Where was the Downton Abbey finale filmed?

It’s time to return to Downton Abbey for the last time, as The Grand Finale has hit cinemas.

It’s been 15 years since showrunner Julian Fellowes’ beloved period drama first dropped on ITV (no, we can’t believe it either), but all good things must come to an end.

After six seasons and two feature films, the cinematic trilogy – and franchise as a whole – is over, and we’ve all got to say a fond, tearful farewell to Downton.

For fans, the iconic mansion has become a huge part of our lives, and defined the show just as much as the drama and emotion between its walls.

But what about the real life location? There isn’t an actual Downton Abbey itself by name, but the castle location itself is very real.

Here’s everything you need to know…

Where was the Downton Abbey movie filmed?

The Downton Abbey TV series and the whole movie trilogy were filmed largely at Highclere castle, which has long been used to represent Downton Abbey itself.

The castle and its 5,000-acre estate can be found in Hampshire.

The building was first built in 1679, but has seen a fair amount of remodelling since then.

As well as being where Downton Abbey was filmed, Highclere was also a filming location for Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry’s classic comedy Jeeves and Wooster.

Who owns Highclere castle?

Highclere castle is owned by the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.

The official website reads: ‘Lord and Lady Carnarvon are both deeply involved with the Castle and the Estate. Lord Carnarvon’s passion for the land, the farm and sustainability drives everything he does.

‘Together they have interpreted and reinvented Highclere’s role as an estate in the modern world.’

Meanwhile, you could even get a taste of Downton yourself, as the Highclere Estate ‘occasionally has properties available for rental across the estate from time to time’.

The website adds: ‘The properties are let to tenants on an Assured Short Hold Tenancy or Common Law Tenancy for a minimum period of twelve months and all properties are let unfurnished.

‘If you are interested in rental property please email estateoffice@highclerecastle.co.uk’

Highclere Castle tours

Tours are available at Highclere throughout the year, which ‘reflect the seasons, the history and of course Downton Abbey’.

The website warns that most of them require pre-booking, so it’s best to check before you travel.

For autumn 2025, the estate is offering Real Lives & Film Sets Guided Tours costing £140 per adult, or £85 for children between four and 16 years old.

There are also events already in the calendar including Christmas at Highclere, as well as the spring and summer public openings for 2026.

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