Small-Group 'Downton Abbey' and Highclere Castle Tour from London
11 hours (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Good for avoiding crowds
Keeping you safe during COVID-19
Overview
Discover the natural and architectural splendor of ‘Downtown Abbey’ filming locations on a full-day tour of the Cotswolds from London. With a knowledgeable guide, travel through the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside and visit the charming farm village of Cogges and Bampton, the setting of ‘Downtown Abbey’s’ quintessentially English town. See recognizable sights like the Grantham Arms pub and then spend the afternoon exploring Highclere Castle on a guided tour of the structure’s opulent chambers.
- Full-day 'Downton Abbey' filming locations tour including Highclere Castle
- Hear anecdotes and gossip about the 'Downton Abbey' series and characters such as Lady Mary
- Explore the gardens and state rooms of Highclere Castle, seeing bedrooms, the smoking room, and more
- Small-group tour with a maximum of 18 people ensures personalized attention at all times
Depart from a central London location in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan and listen to entertaining anecdotes surrounding the hit series from your guide. Stay entertained by 'Downtown Abbey' tales and trivia as you travel, and admire the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside during the journey.
Stop first at a traditional farm nestled amid the rolling hills of Cogges and refresh with a hot drink in the farm’s rustic café (own expense). Discover a scattering of filming locations before returning to the vehicle to travel onward to Bampton, the gorgeous village used extensively as Downton village.
See recognizable sights like the village church and the Crawley family home as you enjoy a guided walking tour of Bampton, and then continue to Highclere Castle, arguably the most iconic 'Downtown Abbey' filming location. Gasp as you approach the lavish neoclassical façade of the residence and then embark on a leisurely stroll of the castle’s sublime gardens and grounds.
After exploring enclaves like the Secret Garden and the Wood of Goodwill, revitalize with a snack in the on-site tea rooms and then discover the opulence of Highclere Castle’s interior during a guided tour. See rooms graced by classic characters like Lady Sybil and hear tales of the castle’s rich history as you wander.
Return to your comfortable coach after a thorough exploration of the castle and relax during the journey back to central London, where the tour concludes.
Stop first at a traditional farm nestled amid the rolling hills of Cogges and refresh with a hot drink in the farm’s rustic café (own expense). Discover a scattering of filming locations before returning to the vehicle to travel onward to Bampton, the gorgeous village used extensively as Downton village.
See recognizable sights like the village church and the Crawley family home as you enjoy a guided walking tour of Bampton, and then continue to Highclere Castle, arguably the most iconic 'Downtown Abbey' filming location. Gasp as you approach the lavish neoclassical façade of the residence and then embark on a leisurely stroll of the castle’s sublime gardens and grounds.
After exploring enclaves like the Secret Garden and the Wood of Goodwill, revitalize with a snack in the on-site tea rooms and then discover the opulence of Highclere Castle’s interior during a guided tour. See rooms graced by classic characters like Lady Sybil and hear tales of the castle’s rich history as you wander.
Return to your comfortable coach after a thorough exploration of the castle and relax during the journey back to central London, where the tour concludes.
Itinerary
Leave London’s Marble Arch by air-conditioned minivan, and travel west to the rolling limestone hills of Oxfordshire. On the journey, your guide will keep you entertained with tales and trivia about the Downton Abbey TV series that has a fan base spread all over the world. Filmed mostly in and around Oxfordshire, the British period drama of Downton Abbey documents the dramas and scandals of the fictional Crawley family and their servants in the days leading up to and after the First World War. Hear insider gossip about characters such as Lady Mary, and discover little-known facts about the shooting locations included on your tour. Stop at a farm nestled in the hills near Cogges and enjoy a hot drink (own expense) in the farm’s rustic cafe before discovering a few of the farm’s filming locations.
Duration: 1 hour
Admission Ticket Included
Continue to Bampton in the Cotswolds, a quintessentially English village that was used extensively as Downton village throughout the entire series. On a walking tour, see the village church — the site of Lady Mary’s wedding to Matthew Crawley — and the house that was once used as the Crawley family home. Stroll along the main street, seeing shops used for filming as well as sights such as the fictional Grantham Arms pub.
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Travel onward to continue to Highclere Castle, one of the best-known Downton filming locations, to explore with your guide. Walk around the lavish estate that surrounds the castle, comprising Monk’s Garden, White Border, Secret Garden and the Wood of Goodwill, and hear all about Highclere Castle’s role as the Grantham family home.
Enjoy free time for lunch or a snack in the onsite tea rooms that serves food from the castle’s kitchens, and then step inside Highclere Castle to explore each of its state rooms. See the dining, music and smoking rooms that the likes of Lady Sybil graced with their presence, and learn all about the real-life family who have owned Highclere Castle since the late 17th century: the Carnarvons.
After exploring further areas of the impressive filming site such as the Red Stairs, saloon, gallery and bedrooms, return to your minivan with your guide. Relax on the journey back to London, and then finish your day trip with a drop-off at the Victoria Train Station.
Duration: 3 hours
Admission Ticket Included
Traveler Photos
Traveler Tips
- "If you are in London and a fan of the show this is a must to visit." See review
- "If at all possible I advise the small group tour as you can go places the big bus can not get to." See review
- "I highly recommend a small group tour instead of a big bus tour to see Highclere Castle and the other sights." See review
Reviews
Questions?
Product code: 5528IFHIGHCLERE
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