The movie Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is a historical drama directed by Simon Curtis and written by Julian Fellowes. The movie features an ensemble cast including Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Elizabeth McGovern, and Penelope Wilton, among others. It is the third and final film in the Downton Abbey franchise
Set in 1930, The Grand Finale follows the Crawley family as societal changes sweep through England. Key events include scandal, divorce, the arrival of royal guests, financial challenges, and changes in family roles—especially for Lady Mary.
The film was released on 12 September 2025 by Focus Features.
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When and Where Was Focus Features’ Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Filmed?
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale |
| Genres | Historical drama |
| Filming Locations | England, UK |
| Filming Dates | May 2024 to August 2024 |
| Cinematography by | Ben Smithard |
| Release Date | 12 September 2025 |
Principal photography for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale took place from May 2024 to August 2024 in Various locations in England, UK. During this period, the production moved between Highclere Castle and other country houses for the estate scenes, several London locations for city sequences, and Richmond Theatre plus sound stages for interior and theatre scenes.
Here are some of the main filming locations used in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale and what they were used for:
📍Highclere Castle – Newbury, England
Address: Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury RG20 9RN, United Kingdom
Highclere Castle continues as the heart of Downton Abbey, representing the Crawley family estate. The grand rooms, sweeping staircases, and gardens bring the aristocratic lifestyle to life. Built in the 1800s, it is the real home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. With its history and elegance, it remains one of Britain’s most iconic filming spots, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
📍Basildon Park – Berkshire
Address: Lower Basildon, Reading RG8 9NR, United Kingdom
Basildon Park serves as Grantham House, the Crawleys’ London residence. Its elegant reception rooms, dining hall, and Octagon Room (with deep red walls) are perfect for high-society gatherings. This stately home has appeared in multiple period dramas thanks to its preserved Georgian interiors.
📍Claydon House – Buckinghamshire
Location: Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire, England
Claydon House provides interiors for Petersfield House, where a dramatic ball takes place. Its famous “singing staircase” and ornate rooms make it a fitting choice for lavish period sequences.
Claydon House in Buckinghamshire feels like a home filled with intricate stories waiting to be discovered. Its extraordinary rococo interiors, carved with delicate detail, speak of the personal passions and family history of the Verney family who have lived here for centuries. It’s a place where every room seems to whisper of a life well-lived, a true testament to the artistry and legacy of generations past.
📍Bridgewater House – Cleveland Row, London
Address: 14 Cleveland Row, London SW1A 1DP, United Kingdom
Bridgewater House is used as the façade of Grantham House in London. This 19th-century mansion in St James’s is known for its classical design and grandeur. Its exterior adds the proper aristocratic charm to the Crawleys’ city residence.
📍Fortnum & Mason and Piccadilly Arcade – London
Fortnum & Mason, the luxury department store on Piccadilly, along with Piccadilly Arcade, is used for shopping scenes featuring Lady Mary and Lady Edith.
Known for fine foods, teas, and elegant interiors, Fortnum & Mason has been a London landmark since 1707. The nearby arcade, with its polished floors and boutiques, adds an authentic 1930s shopping atmosphere.
📍2 Carlton Gardens – London, UK
2 Carlton Gardens is featured as Petersfield House in the film. This historic building, located close to The Mall and Buckingham Palace, has strong ties to British history. Built in the 1800s, it once housed government offices during World War II and later served as residences for prominent figures.
Its classic façade, elegant rooms, and landscaped gardens make it a striking filming location, perfectly matching the grandeur of Downton’s storyline. Today, it remains a private building near iconic spots such as St James’s Park and Trafalgar Square.
At 2 Carlton Gardens, the walls seem to whisper tales of grand diplomacy and influential figures who shaped history within its elegant embrace. It stands as a silent witness to a bygone era of power and prestige, its architecture a dignified and beautiful monument to the past.
📍Richmond Theatre – Richmond, Surrey
Address: 1 Little Green, Richmond TW9 1QJ, United Kingdom
The opening theatre scenes, including a performance of Noël Coward’s Bitter Sweet, were filmed here. Its preserved Victorian interior provides the perfect backdrop for the 1930s setting.
