Here’s our guide to the historical drama Downton Abbey, Where it's filmed, how to visit Downton Abbey, the history of Highclere castle.
Where is the real Downton Abbey?
Downton Abbey is filmed at Highclere Castle in Highclere Park, Newbury, Berkshire
Inside the castle are the state rooms; the Saloon, drawing room, smoking room and library - home of some of Downton's most famous scenes. And you can also see the famous bedrooms where some of the drama's most dramatic scenes unfolded...
- Downton Abbey: our guide to the soundtrack and composer of the hit TV show and film
- Michelle Dockery shares her favourite music
The history of Highclere Castle
According to Highclere Castle’s website, the first written records of the estate can be dated back to 749. This was when an Anglo-Saxon King granted the estate to the Bishops of Winchester, and a Medieval palace was built on the park.
In 1679, the palace was rebuilt as Highclere Place House after being bought by the Attorney General to Charles II and James II, Sir Robert Sawyer. In 1771, Capability Brown – a notable English landscape architect – then made plans to alter the ground for the 1st Earl of Carnarvon.
Since then, the castle has been in ownership of each Earl of Carnarvon – the 5th of which was responsible for the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb with his colleague Howard Carter.
While Highclere Castle has remained primarily as a home throughout the years, it has also served alternative functions. In the years of the First World War, Highclere was a hospital for wounded soldiers, and in the archives of the castle, there still exists a number of letters of thanks written to Lady Almina, 5th Countess, from her patients.
Later in the Second World War, the castle became home to many evacuees, whose names, according to the website, you can see etched into the roof lead.
Who owns Highclere Castle?
Today, Highclere Castle is owned by the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.
Lady Carnarvon writes a blog about the castle, including a behind the scenes account of life while Downton filming takes place, and has also written a book called called Lady Catherine and The Real Downton Abbey.
What to do on your visit to Downton
Die-hard fans might want to plump for the 2-day, ready-made tour of the main Downton Abbey locations which lets you try out life as an Edwardian aristocrat, and provides tasty smatterings of insider gossip.
For those after a quieter, more personal exploration of the Downton landscape, you can still head to Highclere Castle. The Victorian Castle sits on 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland which has been in the Carnarvon family since 1679. Wander among the wildflower meadow, explore the secret and walled gardens and get lost in the ‘Wood of Goodwill’.
Rather out of keeping with the post-Edwardian England we have come to associate with Downton, Highclere also houses a rather magnificent exhibition of Ancient Egyptian artifacts. One hundred years ago, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon famously discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun, an Egyptian Boy Pharaoh, and the cellars of the Castle now celebrate the Egyptologist’s achievements.
If you’re visiting out of opening hours, or simply want to keep out of the way of the masses, there are also numerous beautiful walks in the surrounding area. You might like to take in the nearby Carnarvon Arms, a grade-II listed former coach house with overnight rooms and a good restaurant. Though filming has finished - for the moment - you can comfort yourself that you may be sitting in the same seats as cast members Michelle Dockery, Dan Stevens or Maggie Smith.
Remember, Since the drama launched the estate has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, so book in advance if you want to get enveloped in the Crawley family’s spectacular rooms, or walk in the estate gardens.