Can You Visit Downton Abbey?
Can you visit Downton Abbey? Yes — the famous filming location is Highclere Castle. Learn how to visit and see the real Downton Abbey. Can You Visit Downton Abbey?
Yes, you can visit the real Downton Abbey.
The famous house seen in the television series and films is Highclere Castle, a historic country estate located in Hampshire in southern England.
Highclere Castle opens to visitors on selected dates each year, allowing fans of the show to explore the rooms used in filming and walk through the beautiful surrounding estate.
Because the Castle is a private home, access is limited and visits require some planning.
If you are hoping to see the real Downton Abbey, you can compare available options here:
Highclere Castle & Downton Abbey tours from London
Where Is the Real Downton Abbey?
Downton Abbey is filmed at Highclere Castle, located about 65 miles west of London.
The estate sits in a large area of countryside in Hampshire and has been the home of the Earls of Carnarvon for generations.
Many of the most famous scenes from the series were filmed inside the Castle, including:
The Drawing Room
• the grand staircase
• the drawing rooms
• the dining room
• the library
• the saloon
Fans of the show often recognise these rooms immediately when visiting.
You can read more about the filming locations here:
Where is Downton Abbey filmed
Can You Tour Highclere Castle?
Yes. When the Castle is open to visitors, guests can tour several of the State Rooms used in the television series.
During a visit you can see:
• the grand staircase
• the main saloon
• the dining room
• the library
• exhibitions related to the history of the estate
There is also an Egyptian exhibition in the Castle’s cellars connected to the Carnarvon family’s involvement in the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
Visitors can also explore the gardens and parkland surrounding the estate.
When Is Highclere Castle Open to Visitors?
Highclere Castle does not operate like a normal tourist attraction.
Because it is a private residence, it opens to the public only on selected dates each year.
Typical opening periods include:
• Spring opening dates
• Summer opening season
• Selected autumn days
• Special themed events
Tickets are limited and are often released gradually throughout the year.
As a result, many visitors prefer to book tours that already include entry tickets.
You can view available tours here:
Highclere Castle & Downton Abbey Opening Dates
Can You Visit the Downton Abbey Village?
Yes — many visitors also like to visit the village used as Downton in the series.
Most of the village scenes were filmed in Bampton, a small village in Oxfordshire.
Bampton Church
Several locations from the show can be seen there, including:
• Downton Church
• Isobel Crawley’s house
• Downton Cottage Hospital
• the village green
Some guided tours combine visits to both Highclere Castle and Bampton, allowing fans to see multiple filming locations in a single day.
Is Visiting Downton Abbey Worth It?
For fans of the series, visiting Highclere Castle can be an unforgettable experience.
Standing in the real rooms used during filming brings the world of Downton Abbey to life.
Even for visitors unfamiliar with the series, Highclere Castle remains one of England’s most impressive historic houses, surrounded by beautiful countryside and historic parkland.
Planning Your Visit to Downton Abbey
If you’re planning to visit the real Downton Abbey, these guides may help you prepare:
How to visit Highclere Castle from London