The film offers one last glimpse of the magnificent walls of Downton Abbey, where generations of secrets, tears, laughter, and romances will forever linger in its halls.
The last installment of the period series Downton Abbey arrives with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the cinematic return of the Crawley family, the global phenomenon that had millions of viewers glued to their screens every week. This time, the movie moves the plot to the 1930s, when Mary becomes involved in a public scandal as the family faces financial troubles, nothing new under the roof of Downton Abbey. With the beginning of a new decade, the old world of noblemen, historic mansions, and teatime at five o’clock slowly vanishes, and with it, the lifestyle of the Crawley family.
After six seasons and three films, the British production is finally ready to say goodbye to the audiences who loyally followed the adventures and tensions of this aristocratic clan. With a golden cast led by Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, and the late Maggie Smith, Downton Abbey has become a true landmark in period dramas. From the sinking of the Titanic and the First World War to the rise of the labour movement, the series captured everything while maintaining its perfect sets and showcasing the stunning scenery of the English countryside.
But now it is time to say goodbye to the Crawleys. As the final chapter of their story reaches the big screen, let’s take a look at the beautiful locations where Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale was filmed.
Highclere Castle, Berkshire
Photo by @michelledockery.fanpage“Long live Downton Abbey,” claims the great Lady Mary before taking one final glimpse of her home and the memories held within its walls. Of course, there is no better way to begin this guide than by mentioning Highclere Castle, where everything began and ended, completing an emotional full circle that left viewers weeping in their seats.
The library, dining room, foyer, hall, and some of the bedrooms were filmed there, so it is fair to say that Downton itself is, in fact, Highclere Castle, located about sixty-five miles west of London. The good news is that the castle and gardens are open to visitors, so now it is up to you to continue the Downton Abbey story in your own way.
Richmond Theatre, Richmond
Photo by @michelledockery.fanpageLord and Lady Grantham visit Richmond Theatre in Surrey to enjoy the big musical number performed by Guy Dexter, whom we already met in the previous film, when he took their beloved butler Thomas Barrow with him. This British Victorian theatre, located on Little Green, dates back to 1899, when it opened its doors with a Shakespeare’s As You Like It.
It is now a beautiful Grade II-listed venue with a wide range of shows, ranging from pre- and post-West End drama to musicals, opera, and dance performances.
Bridgewater House, London
Photo by @michelledockery.fanpageOf course, in case they want to leave for a couple of days, the family owns a residence in London known as Grantham House, whose magnificent entrance with Tuscan pillars was filmed at Bridgewater House in Westminster. This Grade I-listed building was originally built around 1626 for Thomas Howard, Earl of Berkshire, using pale Bath limestone and rising three stories with smooth columns.
Through its later owners, the mansion gathered significant art collections, becoming a rich representation of Neoclassical architecture in London. Since it is a private property, its interior is not open to visitors, but its façade remains an architectural gem and a great filming location for lovers of Downton Abbey.
Basildon Park, Berkshire
Photo by @michelledockery.fanpageFans of the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice will be familiar with the interiors of Basildon Park, a Berkshire estate which has also been featured in 2009’s Dorian Gray, Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, and Bridgerton, among many others. It serves as the interior of Grantham House, with its stunning red salon being the unmistakable main character in some scenes.
This 18th-century house sits in 162 hectares of historic parkland and gardens, whose peaceful trails offer glorious seasonal colour and amazing winter walks. It is open to the public year-round, but remember to always check before travelling, as you’ll probably need to purchase tickets in advance.
Claydon House, Buckinghamshire
Photo by @michelledockery.fanpageLady Mary and her parents find themselves at a London party featuring an extravagant staircase that does not go unnoticed. This sequence was filmed at Claydon House, chosen for its sumptuous interiors, intricate carvings of fanciful creatures, and exotic designs. Built in the eighteenth century as a demonstration of wealth and status, Claydon House has often been referred to as “an unexpected Georgian jewel.”
