Downton Abbey, which initially ran on ITV before becoming a film series, has filmed in places such as Bampton in Oxfordshire, which was used as an outdoor location
Residents of a village that was used in Downton Abbey are said to be divided over the tourism that its association with the ITV show brings to the community. It’s been described as a “magnet” for visitors after its appearances on-screen.
Bampton in Oxfordshire is among the filming locations from Downton Abbey, which ran for six seasons from 2010 to 2015. It’s been followed by two films, which came out in 2019 and 2022, with a third set to be released later this year.
The village is said to have been used as an outdoor location for the fictional Downton since 2010. Characters have been seen at St Mary’s Church and other locations in Bampton, like its Community Hub, which appeared as a hospital.
It has been reported that the community has attracted international visitors due to its role in the Downton Abbey franchise. According to the Telegraph though, the village is now divided over the tourism boom that it’s generated.
Some residents have said that it has generated a “small fortune” which has helped to improve buildings and services in the community. Others however have complained about tourists flocking to the area, with some visitors said to have even been found on resident’s driveways whilst exploring.
It’s reported that guided tours of Bampton and other filming locations from the acclaimed TV show can cost as much as £500 each for visitors. The outlet adds that fans of the historical drama often visit St Mary’s Church.
A volunteer at Bampton Community Hub claimed that their charity shop was making £1, 000 a day from visitors at one point. They told the outlet: “It has made us a small fortune”. They continued: “Hundreds of thousands of pounds – we’ve had thousands and thousands and thousands of visitors”.
According to legend, the tourism industry reportedly contributed to the community’s funding of renovation projects. Additionally, the financial impact reportedly led to the improvement of amenities like a community library, an exhibition space, and a community archive.
Not everyone seems to be as enthusiastic about the town’s involvement with Downton Abbey’s tourism growth. Tourists “just go everywhere,” according to one resident, and “often” stand on their own driveway.
Another remark that they “don’t have enough time” to visit other Bampton venues to support other ones. They claimed that families traveling by car rather than bus are “better off” in the area.
Bampton is just one of the locations used on the show. Highclere Castle in Hampshire features as the fictional Downton Abbey in the franchise. Lord Carnarvon said in 2015 that his property had become a “major tourist attraction” because of the show, adding: “It has been a wonderful thing for us.”
This story, do you like? Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads for more latest news and gossip.
READ MORE: Butlin’s revamp major holiday park with ‘top quality’ attractions and prices at £69
Source: Mirror
Leave a Reply