‘Downton Abbey’ travel: See filming locations, exhibits, more
The long-running PBS series "Downton Abbey" was filmed mostly at England's 5,000-acre Highclere Castle property. Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette / Patricia Sheridan
What’s a “Downton Abbey” fan to do now that the series is over?
Consider a trip to soothe your sorrows. There are castles and film locations in the U.K. and Gilded Age mansions and a touring costume exhibit in the U.S.
1. HIGHCLERE CASTLE, Hampshire, England Step back into English history at this 5,000-acre castle, which is about 45 miles from London and was where most of “Downton” was filmed. Highclere has been the home of the Earls of Carnarvon since 1679 and is open to the public 60 to 70 days a year in spring and summer. Several private tour operators, such as Collette, offer trips that guarantee access to Highclere.
2. INVERARAY CASTLE, Argyll, Scotland Inveraray was the setting for the fictional Duneagle Castle, home to the Grantham cousins and the headstrong Lady Rose. The Gothic-revival-style castle, which dates to the 1750s, features many neoclassical rooms and boasts a collection of more than 1,300 pikes, muskets, swords and other weapons.
INFO inveraray-castle.com/downton-abbey.html
3. DUNDAS CASTLE, Edinburgh Immerse yourself in the flavor of the series at this authentic castle that dates to the 15th century. The venue’s “Downton Experience” starts at $3,500 per day and includes activities such as cooking with the castle’s private chef, polishing silver, fine dining and game shooting.
INFO dundascastle.co.uk
4. NEWPORT, Rhode Island This coastal city is known for its Gilded Age mansions, such as the Breakers and the Elms, that were built and owned by the nouveau riche in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These estates are filled with art and antiques and set on lavishly landscaped grounds. You may recall the Earl of Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) married a woman from one of those rich American families because he needed her fortune to secure his estate.
INFO discovernewport.org
5. ‘DRESSING DOWNTON’ EXHIBITION, Chicago Do you love drop-waist dresses, elbow-length gloves and festive hats? Don’t miss “Dressing Downton,” a traveling exhibition at the Richard H. Driehaus Museum in Chicago that features period clothing and jewelry worn by servants as well as lords and ladies. Click on the Tour link for upcoming locations, including California and Florida.
INFO dressingdownton.com
