A taste of Downtown is coming to Thornton Manor

For the millions who tuned in to watch Downton Abbey on TV, the opulent lifestyle of Lord and Lady Grantham and their world of dinner parties, fine food and good company in a breathtaking setting is something most people could never get close to.

To virtually replicate this elegant way of life, Thornton Manor, the former home of Lord Leverhulme, is for the first time opening its doors to share its own history with an elegant country house experience at one of the country’s finest stately homes in the village of Thornton Hough.

The first view of Thornton Manor from its Tudor-style gatehouse

The Downton-inspired evenings will as far as possible follow the pattern of the special occasions laid on by the Leverhulme dynasty throughout Thornton Manor’s long history of entertaining. Philip Leverhulme, the last Viscount Leverhulme to live at Thornton Manor, was a generous host with a passion for horse racing.

A senior steward of the Jockey Club and a race horse owner with a stud at the manor, he became close to the royal family and counted the Queen Mother, Prince Philip, Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon as being among his circle of friends.

The Queen Mother had her own bedroom and sitting room at the manor, both of which are now available to guests.

Stepping back in time, the Downton Abbey Experience starts for guests once they drive through the manor gateway, up the sweeping driveway to a formal welcome in the grand hall before being accompanied to their rooms.

The Music Room’s elaborate plaster work by 18th century Italian painter and engraver Giovanni Cipriani

Dinner, in evening dress and black tie, will be at the enormous table in the dining room and the menu will be a four-course affair with the best of British food, much of it locally-sourced. And, of course, there’ll be a butler and his staff to wait on.

After dinner, in Viscount Leverhulme’s day, the ladies would adjourn to the adjoining Adam Room while gentlemen stayed in the dining room for port, brandy and cigars. In these more enlightened days, all guests will retire to the French Room to end the evening with a “nightcap” and coffee.

No country house occasion on such a grand scale would be complete without an enormous traditional British breakfast the following morning.

During the stay, there will be time for guests to take a look at some of the stunning features of the house, including the Music Room with its spectacular wall panelling, elaborate plaster work and period paintings by the 18th century Italian painter and engraver Giovanni Cipriani, or a walk through the grounds designed by the celebrated landscaper Thomas Mawson.

The first Thornton Manor Downton Abbey Experience is on Friday and Saturday, August 28 and 29. Social distancing measures, in line with current regulations, will be in place.

For more details, contact Thornton Manor, Thornton Hough, Wirral CH63 1JB, by phone on 0151 353 1155.