Downton Abbey

The Yorkshire Country Estate of Downton Abbey

Highclere Castle, Hampshire | Highclere | United Kingdom

While Downton Abbey is fictionally based in Yorkshire the actual location of the real Highclere Castle is in southern England just south of Newbury, Hampshire. Probably the most iconic setting in the series and of recent costume British dramas. Highclere Castle is open to the public during timetabled opening times though certain parts of the year it is closed for the film crew of the show. As the show itself is drawing to an end with it's final series there should be more opportunities to visit. Put aside a whole day and enjoy both the grounds and the castle.

Opening times, events and a wealth of information can be found on the official Highclere Castle website.

http://www.highclerecastle.co.uk/visiting-us/opening-times.html

Image kindly supplied by and copyright Highclere Castle

* Please note this location is based in the countryside. Recommended accommodation is likely to require road transport due to distance.

* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.

The Downton Railway Station

West Sussex | Horsted Keynes | United Kingdom

The fictional Downton Abbey railway station was filmed at the stunning Horsted Keynes railway station which is part of the Bluebell Railway. Originally built in 1882 and restored to it's 1920s period the station is a great place to visit for those who wish to experience the heritage railway and for enthusiastic Downton fans. There are facilities including the Carriage Works viewing gallery and Tea, Coffee and snacks refreshment room which is open when the trains are running. There is also the near-by Horsted Keynes village with two traditional pubs.

You can get full details including opening times, railway time tables and special events on the official Bluebell Railway website;

http://www.bluebell-railway.com/horsted-keynes-station/

Photograph kindly supplied by and copyright, Derek Hayward.

* Please note this location is based in the countryside. Recommended accommodation is likely to require road transport due to distance.

* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.

Marquess and Marchioness of Flintshire Home of Duneagle Castle

Inveraray Castle, Inveraray | Argyll, Scotland | United Kingdom

During the Christmas Special 2012 episode the Grathams travelled north to the fictional home of their cousins at Duneagle Castle. The filming location was actually set in the beautiful Inveraray Castle in western Scotland. This is a must-visit for the most avid Downton fan who like to travel. As well as the castle there is access to the stunning Loch Fyne and the surrounding countryside that Scotland is most famous for. To get a full appreciation of the area we recommend having access to a car.

Inveraray is accessible by car or bus from Glasgow in around 1hr 40 minutes. There are no trains to Inveraray.

Information on opening times can be found on the Inveraray Castle official web site;

http://www.inveraray-castle.com/home.html

* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.

Brancaster Castle, 2014 Christmas Special

Northumberland | Alnwick Castle, Alnwick | United Kingdom

Appearing in the 2014 Christmas Special the fictional Brancaster Castle was filmed at the real Alnwick Castle. Filming included the beautiful State Rooms as well as the castle grounds and is also famous for it's use in the first two Harry Potter films featured as Hogwarts, Robin Hood Price of Thieves and many others. Set in the beautiful countryside of Northumbria there will be plenty to see for both the most avid movie set hiker and Downton fan.

Opening times are seasonal. Details including opening times, events and facilities can be found on the official Alnwick Castle website;

http://www.alnwickcastle.com

Photograph kindly supplied by and copyright Alnwick Castle.

* Please note this location is based in the countryside. Recommended accommodation is likely to require road transport due to distance.

* This location may be subject to seasonal or restricted opening dates. Please check their official website for opening dates.