The National Trust of England, Wales and Northern Ireland played a starring role in Downton Abbey. Become a member of Royal Oak, the American partner of the National Trust to experience the real-life places behind your favorite show!
Our unforgettable tour explores the architectural grandeur and superb collections of some of Britain’s finest estates and atmospheric time capsules, some still family homes to this day. From the world-famous Highclere Castle, the ‘real Downton Abbey’, to the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace, and beyond, we discover several historic treasures and their society stories and indulge in the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea at the exquisite Chatsworth House.
We juxtapose these fine manor houses with the dramatic landscapes of the north of England, providing us with the perfect opportunity to explore Britain’s rich heritage and diverse countryside.
Dates:
July 16th to 25th, 2023
Open to Royal Oak members. Join today and save 10% with code ROF10.
Learn About Filming Locations for the Series and Movie
Basildon Park and Lacock Abbey and Village are just two National Trust properties featured in the Downton series and movie!
Basildon Park
The interiors of Basildon Park are used as the Crawley family’s London residence, Grantham House. In the season five finale this elegant Georgian mansion was at the heart of Lady Rose and Atticus Aldridges’ wedding. Basildon Park played host to all of the much loved regular characters from the show.
During the London Season episode in 2013, the house was at the center of the unfolding story as the family prepared for Rose’s coming out ball in the capital. Shirley MacLaine reprised her role as Martha Levinson and Paul Giamatti joined the cast as Cora’s playboy brother, Harold.
Lacock Abbey and Village
For the final series of Downton Abbey, the Wiltshire village of Lacock starred in the beloved ITV drama for the first time.
In February 2015 the Downton Abbey crew transformed Church Street into a 1920s livestock market. Sheep, pigs and a 1-tonne long-horned bull joined the cast, as well as many ‘extras’, creating a bustling market scene attended by Lord Grantham, his family and many of the staff.
Watch Behind the Scenes Videos of the Downton Series and Movie
Take a look at two short videos of the filming of Downton.
Continue the Journey
Become a Member of Royal Oak and Experience Downton in Person
For more on special places to visit at the Trust, consider becoming a member of the Royal Oak Foundation. In addition to receiving unlimited entry to over 500 sites belonging to the National Trust of England, Wales, & Northern Ireland and the National Trust for Scotland, members receive a host of other benefits such as discounted travel packages and hotels, and reduced admission prices for select events.
Join today and save 10% with code ROF10
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