Highclere Castle captivates audiences as the grand home of the Crawley family in Downton Abbey, which debuted in 2010. Spanning six seasons and three films, the 300-room estate owned by the Carnarvon family since 1679 features prominently in exterior and interior shots. Creator Julian Fellowes envisioned the castle for the series, drawing from his close ties to the Carnarvons.

Early Film and Music Video Appearances

The estate’s allure extends to music and cinema. John Legend filmed his 2006 music video ‘Heaven’ at Highclere Castle, showcasing its majestic grounds.

Classic Adaptations

Highclere Castle doubles as Mistlethwaite Manor in the 1987 adaptation of The Secret Garden, starring Gennie James and Colin Firth. The location returns in the 2001 sequel, Back to the Secret Garden.

Comedy Series Highlights

Hugh Laurie and Stephen Fry filmed episodes of their 1990s hit Jeeves and Wooster at the castle. Based on P.G. Wodehouse stories, the series ran from 1990 to 1993, with the estate serving as various aristocratic settings in at least five episodes. Fry portrays the clever valet Jeeves, while Laurie plays his employer, Bertie Wooster.

Hollywood War Drama

In the 2002 film The Four Feathers, Highclere Castle provides key locations for the story set during the British Army’s Gordon Relief Expedition in Sudan from 1884 to 1885. Heath Ledger stars as Harry Faversham, accused of cowardice after resigning his commission, alongside Kate Hudson.

Maggie Smith’s Pre-Downton Role

Long before her role as Dowager Violet Crawley, Maggie Smith appears as Lady Isabel Ames in the 1982 comedy The Missionary. Michael Palin plays Reverend Charles Fortescue, who returns from Africa to aid prostitutes in London’s Docklands and seeks funding from Lord and Lady Ames, with Highclere Castle as their opulent residence.