From its first episode back in 2010, Downton Abbey captured audiences across the globe with its early 20th-century drama and dazzling British backdrops as filming locations. While the characters and storylines are entirely fictional, the locations used are real, with the show filmed across England and Scotland in some of the country’s most historic and scenic spots.
We’ll argue that the star of the show, written by Julian Fellowes, isn’t an actor – it’s Highclere Castle in Hampshire, the real-life location of Downton Abbey itself. But filming of the award-winning show and movies stretched far beyond the historic castle’s walls and into quiet Oxfordshire villages, London townhouses, working steam railways, and even a villa on the French Riviera.
In this guide we’re breaking down the exact Downton Abbey filming locations, how each place was used in the series, and how you can visit them today.
1. Where is the real Downton Abbey?
Highclere Castle, Hampshire, England
The star of Downton Abbey? It’s Highclere Castle in Hampshire, the main filming location for the TV series. Nearly all exterior shots of the Crawley family’s estate were filmed here, along with many of the grand interior scenes – including the entrance hall, dining room, and library.
Does anyone currently live in Highclere Castle?
Yes. The castle is the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, whose family has lived on the estate since 1679. It remains a private residence, but parts of the house and grounds are open to the public on select dates throughout the year. Lady Carnarvon has written extensively about life at the castle, including during filming.
How much does it cost to visit Highclere Castle?
General admission tickets typically start from £25 per adult, which includes access to the castle, gardens, and Egyptian Exhibition (the 5th Earl helped discover Tutankhamun’s tomb).
Inside, visitors can explore rooms featured in the series – including the drawing room where Lady Mary and Matthew shared tense conversations, and the staircase where countless scenes unfolded across all six seasons. The surrounding Capability Brown-designed parkland also featured prominently in outdoor scenes.
Tickets must be booked in advance and availability is limited, especially during summer months.
2. Where is the village where Downton Abbey was filmed?
Bampton, Oxfordshire, England
The quaint village scenes were filmed in Bampton, a small, historic parish in Oxfordshire, about 70 miles (110km) west of London. Throughout the series, Bampton stood in as the fictional village of Downton. Key scenes were shot around the centre of the village, including:
- St Mary’s Church – featured heavily in weddings, funerals, and community gatherings.
- Churchgate House – used as the home of Isobel Crawley.
- The Old Grammar School – transformed into Downton’s hospital.
- Various cottages and streets – regularly appeared in walking scenes and village events.
3. Where was the French villa in Downton Abbey?
Villa Rocabella, Provence, France
The dreamy sun-soaked scenes set on the French Riviera in Season 6 were filmed at Villa Rocabella. This estate is located in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, a coastal town in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southern France.
The villa appears in Episode 1 of Season 6, when the Crawley family travels to visit Lady Rose and her new husband in France. Surrounded by pine trees and overlooking the Mediterranean, Villa Rocabella is a striking contrast to the English countryside and fits perfectly as one of the Downton Abbey filming locations.
Built in the 19th century, the villa is privately owned and not open to the public. But if you do find yourself in the surrounding region, you won’t be disappointed. Here the village of Cassis and Calanques National Park are famous for the dramatic coastline, Provençal charm, and seaside views.
4. London interiors: Lancaster House
Lancaster House, located just off The Mall in central London, was used in Downton Abbey as the interior of Buckingham Palace. The lavish house appeared in the 2013 Christmas special, when Lady Rose was presented at Court.
Built in the 1820s, Lancaster House is known for its ornate interiors, grand staircases, and opulent state rooms. Its close resemblance to Buckingham Palace has made it a popular filming location for other productions as well – including The Crown and The King’s Speech.
The space is not usually open to the public, but as Lancaster House sits beside St James’s Palace and Green Park you can wander through the gardens and admire the exterior while also visiting Buckingham Palace.
5. Scottish special: Inveraray Castle
The Season 3 Christmas special took viewers to Inveraray Castle in Argyll, western Scotland. The estate stood in as Duneagle Castle, the fictional home of Lord and Lady Flintshire – relatives of the Crawley family. Filming took place in and around the castle, with scenes set in the formal dining room, grand hallway, and expansive gardens.
Inveraray Castle is the ancestral seat of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell, and remains a working estate. It’s open to visitors from April to October. You can access the main rooms used in filming, including the Armoury Hall with its 21-metre ceiling and extensive weaponry collection.
The surrounding town of Inveraray, situated on the edge of Loch Fyne, also featured in the episode.
6. Bonus Downton Abbey filming locations
Over six seasons Downton Abbey has taken fans to several other sites in England and Scotland. Let’s explore!
Byfleet Manor, Surrey – The Dowager’s house
Byfleet Manor was used as the home of Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess. The manor appeared throughout the series during her private conversations, scathing remarks, and quieter moments. It is privately owned and not open for general public visits.
Horsted Keynes Station, West Sussex – Downton’s railway scenes
Several of the show’s train station scenes were filmed at Horsted Keynes, part of the Bluebell Railway heritage line. Its original Edwardian-era features make it a perfect stand-in for period travel. From here you can ride a steam train!
Beamish Museum, County Durham – Industrial and working-class settings
The Beamish Living Museum of the North was used for scenes depicting post-war industry and the lives of working-class characters. You can visit this open-air museum, which authentically recreates life in Northern England in the early 20th century.
London locations – various scenes
Several other famous London spots featured throughout the Downton Abbey series. Kensington Gardens was used for a memorable heart-to-heart between Lady Mary and Lord Gillingham. The National Gallery appears in Series 5 when Lady Grantham visits to study Renaissance art.
Rules Restaurant, London’s oldest eatery, was a favourite haunt of Lady Edith, while The Ritz hosted the final episode’s reunion between Edith and Bertie Pelham. Syon House, tucked away in Belgravia, stood in for Lady Mary’s London residence in Series 4. And the historic legal district’s Middle Temple Lane doubled for York in Series 5.
Cogges Manor Farm, Oxfordshire – Yew Tree Farm
This historic working farm and open-air museum near Oxford was used for some outdoor village scenes in seasons 4 and 5 of the TV series. Its authentic medieval and Tudor buildings helped create the rural atmosphere needed for certain countryside moments.
That’s our guide to the top Downton Abbey filming locations. Will you seek any of them out?