Photo by: Highclere Castle

Exterior view to a heritage castle in the winter

Visit Downton Abbey filming locations in Britain

Filmed on location throughout Britain, Downton Abbey celebrates some of the nation’s most iconic places. Think stunning English country houses, fairytale Scottish castles and picture-perfect Oxfordshire villages, all bringing the Edwardian era to life. 

You are cordially invited to discover the key filming locations of this fan-favourite TV series and its spin-off films, Downton Abbey and Downton Abbey: A New Era. Get the popcorn (and the tissues) ready for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, released in September 2025. 

Go behind the scenes at the Crawleys’ family home, enjoy a steam adventure at the real-life Downton Railway Station and tuck into a top-notch afternoon tea at a Downton favourite. We think even the Dowager Countess would approve. 

Meet the star of Downton Abbey 

If you’re looking for the ultimate Downton experience, there’s no better place to start than Highclere Castle in Hampshire. Home to the Carnarvon family since 1679 (and the Crawley family since 2010!), the castle has starred as Downton Abbey in all six TV series, as well as two films, and will be instantly recognisable to fans of the show.

Visit the Jacobean manor house year-round for themed tours, including ‘From Downton Abbey to Tutankhamun’ and ‘Living with a Film Crew’ – but be sure to book in advance. For a real treat, why not stay the night in an on-site lodge?

Photo by: VisitBritain/Anastasia Ustenikova

Food truck and direction signs at a festival at Highclere Castle with house behind

Visit Downton Abbey TV series filming locations

Although set in Yorkshire, the Downton Abbey TV series was only occasionally filmed there – in fact, it showcases every corner of Britain’s diverse landscapes. These filming locations have centuries of stories to tell – with even more twists and turns than your average Downton episode.

Photo by: Getty Images/Martyn Ferry

A Parish Church and its tombstones and gardens out the front.

Bampton, Oxfordshire

Bampton’s quaint streets and period housing were ideal for bringing the fictional Yorkshire village of Downton to life. Scenes from across the series were filmed in the village, with real-life locations including Churchgate House and the parish church of St Mary the Virgin visible in various Downton episodes.

Photo by: Inveraray Castle

A view across the grounds of Inveraray Castle

Inveraray Castle, Argyll

The star of the 2012 Downton Christmas special was the fairytale Inveraray Castle. It became the home of the Crawleys’ cousins, the Marquess and Marchioness of Flintshire, for the epic two-hour episode, which saw the two families explore the manicured gardens, enjoy waterside picnics and even take part in some Scottish dancing. Tour the castle to discover the story of Clan Campbell, see the gardens where the Crawleys once strolled and refuel with some homemade shortbread in the tearoom.

Photo by: Destination Lincolnshire/ Tony Pleavin

A man and woman smiling and taking a selfie in front of a Cathedral

Lincoln Castle, Lincolnshire

Season three of Downton Abbey sees John Bates locked up in York Prison for murder, but on closer inspection, the site of the cell turns out to be Lincoln Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1068, the castle is the oldest of all the locations featured in the show. As well as exploring the towers and dungeons along Lincoln Castle’s medieval wall walk, and stepping foot inside the imposing Victorian Prison, you can catch a glimpse of the legendary Magna Carta, which dates all the way back to 1215.

Photo by: Alnwick Castle

An historic castle with a UK flag at full mast and with a lion statue out the front.

Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

Thanks to its film-star good looks, Alnwick Castle became the fictional Brancaster Castle for two Downton Abbey Christmas specials. Take an ‘on location’ tour of the castle to see the state rooms that were used for filming and explore its grounds to find another screen sensation, the semi-ruined Hulne Abbey. Make even more magical memories by learning about the high-flying role Alnwick Castle plays in the Harry Potter film series. You can even take broomstick training sessions in the very spot that Harry had his first flying lesson! 

Photo by: Getty Images/Tim Stocker Photography

A steam train locomotive travelling through the countryside.

Bluebell Railway, Sussex

Restored and preserved with a 1930s theme, Horsted Keynes Station on Sussex’s Bluebell Railway stepped up as the fictional Downton Station. Everything in Horsted Keynes has been designed to accurately reflect the period, from the advertising boards to the newspapers on display in the buffet area, making it one of the best spots in the country to step into the world of Downton Abbey.

