Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale was out in cinemas on Friday, giving fans the chance to see how the beloved series comes to an end. The story follows Lord Robert Grantham (portrayed by Hugh Bonneville), effectively passing control of the estate to his eldest daughter Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) during the 1930s
Fans of Downton Abbey can visit the grand stately pile that the Crawley family made their home.
On Friday, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale hit the screens of cinemas across the country, delivering a silver screen end to the beloved series that has enchanted ITV viewers since it aired in 2010. While the Crawley family’s escapades are fictionalised, the building that stands in for Downton is very much real.
Highclere Castle is a Grade I listed country house built in 1679 and largely renovated during the 1840s. The 5,000-acre estate sits in Highclere in Hampshire, about five miles south of Newbury, Berkshire. The 19th-century renovation is in a Jacobethan and Italianate style and produced by architect Charles Barry.
Today, it is the country seat of the Earls of Carnarvon, a branch of the Anglo-Welsh Herbert family. A particularly lovely feature of the property is the park that surrounds it, which was designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century.
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Looking back on when she initially discovered the venue, producer Liz Trubridge said: “I do remember it very well because I had goosebumps. The grounds at Highclere are astonishing and there is a long drive up to the house which finally reveals itself as you turn a particular corner. It’s utterly breathtaking.
“The day we went there for the first time there was slight mist and this incredibly imposing house, castle, standing in its glory with this stunning landscape surrounding it. It was a magical vision and we knew instinctively we’d found our home, Downton Abbey.”
The house, Egyptian exhibition, and gardens are open to the public for self-guided tours during the summer months and at other times during the rest of the year, such as Christmas and Easter. The house also holds ticketed events, such as the Battle Proms picnic concert, and special guided tours throughout the year.
A day out at Highclere is not cheap. According to its website, the cheapest adult entry for 2026 costs £26 a person, with kids’ tickets £15.
This latest Downton flick follows Lord Robert Grantham (portrayed by Hugh Bonneville) as he effectively passes control of the estate to his eldest daughter Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) during the 1930s.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale also tracks Lady Mary as she moves through society as a divorced woman, while the employees of the magnificent estate will experience developments in their personal circumstances as the era progresses.
There are other real-life locations that feature heavily in Downton that fans can visit. The Grand Finale showcases scenes at Royal Ascot as one of the film’s two major spectacles depicting the London social season — the other being the Petersfield Ball.
Producer Gareth Neame explained the decision to film the Royal Ascot sequence: “We couldn’t film at Royal Ascot because it’s completely modernised now, so we found the beautiful Ripon Racecourse in North Yorkshire and that was exactly what we were after.
“We filmed over four days and had the most amazing weather of the entire summer during our time in Yorkshire.”
Enthusiasts can certainly visit Ripon Racecourse, with the venue’s website detailing various family events featuring activities suitable for all ages, alongside regular race meetings.
The County Fair sequences were also shot in Ripon, Yorkshire, featuring scenes with farm animals, carnival attractions and hundreds of background performers.
Visitors can explore Ripon in Yorkshire, a region rich in heritage where tourists can discover attractions such as the town’s medieval cathedral, historic abbey Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, plus stately residence Newby Hall and Gardens.
The sophisticated Petersfield Ball was shot at 18th-century estate Claydon House in Buckinghamshire, a National Trust site accessible to visitors. Guests can wander through the opulent country house with its striking chambers and 400-year heritage, plus its charming links to nurse Florence Nightingale.
The Claydon Saloon also served as the primary ballroom in the production and featured the moments where Lady Mary finds herself embroiled in controversy. Basildon Park, Berkshire — Another gem from the National Trust, Basildon Park in Berkshire, also makes an appearance in the film. Scenes were shot in the reception rooms, the Hall, Dining Room, Drawing Room and Octagon Room.
