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The Ultimate Guide To Downton Abbey Filming Locations: 15+ Real-Life Estates And Villages You Can Visit (Updated 2025)

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Have you ever wondered where the world of the Crawley family truly exists? As of December 24, 2025, the enduring fascination with the lavish estate of Downton Abbey continues, especially since new filming for a potential third film or 'Grand Finale' was underway in 2024, bringing fresh locations into the canon. The truth is, the iconic period drama, spanning six television seasons and two blockbuster films, was not filmed in a single, fictional location, but rather across a stunning collection of real-life English castles, historic villages, and grand country houses, each playing a specific role in the saga's rich tapestry.

The core of the show’s setting—the majestic exterior and the opulent upstairs rooms—is one of Britain's most spectacular stately homes, a place steeped in over 1,300 years of history that predates the fictional Crawleys by centuries. From the bustling 'village' scenes to the grand London homes and even a French Riviera villa, we reveal the complete list of filming locations, including the most recent updates, that bring the world of *Downton Abbey* to life.

Highclere Castle: The Real-Life Downton Abbey Biography

The indisputable star of the show, Highclere Castle, is the real-life counterpart to Downton Abbey. Its history is as rich and dramatic as the series itself, though its actual location is in Hampshire, not Yorkshire.

  • Location: Highclere, Hampshire, England (near Newbury, on the border with Berkshire).
  • Current Owners: The 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, who still reside at the castle.
  • Architectural Style: Jacobethan (a combination of Elizabethan and Jacobean styles).
  • Architect: Sir Charles Barry, the renowned architect who also designed the Houses of Parliament. He extensively renovated the structure in the 1840s.
  • Historical Significance: The land has been held by the Bishops of Winchester since 749 AD. The current structure was built in 1679. During World War I, the castle served as a hospital for wounded soldiers, a historical detail mirrored in the *Downton Abbey* storyline.
  • Filming Use: Highclere Castle provides the exterior shots and most of the 'upstairs' interiors, including the Library, the Dining Room, and the magnificent Saloon. The 'downstairs' kitchen and servants' quarters, however, are filmed on a sound stage at Ealing Studios.

The Village of Downton and Key Supporting Locations

While Highclere Castle provides the aristocratic grandeur, the daily lives of the Crawleys and their staff often take them to the nearby village, the local hospital, and other grand estates that serve as stand-ins for various aristocratic homes.

Bampton, Oxfordshire: The Fictional Village of Downton

The charming village of Bampton in Oxfordshire is arguably the second most important filming location. Its picturesque streets and historic buildings were transformed into the village of Downton, complete with period signage and props.

  • Downton Cottage Hospital: The exterior of the hospital, a key setting for many dramatic storylines, is actually the Bampton Library and the adjacent house.
  • St. Mary's Church: This is the setting for numerous weddings, baptisms, and funerals throughout the series, including Lady Edith's near-miss wedding to Sir Anthony Strallan.
  • Mrs. Crawley’s House: Known as Crawley House in the show, the exterior is a private residence in Bampton.
  • The Grantham Arms Pub: The exterior of this fictional pub was filmed at a building on the village's main street.

Other Crucial English Estates and Sites

To portray the vast network of the British aristocracy and the changing times, the production used several other stately homes and locations across the country, each adding a layer of topical authority to the show’s world.

  • Cogges Manor Farm (Oxfordshire): This medieval farmstead served as Yew Tree Farm, the home of Mr. Drewe and later the farm where Lady Edith’s daughter, Marigold, was secretly raised.
  • Basildon Park (Reading, Berkshire): Used for various interior and exterior scenes, most notably as the London residence, Grantham House, in the 2013 Christmas special.
  • Alnwick Castle (Northumberland): This historic castle stood in for Brancaster Castle, the home of Lord Sinderby, which featured heavily in the 2014 Christmas special. Fans may also recognise it as a location from the *Harry Potter* films.
  • Royal Hospital Chelsea (London): The grand architecture of this retirement home for British soldiers was used to film scenes set in London clubs and other formal settings.
  • Harewood House (Leeds, West Yorkshire): This estate was used in the first *Downton Abbey* film (2019) as the home of Princess Mary, where the royal couple stayed during their visit.

New and International Locations: The Film Era

The two *Downton Abbey* feature films, *Downton Abbey* (2019) and *Downton Abbey: A New Era* (2022), expanded the scope of the filming locations, taking the Crawley family beyond the familiar borders of England and introducing fresh, exciting environments.

Downton Abbey: A New Era (2022) Locations

The second film saw the family travel to the South of France to uncover the mystery of a newly inherited villa, necessitating stunning international location shoots.

  • La Rocabella (Le Pradet, France): This spectacular, cliffside villa on the French Riviera served as the fictional 'Villa des Falaises,' the mysterious property inherited by the Dowager Countess. The stunning Mediterranean backdrop provided a stark contrast to the misty English countryside.
  • Belchamp Hall (Suffolk): This English country house was used as the location for Tom Branson and Lucy Smith’s wedding, a romantic and less formal setting than Highclere.
  • Electric Palace (Harwich, Essex): This historic cinema, one of the oldest purpose-built picture houses in the country, was used for the cinema scenes being filmed within Downton Abbey itself, adding a touch of period authenticity.
  • Little Germany (Bradford, West Yorkshire): This area of Bradford, known for its historic architecture, was used to film the scenes where the characters watch the film being made at Downton.

The Latest Updates: Filming in 2024 and Beyond

The world of *Downton Abbey* is not yet finished. In June 2024, reports confirmed that filming was taking place for a new installment, potentially a third film or a final series, signaling that the franchise remains active and relevant in the current year.

  • Great Yorkshire Showground (Harrogate): Several cast members were spotted filming at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate in mid-2024. This location, a large event venue, suggests a scene involving a public event, a fair, or perhaps a major gathering, offering a new setting for the Crawleys' lives.
  • Highclere Castle: Highclere remains the central anchor for any new production, ensuring that the heart of the estate is preserved for the 'Grand Finale.'

Planning Your Pilgrimage: Visiting the Downton Locations

For dedicated fans, visiting these real-life locations offers a unique opportunity to step directly into the world of the show. The accessibility of the filming sites is part of the enduring appeal of the *Downton Abbey* phenomenon.

  • Highclere Castle Tours: The castle is open to the public for limited periods throughout the year, typically during the spring, summer, and on select dates. Booking tickets well in advance is essential due to high demand.
  • Bampton Village: The village of Bampton is a functioning community and can be visited year-round. While the buildings are private residences or public facilities (like the library), fans can easily walk the streets and recognise the iconic backdrops.
  • French Riviera Villa: La Rocabella is now available to rent for private events and luxury stays, offering the ultimate fan experience for those with a generous budget.

Whether you are captivated by the stunning Jacobethan architecture of Highclere Castle or the quaint charm of the Bampton village, the locations used to film *Downton Abbey* are preserved pieces of British history. They offer a tangible connection to the beloved series, proving that the world of the Crawleys is very much real and waiting to be explored.

The Ultimate Guide to Downton Abbey Filming Locations: 15+ Real-Life Estates and Villages You Can Visit (Updated 2025)
where was downton abbey filmed
where was downton abbey filmed

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