As you travel down its sweeping driveway, Highclere Castle rises dramatically on the horizon, its distinctive golden turrets etched against the sky. Now the historic landmark, which found global fame as the setting for Downton Abbey, has taken its final close-up as the beloved costume drama bows out on the big screen. Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is tipped to be the last outing for Lord and Lady Grantham – played by Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern – their family and servants whose upstairs-downstairs storylines have captivated fans for six hit ITV series and two films.

Meanwhile, life on the 5,000-acre estate in Hampshire continues as normal, with owners Lord and Lady Carnarvon – George 'Geordie' Herbert and his wife Fiona – are found busily tending their wildflower me

See Full Page