Photo by: National Trust Images/Hugh Mothersole

An immaculate octagonal drawing room in a stately home.

Basildon Park, Berkshire

Basildon Park steps into the spotlight as the Crawleys’ London residence, Grantham House, for Downton Abbey series five and the Christmas 2013 special. Actually nestled in rural Berkshire, Basildon’s period interiors sparkle on screen. 

The 1900s Town at Beamish Museum

Beamish Museum, County Durham

Set in 300 acres of County Durham’s countryside, this ‘living history’ museum recreates English life in the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s. The period charm of Town Street made it a screen star in the 2019 Downton Abbey film, while its olde-worlde Garage appeared in the 2015 Christmas special. 

Photo by: NTPL/John Millar

Visitors taking photographs at West Wycombe Park, Buckinghamshire

West Wycombe Park, Buckinghamshire

A jewel in the Chilterns, explore 45 acres of countryside at West Wycombe Park, or discover Wycombe village and Wycombe Hall for dramatic views and quaint lanes. Spot it in Downton series three to six as Lady Rosamund’s palatial pad.

Photo by: Â? visitlondon.com/Jon Reid

Kensington Gardens

Kensington Gardens, London

One of London’s eight Royal Parks, Kensington Gardens has pretty water features and floral walkways to stroll along. Lady Mary and Lord Gillingham have a heart-to-heart here – seek out the Peter Pan statue to find the exact filming spot. 

Photo by: VisitBritain/Eric Nathan

A woman, sitting in a gallery looking at a painting

National Gallery, London

A world-class collection of artworks awaits at the National Gallery, founded in 1824. Lady Grantham visits here in series five with art historian Simon Bricker, and they’re seen in the show studying Piero della Francesca’s The Nativity. 

Photo by: National Trust Images/James Dobson

Visitors at Lacock Abbey and village, Wiltshire

Lacock village, Wiltshire  

Lacock village’s stone buildings made it the perfect place to recreate a 1920s livestock market in series six. Some scenes in the Downton Abbey movie were also filmed in Lacock, cementing it as a key filming location for the series. 

Kingston Bagpuize House, Oxfordshire 

Lord Merton’s house, Cavenham Park, is really the Oxfordshire stately home Kingston Bagpuize. This grand pad appears in scenes with Violet Crawley and Isobel Grey in series five and six, as well as a Christmas special. 

The Ritz, London

An icon of London’s hotel scene, The Ritz’s Palm Court restaurant is a favourite spot for afternoon tea. Did you know it appears in the show’s last-ever episode, as the location where Edith reunites with her former fiancé, Bertie Pelham?

Cogges Manor Farm, Oxfordshire  

Cogges Manor Farm is better known as Yew Tree Farm to Downton fans. Featured in series four and five of the show, the farm has a display dedicated to Downton in its manor house, showing exactly how the site was transformed into Yew Tree Farm. 

Lancaster House, London

When Downton filmmakers couldn’t film in the real-life Buckingham Palace, Lancaster House’s ornate reception rooms fitted the bill perfectly – and were only a stone’s throw away. Admire its smart exterior if you’re in the area.

Bowood House and Gardens, Wiltshire 

Mr. Carson’s cottage on the Downton Estate was actually filmed here in Wiltshire at Bowood House and Gardens. Its magnificent parkland was designed by iconic 18th-century architect Capability Brown.

Rules Restaurant, London

For classic British dining, look no further than London’s oldest restaurant. A favourite of the Crawleys, Lady Edith comes here in series three and six. 

The Charterhouse, London

Part-almshouse, part-heritage site, visit the Charterhouse to see its small museum and chapel, or join a tour of its buildings. Spot it in series one and two.

Syon House, London

Hidden in plain sight in Belgravia, Syon House is the Duke of Northumberland’s London home – and the backdrop for a scene with Lady Mary and Lord Gillingham in series four.

City of London

Steeped in history, Middle Temple Lane is at the heart of London’s legal district. It doubles for scenes set in York in series five.

