On the trails of the hit series Downton Abbey

An exquisite final act

On 10 September, Downton Abbey – The Grand Finale celebrates its emotional conclusion on the big screen (11 September in German-speaking Switzerland and in Ticino). In 1930s England, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) faces the challenge of leading the family estate into a new era following her divorce. As long-serving characters bid farewell, a new generation grows into their roles of responsibility. The film not only brings a beloved series to a close – it also tells the story of the changing times.

Highclere Castle – a backdrop steeped in history

If you want to see the iconic castle from the series first hand, head to Hampshire. There you will find the real Highclere Castle, the family seat of the Earls of Carnarvon – known to international viewers as the majestic Downton Abbey. Upon entering the hall, you feel as if Carson might come around the corner at any moment. The grand staircase, the library, the salon – everything has been preserved in its original state. The tour takes you through rooms familiar from the film and series and culminates in an impressive Egyptology exhibition that reveals the real history of the house.

A village straight out of the script

Bampton in Oxfordshire also seems as if frozen in the era in which the series is set. St Mary’s village church, where Mary and Matthew were married, the hospital, which is actually the library, and the small post office – they all look exactly as you remember them. However, Bampton is not an open-air museum. It is a lively, yet quiet village that responds to its fame as a former filming location with a befitting sense of poise.

Hidden places that fans should not miss

A little off the main routes are some other filming locations that will be familiar to die-hard fans in particular: For example, Cogges Manor Farm in Witney, an 11th-century farmstead that appeared in the series as ​‘Yew Tree Farm’ – the place where Lady Edith’s daughter Marigold grew up. Today, the estate houses a small museum and a charming café. The inn where Sybil and Branson planned their secret elopement can be found in Swinbrook. And in Shilton stands the old forge that became The Red Lion pub – familiar from scenes featuring Mr Bates. These are quiet places that often fly under the radar, far off the usual tourist trails – and perhaps it is precisely this that makes them all the more impressive. This journey does not lead to a museum, but rather to a present that exudes the past in every breath. The world of Downton Abbey is not a film set – it exists, for real.

Immerse yourself in Downton Abbey – places to see & tips

• Highclere Castle (Hampshire)
  Original filming location of the castle. State rooms & Egypt exhibition.
  Limited opening hours, secure your tickets early: highclerecastle​.co​.uk

• Bampton (Oxfordshire)
  Village backdrop with church, library, post office – authentic and freely accessible.

• Cogges Manor Farm (Witney)
  ​‘Yew Tree Farm’ from the series. Today home to a museum with a café.
  cogges​.org​.uk

• Swinbrook & Shilton
  Hidden filming locations (Sybil & Branson, Mr Bates). Ideal for die-hard fans.

• Best time to visit: May to September
• Travel tip: A hire car offers flexibility – many places are off the beaten track.
• Accommodation: Authentic and stylish in country house hotels in the Cotswolds.

Don’t miss a thing — we’ll keep you up to date!

Sign up for our newsletter.