Downton Abbey in Scotland

Those who've read my blog for some time know I'm a Downton Abbey fan! So when I learned one of the homes they used for filming was a mere three-hour drive from our place in England, I HAD to go. Thankfully my husband and kids didn't mind.

Those who've seen the finale of Downton Abbey Season 3 will recognize this castle! Inveraray Castle was used as the Grantham's Scottish retreat. It's located in the Western Highlands of Scotland, northwest of Glasgow.

For those who've seen that famous episode and those who haven't (I promise no spoilers!), here's a picture tour of Downton Abbey at Inveraray Castle.

The Grantham family enters the castle from this set of stairs (behind me in the picture). In reality, this is the garden entrance, with the castle's main entrance on the either side.

Remember this amazing weapons-decorated hall the Granthams walk through? It's incredible - three stories high and featuring all sorts of swords, muskets, battle axes, etc.

The dining room is another part of the interior that was used in this episode. Remember the bag-piper who comes in and walks around the table? Here it is.

These cool-looking arches are the spot where Mr. Bates and Anna stumble on Rose smoking a cigarette, before her mother leans over the balcony above and tells Rose to come inside.

The gardens were also used in this episode for a stroll and talk between the Dowager (Maggie Smith) and Rose's mother.

This spot on the nearby river looks very much like the one where Matthew and Edith's editor go fishing.

Here's the river from the opposite side, looking toward the cool, stone bridge.

While not in the show, the woods near Inveraray Castle are stunning! The bluebells were in bloom and the forest, with all its moss-covered trees, was absolutely gorgeous.

While it wasn't Highclere Castle near London (which is the Downton Abbey home in the show), Inveraray Castle was amazing - and so worth the trip!