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As Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale graces silver screens in cinemas from 12 September, relive the magic of the movies and television series by visiting Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey in Hampshire.
Highclere Castle – The Home of Downton Abbey
Instantly recognisable, Highclere Castle is the star of six Downton Abbey television series and three feature films. Highclere Castle once again takes centre stage as the Crawley family home in The Grand Finale.
Located in north Hampshire, Highclere Castle is home to Lord and Lady Carnarvon and is open to visitors on selected dates throughout the year including special events and tours.
Visiting Highclere Castle offers the chance to walk in the footsteps of the Crawleys and experience the grandeur of one of Britain’s most beloved stories. Fans can tour the castle’s state rooms, its sweeping staircase, grand dining room, manicured gardens, and parkland designed by Capability Brown.
There’s also a fascinating Egyptian Exhibition in the cellars, a lesser-known highlight linked to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s 16 years working in Egypt with Howard Carter culminating in their discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Highclere Castle is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and there several walks that can be enjoyed throughout the year as well as some seasonal walks taking in some of the Castle’s parkland, lakes, and buildings.
Beyond Highclere, explore the charming Hampshire countryside, town, and villages close to the Castle including Whitchurch with its 19th century silk mill on the River Test, and the birthplace of Jane Austen in Steventon where visitors can follow in the footsteps of the author on the Overton Jane Austen Trails.
Travel tip: Highclere Castle is just over an hour from London, making it an easy trip for international fans.
Find out more about Downton Abbey in Hampshire
Plan your visit to Highclere Castle
Where to stay and eat when visiting Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle has two restored lodges for those seeking the special experience of staying on the estate.
For the ultimate Downton Abbey experience, the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire offers an exclusive and private tour of Highclere Castle by the eighth Countess of Carnarvon.
There are also some excellent pubs nearby including The Carnarvon Arms and The Watership Down Inn (named after the nearby Watership Down where the eponymous novel is set) which both have comfortable rooms and serve excellent food.
Find the perfect place to stay during your Downton Abbey tour
Discover more places to eat in Hampshire
More Downton Abbey filming locations near to Hampshire
Further afield, the National Trust’s Basildon Park is just a short trip from Hampshire, a location that features in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale as Grantham House as the Crawley family’s London residence.
In London, the Richmond Theatre, was used the opening scene of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, where the Crawley family attends a show.
