What’s Included
- Admission into Blenheim Palace, including The Churchill Exhibition.
- A visit to the Cotswolds village of Bampton.
- Access to the Downton Abbey ‘behind the scenes’ exhibition at Bampton Library.
- Scenic drive through Burford and a stop in Bourton-on-the-Water.
- A traditional Cream Tea at Blenheim Palace, featuring scones, jam, clotted cream, and tea.
- A tastecard, if selected, providing various discounts at restaurants and other outlets.
What’s Not Included
- Optional tips for your guide and driver.
- Any other food or drinks beyond the included cream tea.
Important Information
- An electronic ticket is necessary for your tour entry.
- During busier periods, additional vehicles might be used that do not have Wi-Fi.
- All vehicles used for the tour are modern and comfortable. They are maintained to high cleanliness standards, including daily deep cleaning.
- An expert tip: Consider enjoying an ice cream while in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Useful Information
- Days of Departure: Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
- Check-in Time: 08:15 AM
- Departure Time: 08:30 AM
- Departure Point: Bus Stop 1, Bulleid Way, Victoria, SW1W 9SR.To find it from Victoria Station: Exit via the Buckingham Palace Road Entrance (to the right of the Gatwick Express platforms). Turn left and walk down Buckingham Palace Road until you reach the first main junction. When it is safe, cross the road at the traffic lights and turn left. Walk approximately 20 yards, then turn right into Bulleid Way. Please note, the coach does not depart from Victoria Coach Station. The what3words location for the departure point is
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- Estimated Return Time: Approximately 7:00 PM.
- Return Point: Within a 2 or 3-minute walk of Gloucester Road Underground Station (Zone 1). This station offers convenient connections: it’s three stops Eastbound on the Circle Line or District Line to Victoria, and five stops to Piccadilly Circus on the Piccadilly Line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the tour depart from? Usually tours will depart from Victoria, central London but can vary depending on itinerary. Please contact us for further information or check the important information tab on the tour page.
Where will I be dropped off following my tour? Due to legal and time restrictions, tour operators typically offer a choice of a few drop-off points within central London (unless otherwise stated during the tour). These are usually located in close proximity to underground stations.
What time will I return from my tour? For full-day coach excursions, returns to London generally occur between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM, depending on the tour and traffic conditions. Unescorted train tours usually return later, between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
Are tours suitable for wheelchair users? Coaches can typically accommodate only folding wheelchairs. Passengers using them will usually need to be able to board and alight the coach (including a few steps) with assistance from their own helper, as tour staff are often not permitted to assist for health and safety reasons. Due to the fast-paced nature of many tours and the amount of walking involved, tours are often not recommended for individuals with limited mobility. It’s best to contact the reservations team for specific queries.
What items are permitted on the coach regarding luggage? Generally, you are permitted to take one piece of luggage on a coach tour. It’s advised to keep personal and valuable items with you at all times, as any items left on the coach are at your own risk. Hot food and hot drinks are typically not permitted on the coach.
Can the Open Top Buses accommodate wheelchairs? Many open-top buses have an access ramp at the front. Legally, they can usually carry one wheelchair user per bus.
What else is typically included in the tour price? All entrances are usually included in the tour price unless otherwise stated.
What is generally not included in the tour price?
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for your guide and driver (optional)
- Any transfers to/from stations and pick-up points unless specifically mentioned on the tour page.
If lunch isn’t included, can we grab lunch from nearby restaurants? Most locations will have restaurants nearby, but opting for a sit-down meal may significantly restrict the amount of time you have at the attractions.
At what age do senior concessions begin? Senior concessions typically begin at 60 years of age.
Do coaches have washroom facilities on board? Washroom facilities on board coaches cannot always be guaranteed. However, regular stops are usually made en route, and lavatories are often available at most attractions.
How much time is spent at each attraction? There isn’t a set time for exploration at each attraction. Guides are trained to observe how their group progresses and adjust the tour accordingly. It’s important to remember that some tours cover multiple landmarks in a single day, so extensive time at each attraction may not be possible.
What happens if I arrive late for a departure? If you arrive late for a departure, you could lose your seat to a walk-up passenger. It’s highly encouraged to arrive at the pick-up point a minimum of 15 minutes before departure. Once on the tour, your guide or driver will provide specific departure times for each location, and you must be back at the coach at least five minutes before this time. If you are late and miss the given time, the coach will depart without you to avoid delaying other passengers. If unsure about a departure time while on tour, always ask the guide or driver.
For groups traveling together, can specific seats on the coach be reserved? Unfortunately, seats are usually on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be pre-booked.
Can an itinerary be provided for a specific tour if the website doesn’t detail time spent at each attraction? An approximate amount of time spent at each attraction can often be provided. However, the overall tour duration and timing at each stop are often at the guide’s discretion and can vary.
Are tours available in languages other than English? Yes, many tours offer foreign language-speaking tour guides. Please check with us to see which days these operate.
