Welcome to the World of Downton Abbey: A Tour of Iconic Filming Locations
Hello, Downton Abbey fans! If you're anything like us, you've spent countless hours swooning over the Crawleys and their lavish lifestyle. Well, today we're taking you on a virtual tour of the stunning Downton Abbey filming locations that brought this beloved period drama to life. So, grab your tea and let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and downton abbey filming locations.
Highclere Castle: The Real-Life Downton Abbey
Kicking off our list of Downton Abbey filming locations is the grand Highclere Castle, which served as the exterior for the fictional Downton Abbey. This magnificent Jacobean-style castle is nestled in the idyllic English countryside of Hampshire and has been the home of the Carnarvon family since 1679. The castle's stunning architecture and opulent interiors provided the perfect setting for the Crawley family's lavish lifestyle.
Fun fact: Highclere Castle is also the site of the famous discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter in 1922!
Basildon Park: The Crawley Family's Country Retreat
When the Crawleys needed a change of scenery, they retreated to their equally grand country estate, Basildon Park. This 18th-century Palladian mansion served as the exterior and many of the interior locations for Downton's country scenes. The park's beautiful gardens and expansive grounds provided the perfect backdrop for the Crawleys' outdoor pursuits and romantic trysts.
Did you know? Basildon Park was once home to the National Trust's largest collection of Impressionist paintings, including works by Monet, Degas, and Renoir.
Bampton: The Village of Downton
The charming Cotswolds village of Bampton stood in for the fictional Downton village in the series. Several of the village's historic buildings were used as filming locations, including:
- St. Mary's Church: This beautiful 12th-century church served as the interior for the Downton Abbey village church, where many of the characters' most memorable moments took place. - The Grantham Arms: This 17th-century pub was transformed into the local watering hole, the Crawley Arms, where the villagers would gather to gossip and socialize. - The National Trust's Old Rectory: This stunning 16th-century house was used as the exterior for Mrs. Crawley's house and the Downton Cottage Hospital.
Sherborne Castle: The Royal Visit's Backdrop
In season 3, Downton Abbey played host to a royal visit from King George V and Queen Mary. The Sherborne Castle in Dorset served as the backdrop for the Crawleys' royal reception. This 15th-century castle is set in 40 acres of beautiful gardens and was once home to Sir Walter Raleigh.
Interesting tidbit: Sherborne Castle was also used as a filming location for the 2011 film "The King's Speech"!
Blenheim Palace: The Scene of a Daring Heist
In season 6, the Crawleys attend a lavish ball at Blenheim Palace, where a valuable sapphire necklace goes missing. This stunning 18th-century Baroque palace served as the perfect setting for this glittering social event and the subsequent search for the stolen jewels. Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and is currently the home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough.
Did you know? Blenheim Palace is the largest private residence in the UK, with over 200 rooms!
Lacock: The Setting for a Tragic Love Story
The picturesque village of Lacock in Wiltshire served as the backdrop for the tragic love story between Lady Edith and her secret lover, Michael Gregson. The village's historic buildings and cobblestone streets provided the perfect setting for this ill-fated romance. Lacock is also home to the National Trust's Lacock Abbey, a 13th-century building that was used as a filming location for the Downton Abbey Christmas special in 2019.
Fun fact: Lacock is also a popular filming location for other period dramas, such as "Pride and Prejudice," "Jane Eyre," and "Harry Potter"!
Wrotham Park: The Site of a Secret Wedding
In season 6, Isobel Crawley and Richard Crawshaw tie the knot in a secret ceremony at Wrotham Park in Hertfordshire. This stunning 18th-century Palladian mansion was used as the exterior for the Grantham family's London house and provided the perfect setting for this intimate wedding.
Did you know? Wrotham Park was also used as a filming location for the 2015 film "The Lady in the Van" starring Maggie Smith!
The Real-Life Downton Abbey: A Tour of Highclere Castle
If you're a die-hard Downton Abbey fan, you can experience the magic of Highclere Castle for yourself! The castle is open to the public for guided tours during the summer months, and you can explore the stunning rooms that served as the backdrop for the Crawley family's lavish lifestyle. The castle's Egyptian Exhibition is also a must-see for fans of the show, as it houses many of the artifacts discovered by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Howard Carter during their excavations in Egypt.
Top tip: Be sure to book your tickets well in advance, as tours of Highclere Castle sell out quickly!
Conclusion: A Farewell to Downton Abbey
As we bid farewell to Downton Abbey, we hope you've enjoyed this virtual tour of the iconic Downton Abbey filming locations that brought this beloved period drama to life. From the grandeur of Highclere Castle to the charm of the Cotswolds, each location has played a vital role in transporting us to a world of opulence, intrigue, and romance. So, here's to the Crawleys and the unforgettable journey we've shared with them. Until next time, keep your tea warm and your eyes peeled for the next great period drama!
Meta Description: Discover the stunning Downton Abbey filming locations that brought the Crawley family's lavish lifestyle to life. From Highclere Castle to the Cotswolds, join us on a virtual tour of the iconic sites that made this beloved period drama a global phenomenon.