It may not be the most exciting TV series around, but one thing ITV’s period drama Downton Abbey does well is its locations. Follow me on a tour of the real life Downton.
Although it’s supposed to be set in Yorkshire, the fictional village of Downton is played by the West Oxfordshire village of Bampton on the edge of the Cotswolds.
Bampton’s library is used as a hospital in the programme, and also hosts an exhibition called ‘Downton Abbey in Bampton’ with photographs of the film crew at work, and Downton memorabilia for sale. A visitor’s book shows people have come from as far afield as USA, Australia and Dudley.
For 50p, you can buy a map of the filming locations and spot the programme’s two pubs, The Dog and Duck and The Grantham Arms. Diehard Downton fans could even visit the nearby villages of Shilton (where Mr Bates worked in the Red Lion pub) and Cogges (where Mr Drewe’s Yew Tree Farm is set).
Opposite the library, the last house on the corner of the street called Church View plays host to the village post office. As you can see below, there is an unfortunately placed dog-poo bin on the corner in real life, although the producers cover this up with a post-box.
Bampton’s main draw is its old church complete with spire – St. Mary’s, which has a starring role throughout the series. The characters are frequently seen strolling through the churchyard amongst the ancient gravestones.
These are so old, the inscriptions on many are illegible and those that can be read date back to the late 18th century. Next to the church is the Crawley house, pictured below (so I am told by my wife).
When filming takes place, local residents are paid inconvenience money – one person we spoke to said he was paid £80 per day to park his car elsewhere. I noticed a couple of huge military planes coming in to land at the nearby RAF base at Brize Norton – whether the producers also pay out to the RAF to play ball, I don’t know.
If you fancy a pint in Bampton, you might be disappointed to learn that The Dog and Duck and The Grantham Arms aren’t real – pub signs are put on to the outsides of normal houses. Instead, head to The Romany Inn on Bridge Street, which has live music every Saturday night.
Despite the lack of competition, the only restaurant in Bampton’s centre, Biztro, is actually pretty good. And with accommodation upstairs, it makes the perfect base for those who want to stay the night in Bampton.
The stately home scenes are filmed at Highclere Castle near Newbury in Berkshire, over 40 miles away. You can’t just turn up here, tickets must be pre-booked at www.highclerecastle.co.uk – you’ll be looking at £20 per person for a morning or afternoon session seeing the grounds and the house itself.
Fortunately Kat visited with her Downton-obsessed friend earlier this year, saving me a job. Here are two of their best photos.
abitofculture 
I gave up watching Downton some time ago, but I agree the locations are lovely. Btw, thanks for liking my first Cornwall post – it was partly looking at yours that made me finally decide to go there. Not the same area – but leaves so much more to see.
Lucky you – the wife forces me to watch it every Sunday! Looking forward to reading more from you on St. Ives…
Poor you! I enjoyed the first series and thought the second one got too silly so stopped. You can’t escape it though, it’s everywhere.
Your post captures the issue perycetlf!
This is really interesting, when I am next in England, I may well try and follow your lead and visit the same locations! I hope you don’t mind, but I found your sentence about the visitor’s book quite amusing, perhaps because I am from near Dudley! 🙂
Thanks for the comment – it’s a pretty little village worth a stop if you’re nearby!
It’s a fairly impressive pile wherever it really is. I have never watched a single episode of the series, do you think I might get a mention in the Guinness Book of Records?
You deserve a medal!
Nice guide to the sites! The house itself has not been open when I’ve been in England, but I’ll enjoy checking out the other locations.
Highclere Castle does have strange opening times, but my wife tells me it’s definitely worth a visit next time you’re over here!
I find myself quite outraged on behalf of Yorkshire, Richard! And fake facades for pubs? I’m afraid that, like Andrew, I’ve never seen it, and I can’t now, on principle! 🙂 🙂 On the other hand, I would accept £80 to park my car elsewhere 🙂
Now you mention it, surely they could have found a pretty village with a church in your neck of the woods?!
Nice set of photos! Interesting place :)! Bye. Kamila
It’s a lot more interesting in real life than the TV series will ever be!
I’ve never watched Downton Abbey but I have to say this article is a lot more interesting than the drama appears to be!
You’ve done well to stay away – it’s another reason for me to hate Sundays!
I have to admit to having a bit of a Downton fondness (it’s perfect Sunday night stuff!) – didn’t realise they filmed it so near to me though, Bampton’s only about 45 mins so I may have to do my own Downton tour sometime too.
We stopped off in Cheltenham on the way home – you are lucky to live in such a nice place!
Give me a shout if you’re down this way again!
Very interesting. I watch Downton, but doubt I’d ever visit Bampton. Nonetheless it was fun to read about.
It’s a tiny little place and people who travel from abroad to see it must be a bit disappointed! Not too bad for me as it’s only 70 miles from home.
Great guide on the set locations. Am hooked into watching the series now despite Lady Mary’s droning voice…!
There are plenty of annoying characters. I can’t stand Carson, myself!
Looks a nice little village. I am not a Downton fan, saw it a couple of times but it doesn’t hold my interest. Not enough guns and action!
It doesn’t get a look-in now it clashes with the new series of Homeland (which isn’t that great!)
I have stopped watching Downton Abbey too, I think the first 2 (or was it 3?) seasons where really good, but then it was about it. It didn’t help the actors wanted to take roles in US, hence they had to kill their main characters almost on the fly. Anyway, location wise it’s a beautiful place and to be honest I hope I can visit it myself too 🙂
Really good? I wouldn’t go that far! But yes – the locations are very appealing. Hope you get there soon…
Love looking at these historical buildings….. carries so many tales! Great photos 🙂
Cheers, there cam’t be too many older churchyards around!
Unfortunately, I am one of those people who have been hooked onto the series. Thank fully its on a break now, and so am I 🙂 Lovely to see actual pictures of the place and the house I have been only watching on TV.
Thanks for the comment – they’re filming the final series now so you shouldn’t have too long to wait!
Oohh that’s good to know!
I love the show! You should have visited the castle with your wife:)
Fortunately she took her friend there to save me the bother – they loved it!