Shared Group Downton Abbey and Highclere Castle Tour from London
Description
Visit Highclere Castle, the Cotswolds village of Bampton and other sites on a full-day 'Downton Abbey' tour from London! After traveling to Oxfordshire with an expert guide, knowledgeable about the hit British TV series, visit Cogges Manor Farm (entry included) and then on to Bampton — the real Downton village. See Bampton Library (entry included), the church and the popular Grantham Arms pub, and then pass the afternoon at Highclere Castle, the Grantham family home. Tour the state rooms and gardens and learn all about the real-life Carnarvon family who own the estate. Numbers are limited to 18 on this small-group tour, ensuring personalized attention from a guide.
Tour Options
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.
Photo stop
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, enter Bampton Library — which doubles as Downton Cottage Hospital, 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.
Continue to Highclere Castle, Downton Abbey itself, to explore with your guide. Explore the lavish estate that surrounds the castle and hear all about Highclere Castle’s role as the Grantham family home. Enjoy lunch or a snack in the onsite tea rooms that serve food from the castle’s kitchens, then step inside Highclere Castle to explore its stately rooms. See the dining, music and smoking rooms that Lady Sybil graced with her presence and learn about the real-life family who have owned Highclere Castle since the late 17th century: the Carnarvons. In the basement is the special Egyptology exhibition, thanks to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s excavations in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Take in further areas of the famous filming site; the Red Stairs, saloon, gallery and bedrooms, before returning to your minivan. After departing Highclere Castle, we will quickly visit Burghclere to see Portal Hall, the location for Downton Village School, before the relaxing journey back to London.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please note: Once the booking is submitted all sales are final, non-changeable, non-transferable and incur 100% cancellation penalties
- British weather can be variable and so guests are advised to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. It is recommended to bring some warm clothes with you especially in the winter months and layers are good for adapting to the ever-changing weather conditions. It is a good idea to wear appropriate footwear as there is walking involved on our tours. England is known for its rain so it is advisable to bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella with you.
- Large bags and backpacks are not permitted in the Castle grounds. A small storage area is available at the Visitors Reception. Picnics are not permitted within the gardens.
- Photography and videography is not permitted inside the Castle but can be used on the Castle grounds and lawns for personal use only.
- Pushchairs are not permitted inside of the Castle but can be used around the Castle grounds and lawns.
- Highclere Castle Special Event: 'Living with a Film Crew', 8th to 14th May 2026. Your ticket includes talks on Highclere and other film locations, a guided tour of the Castle State Rooms, Galleried Bedrooms, Egyptian Exhibition and a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s book ‘A Year at Highclere’.
- Highclere Castle Special Event: 'Teas, Tours and Timeless Tales', every Tuesday June 2026. This special event date will include a Guided Tour of the Castle, time in the Egyptian Exhibition, Grounds and Gardens, complimentary refreshments and a signed copy of Lady Carnarvons book "Seasons at Highclere". Also included are admissions to Cogges Manor Farm, (Yew Tree Farm) and Bampton Library, (Downton Cottage Hospital).
- Highclere Castle Special Event: 'Magic of the Movies', Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September 2026. This event date will include entrance to Castle, Gardens & the Egyptian Exhibition. Also includes optional highlights such as Costume Exhibition, Jazz Band, Dancing with Brooks & Baker, Vintage Car Exhibition, The chance to take part in Highclere's “Magic of the Movies” film clip and much more.
Reviews(307)
Jimmie did an outstanding job of explaining all the hidden nuances of the show, including insights and unique stories. The small coach ride was comfortable, as well as very clean, and our driver Prince did an excellent job of transporting us to each venue!
Fabulous experience! Andrew is a superb guide! Informative & entertaining! A very good day! Highly Recommend!
Andrew was fantastic and kept a guy like me (who is not familiar with the show) entertained. My wife loved every minute of it.
As a Downton Abbey fan this was a wonderful experience. Got to see so many sights shown in the series. Would highly recommend!
We enjoyed our tour very much! Derek was a wonderful guide who was full of knowledge.
We had a great time on this tour. We made several stops to see filming locations throughout the journey so if you are not a fan of the show, you may be underwhelmed by this tour. The tour culminated in a self guided tour of Highclere which is set up exactly like it is in the show so again, fans will enjoy this. The only thing I would change would be the timing. I felt like this could include one more stop in the Cotswolds unrelated to Downton Abbey and just for sightseeing somewhere beautiful. We spent too much time in some locations.
We enjoyed the tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and good humored. We saw several locations for filming and enjoyed the drive thru the country side.
Our tour guide was Catherine and our driver wa Dominic. Both were absolutely incredible. Very knowledgeable about the history of the area as well as the show. Both were concerned with our comfort throughout the trip. Would recommend to anyone.
This was an amazing day, from start to finish. The communication was excellent, clear directions to pick up location, and being in a small group was worthwhile. Jinny was such an animated and knowledgeable guide. This is a must do trip for Downton Abbey fans.
Andrew was very knowledgeable and made the tour lots of fun. Handled any issues that arose like a pro! Made for a truly memorable day!
