01/02/2016While the Crawley family and their drama are works of fiction, the grand estates they inhabit are very much real. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking the halls of “Downton” or visiting the prison where Mr. Bates was held, you can! Many of the show’s most iconic settings are historic British castles open to the public.
Highclere Castle is the heart of the show. Both its stunning Jacobethan exterior and its opulent interiors are used extensively in the series.
The History: Highclere was the real-life home of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon—famous for discovering the tomb of Tutankhamun—and his wife, Lady Almina. Much like the fictional Cora Crawley, Lady Almina turned the castle into a hospital during WWI to save wounded soldiers.
Visit: Located in Newbury, Berkshire (southwest of London), the castle opens for special events and summer seasons.
Experience it: You can explore the grounds and the interior on a Downton Abbey Village Tour of Locations.
In the show, Mr. Bates is sent to “York Prison” after being wrongly convicted. These scenes were actually filmed at Lincoln Castle, which houses a real Victorian prison.
The History: Built by William the Conqueror nearly 1,000 years ago, the castle’s prison was designed as a “revolutionary” facility where prisoners were kept in social isolation to find their “moral compass.”
Must See: Lincoln Castle is home to one of only four surviving copies of the 1215 Magna Carta.
Visit: The castle is currently open for tours, offering a fascinating look at both medieval and penal history.
In the 2014 Christmas Special, the Crawleys head north to “Brancaster Castle” for a grouse shooting party. These scenes were filmed at the magnificent Alnwick Castle in Northumberland.
Pop Culture Trivia: Aside from its Downton fame, Alnwick is globally recognized as the filming location for the first two Harry Potter films!
Visit: Alnwick typically opens to the public from March through October. It’s a popular spot for weddings and film fans alike.
For the 2012 Christmas Special, the production moved to the Scottish Highlands to film at Inveraray Castle, which stood in for “Duneagle Castle,” the home of Lord Flintshire.
The Scenes: You’ll recognize the State Dining Room, the Armoury Hall, and the beautiful gardens overlooking Dhu Loch.
The History: Built between 1746 and 1789, it is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell. The estate is famous for its hunting grounds and rugged Scottish beauty.
Visit: The castle reopens for the spring season on March 25th.
| Fictional Name | Real Location | Location | Best For… |
| Downton Abbey | Highclere Castle | Berkshire | The ultimate fan experience |
| York Prison | Lincoln Castle | Lincolnshire | History and the Magna Carta |
| Brancaster Castle | Alnwick Castle | Northumberland | Architecture and Harry Potter fans |
| Duneagle Castle | Inveraray Castle | Argyll, Scotland | Scottish Highland scenery |
Ready to step back into the world of the 1920s? We offer expert-led tours that take you to the most famous Downton sites, including the village of Bampton (used as Downton Village).
Book Your Downton Abbey Tour of Locations Today!
Can you stay overnight at Highclere Castle?
While you cannot stay in the main castle, there are often luxury cottages on the Highclere estate available for short-term holiday rentals.
Where is the village of Downton located?
The “Downton Village” scenes, including the church and the Crawley House exterior, are filmed in the picturesque village of Bampton in Oxfordshire.
Is Highclere Castle still a private home?
Yes! It is the current seat of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, who live there when the castle is not open to the public for tours.
