I visited the notorious Highclere Fortress utilized in Downton Abbey – however there was one main disappointment.
I visited the Downton Abbey citadel – however there was one main disappointment (Picture: Categorical)
This month has all been in regards to the steamy interval dramas, from the brand new collection of Bridgerton to Emerald Fennell’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights. So, the place’s a greater place to start out for newcomers to the style than ITV’s very personal Downton Abbey? Because it first appeared on the airwaves in 2010, the beloved English interval drama has captured the hearts of the nation, spawning six collection and three movies.
So, when the chance got here as much as go to the real-life set, I couldn’t resist. And it’s truthful to say, as stately houses go, Highclere Fortress was nothing in need of magical – but it surely lacked one main factor that followers will miss.
After rewatching the newest Downton Abbey movie, a pal and I made a decision to chunk the bullet and buy two tickets to go to the notorious citadel. As a result of sheer reputation, we have been compelled to attend months upfront, and the afternoon tea bundle set us again a staggering £150.
Regardless of the hefty value, we couldn’t wait to set foot on the grounds and waltz across the citadel like Mary Crawley. And it’s exhausting to not be impressed once you drive up the sprawling driveway in entrance of the staggering 80-bedroom property.
After we arrived on the citadel, we have been break up up into 4 small teams and given an hour-long tour of the property. Nothing can put together you for strolling via the ICONIC constructing, revisiting among the opulent rooms we’ve adopted on display screen for the previous 10 years.
The grand rooms, just like the library, the salon, and the eating room, felt like stepping again in time, however one factor I did discover was that they have been a lot smaller than they appeared on display screen. It felt nearly not possible that they managed to get a whole digicam crew on set in addition to the solid, while sustaining the phantasm of sprawling residing quarters.
Don’t get me improper, the rooms have been beautiful, and the citadel itself is simply as stunning because it seems on display screen, though so much smaller than we have been led to imagine. However it doesn’t have something new to drag me again, and I’m unsure I’d suggest it to a pal with out them understanding about among the lacking options you’ll count on.
Should you occur to be within the space, I believe you may have simply as a lot of an fulfilling expertise strolling previous the citadel overlooking the huge countryside after which taking a brief stroll into the close by village, the place you may spot extra Downton-themed treasures and reward retailers to fulfil that itch.
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