Inside Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale's key filming locations

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale arrives in cinemas today (September 12) and offers fans a final opportunity to spend time with the Crawleys as the cast promoted the film, reports the Manchester Evening News.

This latest picture signals the conclusion of an era for Downton Abbey, with reviewers applauding the newest cinema release.

The story follows Lord Robert Grantham (portrayed by Hugh Bonneville) effectively passing control of the estate to his eldest daughter Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) during the 1930s.

The picture will witness a transformation for the British upper class as it attempts to adjust to evolving social frameworks, with considerably fewer servants attending to wealthy households.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will also track Lady Mary as she moves through society as a divorced woman, whilst the workforce of the magnificent property will likewise experience developments in their personal circumstances as the era progresses.

Here's a rundown of the shooting locations for the third picture and insight from the cast and crew.

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Where was Downton Abbey The Grand Finale filmed and can you visit?

Highclere Castle

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale was shot across multiple locations, primarily at Highclere Castle in Hampshire, which has served as the programme's setting from the start.

Looking back on initially discovering the venue, producer Liz Trubridge remarked: "I do remember it very well because I had goosebumps. The grounds at Highclere are astonishing and there is a long drive up to the house which finally reveals itself as you turn a particular corner. It's utterly breathtaking.

"The day we went there for the first time there was slight mist and this incredibly imposing house, castle, standing in its glory with this stunning landscape surrounding it. It was a magical vision and we knew instinctively we'd found our home, Downton Abbey."

Devotees of Downton Abbey can explore the filming location and the picturesque grounds that surround it.

Various guided tours are available throughout the year for those keen to discover more about Highclere Castle's rich heritage and its connection to Downton Abbey.

Ripon Racecourse

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale showcases scenes at Royal Ascot as one of the film's two major spectacles depicting the London social season - the other being the Petersfield Ball.

Producer Gareth Neame explained the decision to film the Royal Ascot sequence: "We couldn't film at Royal Ascot because it's completely modernised now, so we found the beautiful Ripon Racecourse in North Yorkshire and that was exactly what we were after.

"We filmed over four days and had the most amazing weather of the entire summer during our time in Yorkshire."

Enthusiasts can certainly visit Ripon Racecourse, with the venue's website detailing various family events featuring activities suitable for all ages, alongside regular racing fixtures.

County Fair

The County Fair sequences were also shot in Ripon, Yorkshire, featuring scenes with farm animals, carnival attractions and hundreds of background performers. Producer Trubridge remarked about capturing the sequences: "We were blessed across that week in Ripon and at the showground with the most glorious weather which looks stunning on film."

Visitors can explore Ripon in Yorkshire, a region rich in heritage where tourists can discover attractions such as the town's medieval cathedral, historic abbey Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, plus stately residence Newby Hall and Gardens.

The area also boasts numerous museums, boat trips and gardens alongside a sculpture park for people to explore in Ripon.

Claydon House

The sophisticated Petersfield Ball was shot at 18th century estate Clayton House in Buckinghamshire, a National Trust site accessible to the public.

Guests can wander through the opulent stately residence with its magnificent chambers and 400-year heritage, plus its charming link to nurse Florence Nightingale.

Production Designer Donal Woods commented on shooting the Petersfield Ball: "A lot of that scene takes place around the stairs and Claydon House has one of the most magnificent staircases in England right next to a ballroom.

"The geography of the house, once again, worked out brilliantly for our shoot. That scene takes place quite early in the film so we all wanted to make it a real visual feast for the audience."

The Claydon Saloon also served as the primary ballroom in the production and the sequences where Lady Mary becomes embroiled in controversy.

Basildon Park, Berkshire

Another gem from the National Trust, Basildon Park in Berkshire, also features in the film. Scenes were shot in the reception rooms, the Hall, Dining Room, Drawing Room and Octagon Room.

This location was previously used to portray the Crawleys' London residence, Grantham House.

London locations

Speaking about the London locations, Woods said: "We always try and give viewers locations they've not seen before, but with this we wanted it to be recognisably London.

"We filmed at Fortnum and Mason, Piccadilly Arcade, a central London park and near Buckingham Palace."

Fans of Downton can visit all these places in real life, as they are conveniently located close to each other.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is released in cinemas from today