If we talk about the best period British drama and not talk about “Downton Abbey,” we have missed the gem literally. The historical drama revolves around the aristocracy of the Crawley family and has captured all the shades of monarchy dominant in the early 20th century.
Anyone who has already binge-watched this classic will always consider it at the top of their favorites. (Totally unsurprising!) Royalty, regalness, kingship, and grandeur are the common ground of the series.
From trilby hats, flat caps, wellington boots, and corset gowns to long-sleeved gloves, all are pretty illustrious in all the six series and two feature films of Downton Abbey.
Besides the gripping content, nobility, edge-of-the-seat twists and turns, and a tinge of simplicity, the most searched thing about the series is “Locations used to film Downton Abbey.”
FYI, all the locations that you see in the series are real and very much open for anyone to go and visit. So, if it’s been a dream of yours to visit all the locations, go through the list of important places where this Emmy-award-winning series was shot. (Start planning now!)
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List of all the Locations where Downton Abbey was Filmed
Get mesmerized by these unbelievably victorian epochs that will definitely leave you spellbound. If not all, do visit some of them. (After which, you won’t be able to resist and travel to each one of them!)
1. Highclere Castle, Hampshire, England
The first on the list is none other than Highclere Castle. Spread across 5 miles south of Newbury, Berkshire, is a grade I country house that was built in 1679. The honey-colored Castle, manicured gardens, 1000 acres of surrounding parkland, and royal interiors made the makers of the series (Julian Fellowes) choose it as one of the prime locations for shooting.
The good news is that if you wish to visit the Castle and relish the victorian and sophisticated nuances of aristocracy, it is very much possible. (Yes, you read that right!) It opens according to seasons like spring, summer, autumn, and more, so check out their official website to plan your visit accordingly.
Moreover, this property of the Carnarvon family boasts European relics, artifacts, and victorian architectural styles that will startle your eyes with sheer beauty and the Castle’s intricacies.
2. Bampton, Oxfordshire
If we speak, the majority of the shooting besides Highclere Castle is the Bampton village. In almost all the stills, you would find this village. The Churchgate house (Isobel Crawley’s home in the series, the post office, St. Mary’s church, and fictional pubs like The Grantham Arms and The Dog & Duck are all part of the village.
For better reference, if you remember the magnificent and beautiful wedding of Mary and Matthew, then you can spot it at the square church.
3. Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland
Besides being the shooting spot from Harry Potter, this Castle was shown many times, especially during the two Christmas seasons. If makers chose this location to shoot some of the most iconic scenes, it’s totally fair, as the exterior and grounds of the Castle became the iconic backdrop.
Also, most of the shooting for the series took place in the popular staterooms, where you can see yourself in the finale of season 5. From March to October, the Castle is open for all to come and savor the royalty per se. From grounds, courtroom, armory, museum towers, and stables fryer to the courtyard cafe are open at different times of the day. (Do double-check before going there.)
4. Lacock, Wiltshire
Predominantly featured in season 6, the village of Lacock was the choicest pick. Its stone buildings and surviving houses dating back even before the 18th century became the perfect backdrop for the livestock market in the series.
In fact, the National Trust parking lot gives easy access to visitors to reach the village and Lacock Abbey. And how can you not travel to a place where the king’s parade took place?
5. Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham
No British-era film or series is complete without its grand ballroom dances. (Yes, those beautiful dreamy nights where the prince and princess have the honor to dance together and fall in love.)
The marble and grand saloon in the Wentworth Woodhouse has the perfect facade to shoot the ball nights. Similarly, in Downton Abbey, the makers shot the ball dance of the royalties.
Located in South Yorkshire, the country house is double the size of the length of Buckingham Palace, and its specialist house and gardens are open to the public. That’s why this was chosen from many locations to film Downton Abbey.
6. Coggers Manor Farm, Oxfordshire, England
The olde yet arty-crafty walled garden house was actually known as the Yew Tree Farm and was actually the abode of the Drewe family in seasons 4 and 5. This 19th-century manor house was the place where Lady Edith’s illegitimate child, Marigold, was born.
In reality, it is a farm museum site that currently is the place where you can enjoy some delicious Cogges kitchen-made scones. In fact, if it’s one of your dreams to get married in a vintage, 19th-century setup, this is your place.
7. Downtown Railway Station: Horsted Keynes
Prime and important plot of Downton Abbey were shot at this railway station. In fact, steam locomotives are very accurate additions to the 19th-century British series. In the entire 6 seasons series, this place has been a constant.
Well, I am sure you have not forgotten when Lady Mary bid a heartfelt farewell to her love Mattew, who left for WWI. Although today it is a part of the Bluebell Railway Heritage Line on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the makers of Downton Abbey used this location for Mrs. Crawley.
Just rewind and remember that during the coming back from cousin Rose’s home in Duneagle Castle, Mrs. Crawley went into labor. (Yes, this place is from that shot.)So by chance, if you happen to be there, don’t forget to grab a plowman’s lunch and a chilled pint at the Green Man Pub.
And And And, if you are a big fan of vintage collectibles, the Carriage Shop there will fulfill your longing wish.
8. Criterion Restaurant, Piccadilly, London
In the series, each and every character has an important role to play. Yes, the plot mostly revolves around the life of Mary; however, her family has different and important stories that are equally interesting to watch.
Speaking of the location where Downton Abbey was shot has novel interiors with impressive marble tilework. With its flapper-era ambiance, the place vibrates the jazz- age, perfect to represent 19th-century modern London.
The makers of Downton Abbey used this restaurant to knit the story of Lady Edith. To refresh your memory, this is exactly the place where she met Michael Gregson, the publisher, for dinner. (Which did not stop at the dinner.) Today, it operates, and you can definitely enjoy a unique dining experience.
9. Harewood House
Earlier in the British era, morning and evening tea time was the most important time for women to catch up. Be it gossiping about the town or mothers counseling their daughters; this time has always been special.
Similarly, to film these scenes, Harewood House was chosen. Moreover, the popular cinnamon drawing room, long gallery, yellow drawing room, and terrace were all used to film Downton Abbey.
Besides these top 9 places where Downton Abbey was filmed, there are certainly more locations like Hampton Court Palace, The National Gallery, Waddesdon Manor, Lincoln Castle, Basildon Park, Goldsmith’s Hall, Byfleet Manor, and many more.
The Final Wrap-up
So now you not only know the interesting plot of the series but also know about all the locations where Downton Abbey was filmed. As much as all the actors and actresses were praised and awarded for their stunning performances, the locations added beauty to the series.
Because locations are important to set the right tone for any film or series, the locations of Downton Abbey added the essential and perfect backdrop of the early 19th century.
