Three years ago, I embarked on a journey that every Downton Abbey fan dreams of: visiting the iconic Highclere Castle and the charming village of Bampton during our trip through South England. Back then, it felt like stepping into a story I had watched unfold on screen countless times. Now, with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale hitting cinemas, I find myself reliving those memories, feeling the magic all over again, and eager to share them here in depth.
Walking through these (filming) locations, I was struck by how tangible the series’ world becomes in real life: from the grandeur of Highclere’s halls to the quaint streets of Bampton. And if you ask me whether a visit to these places is worth it, my honest answer is: absolutely! I’ll never forget the moment we drove up to Highclere Castle, catching sight of its towers little by little – it literally brought tears to my eyes. If you ever have the chance, don’t hesitate to go! Everything you need to know for your visit, I’ve gathered for you in this post.
Highclere Castle: The Real Downton Abbey
Quick Guide for visiting Highclere Castle
How to get there:
Highclere Castle is settled in Hampshire, about 5 miles south of Newbury. Best reached by car; nearest train stations are Newbury or Whitchurch (Hants) with a short taxi ride.
Tickets & best time to visit:
Spring and summer are the main visiting seasons – advance booking is highly recommended! There are different kind of tickets and bundles, e. g. only entrance to the castle and grounds or with an additional afternoon tea and guided tour.
My ticket recommendation:
Consider splurging on the more “special” tickets, as they are limited in number. When we visited, there were only two time slots available – a morning and an afternoon tour – which significantly reduced the total number of visitors throughout the day. Especially while exploring the castle grounds, there were moments when it truly felt like we had the place all to ourselves!
What to See:
Interiors: All the rooms on the first and second floor you know from the series and the movies (and rooms that haven’t appeared on screen). The Music, Smoking, Drawing and Dining Room, the bedrooms and – of course – the staircase into the Great Hall.
Exhibitions: Egyptian Exhibition detailing the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and Tutankhamun
Important to note: Photography and video recordings are strictly prohibited inside the castle, as it is the private residence of the Carnarvon family.
Gardens and parkland: There are several gardens that invite you to wander, along with wildflower meadows, the Etruscan Temple, and a number of smaller buildings scattered across the grounds. Just behind the castle, you’ll also find a small gift shop. And whatever you do, don’t miss the magnificent old trees and, of course, Mary’s bench underneath.
Good to know: There are no time-restrictions for the surrounding areas, so I recommend taking your time to explore everything.
My personal impressions:
I’ll never forget the moment I walked towards Highclere Castle, which I knew so well from many, many hours I spent watching Downton Abbey. And by stepping through Highclere’s grand entrance, I felt a thrill of recognition.
I walked down the same sweeping staircase as Lady Mary on her wedding day, imagining her poised footsteps and the whispers of Crawley family drama echoing around me. I passed through the Library, with its tall shelves and sunlit windows and stood in the Dining Room, where it was so easy to picture the whole Crawley family sitting around the long table as the footmen served dinner.
The only downside (if there’s any to name!) is that all the “downstairs” scenes with the servants were filmed in a studio. So these rooms aren’t part of the castle tour. But don’t let that disappoint you, as there’s still so much to explore!
Outside, the gardens were alive with color and fragrance as we were visiting in mid-June. Wandering along the White Border, I paused to take in the roses and perennials. Make sure not to miss the gardens, and take the time to explore and truly enjoy everything – above all, let Highclere Castle, aka Downton Abbey, impress you from every angle. I was especially captivated by the enormous trees, which so beautifully reflect the age and character of the estate. Lady Mary’s bench, nestled beneath one of these majestic trees, is the perfect spot to pause for a moment and let it all sink in.
Bampton: A Stroll Through Downton Village
Quick Guide for your Bampton Visit
How to get there:
Bampton is in Oxfordshire, about 20 miles west of Oxford – and therefore not, as shown in the series, anywhere near Highclere Castle! It’s accessible by car or via Oxford and then local buses. The village is used in both the series and the films as the on-screen setting for the fictional village of Downton.
What to see:
- St Mary’s Church: St. Michael & All Angels in the series, used as the setting for several weddings and for Matthew Crawley’s grave
- Churchyard & Square in Front of the Church: used for a lot of village scenes
- Bampton Library: used as the village hospital
- Churchgate House: right next to the church, Isobel Crawley’s house in the series
- Post Office & Village Streets: Downton Post Office and shops
My tip for your Bampton visit:
One of the most charming ways to explore Bampton is by walking the so-called Downton Mile. This gentle route takes you past all the key filming spots from the series and films. It’s an easy walk, perfect for taking photos, pausing on the benches by the church, and soaking in the quiet charm of this very real English village that became such an iconic fictional one.
We had the absolute best day at Highclere Castle and Bampton and for every fan it’s a must-visit! Being there, I felt both the grandeur of aristocratic life and the warmth of a lived-in home. Especially Bampton gives you a glimpse into the real life in the English countryside. It’s a tiny, but beautifully authentic village where time seems to have stood still. And after a visit of both Highclere Castle and Bampton, you’ll definitely watch Downton Abbey with entirely new eyes!
With much love,
Teresa