The much loved Downton Abbey has taken the world by storm. The story of the trials and tribulations of the Crawley family and their staff living in the stately home has gripped viewers like no other TV programme. So, when the opportunity to visit the actual home where the TV series was filmed came up, I jumped at the chance. The event was the annual Christmas faire where every year local merchants sell jams, ornate Christmas decorations and general gifts.

But to begin this journey we have to start with the drive to the castle…