Downton Abbey's success has caused a travel boom
As a result of the series huge popularity, Travelodge has experienced an uplift in bookings for hotels situated near to locations used to film the show. In the last seven days, Travelodge has seen a surge in bookings for the next three months, particularly October half term and Christmas getaways.
Now, fans can see all the famous locations from their favourite Edwardian show for as little as £19 - a deal that might even interest the Earl of Grantham given his new financial circumstances.
The series, which is set in a fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey, has received critical acclaim and won numerous accolades including a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Miniseries. It was also recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most critically acclaimed English television series of 2011.
The third series hit our screens last week and to celebrate Travelodge has rooms, for as little as £19, in iconic Downton Abbey locations.
Here’s a guide to the perfect Downton Abbey experience:
Highclere Castle
The most symbolic location of the drama is Highclere Castle in Newbury, which is used as the exterior shot of Downton Abbey. The castle is also used for most of the interior filming.
Julian Fellowes, the creator of Downton Abbey, always had Highclere Castle in mind when he wrote Downton Abbey. He often commented that he wanted a house which equaled the confidence and soaring optimism of the Edwardian period.
Highclere Castle is one of England's most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular parkland. The Carnarvon family has lived at Highclere since 1679.
In December, Highclere opens its doors to the public for the festive season. Visitors are invited to the annual Christmas Fair which opens on Saturday 1st December. Fans can also have a private tour of the castle at certain times of the year.
Nearest Travelodge:
Newbury, London Road. To book just visit www.travelodge.co.uk
Waddesdon Manor
Haxby Park, the estate Sir Richard Carlisle intends to buy in Series two, is actually part of Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire.
Visitors can enjoy a series of fascinating talks and tours, covering everything from the art collection and garden design, to the history of the House and the Rothschilds' wine-making heritage.
There are also plenty of activities for the children to enjoy. On 1st December, Father Christmas will be at the gardens so it’s a perfect time to visit and experience some Downton history whilst also letting the kids give Santa their wish lists.
Nearest Travelodge:
Thame, Long Crendon Road. To book just visit www.travelodge.co.uk
From France to Suffolk
The second series portrayal of the first World War trench warfare scenes, which were set in France, were actually filmed in rural Suffolk at a site near the village of Akenham.
For avid fans who want to re-live the scenes and see where it all took place, why not tie in some festivities and visit during November and December when the Ipswich Christmas market opens.
Nearest Travelodge:
Ipswich, Duke Street. To book just visit www.travelodge.co.uk
Bampton
For a countryside getaway visit the picturesque village of Bampton. Located in Oxfordshire, this quiet village was used to film outdoor scenes in Downton Abbey.
Most notably St. Mary's Church and the village library which serves as the entrance to the cottage hospital in the series.
The main street which runs through the village has also been used for filming throughout the two series.
With plenty of country pubs and the Cotswold’s not far away, Bampton is a ‘must’ for Downton fans looking for a truly memorable Downton experience.
Nearest Travelodge:
Burford Cotswolds. To book just visit www.travelodge.co.uk
Selected hotels offer a Bar Café service making your stay even more convenient. After a long, tiring day out, guests can enjoy a brand new autumn menu offering a range of dishes including a banana leaf wrapped Thai curry, sharing platters and delicious winter puddings.
Hotels that have a Bar Café also offer an ‘eat as much as you like’ breakfast buffet for £7.65 per guest and for each paying adult - two children under the age of 16 eat for free. You can make a 20% saving on breakfast by ordering online and you can order a two course evening meal online for just £9.95 per person too.
With Travelodge you only pay for the room and not for the number of people staying per room. A family room caters for two adults and two children or three adults – so for a family of four, it works out at just £4.75 per person.
A Travelodge family room has a luxury king size bed, sofa bed, en-suite facilities, flat screen TV with 18 free digital channels, free tea / coffee making facilities and WIFI.
Are you visiting any Downton Abbey locations? Tell us about your trip in the comments below or tweet us @FemaleFirst_UK
FemaleFirst
Shabana Adam
Tagged in Travel Downton Abbey