How to Enjoy Downton Abbey More Than You Already Do

Article Revised November 14, 2020 with new links.

It’s official! Downton Abbey will be in theaters beginning September 20, 2019.  After many months of waiting Downton Abbey fans are ready.

For those of us who love Downton Abbey, just seeing the movie isn’t enough. Watching the tv series over and over isn’t enough. We want to know more. So why not indulge your Downton Abbey obsession with more. More books, exhibits, magazines, etc.

Here are a few suggestions on how to take your love of all things Downton Abbey to the next level.

Watch all six seasons of Downton Abbey for the umpteenth time.

Read the books published about Downton Abbey.

,Downton Abbey: The Official Film Companion, by Emma Marriott

,Behind the Scenes at Downton Abbey: The Official Backstage Pass to the Set, the Actprs and the Drama, by Emma Rowley

The Wit and Wisdom of Downton Abbey, by Jessica Fellowes

The World of Downton AbbeyThe World of Downton Abbey, by Jessica Fellowes

Downton Abbey A Celebration:The Official Companion to All Six Seasons, by Jessica Fellowes

A Year in the Life of Downton Abbey: Season Celebrations, Traditions, and Recipes, by Jessica Fellowes and Julian Fellowes

The Chronicles of Downton Abbey: A New Era, by Jessica Fellowes, Matthew Sturgis and Julian Fellowes

Downton Abbey Rules for Household Staff, by Charles Carson, Butler to the Earl of Grantham

“CONTAINING THE MOST

APPROVED DIRECTIONS

AND GUIDANCE FOR STAFF IN

EVERY STATION WITHIN THE HOUSEHOLD IN

ORDER TO DISCHARGE THEIR DUTIES

CORRECTLY & WITH EFFICIENCY.”

Visit the exhibit:

,Downton Abbey The EXHIBIT. Currently in Boston until September 29, 2019. Then it moves to the Biltmore in Asheville, NC for the holiday season from November 8, 2019 – April 7, 2020.

Read some Historical non-fiction about the Era:

The Perfect Summer, England 1911 Just Before the Storm, by Juliet Nicholson.

Then read the sequel:

The Great Silence: Britain from the shadow of the First World War to the Dawn of the Jazz Age, by Juliet Nicholson

Below Stairs, by Margaret Powell

The inspiration from both Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs.

Servants’ Hall: A Real Life Upstairs, Downstairs Romance (Below Stairs Book 2)

OR

Read some Historical fiction.

The Remains of the Day, by Kazuo Ishiguro

Or watch the movie starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson.

The Maisie Dobbs Series, by Jacqueline Winspear

Watch other tv series that have the same topic.

Upstairs, Downstairs

This series original five seasons can be streamed on Amazon Prime or Hulu and is available from your local library.

TRAVEL. Saving the best for last. Go there an see the places where the show was filmed.

I have had a love for all things British, and by extension, all things Downton Abbey. While I’ve been to London many times, a visit to Highclere Castle in 2014 was a first time experience. Of course, everything looked as it does on television, UPSTAIRS at least.

But DOWNSTAIRS is not the same because that’s TV. At Highclere Castle, the downstairs holds an Egyptian Exhibit. Here you find replicas of some of the ‘wonderful things’ Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon found in King Tutenkamen’s tomb including newspaper articles, and photos. It was the fulfillment of my desire to see history brought to life; a pure pleasure. This is a must see for a Downton Abbey fan.

Does that sound like you too? If a vacation in the United Kingdom is on your bucket list, then begin planning now. Tour Highclere Castle, see the Egyptian Exhibit in the basement and visit other locations that have been seen on the show. Frankly, there’s no better time than this summer to visit and most specifically before September, when the filming begins and the house is closed for visiting. A perfect time to visit would be during the Heroes at Highclere event happening on September 8 & 9, just prior to closing. Not only that, but you could experience the honor this country gives to their World War I history.

See it for yourself. This is my passion, I would love to plan that trip for you and I have the experience to back it up. Did you know I offer free travel design consultations? As a travel designer, I help people plan multi-generation trips so they connect with their loved ones and strengthen their family bond.

Click here to be directed to my online schedule to make an appointment.

If you have family and friends who enjoy Downton Abbey also, please share this with them. As always, I would appreciate hearing your comments.