Departure & Tour Timings
Please arrive at your chosen departure point at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
London Departure Points
- 7:15 AM: Outside The British Museum main entrance on Great Russell Street. (Nearest tube: Holborn or Tottenham Court Road).
- 7:30 AM: Outside The Cumberland Hotel main entrance, Marble Arch (formerly Hard Rock Hotel). (Nearest tube: Marble Arch).
- 7:45 AM: Outside Gloucester Road Tube station, at the station exit.
If you’re using public transport to reach these central London meeting points, you can plan your journey in advance on the Transport for London website.
Day Timings
- 7:45 AM: Depart from Central London.
- 9:30 AM: Arrive at Cogges Farm.
- 10:45 AM: Depart Cogges Farm (traveling via Shilton and Swinbrook).
- 11:45 AM: Arrive at Bampton.
- 12:15 PM: Depart Bampton.
- 1:15 PM: Arrive at Highclere Castle.
- 4:15 PM: Depart Highclere Castle.
- 6:30 PM: Estimated arrival back at London Victoria Station.
Important Notes
Please remember all timings are estimates and depend on normal traffic conditions. A precise return time to London cannot be guaranteed. Your drop-off point in London will be Victoria Train Station.
Please note that the Downton Abbey day trips and tours are not endorsed, sanctioned, or in any way supported, directly or indirectly, by Carnival Films, NBC Universal, or Julian Fellowes and his representatives.
As Highclere Castle is a private residence, it reserves the right to close part or all of the Castle, Gardens, or exhibition on short notice. Therefore, the itinerary for this tour is subject to change at any time.
We kindly remind all guests that while Bampton is used as a filming location, it is not a film set; it’s a living village home to many residents. Disrespectful behavior, such as taking photographs through front room windows, sitting on or causing damage to residential property, or causing any distress to the residents of Bampton will not be tolerated. Any guests found to behave in this way may be asked to leave the tour and make their way back to London at their own expense.
Your Tour Questions Answered
Are the meeting points easy to find? Yes! All departure points are conveniently located within short walking distances of tube and bus stops, with very easy access for taxis. Guests are recommended to arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time. Tour operators carefully plan their day trips for maximum enjoyment, which means they cannot delay departures to wait for latecomers. This would impact the day’s itinerary and could result in missing booked entry times at certain attractions. If a guest is running late, they should phone the emergency number, and the team will help them. If a guest misses the tour’s departure, they are welcome to join the tour at the first scheduled stop. Any expenses incurred in doing so will be at their own cost. Refunds cannot be issued for passengers who miss their tour’s departure due to lateness.
How will guests identify the vehicle at the meeting point? Depending on the number of people traveling on a particular day, the tour uses 8 or 16-seater executive vehicles. On arrival at the pick-up location, the guide or driver will announce themselves, will be holding a sign, and will be aware of guests’ names, ready to welcome them on board.
How much time is spent at each sightseeing stop?
- Cogges Farm: Approximately 1 hour. As a recognized Downton Tour Company, Cogges Farm often opens early for tour customers, providing private access before opening to the public, thus avoiding queues and crowds!
- Bampton: Guests will have approximately 30 minutes in Bampton, where they will see the Church, the cottage hospital, the village green, and the post office.
- Highclere Castle: Guests will spend around 3 hours exploring Lord Grantham’s family seat, Downton Abbey itself. This includes time to visit the magnificent gardens, tea rooms, and the Egyptology exhibition in the castle’s basement. Please note that Highclere Castle does not allow guides inside with groups. Castle employees will be at various points as guests tour the castle and will be happy to answer any queries.
Are entries into the attractions included in the ticket price? The day trip includes entry into Cogges Farm, Bampton Library, and Highclere Castle.
Will guests get to meet any of the cast of Downton Abbey? While it’s never impossible, it is very unlikely. Sadly, when filming takes place, most of the locations are shut off to the general public. However, guests will be immersed in the history and story of the hit drama as their guide shows them many locations that, as fans of the series, they are sure to recognize. Guests are kindly asked to remember that places such as Bampton are not film sets. They will be visiting villages with people’s homes, and guests should be respectful of their privacy.
How can guests find out more information about the attractions seen on this tour? Guests can visit the attractions’ own websites for more details:
Is food and drink included in the tour? Unless specifically stated as part of the itinerary, tours do not include food and drink. There will be opportunities to buy food while touring, and to maximize time spent sightseeing, guests are welcome to bring a packed lunch.
Can guests bring food and drink onboard the vehicle? To ensure safety and comfort, no hot food or beverages (with the exception of hot beverages in a sealed, reusable thermal cup) are permitted on board the coaches due to the risk of scalds or burns and lingering odors. Only cold food and beverages with screw-top lids may be taken on board any vehicle. All litter must be taken from the vehicle and disposed of appropriately.
How much walking is involved in this tour?
- Cogges Farm: Very short walks along paved areas.
- Bampton: Approximately 200-250 yards between the Pub, Church, and Post Office.
- Highclere Castle: Inside the Castle itself, there is very limited walking and some stairs. If guests choose to explore the Gardens, there will be 30-45 minutes of walking involved.
What should guests wear? British weather can be variable, so guests are advised to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. It is recommended to bring some warm clothes, especially in the winter months, and layers are good for adapting to ever-changing weather conditions. It is a good idea to wear appropriate footwear as walking is involved on these tours. England is known for its rain, so it is advisable to bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella.
How many people will be joining this tour? This is a “Small & Friendly” tour. Guests will benefit from being in a small group of a maximum of 18 people.
Do guests need to tip staff? Tips are entirely at the customer’s discretion and are in no way expected. Should guests feel inclined to tip, their driver or guide would be grateful, but they should not feel obliged. A 10% tip is considered customary in the UK.
What time does the tour arrive back in London? The tour aims to arrive back in London at approximately 6:30 PM. Please note that all timings above are estimated and assume normal traffic conditions. On the return to London, the driver will drop guests at Victoria Train Station in the city center. This is one of the largest transport stations in London, with excellent connections to all parts of London and beyond.
