking feature is the carpet with the Company’s coat of arms in the centre, woven in 1902 as an exact replica of the 1835 original. Two magnificent seventeenth-century tapestries hang on either side of the fireplace, depicting stories from Antony and Cleopatra.

The Hall is not open to the public, except during the annual Goldsmiths’ Fair. However, a number of Open Days are held during the year when guided tours of the Hall are arranged. The tours last approximately one hour. Each tour can accommodate up to 40 people at a charge of £5 per person, which will go to the Goldsmiths’ Company Charity. This is payable in advance and is non-refundable. 

Tours should be booked through the Hallkeeper’s Office on 0207 606 7010 or via email to [email protected]

Byfleet Manor – the Dowager Lady Violet’s House

Byfleet Manor is the setting for the Crawley family matriarch. Imagine getting married in the Dowager Violet’s house or if not a wedding what about a delicious Afternoon Tea served in the Downton Room. You can take part in this great British tradition in the incredible family home Byfleet Manor in Surrey. Afternoon teas are available by private reservation for a minimum of 4 guests up to a maximum of 30.

You can even partake of a Downton Champagne Tea served by the “Downton crew” dressed in period costume how much fun would that be? Served on bone china with dainty finger sandwiches, scones and cream cakes you will feel like the Dowager’s guest. After tea have a walk around the grounds chat with the pet pigs Delilah and Whilhomena and admire the exquisite British gardens.

Downton Abbey: A New Era Filming locations

Downton Abbey A New Era filming locations include Highclere, Villa Rocabella, the Cote d’Azur, Wrest Park, Royal Yacht Britannia, Electric Palace Harwich, Bampton, Cogges Manor Farm, Belchamp Hall, and Harwich.

Tom and Lucy’s Wedding

Tom and Lucy’s wedding scene was filmed at St Mary the Virgin Church in Belchamp Walter. It’s situated in the north of Essex close to the Suffolk border.

Tom and Lucy’s wedding reception location is within the grounds of Belchamp Hall, in Belchamp Walter – just around the corner from the church where they are married.

The Cinema

The town filming location in Downton Abbey A New Era is Harwich’s Kings Quay Street. It’s another Essex filming location on the coast. Downton Abbey 2’s cinema scenes were filmed at the Electric Palace in Harwich, Essex. It’s one of the oldest purpose-built picture houses in the country. Fortunately, it’s survived the decades, and only recently reopened to the public following a two-year renovation project.

The Yacht

The Royal Yacht Britannia used in the movie is, moored in Leith, just north of Edinburgh city centre. It was the Royal’s yacht but is now decommissioned and used as a tourist site. You can tour the Yacht and even eat in the Cafe which is prepared in the original Royal Galleys.

Villa Rocabella

Downton Abbey A New Era’s French villa location is Villa Rocabella on the Cote d’Azur. Also known as Palais de l’Ocean, The opulent mansion was designed by Hans-Georg Tersling in the 19th Century. In 2020 the Villa was purchased by a tech entrepreneur who turned the Villa into a filming location and holiday accommodation.

Cocktails on the Terrace – Wrest Park

The cocktail party on the terrace in Downton Abbey 2 was filmed at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire. During the First World War, the mansion was used as a military hospital until it was eventually sold in 1917.

The gardens are actually older than the house, dating back to the 17th Century. Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown was invited to add his own touches to the garden in the 1750s. But while he is known for shaping landscapes in his sweeping trademark style, it was agreed that he would preserve the French-inspired formal gardens. Wrest Park’s architecture was inspired by 18th Century French chateaux. You can easily visit the Downton Abbey location of Wrest Park’s gardens, which is now owned by English Heritage.

There are many Downton Abbey filming locations you can visit, some are open to the public others aren’t. For example, the WWI trench scenes were shot on a farm that has created the WWI trenches for many films sadly you can’t visit that location.

In the meantime grab a copy of the Downton Abbey Official Film Guide. 

Downton Abbey and Village Tour of Locations from London

Trace the footsteps of Lady Mary Crawley on a full-day tour of rural ‘Downton Abbey’ locations from London. Rewind to the early 20th-century Britain portrayed in the hit TV period drama, and tour the Oxfordshire village that doubled as Downton as you hear anecdotes about the series and actors. Plus, visit Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, to explore its above-stairs rooms and gardens independently.

Highclere admission and round-trip transport included. 9-hour ‘Downton Abbey’ country locations tour from London Travel to the Cotswolds village that doubled as Downton in the hit TV series See the church and buildings used as the village pub, hospital, and home of Matthew Crawley Visit the real-life Downton Abbey of Highclere Castle and explore its rooms independently Hear behind-the-scenes trivia about the actors and making of the series Highclere admission fee and round-trip transportation included

Read more about Small Group Tour: Downton Abbey and Village Tour of Locations from London

Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds Day Trip from London

Experience a wealth of England’s rural and historical treasures, and the fictional ‘Downton Abbey’ village, on this full-day trip from London with an expert guide. Marvel at splendid Blenheim Palace, the UNESCO-protected country house where Sir Winston Churchill was born, and discover the enchanting scenery of the Cotswolds, with visits to an idyllic village: either Bibury or Bourton-on-the-Water. Lastly, explore the pretty village of Bampton to see some of the locations where the much-loved TV series, ‘Downton Abbey’, was filmed, and enjoy time for lunch here before returning to London.

Full-day tour to Blenheim Palace, the Cotswolds, and Downton Abbey village from London, led by an expert guide Explore Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir William Churchill Revel in the quintessentially English villages and thatched-roof houses of the Cotswolds from the comfort of a luxury coach Visit the charming village of Bibury or Bourton-on-the-Water Enjoy a walking tour of the village of Bampton, featured in Downton Abbey as Downton village Please note a visit to Highclere Castle is not included

Read more about Downton Abbey Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds Day Trip from London

What’s your favourite character in Downton Abbey? For some bizarre reason, I love Thomas with his sneaky, nasty ways and I feel quite concerned for this damaged character.

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