Visit the Downton Abbey movie filming locations

Downton’s big-screen blockbusters have captivated audiences: there’s 2019’s Downton Abbey, 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era and 2025’s upcoming Downton Abbey 3. Take a set-jetting tour of our favourite British filming locations, from record-breaking stately homes to yachts fit for royalty. 

Highclere Castle

Step inside the real Downton Abbey.

Discover more about Highclere Castle

Photo by: VisitBritain/Anastasia Ustenikova

Food truck and direction signs at a festival at Highclere Castle with house behind
Highclere Castle

Harewood House

This spectacular home starred as Princess Mary’s residence in the Downton Abbey film – and now hosts private tours and festivals.

Plan your trip to Harewood House

Photo by: VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

The Victorian formal gardens with statues and low hedges in front of Harewood House
Harewood House

Wentworth Woodhouse, South Yorkshire

Part baroque, part Georgian, this South Yorkshire gem has the longest facade of any stately home in Britain.

Learn more about Wentworth Woodhouse

Photo by: wentworth_woodhouse

Wentworth Woodhouse, South Yorkshire
Wentworth Woodhouse, South Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Travel back in time on a steam-powered train – between the market town of Pickering, and Whitby on the coast.

Hop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lucy Ellis

Steam train on train tracks and old-fashioned carriages at Goathland Railway Station
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Little Germany

This Bradford neighbourhood is packed with history — its magnificent neoclassical buildings date back to the 1800s.

Look for art in Little Germany

Photo by: Derek Oldfield/Stockimo/Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Bradford, England

Looking up a deserted road, lined with Victorian stone buildings
Little Germany

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Discover the five decks of Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace, from the State Apartments to the Crew’s Quarters, with tea and scones on the Royal Deck.

Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia

Photo by: Royal Yacht Britannia

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Exterior of a royal yacht with a British flag
The Royal Yacht Britannia

Beamish Museum

Set in 300 acres of County Durham's countryside, this ‘living history’ museum recreates English life in the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s.

Go time travelling at Beamish

Location: Beamish Museum

The 1900s Town at Beamish Museum
Beamish Museum

Wrest Park

While much of Downton Abbey: A New Era takes place in France, the stunning estate at Wrest Park makes a cameo as the gardens of Villa Rocabella.

Discover Wrest Park

Photo by: English Heritage Trust/Andrew Maybury

A formal Country Estate, and it's lake and formal gardens and manicured lawns
Wrest Park

Lacock

Lacock village’s stone buildings made it the perfect place to recreate a 1920s livestock market in series six.

Visit Lacock village

Photo by: National Trust Images/James Dobson

Visitors at Lacock Abbey and village, Wiltshire
Lacock

Highclere Castle

Step inside the real Downton Abbey.

Discover more about Highclere Castle

Photo by: VisitBritain/Anastasia Ustenikova

Food truck and direction signs at a festival at Highclere Castle with house behind
Highclere Castle

Harewood House

This spectacular home starred as Princess Mary’s residence in the Downton Abbey film – and now hosts private tours and festivals.

Plan your trip to Harewood House

Photo by: VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton

The Victorian formal gardens with statues and low hedges in front of Harewood House
Harewood House

Wentworth Woodhouse, South Yorkshire

Part baroque, part Georgian, this South Yorkshire gem has the longest facade of any stately home in Britain.

Learn more about Wentworth Woodhouse

Photo by: wentworth_woodhouse

Wentworth Woodhouse, South Yorkshire
Wentworth Woodhouse, South Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Travel back in time on a steam-powered train – between the market town of Pickering, and Whitby on the coast.

Hop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Photo by: VisitBritain/Lucy Ellis

Steam train on train tracks and old-fashioned carriages at Goathland Railway Station
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Little Germany

This Bradford neighbourhood is packed with history — its magnificent neoclassical buildings date back to the 1800s.

Look for art in Little Germany

Photo by: Derek Oldfield/Stockimo/Alamy Stock Photo

Location: Bradford, England

Looking up a deserted road, lined with Victorian stone buildings
Little Germany

The Royal Yacht Britannia

Discover the five decks of Queen Elizabeth II’s former floating palace, from the State Apartments to the Crew’s Quarters, with tea and scones on the Royal Deck.

