If you’re a Downton Abbey fan planning a trip to England, finding the actual Downton Abbey locations in London is an absolute must. While the iconic Highclere Castle (the real-life Downton Abbey estate) is the crown jewel on every fan’s bucket list, getting in is notoriously tricky. Tickets sell out faster than you can say, “so what is a weekend?” The good news? There are three more incredible filming locations you can visit, and they’re far easier to access.
1. The Criterion Restaurant – Now Masala Zone (London)
Located at Piccadilly Circus in the heart of London, the Criterion is one of the most recognizable Downton Abbey locations in London. You may remember it as the restaurant where Lady Edith Crawley meets Michael Gregson for dinner. The jaw-dropping gold mosaic ceiling, marble walls inlaid with semi-precious stones, and grand Neo-Byzantine architecture make it instantly recognizable and utterly stunning in person.
Located within the city of London at Piccadilly Circus, this restaurant oozes elegance and style. The opulent tile work and gilded ceilings provide so much eye candy that you’ll be staring at the ceiling more than your plate. Even before appearing in Downton Abbey, this restaurants had a few more famous patrons and a fascinating history. The Criterion’s bar is where Sir Arthur Conan Doyal first imagined the meeting between Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The restaurant even has one of the first edition copies on display with the paragraph appropriately marked. If you go, you might also want to ask your server where Batman sat as this was also a key location in the movie The Dark Knight. How’s that for star-studded!
Important update for visitors: The original Criterion Restaurant has changed hands. Since 2023, the space has been home to Masala Zone, from the team behind celebrated London fine dining restaurants Chutney Mary and Veeraswamy. The good news is that Masala Zone implemented an innovative framework ensuring nothing impacts the structural integrity or design of the Grade II* listed site, so the gorgeous interiors that appeared on screen are still very much intact.
2. Basildon Park – Berkshire
Just over an hour’s drive from London, Basildon Park is one of the most enchanting Downton Abbey filming locations you can visit. This elegant 18th-century National Trust property was used as the interior of Grantham House (the Crawley family’s London residence) during the Season 4 Christmas Special.
You’ll recognize the ballroom where Lady Rose danced through the summer season, the library’s poker game, and the picnic grounds. Walking through it feels like stepping directly onto the Downton set.
3. Bampton Village – Oxfordshire
No guide to Downton Abbey locations would be complete without Bampton. This charming Oxfordshire village served as the fictional village of Downton itself throughout the entire series. If it weren’t for the occasional modern car, you’d swear you’d walked onto the set.
You’ll instantly recognize Bampton as the imagined village of Downton. If it weren’t for the modern cars, you’d swear you stepped right into the series. Here you’ll find the church where both Lady Edith and Lady Mary got married, Mrs. Crawley’s house, the “cottage hospital”, the library, and the pub.
Walking the streets, you feel like you’re in Downton and that at any moment Mrs. Crawley or Tom will come walking by. Loved it!
Insider Tips for Visiting Downton Abbey Locations In London
Day trip combo: Basildon Park and Bampton are both doable as day trips from London, or you can combine them into a two-day Downton road trip through the English countryside.
Can’t get into Highclere Castle? Don’t stress! These three locations are arguably more accessible and just as rewarding for die-hard fans.
While in London, Piccadilly Circus is easy to reach by Tube (Piccadilly Circus station). Combine your visit to Masala Zone/Criterion with a stroll around the West End.
Disclosure – I was being hosted by Great Britain for this trip. As always, all thoughts and enthusiasm for Downton Abbey are entirely my own.
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Originally published in 2014. Updated in 2026
Gorgeous! I love Downton Abbey, and these are great ideas of places to go if you can’t get into the actual castle. I’ll take note for when I get to Great Britain at some stage 🙂
I needed this post! All Downton fans thank you for the useful info.
When I started traveling I’ve never been to London yet and your post makes me change my travel list. 😀 But anyway, I’m so excited to explore Downtown Abbey when I visit London this summer. Thanks!
What a fun trip! I would enjoy this even though I don’t follow Downton Abbey.
I’ve never actually seen Downtown Abbey, but even so these locations look gorgeous. Bampton village looks like it should be something straight out of the movies!
What? You’ve never seen it? You’re in for a binge-watching marathon treat. 😉
This would be a dream vacation! I am a huge fan of the show and these pictures are beautiful! Definitely bookmarked!
Yay, this is right up our alley! We’ve been to most of their locations, but planning to visit some new ones as well. Thanks for the great tips 🙂
I really enjoy your photos and would be interested to see if you ever went to the Sherborne castle in Dorset. Please keep posting.
I haven’t made it yet to Sherborne Castle or Highclere either! Both are on my list next time we visit. Thank you for reading!