Downton Abbey filming locations: Must visits for fans!

The very popular TV series Downton Abbey is renowned not just for its characters and its dramatic exploration of British history but also for its picturesque filming locations. The Downton Abbey filming locations below are not only must visit places for fans but also offer great days out, with fantastic architecture, fascinating history and striking landscapes just waiting to be discovered.

Highclere Castle

The fictional Downton Abbey Estate in the TV series is in actual fact the magnificent Highclere Castle located in Hampshire. The series uses the exterior and grounds of the castle as well as various rooms such as the dining room, the library, the entrance hall, as well as the salon. The real castle is home to the Carnarvon family and in addition to roaming the marvellous gardens and woodlands surrounding it as well as the rooms of the castle itself, there is an intriguing Egyptian Exhibition in the castle cellars which is in recognition of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Bampton

The village of Bampton in Oxfordshire provides the location for the village of Downton. Bampton is one of the oldest villages in England and there were not a lot of alterations required in order to use it for the TV series. The exterior of the library in Bampton served as the entrance to the Downton Cottage Hospital. One building served as the exterior of Crawley House, while other buildings utilised from Brampton include St Mary’s Church and Byfleet Manor, the exterior of which was used for the Dower House. If you’re keen for an organised tour, consider the likes of Percy’s Travel, which offers a tour of the filming locations in Bampton as well as a delicious English cream tea.

Greys Court

Greys Court, which is situated in the Chiltern Hills near Henley, is a beautiful 16th century mansion and charming gardens. Greys Court featured as Dwonton Place, the location of a picnic attended by the Crawley family following the wedding of Lady Mary and Matthew in the 3rd series. The estate offers many attractions for the modern-day visitor. Explore the maze, stroll round the delightful gardens and discover the wonderful interiors of the house. The surrounding woodland also offers a stunning opportunity for wonderful walks and the activity packs and children’s trail in the garden and grounds will keep youngsters well occupied.

Swinbrook

Swinbrook is a delightful village close to Burford in Oxfordshire and located on the River Windrush. The Swan Inn in Swinbrook was the location for the elopement of Lady Sybil and Branson the chauffeur in the second season of Downton Abbey. Enjoy some refreshment at the Swan Inn and stroll around the church and churchyard where the graves of the infamous Mitford sisters are located. You can also visit the nearby Cotswold Wildlife Park or explore the medieval town of Burford with its eye-catching architecture.

Shilton

The pretty village of Shilton in West Oxfordshire provided the location for a village pub in the Downton Abbey series, with the Old Forge being transformed for filming. The ford in the village was also used for filming a rural scene. You can enjoy a drink in the village pub and take in the sights such as the church and chapel through a relaxed wander. The village hosts a number of fun events throughout the year and is also roughly halfway between Swinbrook and Bampton, making it well situated for a visit to all three locations.

Lose yourself in a bygone era

If you love Downton Abbey there is no better way to connect with the series than by visiting the locations in which it was filmed. In addition to bringing the series to life and being able to imagine living in the times during which Downton Abbey is set, these locations all have additional attractions to offer that will provide an unforgettable day out. Whether you choose to visit one, several or all of these locations you won’t fail to be charmed by their beauty.