Where Was ‘Downton Abbey’ Filmed? All Shoot Locations

Created by Julian Fellowes, ‘Downton Abbey‘ was a popular periodic drama series. The elegant setting, sophisticated early twentieth society and regal costumes mesmerize viewers. It often makes one fantasize about life in the old set. ‘Downton Abbey’ had over a dozen of principal characters, including the famous Maggie Smith. And it was the recipient of seven Primetime Emmy Awards and even one Golden Globe among others.

Fictional and historical stories like these make the viewers daydream and wonder. ‘Downton Abbey’ was one of them. The series was filmed in numerous settings in London and other places in England. The six seasons of ‘Downton Abbey’ included scenic castles and manors, gardens, and towns. And you can indeed take in these picturesque places for they are open to visitors. Let’s have a look at Downton Abbey’s filming locations.

1. Highclere Castle

This Victorian specimen is located in Hampshire, England. The beautiful Highclere Castle is home to the aristocratic Crawley family in ‘Downton Abbey’. The majority of the plot of the series is filmed in this castle which is named The castle is currently the seat of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. Show creator Julian had this impressive brickwork in mind while he was writing the story for ‘Downton Abbey‘. The castle is spread over 1000 acres of estate.

Highclere Castle is open for public visits in the summer. Besides its excellent Victorian architecture, the castle houses numerous historical artifacts and relics. Carnarvon family jewels and treasure and ancient Egyptian relics are in the Highclere Castle. One can stroll in the hallways of the castle and feel like one of ‘Downton Abbey‘ characters.

2. Bampton

The village set in Yorkshire in the Downton Abbey series is actually Bampton, in Oxfordshire in England. Picturesque Bampton is a quaint village and many locations from the series can be recognized here. The post office and Churchgate House which are used for Isobel Crawley’s home are located in Bampton.

Church View in Bampton includes the pubs The Grantham Arms and The Dog & Duck which is the setting for many of ‘Downton Abbey‘ scenes. Moreover, the village has St. Mary’s church another prime location of the series. The Bampton Community Archive of the village served as the hospital in ‘Downton Abbey‘. At the Community Archive, you can buy souvenirs of the series.

3. West Wycombe Park

Aunt Rosamund’s home was another example of a Victorian structure that left viewers agog. The house in actuality belongs to the Dashwood family and is located in Buckinghamshire. In Downton Abbey‘s episodes, there were many visits to Aunt Rosamund’s abode played flawlessly by Samantha Bond. The Wycombe house has been in the Dashwood family for 300 years.

The estate is as captivating as portrayed in the series. During its construction, the house’s main hall was deemed to resemble a Roman Villa. The rooms feature tapestries and painted walls. The house is open for visitors including the well-groomed gardens. However, a local may advise touring the nearby village for a complete experience.

4. Coggs Manor Farm

In seasons four and five of ‘Downton Abbey’, the Yew Tree Farm was a rustic escape from the castles and royal class. The homely farm is located in Oxfordshire, England. In the series, it was the abode of Drewe’s Family and Lady Edith’s daughter, Marigold.

The house is made of Cotswold stone which has been preserved impressively. And Alnwick Castle instructs not to leave the farm without trying one of its delicious homemade scones.

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5. Inveraray Castle

In season three of ‘Downton Abbey‘ viewers were taken to “A Journey To The Highlands” along with characters Rose Aldridge and the MacClares. The weekend getaway made another scenic addition to the series’ long list. The Duneagle Castle is in reality Inverarary Castle in Scotland. The Inveraray Castle is the home of the Duke of Argyll.

The castle, gothic in architecture, is well preserved. It houses fine paintings, ceramics, and antiques. It boasts beautiful gardens and the wild beauty of Scotland. The Inveraray Castle was the setting of a grand dinner and fishing and strolling scenes in the episode of season three.

6. Lancaster Manor

The Lancaster House in St. James, London was not rented for the first time. The manor has already been the venue of various television shows, films, and events in the past. However, its fame grew after appearing in ‘Downton Abbey‘. The interiors of Lancaster Manor served as Buckingham Palace in the episode where Lady Rose made her debutante appearance before the King.

The manor was built in the Georgian style and is a two-minute walk from St. James Palace. The interior of the manor has been portrayed as Buckingham Palace in ‘King Ralph’, ‘National Treasure: Books of Secrets’, and the series ‘The Young Victorian’. Besides being a part of popular culture, the manor holds English history in its walls.

7. Horsted Keynes Station

Horsted Keynes Station became a regular of Downton Abbey for many hellos and farewells. The station is not for commercial use however is still the part of Bluebell Railway System. Horsted Keynes in Sussex is a historical site. It stores various steam locomotive engines and one can take a ride in the trains ‘Downton Abbey’ style.

The station was set to one of the milestone moments in the series. It was where Richard Carlisle proposes to Mary despite it being later broken off by Mary. The Carriage Shop at the station puts up collectibles and vintage trinkets for visitors to buy.

8. Basildon Park

The Crawley family owned more than the Abbey. Grantham House was an additional jewel to the royal family’s estate. And it was none other than Basildon Park in Berkshire that portrayed the House. The Grantham House was the abode of the Crawley family when they visited London. Basildon Park is owned by a National Trust.

In the 1950s, the Park was restored to glory by Lord and Lady Iliffe. The Octagon Room of the Park was used as the drawing room by the Crawley family, and in its beautiful gardens, the characters were often seen strolling. Basildon Park is also open for visitors.

9. Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle is yet another spectacular structure that was portrayed as Brancaster Castle in two Christmas specials of ‘Downton Abbey’. This castle in Northumberland was the place of scandals, drama, and events for the show. The show displayed the handsome interior and grounds of the castle.

Moreover, Alnwick Castle was one of the sets of the final episodes of the beloved series. Bow Alley and St. Michael’s Church Hall nearby are also encouraged to visit while viewing this beauty. This would not be the first time either that Alnwick was on the screen. The famous castle is none other than the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

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