Highclere Castle and Newbury, England

The Spitfire Sisters--Louisa Revolta, left, and Anna Harding-- perform classics from the ‘30s and ‘40s at the door to the Highclere library, where Hugh Bonneville, the fictional Earl of Grantham in the “Downton Abbey” series, often has serious discussion with members of the Crawley family.  (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)

Lady Fiona Carnarvon discusses her newest book, “Lady Catherine, the Earl and the Real Downton Abbey” which follows “Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey.” Both focus on the countesses who presided over Highclere until death (Almina) or divorce (Catherine).  (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)

Relaxing between scenes are “Downton Abbey’s” Dan Stevens, left, Hugh Bonneville and Allen Leech.   (Matthew Lloyd / For The Times)

Laura Carmichael, who plays Lady Edith Crawley on “Downton Abbey,” goes over the script.  (Matthew Lloyd / For The Times)

The town of Newbury, England, has a Main Street, USA quality to it -- clean, quiet and neat.  (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)

A bookstore in Newbury displays “Lady Catherine and the Real Downton Abbey,” by the Countess of Carnarvon.  (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)

A room at the White Hart Inn.

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FOR THE RECORD: An earlier version of this caption identified this image as from the Vineyard hotel.   (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)

The chef writes the specials on a chalkboard at the White Hart Inn.   (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)

A grand suite at the Vineyard in Stockcross, Newbury. The elegant 49-room hotel’s emphasis on wine feels like a little bit of California in England.

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FOR THE RECORD: An earlier version of this caption identified this image as showing the White Hart Inn.  (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)

The Lion Pub in Newbury, run by Tony Sellers and his wife, Sarah Peterson. The cuisine recently switched from barbecue to Thai, available Thursdays through Sundays.  (Catharine Hamm / Los Angeles Times)