Standing proud on the edge of Richmond Green, this beautiful Victorian theatre feels like a world of its own, drawing you in with its stunningly ornate design. As you step inside, the rich red and gold interior envelops you, hinting at a century of stories and emotions shared within its walls. It’s a place where every seat feels close to the stage, connecting you to the performers and the magic they create.
📍Ascot Racecourse – Berkshire
Address: High St, Ascot SL5 7JX, United Kingdom
Several outdoor scenes were filmed at the world-famous Ascot Racecourse. Established in 1711 by Queen Anne, Ascot is still strongly linked with the Royal Family and its annual Royal Ascot event. The grandeur of the stands and track captures Britain’s love of tradition, fashion, and high society, making it ideal for Downton’s world.
Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire is more than just a venue for horse racing; it’s a place where history and high society intertwine, creating an atmosphere of elegance and excitement. Generations have gathered here, dressed in their finest, to witness the thrill of the race and partake in a truly British tradition that feels both grand and deeply personal.
In addition to real-world locations, some interior rooms and servants’ quarters were recreated on sound stages. These custom sets allowed the filmmakers to control lighting and atmosphere while maintaining continuity with earlier Downton Abbey productions.
Behind the Scenes of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
To make your search for Focus Features’ Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale filming even more interesting and enjoyable, we shared a behind-the-scenes photo here.
The movie stars and fans also shared some behind-the-scenes glimpses on their social media account, Instagram:-
The production design team went to great lengths to preserve continuity with the earlier series and films. Servants’ areas were recreated on sound stages to maintain visual consistency. Personal artifacts, family portraits, heirlooms, etc., were reintroduced in sets like the smoking room to evoke the long history of the Crawley family.
There are also new sets/locations added to reflect the changes in the story: more London life, public events (balls, paparazzi, royal visitors) etc. Some settings needed minimal dressing (shops, arcades) to transform them into the period.
Is There a Trailer Available for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale?
Yes, there is an official trailer. It was released ahead of the film’s theatrical debut in September 2025.
FAQs
Q1: Where was Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale filmed?
A1: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale was filmed at Highclere Castle, Basildon Park, Claydon House, Richmond Theatre, 2 Carlton Gardens, Ascot Racecourse, and several London locations.
Q2: When was Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale filmed?
A2: The filming of Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale took place between May 2024 and August 2024.
Q3: When is Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale releasing?
A3: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is set to release on 12 September 2025 by Focus Features.
Q4: Where can I watch Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale?
A4: Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will be released in theaters worldwide and later expected to stream on major platforms after its theatrical run.
Q5: What scenes were filmed at Highclere Castle in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale?
A5: At Highclere Castle, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale filmed the Crawley family’s main estate interiors and exteriors, including iconic dining and staircase scenes.
Q6: What location was used for Grantham House in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale?
A6: Basildon Park and Bridgewater House in London were used as Grantham House in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale.
Q7: Was London featured in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale?
A7: Yes, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale filmed in London at Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly Arcade, Bridgewater House, and 2 Carlton Gardens.
Q8: What is special about 2 Carlton Gardens in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale?
A8: 2 Carlton Gardens appears as Petersfield House in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. It is a historic London property near Buckingham Palace.
Q9: Were racecourse scenes filmed in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale?
A9: Yes, Ascot Racecourse was used in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale to depict upper-class social gatherings.
Q10: Did Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale use studio sets as well?
A10: Yes, Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale built studio sets for servants’ areas and other interiors to match the style of earlier productions.
Q11: Can fans visit these filming locations?
A11: Yes. Many of them are open to the public. For example, Highclere Castle offers tours and stays. Basildon Park is open (though hours may vary). Claydon House is managed by the National Trust and has guided visits. London locations like Fortnum & Mason are public shops. The theatre (Richmond) may offer performances and tours.
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale doesn’t just wrap up beloved characters and story arcs — it also uses its settings as another character, weaving together centuries-old estates, London high society venues, historic manors, shops and theatres to evoke a changing world. For fans, visiting places like Highclere Castle, Basildon Park, Claydon House or the London locations offers a real-life way to step into the world of the Crawleys.