Step aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia

Photo by: Royal Yacht Britannia

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Exterior of a royal yacht with a British flag
The Royal Yacht Britannia

Beamish Museum

Set in 300 acres of County Durham's countryside, this ‘living history’ museum recreates English life in the 1820s, 1900s, 1940s and 1950s.

Go time travelling at Beamish

Location: Beamish Museum

The 1900s Town at Beamish Museum
Beamish Museum

Wrest Park

While much of Downton Abbey: A New Era takes place in France, the stunning estate at Wrest Park makes a cameo as the gardens of Villa Rocabella.

Discover Wrest Park

Photo by: English Heritage Trust/Andrew Maybury

A formal Country Estate, and it's lake and formal gardens and manicured lawns
Wrest Park

Lacock

Lacock village’s stone buildings made it the perfect place to recreate a 1920s livestock market in series six.

Visit Lacock village

Photo by: National Trust Images/James Dobson

Visitors at Lacock Abbey and village, Wiltshire
Lacock

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale filming locations

Are Downton Abbey’s gates closing for the last time? Downton Abbey 3, the final film in the trilogy, arrives in cinemas in September 2025 and as the trailer says, ‘It’s almost time to bid farewell.’ Thankfully, you’ll be able to follow in the Crawleys’ footsteps long after the credits roll.  

Naturally, Highclere Castle returns as the Abbey itself, but which locations will it share the big screen with? Well, Downton’s cast and crew were spotted filming at Ripon Racecourse in North Yorkshire. A cathedral city, Ripon enchants with winding cobbled streets and independent shops galore. Don’t miss nearby Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden, another A-list filming location. 

Rumour has it that Harrogate also appears in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. This stylish spa town has been a go-to for relaxation and wellbeing experiences since the Georgian era, and no trip today is complete without a treatment at the Turkish Baths. Tuck into afternoon tea, Downton-style, at Bettys, complete with miniature scones.  

Kew Gardens will mark the release of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale with a floral celebration of the series’ remarkable costumes. The UK premiere of ‘Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey’ will showcase Downton’s period style in floral form, from Lady Mary’s gorgeous gowns to the household staff’s smart uniforms. See the ornate creations for yourself from 22 September until 1 October 2025.

Accordion

  • Downton Abbey was filmed across a range of locations in Britain, particularly Hampshire, Bampton, Oxfordshire and London.

  • Downton Abbey is set in a fictional country estate in Yorkshire.

  • The house that stars as Downton Abbey is Highclere Castle in Hampshire. 

Experience Britain like a lord or lady

You’ve seen the show – now live it! If watching Downton makes you dream of magnificent stately homes and settling down for afternoon tea, you don’t need a time machine to indulge in your fantasy.

Windsor Carriages

Windsor, England

Founded in 1849, this unique sightseeing company offers horse-drawn tours of Windsor Great Park.

Photo by: Windsor Carriages

Location: Windsor, England

A couple in a carriage looking down the Long Walk in Windsor

Cliveden

Cliveden, England

Explore a stately home that doubles as a luxury hotel.

Photo by: VisitBritain/LifewithBugo

Smiling woman, wearing sunglasses and sundress, outside Clevedon Hotel

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Cheltenham, England

Hop aboard for a footplate experience at GWR.

Photo by: GWSR

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Theatre tour and Regency afternoon tea at The Lane

London, England

One of London's most iconic theatres, offering a decadent Regency afternoon tea and theatre tours that uncover 350 years of history.

Photo by: Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Location: London, England

Tables prepared for afternoon tea at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

London’s Royal Parks

London, England

London’s eight Royal Parks offer an oasis of calm in the city – as well as amazing venues for live music, festivals and theatre.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tareq Mooradun

Two people walking down a park path covered with pink petals

Tally Ho Gin Safari

London, England

Discover the entertaining history of London’s favourite spirit on this gin-fuelled bike tour of Southwark and Bermondsey.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Tally Ho! Gin Safari experience tour guides

Highgrove, Gloucestershire

Tetbury, England

Explore the vast gardens of this regal house in rural England.

