Where Was Downton Abbey Filmed?

Location 01

Highclere Castle

Hampshire, Highclere Ticketed

Filmed here: Exteriors and many interiors of Downton Abbey estate including hall, dining room, library

This is the face of Downton Abbey. Highclere Castle, set on a 5,000-acre estate in Hampshire, provided the exteriors and many of the grandest interiors, including the hall, dining room and library. Fans of the series may enjoy a historical coincidence: the castle really did serve as a convalescent home for officers during World War I, mirroring its storyline. Access is ticketed, with tours available in summer and on select dates, and advance booking is strongly advised.

Location 02

Bampton village

Oxfordshire, Bampton Free to see

Filmed here: Fictional village of Downton including St Mary’s Church, Churchgate House, old Grammar School (hospital)

Bampton in Oxfordshire stood in for the fictional village of Downton. St Mary's Church hosted multiple weddings and key events, while Churchgate House and the old Grammar School, which became the fictional hospital, also feature. The village is public and free to explore, making it one of the easiest locations for fans to visit independently. Its streets remain recognisable from the series, and it remains one of the most popular stops on organised tours from London.

Location 03

Basildon Park

Berkshire, Reading Ticketed

Filmed here: Interiors of Grantham House (London home) and other scenes

This National Trust property near Reading supplied the interiors of Grantham House, the family's London residence, along with other scenes across the series and the later film. It is open to the public with guided tours, so visitors can walk through rooms they have seen on screen. As a National Trust site it combines easily with other heritage visits in the area, and it is one of the few interiors representing London life that fans can freely access.

Location 04

Lacock village

Wiltshire, Lacock Free to see

Filmed here: Village scenes including livestock market and royal parade

The National Trust village of Lacock in Wiltshire hosted village scenes including the livestock market and, for the 2019 film, a royal parade that saw the streets dressed with bunting and flags and filled with 350 extras. The historic streets are open to visitors and free to explore. Lacock's preserved appearance has made it a repeated choice for period productions, and Downton Abbey is just one of several productions to have used it.

Location 05

Alnwick Castle

Northumberland, Alnwick Ticketed

Filmed here: Brancaster Castle for shooting party and finale scenes

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland played Brancaster Castle, the setting for the shooting party and finale scenes in the television series. The castle is ticketed and open to the public, with state rooms and grounds accessible to visitors. Unlike most Downton locations, it sits far to the north of England, which makes it a practical stop only for travellers already touring Northumberland rather than a day trip from London.

Location 06

Cogges Manor Farm

Oxfordshire, Witney Ticketed

Filmed here: Yew Tree Farm scenes

Cogges Manor Farm near Witney in Oxfordshire was used for the Yew Tree Farm scenes. This working heritage farm is ticketed and open to visitors, who can explore the farmhouse and grounds that appeared in the series. Its location in Oxfordshire places it within easy reach of Bampton, so fans planning an independent trip through Downton country can combine the two in a single outing.

Location 07

Bridgewater House

London Private property

Filmed here: Exterior of Grantham House

Bridgewater House in London provided the exterior of Grantham House, the Crawley family's London home. It is a private property, so access is limited to exterior views from the street. Even so, it is a quick stop for fans walking through central London, and it sits close to Lancaster House, which also appeared in the series, allowing both to be seen in a short stroll.

Location 08

Lancaster House

London Ticketed

Filmed here: Buckingham Palace interiors

Lancaster House in London stood in for the interiors of Buckingham Palace during the series. Public access is limited, with occasional tour openings, so visitors should check availability before planning a visit. Its position in central London near Bridgewater House makes it simple to see the exterior as part of a wider walk through the capital's Downton-related sites, even when interior tours are not running.