Trip Tips: A tour of ‘Downton Abbey’ destinations

From wandering around the Victorian stately home that is the centrepiece of the show to afternoon tea at the home of the Dowager Countess of Grantham, visitors can enjoy their own moments of intrigue and drama at the following Downton Abbey destinations. The article below is an edited version of a blog compiled by the travel site GoEuro.co.uk.

Highclere Castle, the setting for Downton Abbey

Undoubtedly the jewel among the many splendid Downton locations on the list, Highclere Castle in Newbury, Berkshire is where the series is set. The castle is the home of the eighth Earl of Carnarvon and his wife and is open during the summer months, when the earl and countess move to a summer cottage, and on select days during the rest of the year. Tickets have already sold out for 2015 so visitors need to plan well ahead.

Basildon Park, used for Grantham House

Also located in Berkshire, Basildon Park is used in the series as the fictional Earl of Grantham’s London residence, Grantham House. A Georgian mansion owned by the National Trust, the house offers Downton fans a behind-the-scenes video and guided tours throughout November.

Inveraray Castle Scotland, used as Gleneagle Castle

This beautiful Scottish castle was the setting for the 2012 Christmas episode where many juicy plot lines were hatched. It is the family home of the dukes of Argyll and is the seat of the Clan Campbell. The stunning castle and grounds, located on the shores of Loch Fyne, are open to visitors from April through October and offer an array of activities and events.

London

The Criterion and Rules, two of London’s oldest restaurants.

The Criterion opened in 1873 and remains one of the most luxurious places to dine in the capital. This is where Lady Edith and Michael Gregson shared their first kiss and where he laid out his doomed plans to go to Germany in order to divorce his mentally ill wife and be with Edith. Visitors can absorb the decadence and feel the excitement of a secret lunch date here, or stop in for a cocktail at the long bar.

Season five also saw Downton characters dining at London’s oldest restaurant, Rules. Founded in 1798 by Thomas Rule as an oyster bar just off the market in Covent Garden, it now serves traditional British food and has been a dining favourite of the rich and famous throughout its more than 200-year history.

Surrey and Sussex, England

Byfleet Manor (The Dowager’s House) and Horsted Keynes Station (Downton Train Station)

Nestled in Byfleet near Surrey, Byfleet Manor is a private house that is used as the location for the Dowager Countess of Grantham’s residence. Most recently in the Downton universe, the imperious Dowager, Violet, and Isobel Crawley have been seen taking tea there and debating whether Isobel will in fact marry Lord Merton. The house is private and not usually open to the public to visit although it can be booked for private events and takes private reservations for afternoon tea.

Horsted Keynes Station, used as Downton Station

Nearby in West Sussex is Horsted Keynes Station, which is used as Downton Station in the series. The actual station of Horsted Keynes is on the Bluebell Railway, a preserved 11-mile (18-kilometre) line that uses steam trains. Afternoon tea is served on some trains on the railway line, which also hosts Christmas and other events.

Oxfordshire, England

Bampton (Downton Village)

Last but not least is the location for the village where Downton is set. Downton Village is fictional and is supposed to be located in Yorkshire, northern England, but is actually filmed in Bampton in Oxfordshire, hundreds of miles to the south. The village is historic and picturesque, and its easy access to London made it perfect for filming. Here visitors will find St. Mary’s church, which can be seen in many Downton episodes, and the pub which serves as the Grantham Arms in the series. (Editing by Michael Roddy and Susan Fenton)