As the beloved Crawley family returns to the big screen in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (in cinemas from 12 September), visitors are invited to explore two National Trust properties that played leading roles in the film’s setting: Basildon Park in Berkshire and Claydon in Buckinghamshire.
Basildon Park, Berkshire
Basildon Park once again transforms into Grantham House, the aristocratic Crawleys’ London residence, reprising a role it has held since the original TV series. Almost all of the mansion’s reception rooms feature in the final film — from the Hall and Dining Room to the Octagon Room with its striking red walls.
To celebrate, Basildon Park will host a special costume display from 6 to 14 September. Six original costumes designed by Anna Mary Scott Robbins will be on view, including:
- Lady Mary’s striking red Petersfield Ball gown
- Cora’s blue velvet evening dress
- Day dresses worn by Lady Edith and Lady Mary
- Carson and Mrs Hughes’ formal evening uniforms
Basildon Park’s General Manager said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome visitors to Basildon Park to experience the elegance and craftsmanship of the principal costumes from Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. It’s a real privilege to showcase this exhibition in the very location where the film was brought to life.”
The house has a long association with Downton Abbey, having appeared in the 2013 Christmas special and the series five finale.
Claydon, Buckinghamshire
Making its first Downton Abbey appearance is Claydon, Buckinghamshire, which provides the interiors for Petersfield House. The estate’s famous ‘singing staircase’ sets the scene for Lady Mary’s dramatic entrance at the Petersfield Ball.
The ornate staircase — crafted from mahogany, ebony, ivory, and boxwood — features intricate metalwork balustrade with sheaves of wheat designed to ‘rustle’ as visitors pass by. It is usually too fragile for use, but under specialist supervision it became a star feature of the film.
Claydon’s Saloon also appears in the film as the main ballroom, where a dramatic encounter with their hostess reveals that Lady Mary is at the centre of a scandal – threatening her family and the whole Downton household’s reputation.
Visitors to both Basildon Park and Claydon can walk through the rooms and staircases that shaped The Grand Finale, experiencing first-hand the heritage settings that brought Julian Fellowes’ story to life.
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