Photo by: @highgrivegarden

Oak Pavilion at Highgrove Garden

Royal Ascot

Ascot, England 17th - 21st June 2025

This world-famous horse-racing event in June heralds the start of the summer social calendar.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Big group of spectators watching race. Racehorses galloping

The Belmond British Pullman

Across Britain

Mix luxury and adventure on travels across Britain.

Photo by: VisitBritain/North York Moors Railway

On board staff serving coffee on the Pullman Dining Train.

Windsor Carriages

Windsor, England

Founded in 1849, this unique sightseeing company offers horse-drawn tours of Windsor Great Park.

Photo by: Windsor Carriages

Location: Windsor, England

A couple in a carriage looking down the Long Walk in Windsor

Cliveden

Cliveden, England

Explore a stately home that doubles as a luxury hotel.

Photo by: VisitBritain/LifewithBugo

Smiling woman, wearing sunglasses and sundress, outside Clevedon Hotel

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Cheltenham, England

Hop aboard for a footplate experience at GWR.

Photo by: GWSR

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

Theatre tour and Regency afternoon tea at The Lane

London, England

One of London's most iconic theatres, offering a decadent Regency afternoon tea and theatre tours that uncover 350 years of history.

Photo by: Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Location: London, England

Tables prepared for afternoon tea at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

London’s Royal Parks

London, England

London’s eight Royal Parks offer an oasis of calm in the city – as well as amazing venues for live music, festivals and theatre.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Tareq Mooradun

Two people walking down a park path covered with pink petals

Tally Ho Gin Safari

London, England

Discover the entertaining history of London’s favourite spirit on this gin-fuelled bike tour of Southwark and Bermondsey.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Tally Ho! Gin Safari experience tour guides

Highgrove, Gloucestershire

Tetbury, England

Explore the vast gardens of this regal house in rural England.

Photo by: @highgrivegarden

Oak Pavilion at Highgrove Garden

Royal Ascot

Ascot, England 17th - 21st June 2025

This world-famous horse-racing event in June heralds the start of the summer social calendar.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Big group of spectators watching race. Racehorses galloping

The Belmond British Pullman

Across Britain

Mix luxury and adventure on travels across Britain.

Photo by: VisitBritain/North York Moors Railway

On board staff serving coffee on the Pullman Dining Train.

More of Britain on screen

Visit Bridgerton filming locations

Live out your Regency fantasies and immerse yourself in the record-breaking series.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Historic Royal Palaces

Hampton Court Palace is a historic royal palace built by Cardinal Wolsely and handed to his monarch King Henry VIII in the year 1528.

Visit Sex Education filming locations

Sex Education shines a spotlight on the England-Wales borderlands – a nature-rich region where you’ll find far more than just the birds and the bees.

Photo by: Forestry England/Crown Copyright

A cyclist riding through trees along a purpose built adventure cycle path in a large forest.

Visit Mission: Impossible filming locations

Lights, camera – and lots of action: Follow in the footsteps of American super-sleuth Ethan Hunt across Britain’s beauty spots.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Matador Network

Woman at the top of St Paul's dome at sunrise with city view

Visit House of the Dragon filming locations

Welcome to Westeros! Discover how Britain’s showstopping coast and countryside are bringing the drama to House of the Dragon.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Windsurfer walking across the exposed causeway path of stone

Visit Paddington filming locations

Follow in the paw prints of Britain’s favourite bear as you explore the filming locations of Paddington.

Photo by: Shutterstock/Westend61 on Offset

Two young women linking arms and walking in a street smiling

Visit Harry Potter filming locations

Follow in the magical footsteps of Harry Potter and get behind the scenes of these great British filming locations.

Photo by: Visit CountyDurham

View over Durham City

Period drama filming locations

From royal history to high society scandal, discover the places that bring our favourite period dramas to life.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Welsher

Aerial view of crescent-shaped building surrounded by grass

James Bond filming locations

From the Scottish glens, to international art – spy Britain's favourite agent.

Photo by: visitlondon.com/Antoine Buchet

Location: London

View of Vauxhall from across the River Thames, London

Visit Mary Poppins Returns filming locations

Pack your magic bag, grab your parrot umbrella and float down to London to visit the filming locations of Mary Poppins Returns.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Panoramic view of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and London Eye

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