Live your best Downton Abbey life with these 13 locations tours and experiences

But, this is no time to mourn, as Downton will surely live on forever in the hearts and minds of its fans and, thankfully, in the British countryside.

Across the UK, there are literally hundreds of country houses and luxury days out that allow you to live the real Upstairs experience, from dazzling afternoon teas to historic steam trains. Plus don't forget you can go on tours of the actual Downton Abbey filming locations like the iconic Highclere castle.

So, as Downton super-fans, we've put together 13 of our favourite experiences that would make the perfect Christmas present or treat-yourself day out. Nose up, pinkie out, let's go.

Best Downton Abbey experiences at a glance

Real-life Downton Abbey locations tours

• Downton Abbey London walking tour, £30
• Holy Island, Alnwick Castle and Northumbria day tour, £59
• Downton Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds tour, £79
• Downton Village and Highclere Castle tour, £185
• Christmastime at Downton & Bath Festive Market tour, £229
• London to Southampton transfer with stop at Highclere, £350
• Private Downton Abbey Tour from Oxford, £600
• Downton Abbey and Castle Black Taxi Tour, £879

Luxury UK experiences with the Downton-feel

• Classic Car Driving Experience, £99 £40
• Fortnum & Mason Champagne Afternoon Tea, £191 £160
• Roman Baths and Afternoon Tea at the 5* Royal Crescent Hotel, £165
• Kartel Watch Experience, £195
• Half Day Personal Shopping Experience, £295
• One Night Luxury Yorkshire Escape at The Swinton Estate, £440
• Afternoon Tea on the Northern Belle Luxury Train, £740

Best Downton Abbey tours and experiences super-fans will love

1. Explore Downton Abbey's London locations on a group walking tour

Whether it was for Lady Rose's ball, or trips to stay with Aunt Rosamund (that's Lady Rosamund Painswick to you and I), London has been the setting of much of the drama for Downton Abbey. Acting as a foil to the rolling countryside where we normally see the family, many aristocrats of the era would have had a London house or been a member of a club much like Lord Grantham is. And did you know London also doubled up as the location for Liverpool and Manchester in the show?

On this walking tour, you'll get to see locations like the exterior of the Grantham house, and where Tom first confessed his love for Sybil, all while walking around London and hearing behind-the-scenes facts from a knowledgeable guide.

Buy the Downton Abbey London walking tour from £30 at Virgin Experience Days

2. Visit Downton village and a tour of Highclere Castle

This is the ultimate tour for true Downton fans. First on the tour you'll visit the beautiful Cogges Manor Farm, which doubles for Yew Tree Farm in the series. Then you'll travel to Bampton, the real Downton village, before making your way to Highclere Castle to see the Abbey itself. From there, you can see the hallowed rooms you'll recognise from the show, as well as some upstairs bedrooms and hidden spaces we never got to visit.

• Buy Downton Village and Highclere Castle tour for £185 at Viator
• Buy Downton Village and Highclere Castle tour from London from £246.88 at Viator

3. See Holy Island, Alnwick Castle and Northumbria on a tour from Edinburgh

If you're Edinburgh based or on holiday in Scotland, this is a great day out for any Downton Abbey lover. Alnwick Castle is the location for Brancaster Castle in the show, the seat of the Marquess of Hexham, which becomes Lady Edith's home when she marries the lovely Bertie at the end of season 6. Both the interior and exterior of the castle were used in the show, both when it was rented by Lord Sinderby, Lady Rose's slightly grumpy father-in-law, and when the family go to visit Edith once she's engaged.

On this tour, you'll also see the beautiful countryside of surrounding Northumberland including Lindisfarne, one of the most important setting for religion in the history of the British Isles. You'll get to visit the island and even sample some of the 'mead' made by monks on the island. We think Lord Grantham would approve!

Buy tickets for the Holy Island, Alnwick Castle and Northumbria day tour from Edinburgh from £59 at Get Your Guide

3. Explore Downton Village, Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds on one day trip

Fans of country houses like those featured in Downton Abbey will be astonished by Blenheim Palace. The home to the Spencer-Churchill family, the house is the only non-royal palace in England and is a UNESCO world heritage site.

