Lily James

The Crawley Family take a trip to Duneagle Castle in Scotland to visit Violet’s great niece Rose and her parents, Shrimpie and Susan, but there are obvious tensions between their hosts. Whilst the few Downton servants who accompanied their masters adjust to the etiquette of a different household, the family join in with traditional Highland activities such as deer stalking and there is a lavish ball for all to attend. Mary is keen to participate in everything, but Matthew is more protective than ever of his wife. Despite most of the household being away Carson is determined to keep the servants working hard. However, news of a fair arriving in Thirsk puts more pressure on him to allow them a little relaxation. Branson also remains at home, taking care of baby Sybil and is tempted to socialise with his old friends below stairs, but is this the wisest course of action?

(Original UK Edition) There is excitement in the house and village as the annual cricket match approaches with old scores to be settled and new plots hatched. Violets spirited greatniece Rose arrives with scandal following close behind.

Following Matthew’s untimely death, new mother Mary is struggling to come to terms with her loss. Robert and Violet disagree on how to bring her through it. Downstairs, hearts are set to be broken as Jimmy finally takes an interest in Ivy. Carson has an unwelcome reminder of his past while Mrs Hughes sees an opportunity to help grief stricken Isobel. Thomas is up to his old tricks and has the children’s Nanny in his sights.

It's summer and as part of Rose’s ‘coming out’ she is to be presented at Buckingham Palace. The family are in London, preparing Grantham House for the busy social program. Not one to miss such a grand occasion, Martha Levinson arrives from New York with Cora’s recently disgraced brother Harold. Both outspoken and larger-than-life, they make quite an impression amongst certain members of London's high society. When the Crawleys are implicated in a scandal that threatens to engulf the monarchy, Robert will go to great lengths to protect the royal family, and his own.

It's the grouse season and Rose's father-in-law Lord Sinderby has rented Brancaster Castle in Northumberland and invited the Crawleys to a shooting party. While good sport is enjoyed, a butler with an axe to grind and a scandalous secret threaten to undermine the holiday. Surprises are in store as the families become better acquainted with each other and some new faces arrive on the scene. Meanwhile the servants hold the fort back at Downton and unlikely later-life romances abound. As Anna faces an uncertain future behind bars, Bates takes drastic measures in a bid to clear her name. The seasons change and another Christmas is enjoyed at Downton Abbey. As the family and their servants revel in the festivities, there will be romance, a heart-breaking farewell, sad memories of love ones lost and a joyful reunion…