“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” marks the emotional and grand cinematic conclusion of one of the most beloved period dramas in television and film history. Directed by Simon Curtis and written by Lord Julian Fellowes, this third and final film installment is scheduled for release on September 12, 2025.
The story, set in the early 1930s, sees the Crawley family face scandal and financial hardship as Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) becomes entangled in a public controversy. As the estate faces uncertainty, both upstairs aristocrats and downstairs staff brace for a future led by the next generation.
The franchise has always been praised for its historical authenticity, elaborate costumes, and detailed production design. But equally important is its use of grand and historically significant filming locations. Returning cast members include Hugh Bonneville (Robert Crawley), Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith), Jim Carter (Mr. Carson), Brendan Coyle (Mr. Bates), Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates), and Kevin Doyle (Mr. Molesley), alongside newcomers such as Joely Richardson and Alessandro Nivola.
WHERE WERE THE FIRST TWO MOVIES FILMED?
The original “Downton Abbey” (2019) was filmed primarily at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, which doubled as the Crawley estate. Additional scenes were filmed in Lacock (Wiltshire), Beamish Museum, and Shepperton Studios. The sequel, “Downton Abbey: A New Era” (2022), continued to use Highclere Castle as its main setting, with some scenes filmed in France and other parts of England including Hampshire.
WHERE WAS DOWNTON ABBEY 3 FILMED?
Filming for “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” began on May 13, 2024, and concluded in August 2024. The movie was filmed across several picturesque locations in England, notably in Hampshire, North Yorkshire, Buckinghamshire, and London. The production returned to its iconic home at Highclere Castle while expanding into new territories like Ripon Racecourse and Harrogate Showgrounds.
HIGHCLERE CASTLE – HAMPSHIRE, ENGLAND
Once again, Highclere Castle plays a starring role as the fictional Downton Abbey. This 17th-century estate, home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, has served as the Crawley family residence throughout the series and previous films. Situated in Hampshire, the castle offers a Gothic Revival aesthetic with influences from the Jacobethan and Italianate styles.
The “upstairs” scenes—family dinners, drawing rooms, and bedrooms—are filmed on location inside the castle. However, the “downstairs” scenes, such as the kitchen and servants’ quarters, are built sets filmed in studios. For over a decade, fans have visited Highclere during public open days to walk the grand halls where their favorite characters lived and dined.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Lady Carnarvon famously hosted virtual cocktail hours for fans around the world. As filming wrapped in 2024, the family once again opened their doors to the Downton production crew for one last cinematic outing.
RIPON RACECOURSE – NORTH YORKSHIRE
Ripon Racecourse was one of the standout filming spots for this final chapter. In July 2024, fans and locals spotted the main cast and extras in full 1930s attire filming a grand day at the races. Ripon, known as “Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse,” provided a lush and lively backdrop, capturing the period elegance synonymous with the series.
This location ties into Downton’s deep Yorkshire roots. The racecourse scenes, glimpsed in the trailer, suggest a high-society outing involving key Crawley family members. Set dressings and costuming transformed the grounds into a 1930s spectacle.
GREAT YORKSHIRE SHOWGROUND – HARROGATE
In June 2024, production moved to the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate, where cast members were seen in their period costumes filming scenes that appear to involve a fair or large public event. This location brings out the rural charm and social events of the British countryside, showcasing yet another side of life in post-Edwardian England.
Harrogate’s Edwardian roots and architectural beauty made it a perfect stand-in for events reflecting the lives of both aristocracy and working-class characters. The Showground helped create the authentic vibe of community life during that period.
CARLTON GARDENS – LONDON, UK
Carlton Gardens, located near St James’s in central London, served as another key filming site. This historic location is near Buckingham Palace and is lined with beautiful buildings that offer a refined urban backdrop. The area has appeared in numerous period dramas and films due to its preserved Georgian and Victorian architecture.
Scenes filmed here likely reflect political or business dealings tied to Lady Mary’s growing public challenges. The London-based sets contribute a stark contrast to the rural elegance of Downton Abbey.
ODDS FARM PARK – BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Odds Farm Park in Wooburn Green, Buckinghamshire, was one of the final filming locations used in the movie. Dominic West and Rob James-Collier (Thomas Barrow) were seen shooting emotional scenes believed to be among the last of the production.
Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Odds Farm was transformed into a working farm scene for the film. The scenes shot here possibly reflect changes in estate ownership or a shift towards agricultural responsibility in the changing 1930s socio-economic climate.
ASCOT RACECOURSE – BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND
Ascot Racecourse, another well-known English landmark, was used to film additional scenes for “Downton Abbey 3.” This racecourse has long been associated with British royalty and grandeur, making it a fitting location for the final film’s depiction of high society.
Filming at Ascot offered the chance to show lavish public events, with large crowds, vintage costumes, and carriages. This location might serve as a dramatic turning point in the storyline or simply add to the visual opulence.
RECREATED INTERIORS AND STUDIO SETS
As in previous productions, Ealing Studios played a crucial role in filming “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.” Studio-built sets, especially the kitchen, servants’ quarters, and certain bedrooms, allowed for tighter production control and more detailed period reconstruction.
Production designer Donal Woods and set designer Gina Cromwell recreated key spaces with updates that reflect the story’s advancement into the 1930s—gramophones, early refrigerators, and more modern lighting appear subtly throughout.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES NOTES
Actress Joanne Froggatt, who plays Anna Bates, revealed she was pregnant during filming, which was written into the storyline. The third film also marks the first in the series not to feature Maggie Smith’s iconic Dowager Countess character.
Historical adviser Alastair Bruce ensured authenticity in every scene, working with actors and costume departments to reflect early-1930s life accurately.
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