On this tour, you'll get to explore the grounds of Blenheim, as well as several villages throughout the countryside in the Cotswolds, including Bampton, the village frequently featured in Downton Abbey. This tour leaves from London and is a really great option if you are visiting the UK for the first time and want to see the true beauty of the English countryside.

• Buy tickets for Downton Village, Blenheim Palace and Cotswolds tour from London for £79 at Viator
• Buy Private Downton Abbey Tour from Oxford for £600 at Viator

4. See Christmastime at Downton and experience the Bath Festive Market

Not only is Downton at Christmastime an iconic image, you'd also be hard pressed to find a more magical festive location than the Bath Christmas markets. Luckily, this experience combines both, with a trip around Highclere to see their gorgeous decorations and have the chance to stand in front of a roaring hearth with a glass of mulled wine, before heading over to Bath to see their twinkling lights and beautiful market stalls.

Buy Christmastime at Downton and Bath Festive Market tickets from £229

5. London to Southampton transfer with stop at Highclere

If you're planning a trip from London to Southampton (or vice versa) this private transfer takes the pain off the journey and includes a special stopover at Highclere Castle. Spend your day in luxury and comfort combined with a memorable trip to the Abbey.

Buy London to Southampton transfer with stop at Highclere for £350 at Viator

6. Get the true UK experience with a Black Taxi Tour of Downton Abbey

Now this one is surely a must for the tourists. With this tour you can curate a personalised visit of Highclere, the Cotswolds, lakeside Cumbria, and more in the back of a private Black Cab. As you experience the comfort of the traditional taxi your chauffeur can fill you in on the history of the British aristocracy as well as insider gossip about the beloved period drama.

Buy Downton Abbey and Castle Black Taxi Tour for £879 at Viator

7. Find true luxury with the Fortnum & Mason Champagne Afternoon Tea

There's nothing more luxurious or delicate than a visit to Fortnum & Mason's Diamond Jubilee Salon, especially when you're greeted with an aesthetic sparkling afternoon tea packed with sandwiches and sweet treats. How many times have we seen the Dowager and Lady Crawley take tea? Now it's time for you to relax over a scone and a slice of gossip.

Buy Fortnum & Mason Champagne Afternoon Tea for £191 £160 at Virgin Experience Days

8. Save yourself the effort with this Half Day Personal Shopping Experience

Downton aristocrats don't shop by themselves, so why not try this top notch personal shopping day and get some real expertise? With Jennifer Jones Styling, you'll start the experience with a telephone consultation, where your personal stylist will discuss your requirements. Then on the day, your stylist will arrive early to research your chosen location before meeting you ready for three hours of shopping together, complete with refreshments and a review sent over afterwards.

Buy Half Day Personal Shopping Experience for £295 at Virgin Experience Days

9. Channel Matthew Goode with the Classic Car Driving Experience

Despite not appearing in the third movie, Lady Mary's second husband played by Matthew Goode is a pro racing driver. So for the petrol heads in your life, you can sign up to the classic car driving experience. Available at 13 locations across the UK, this track day affords you expert instruction from a professional driver and the chance to race three laps around a top race course. Car choices include a Camaro SS, Mustang GT350, Caterham, Mini Cooper S, Dodge Charger, Mk1 Escort, Shelby Cobra and so much more.

Buy Classic Car Driving Experience for £99 £40 at Virgin Experience Days

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10. See more of the UK with the Roman Baths and 5* Afternoon Tea

Treat yourselves to a day in one of the UK’s most historic towns (and major filming locations for Bridgerton) with a visit to the Roman Baths and Afternoon Tea at the Royal Crescent Hotel. Explore one of the world’s oldest religious spas before heading to the Grade I listed hotel with 250 years of history behind it. Afternoon tea is then an attraction in itself with sumptuous sandwiches and desserts displayed before you in all its glory.

Buy Roman Baths and Afternoon Tea at the 5* Royal Crescent Hotel for £165 at Virgin Experience Days

11. Try the bespoke Kartel Watch Experience

Learn about the luxury world of watches as you design your own bespoke Kartel watch that reflects your style. With the expert team ready to carry out your wishes, you'll customise your watch by selecting from various case designs and choosing a strap that suits your preferences.

