Downton Abbey: From Film Screen to Camera Roll 

With popular location-based series like Downton Abbey, Emily in Paris and The Crown, I can see how many people, including myself, would be inspired to explore these destinations to walk in the footsteps of our favourite characters or see where the real history unfolded.

One of my favourite TV and film series that’s inspired me to travel is Downton Abbey - I describe it as a warm hug on a winter’s day as it’s been a real source of comfort and escapism.

Bampton

The Cotswold village of Bampton is used for many of the village scenes in Downton, fans like me will recognise the Church where weddings and burials took place and the pretty detached house which is used as Cousin Isobel’s dwelling. I even spotted a map for a Downton Trail that you can follow there too!

Lacock

On the southern edge of The Cotswold's is Lacock village, a location cared for by the National Trust.  

Lacock is packed with film and photography history that even fresh eyes may feel a sense of familiarity with it. I certainly could make myself right at home amongst the quaint cottages adorned with roses in the summer, before browsing the honesty stalls on my neighbours doorstep or seeing what smells stir my appetite inside the local bakery.

The honey coloured stone and half-timbered buildings transport you back to an enchanting bygone era, so it’s no surprise to see it pop up in the background of Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.  

Amazingly (and rather fittingly) Lacock Abbey is a place where an early form of photography was invented! I recommend going inside to learn more and ask a guide about the Abbey’s history inside the cloisters.

Downton fans may be surprised to know many of these film locations are actually in and around southern England and not Yorkshire like they’re depicted in the series, including of course…

Highclere Castle

Most notably Highclere Castle in Hampshire has become synonymous with Downton - having rewatched the new film sequel ‘Downton Abbey: A New Era’ recently I’m all the keener to take a tour of the castle at some point… and maybe book an Afternoon tea so I can for a moment believe I’m an invited guest of the Lord and Lady!

As these locations appear to be largely untouched by modern development, I expect they’ll be used time and time again for fictional films or documentaries - a simple online search for the location and reading blogs (like this one!) is all I need to plan my next adventure inside the TV screen.

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