Downton Abbey Filming Locations at Alnwick Castle
Downton Abbey is a British historical drama that follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their staff. Set in the early 20th century, it explores social change and family dynamics. The series is known for its complex characters, stunning period costumes, and magnificent country house settings - leading many to wonder, where is Downton Abbey made?
Alnwick Castle was used as one of the Downton Abbey filming locations for the show, serving as the fictional Brancaster Castle. The show became a global phenomenon and later expanded into a successful film trilogy - and for those wondering where was Downton Abbey filmed, this Northumberland landmark provides the answer. Discover more about Alnwick Castle filming locations, and where it featured within Downton Abbey filming - or explore its role as a world-famous Harry Potter castle location, too.
A Moorland Holiday
Ever wondered about the different Downton Abbey locations used throughout the series? The cast and crew of Downton spent two busy weeks at Alnwick Castle in July and August 2014, filming extensively in the spectacular Alnwick Castle State Rooms, as well as in the grounds and at Hulne Priory within Hulne Park in Alnwick.
Where was Downton Abbey filmed at Alnwick Castle?
Alnwick Castle starred as the Downton Abbey castle in the episode that finds the Crawley family in 1924, when Lady Rose’s father-in-law, Lord Sinderby, rents out Brancaster Castle and the family are invited to a shooting party - fittingly for fans wondering where was Downton Abbey shot.
Surprises are in store when a scandalous secret threatens to undermine the holiday, and some new faces arrive on the scene - another memorable moment among the many Downton Abbey filming locations.
The Finale
In July 2015 Alnwick Castle was once again used as Downton Abbey location, when the cast of Downton returned for another week of filming in the State Rooms, the ramparts, and in the nearby Bow Alley, as well as in St Michael's Church Hall. These scenes would become part of the final-ever episode of the series, broadcast in the UK on Christmas Day that year, cementing Alnwick Castle as one of the most recognisable Downton Abbey filming locations.
This episode features Brancaster under the ownership of Lady Edith's fiancé Bertie Pelham, now Lord Hexham. Lord and Lady Grantham join Edith at Brancaster, where they meet Bertie's formidable mother and decide the future of Edith's relationship with Bertie once and for all. A standout sequence for fans exploring where Downton Abbey was filmed.
Explore Downton Abbey filming locations
To explore one of the most iconic Downton Abbey filming locations and see where Downton Abbey was made, book Alnwick Castle tickets online today.