DOWNTON Abbey: A New Era has been released in cinemas nationwide with an aesthetically pleasing backdrop.
Here’s a look at the stunning filming locations used in the new film.
Downton Abbey: A New Era has now been released in cinemasCredit: Alamy
Where is Downton Abbey: A New Era filmed?
Villa Rocabella, France
Thankfully for Downton Abbey fans, the production team was given the greenlight to film only three weeks prior to the proposed filming date.
The uncertainties brought about by the pandemic threaten the film’s production but the team were able to overcome the difficulties.
The team had chosen a West London park as a alternative filming location.
The villa will be seen in the new film as the property of Violet Crawley.
Royal Yacht Britannia, Scotland
The Royal Yacht Britannia is docked at Leith Basin, Edinburgh ScotlandCredit: Alamy
In the new film, the Crawley family travel to France via a cross-Channel ferry.
The film’s supervising location manager Mark Ellis told TimeOut: “We did this amazing sequence on the Royal Yacht Britannia. We talked about building the deck of the ferry [on a set] and doing a load of green screen, and I stupidly said: “Why don’t I approach the Royal Yacht Britannia?”
“And everyone was sure it wouldn’t happen. We [even] did costumes and make-up in the royal dining room.”
Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
The Thomas Archer Pavillion and Long Canal Wrest Park BedfordshireCredit: Alamy
As the team were unsure whether filming in France would be a possibility, they were made to pick locations that could emulate the French landscapes.
The Bedfordshire’s Wrest Park country estate is Grade I listed garden.
The location will be used for Rocabella’s outdoor scenes which includes a grand party.
Belchamp Hall, Essex
Belchamp Hall is a Queen Anne period English country house built in 1720Credit: Alamy
Tom Branson (played by Allen Leech) and Lucy Smith (played by Tuppence Middleton) will have their wedding ceremony take place at the Belchamp Hall located in Essex.
Ellis shared: “For the church used in Tom and Lucy’s wedding, we had to find a beautiful house with a church on the same estate.
“And we found this amazing place on the Suffolk/Essex borders called Belchamp Hall.”
The Electric Palace Cinema, Harwich
When a director pitches up to shoot a film at Downton, the Crawleys are seen visiting the historic The Electric Palace Cinema in Harwich.
Ellis said: “We were looking at old cinemas all around the UK and I went down to Harwich with Donal Woods, Downton’s production designer.
“Once we saw the inside of the cinema, we knew we had to use it. It’s absolutely breath-taking.”
Highclere Castle, Berkshire
Highclere Castle was opened in 1679Credit: Alamy
Highclere Castle is the home of the Crawleys so can definitely be expected to appear in the film.
Ellis shared: “Highclere looks breath taking in this film and [it offers a] contrast with this stylish, chic, sleepy French villa.’
“I think it’s what everyone needs right now.”
