To celebrate the launch of the Downton Abbey Movie this month, we have highlighted some of the prettiest locations from the series
01
Highclere Castle, UK

To TV fans, this 17th-century castle near Newbury is known as Downton Abbey. To the family that live there, it is known as Highclere Castle. While it is about to enjoy its moment on the big screen this month, Highclere Castle has a rich and varied history. It was here that the Constitution of Canada was drawn up in 1867, in 1922 the 5th Earl of Carnarvon set sail for Egypt was one of the men who discovered Tutankhamen’s Tomb. While the current Earl’s father was HM The Queen’s racing manager from 1969 to 2001. The family welcome visitors to the estate and run a host of special events throughout the year. From 2020 you can get there even faster as the Belmond British Pullman will be whisking guests to the castle. Speak to your Lightfoot Travel Designer about claiming a seat.

Highclere Castle Downton Abbey editorial only

02
West Wycombe House, UK

The grand interior of this National Trust property serves as the home of Aunt Rosamund in Belgrave Square. As the Downton team are pretending that it’s a VIP hideaway in London, you don’t get to see the sprawling gardens filled with Palladian architecture. However, if you visit during the summer months you will be able to discover what you are missing. Enjoy a picnic in the grounds or look out for one of outdoor theatre performances.

west wycombe house

03
Alnwick Castle, UK

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland has already had its brush with fame before Downton Abbey – it starred as Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies. However, Downton Abbey fans will recognise it as Brancaster Castle, where they Crawley family went grouse shooting. The castle throws open its doors to visitors and organises an array of activities including medieval jousts and historical tours for history buffs as well as wizarding workshops for Potter fans.

Alnwick Castle

04
Inveraray Castle, Scotland

The home of the Duke of Argyll starred as Duneagle Castle, the home of the Crawley’s cousins. While the Crawleys might not have had such a great time there during the cliff-hanger Christmas special, you’re sure to have fun strolling around the grounds of this historical home in Scotland. If you are there during July 2020, you have also got a chance of seeing Inveraray Castle’s Highland Games.

Inveraray Castle Scotland

05
Kensington Gardens, UK

It was at the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens, London, where Lady Mary parted ways with Lord Gillingham. Well, if you’re going to be dumped, it might as well be in a picturesque Royal park. Take a tour of the famed Serpentine Galleries, stop by the imaginative Diana Playground with the tots or visit Kensington Palace, the official residence of HRH the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Kensington Gardens

06
Bampton, UK

Take a short stroll around the Cotswolds village of Bampton and you’re sure to recognise a few of the buildings for it’s Bampton, which is the setting for Downton Village. Its old rectory stars as Isobel Crawley’s house, its former grammar school was the Downton village hospital and St Mary’s church became St Michael and All Angels – the site of many a Crawley wedding or christening.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City Hanoi, Mai Chau & Ha Long Bay Hue, Hoi An & Danang

  • Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, including St. Joseph Cathedral, Hoa Lo Prison, and Huu Tiep Lake
  • Amble along Hanoi’s railway tracks, capturing stunning photographs as you go
  • Sail around Halong Bay and witness the limestone karst islets of Con Vit and Gia Luan
  • Visit Hue and enjoy a boat ride along the Perfume River
  • Cycle around Hoi An's paddy fields and charming streets, and visit the Cham Ruins of My Son
ideal length 11 nights

Mexico's Colonial Heartland & Pacific Coast

Mexico City Mexico's Colonial Cities North America

  • Explore the pre-Columbian city of Teotihuacan
  • Wander around the Baroque monuments of Queretaro
  • Visit the historic centre and artisans’ quarters of San Miguel de Allende
  • Discover Mexico City's local food and wine with a cookery class and vineyard visit
  • Relax at the idyllic beach resort of Ixtapa
ideal length 13 nights

Ultimate Peru

Lima Peruvian Amazon Cusco, Sacred Valley, & Machu Picchu Lake Titicaca

  • Explore Lima’s colonial architecture and vibrant districts

  • Tour the magnificent Machu Picchu ruins

  • Take the 1920s-style Belmond Andean Explorer Train to Puno

  • Explore the Amazon on board a luxury yacht

  • Cruise on Lake Titicaca and witnessing the floating reed Uros islands

ideal length 13 nights