Buy Kartel Watch Experience for £195 at Virgin Experience Days

12. Live the real upstairs life with a luxury stay at The Swinton Estate

As Downton Abbey is set in Yorkshire, this is the closest you'll get to experiencing that lifestyle for real. The Swinton Estate can be found on the edge of the stunning Yorkshire Dales and is an extraordinary sight to behold.

During your stay, you’ll spend a night in a Knights Room, which is beautifully furnished and includes an array of amenities. You can then wander the historic grounds and walled garden before taking a seat for dinner in Samuels Restaurant, with an allowance of £55 per person. The menu emphasises seasonal and local produce inspired by the fruit, vegetables and herbs grown on the hotel’s own land.

Buy One Night Luxury Yorkshire Escape at The Swinton Estate for £440 at Virgin Experience Days

13. Try the Golden Age of Travel with Afternoon Tea on the Northern Belle Train

The inhabitants of Downton would definitely have ridden on steam trains (when not being driven around by Tom of course) so why not relive a bit of 1930s glamour with afternoon tea on the Northern Belle steam train? This beautiful train traverses all over the English countryside and promises an afternoon of padded luxury. As you roll through the green hills and past lakes, you'll be served a delectable afternoon tea complete with plenty of champagne and snacks.

Buy Afternoon Tea on the Northern Belle Train for £740 at Virgin Experience Days

Where is Downton Abbey and how much is open to the public?

OK, so the bad news is that Downton Abbey isn't a real place in so much as it's not called Downton Abbey. The house with the silhouette made so iconic by ITV's series is actually Highclere Castle, a country house in Hampshire in the south of England. It's pretty easy to get to (about an hour and a half drive from central London), which is one of the reasons they chose it as a location. Since the 'below stairs' scenes were largely filmed in studios, it needed to be easy for cast and crew to get between locations. That's right, it's not actually in Yorkshire at all!

There are options of what you can see when you buy tickets, but the standard option is for the house and gardens which gives you access to the walled gardens and grounds surrounding the house, as well as into the state rooms and some bedrooms in the house itself.

Highclere Castle is open to the public on limited dates throughout the year – at the moment you can book for dates in April and May, and it usually opens for weekdays throughout the summer months.

How much does it cost to visit Downton Abbey?

There are several options for how much it'll cost you to visit Downton Abbey. You can go on one of the tours we've already mentioned, which can be a good way of paying for your ticket to the house as well as the transport to Hampshire.

If you've organised your own transport and just need to buy your tickets, an adult ticket for the house and gardens will set you back £22.50. Since one of the Earls was an avid Egyptologist (he even played a key role in uncovering Tutankhamun's tomb), there is a permanent exhibition at Highclere Castle which you can pay an extra £6.50 to see.

Shop tickets for Highclere Castle

Can I stay at Downton Abbey?

As Highclere Castle is still a private house, owned and lived in by the Canarvon family, members of the public can't stay there.

But, there are a couple of houses on the Highclere estate that are available to rent for holidays including the Grotto Lodge which you can rent for the weekend, and London Lodge. Plus, you can always rent an Airbnb in the nearby Highclere village.

Can you visit the Downton Abbey village?

Much like the house, Downton village isn't a real place, but rather a collection of locations brought together by good old-fashioned movie magic. The Cotswolds were used in place of the Yorkshire countryside for the scenic beauty, and the fact that many of the historic houses are listed, meaning they don't have too many modern additions and can be made easily to look like the early 1900s.

The village of Bampton was used for the majority of the shots of Downton Village, and several of the tours we've included feature a visit. This includes St Mary the Virgin church which was the site of several Downton Abbey weddings (and one almost wedding!) and Churchgate House, which doubles for Mrs Crawley's house in the series.

There are other locations that were used to make up the Downton estate, like Cogges Manor Farm, which is a few miles from Bampton, and was used as the location for Yew Tree Farm, where Mr Mason and later Daisy and Andrew lived in the later seasons and films.

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