Here’s how you could have dinner at Downton Abbey

If visiting the actual, real life set of the smash hit period drama Downton Abbey has always been on your bucket list, we've got the perfect way to do it.

Amazingly, fans of the ITV show can now head to the 5,000 acre Highclere Castle in Hampshire for an incredible, one-off dining experience – although we can’t promise that you’ll bump into the likes of Lady Mary Crawley, and Maggie Smith’s Dowager Countess of Grantham whilst there.

For people who are still gutted about the programme no longer being on our screens – in particular, their much-loved Christmas specials – travel company Premium Tours are hosting a special festive experience this December.

Organised via TripAdvisor, fans can pay an evening visit to the impressive estate, with transport from London and back to the capital organised as well.

The experience isn’t cheap, at £490, but those who choose to go can expect an amazing evening in return. Before dinner, you’ll be served champagne and canapes in the Saloon room (because how else would you kick off an evening in a castle?).

Then, you’ll get a chance to be shown around the impressive stately home, and hear about its impressive history from knowledgable tour guides. Take the chance to tour your favourite places from the beloved TV series too – including the spot outside the castle where Matthew finally proposed to Lady Mary Crawley on that Christmas night all those years ago.

You’ll also get the chance to see the current Egypt at Highclere exhibition, which has actually sold out.

Ticket-holders will then sit down to a three-course meal complete with wine, and to finish off the night, a magical performance of carols around the tree.

The evening will take place on 15th December, and we reckon tickets will book up fast, so be quick if you want one! If you fancy booking yourself in, head to the TripAdvisor website here to save your place.

However, if you can’t quite stretch to the price of the evening experience, you can plan a different sort of visit to Highclere Castle through the website, which may well work out cheaper. Visit the site here.