A historic medieval borough, set in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside south of Salisbury. Minutes away from the New Forest, half an hour from the coast, on the fringes of Cranborne Chase.
Why the "real" Downton? The name of our village was the source of the name for Downton Abbey TV series and movie. We don't have an abbey, but we have plenty of other things to see and do.
This site is still being developed. It's being updated regularly with new information. Please do visit us again to see our new updates.
Plan your visit
Downton is easily accessible, however you're planning to travel............
How to get here
Downton is an ancient medieval borough six miles south of the cathedral city of Salisbury.
It is just 2 miles from the boundary of the New Forest and just over 20 miles from both Bournemouth and Southampton.
Visiting by car
Downton on the A338 between Salisbury and Ringwood, 6 miles from Salisbury and 12 miles from Ringwood. From the M27, it is north from Junction 1 (Cadnam) and through the New Forest on the B3078, then taking the right hand fork onto the B3080.
Please park carefully, with due regard for residents.
There is a fuel station in the village on the A338, and EV charging is available in the car park of the Bull Hotel.
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Visiting by bus​
Downton is served by buses from either Salisbury or Bournemouth & Ringwood, 7 days a week, Route X3. Timetables from More Bus.
Visiting by rail
The nearest railway station is Salisbury. Trains go to London Waterloo, southwestwards towards Exeter & Plymouth, northwest towards Bristol & Cardiff, and southeast towards Southampton & Portsmouth.