Downton Abbey looks to be going back to Hampshire again – but this time, it might be a cinematic farewell.
Cast and crew are expected to return to Highclere Castle, the real life Downton, this summer for what is being billed as the third and final movie version of the hugely popular TV series.
While remaining tight lipped, two of the star-studded cast have confirmed that they will be back in period costume as the Crawleys return to the Big Screen, with the so far untitled movie expected to hit global cinema screens in 2025.
Highclere Castle – the home to Lord and Lady Carnarvon – must be one of the world’s most recognisable stately houses, thanks to its role as the location for the worldwide TV smash hit for all its six seasons, as well as two movies.
Now the familiar cast – including Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton – are expected to return to film the new movie, reportedly the final saga of the silver screen spin-off.
The seat of the Earl of Carnarvon since 1679, the Castle’s exterior and interior have been filmed on location at Highclere, with the great hall, dining room, library, music room, drawing room, salon and some of the bedrooms all regularly appearing on the TV show and in the movies.
For fans waiting eagerly awaiting a new movie, heading to Hampshire offers a chance to follow in the footsteps of the stars by visiting the ‘real’ Downton Abbey.
Highclere offers different tours throughout the year, which reflect the seasons, its history and Downton Abbey.
During the autumn Real Lives & Film Sets guided tours take visitors through the State Rooms, the Gallery and Castle Bedrooms offering insights into the history and works of art, as well as behind the scenes stories from the filming of the TV series and movies.
And while the main summer public opening is from July to September, there are special events such as Early Evening Guided Castle Tours in June and a Castle Tour, Egyptian Exhibition, Gardens and Afternoon Tea.
Steeped in history, and set in grounds landscaped by Capability Brown, the present-day Castle was designed in 1842 by Sir Charles Barry, the architect also responsible for building the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. It is built on an ancient site, with the original house recorded in the Domesday Book.
The Castle’s history also includes a fascinating connection with ancient Egypt, as the 5th Earl, with Howard Carter, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. The Castle now houses an exhibition that commemorates this historic event.
For more information on visiting the Castle, see www.highclerecastle.co.uk
Visit Hampshire has also compiled an online set-jetting guide to the county, including more details about Downton Abbey:
All tourist information for Hampshire can be found at www.visit-hampshire.co.uk