Downton Abbey and Highclere Castle Tour

Tour Schedule

Step into the world of Downton Abbey on this unforgettable day trip from London! Get ready to explore iconic filming locations and soak up quintessential English charm.

Discover Historic Oxford

Our journey begins in Oxford, the enchanting “city of dreaming spires.” Home to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities, Oxford boasts some of Europe’s most stunning architecture. You’ll explore its magnificent colleges, with their ivy-clad stone walls protecting beautiful chapels, grand halls, and ancient libraries. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Oxford with our expert, followed by some free time to grab a bite to eat. Why not treat yourself to a classic pub lunch at one of Oxford’s many famous inns?

Explore Downton’s Bampton Village

Next, we’ll head to the picturesque village of Bampton in Oxfordshire, instantly recognizable as the setting for all the exterior village scenes in the beloved ITV series, Downton Abbey. Wander through the familiar streets and visit key locations like The Church, Mrs. Crawley’s house, and the building that served as the hospital in series two. You’ll also see real-life homes transformed into the Post Office and various pubs from the show. Inside the “hospital” (which is actually the public library), you can discover the Vesey room, home to the Bampton Archive and local exhibitions. Don’t forget to browse the wonderful Downton memorabilia available for purchase, including beautiful cards, prints, and mugs by a local artist, along with books about the filming.

Tour the Real Downton Abbey: Highclere Castle

Leaving Bampton, we’ll make our way to the highlight of the tour: Highclere Castle, famously known as the real Downton Abbey. This magnificent country estate, built by Sir Charles Barry (who also designed the Houses of Parliament), is the ancestral home of the Earls of Carnarvon. Your visit includes a captivating tour of Highclere Castle’s public rooms, featuring the grand main hall, the exquisite library, and the elegant sitting rooms, all prominently featured in the Downton Abbey TV series. Afterwards, you can spend time enjoying the stunning parklands, designed by the legendary Lancelot “Capability” Brown (who also created the grounds of Blenheim Palace), or indulge in some tea and cake at one of the castle’s charming tea rooms.

A Special Souvenir

As a truly unique memento of your day, every customer on this tour will receive an exclusive copy of one of Lady Carnarvon’s books. This fascinating book makes for a wonderful keepsake to remember your extraordinary visit.

After a day filled with historical splendor and cinematic magic, we’ll depart from Highclere Castle and head back to London, arriving back at approximately 7 PM.