The insanely popular period TV show Downtown Abbey kept viewers entertained with it’s upstairs vs. downstairs antics for over six years. Now that the movie is right around the corner, fans of the show will actually be able to visit the castle where the show and the movie were primarily filmed.
The castle in real life however is named Highclere in Devonshire. Lord and Lady Carnarvon open the castle to the public for tours during the summer.
The fictional home of the Crawley family will open its doors on 18th and 23rd September 2020 to Belmond hotel guests, for an exclusive day trip in celebration of the television series’ global success, reports Esquire Singapore.
The castle, before its Downton Abbey days, was in dire condition and required a much needed facelift. With a bill of £12 million for restoration, the beautiful castle has made a big comback thanks to the popularity of the show with tourist fees generated from fans of the television series.
The owners of Highclere also credit the show for saving their estate. And this is the reason behoind Belmond Hotels’ once in a lifetime chance to experience the 1920’s stle of travel.
Inspired by the Belle Époque, the Belmond British Pullman train with its fully restored 1920s art deco carriages will give guests a glimpse of what travel was like at the turn of the century.
The tour includes a three-course brunch, aguided tour of the house and its gardens in the afternoon and a champagne reception for the guests in the Pullman upon their return and a three-course dinner.
This year, the house and grounds are open from July 7 through September 3, everyday except Fridays and Saturdays. The movie is out September 12, so it’s probably a good time to go visit.
