Highclere Castle

Visit Oxford and top 'Downton Abbey' filming locations on this guided day trip from London. Start the day with a walking tour of Oxford and its famous university buildings. Continue to the Cotswolds’ village of Bampton. Visit the magnificent Highclere Castle with entry tickets included. Board your bus in London and set out on your tour. Journey in a comfortable bus as you head towards your first stop for the day, the city of Oxford. Here, embark on a guided walking tour of the city, home to one of the world’s oldest universities and packed with architectural highlights. Next up is a visit to Bampton, the filming location and setting for the exterior village scenes in Downton Abbey. See the church, the house of Matthew Crawley's mother, and homes transformed into the post office and various pubs. Head to Highclere Castle, the country seat of the Earls of Carnarvon. The tour of the Castle’s public rooms includes the magnificent main hall, the library, sitting rooms, and other rooms featured in Downton Abbey. Take home a copy of Lady Carnarvon's book as a souvenir of your visit.

Set off on a scenic day trip with a small group from London and see some of the highlights of the Cotswolds. Visit filming locations from the show Downton Abbey, discover Highclere Castle, and admire the picturesque countryside in the region on this guided tour. Head to the Cotswolds countryside and visit some of the filming sites of Downton Abbey. Your first stop is Cogges Manor Farm located on the banks of the River Windrush. Learn of the farm’s role in Downton Abbey as Yew Tree Farm where Lady Edith's daughter Marigold was raised by the Drewe family. Visit the kitchens and Mr. Drewe’s living room, see the farmyard where many scenes were filmed, and watch a unique and special video about the farm's role in the popular television series. After a coffee break, continue on to the delightful village of Shilton, famous for its shallow ford and stone bridges; see the spot where Bates worked in the 'Red Lion' after being forced to leave Downton Abbey. Up next is the village of Swinbrook, where Lady Sybil and Tom Branson spent the night on their aborted elopement. Head to Bampton to see St Mary's Church, the scene of so many weddings and a funeral or two. During your guided walk, take in sites of interest including the cottage hospital (Bampton Library, entry included), Mrs. Crawley's house, the village green, the post office, Mrs. Patmore’s bed and breakfast, and The Grantham Arms pub. Next, make your way southwards from the Cotswolds to the chalk down land of Hampshire, home to magnificent Highclere Castle, known to many as Lord Grantham's family seat, Downton Abbey itself. Discover familiar locations both inside the castle and out. See where O’Brien tripped up Bates, where Kemal Pamuk’s body was moved, and the dining room where delicious dialogue was served up with decadent food. Visit Robert Crawley’s library and the various bedrooms, and walk down the grand staircase. Enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants here, before heading into the beautiful grounds. In the basement, there is a special Egyptology exhibition, thanks to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon and his excavations in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Spend around three hours in Highclere Castle and its grounds before returning back to London.

Step into the hit TV series Downton Abbey on this full-day bus tour from London. Visit filming locations from the show like the village of Bampton which was used for the village of Downton and Highclere Castle which was used as Downton Abbey.  Journey by comfortable air-conditioned coach towards the village of Bampton in Oxfordshire. Listen to an informative commentary about Downton Abbey and the locations you will visit along the way. Arrive in Bampton and take a guided walking tour of the village to see locations from the TV series, such as the post office and the house where Matthew Crawley lived before he moved to the abbey.  Continue to Highclere Castle for 3 hours of free time to explore the house and grounds of the setting for Downton Abbey at your own pace. Find your way around with ease using a helpful leaflet. Have plenty of time to purchase a delicious lunch at the castle or shop for some souvenirs at the gift shop.

Become Lord or Lady Grantham for the day, as you visit the film locations used in the BAFTA award-winning Downton Abbey period drama. Hear how the global hit TV series was made and about the actors involved and the wonderful history of the places you visit on this full-day tour. You’ll depart central London in the morning on a drive to the charming Oxfordshire village that has been featured in the series as Downton village. Enjoy a guided tour of locations such as Downton Hospital, the village pub, the former home of Matthew Crawley, and the local church.  Take a short comfort break before continuing on to Highclere Castle, which is the main setting used in Downton Abbey. En route you’ll learn about the thousand-year history of Highclere Castle and life above and below the stairs. Lunch can be purchased at Highclere Castle or you can bring your own lunch and enjoy it on the beautiful grounds. Although guided tours are not allowed inside the castle, you’ll be able to explore the above-stairs area of Downton Abbey independently with the aid of a self-guided information sheet. Imagine life as it was over 100 years ago and enter the world of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants as you wander around the estate. The tour ends in central London.

Begin with a pickup from your central London hotel and a drive through London and out into the Oxfordshire countryside. Your first stop will be in Oxfordshire, where you will visit the villages that became the village of Downton. Have photographs outside Matthew Crawley’s house, and see the Hospital, the village church, and the two village pubs. and Have time to buy Downton souvenirs before moving on. Leaving the villages behind you, start to head cross country to Highclere Castle. On the way to the castle, take an authentic countryside pause, stopping for lunch at an old English pub. Arrive at Highclere Castle after lunch, where your tour continues. Your expert guide will explain all there is about the castle’s history as well as the Downton locations you will see before you enter the rooms.

Our driver will pick you up from London and drop you off at Highclere Castle so you can explore Castle and Gardens at your leisure. After 3 hours the driver will bring you back to London and drop you off at the accommodation .This day trip may take up to 7 hours depending on the traffic. Admission tickets to the Castle are not included. You need to buy them from Highclere castle's official website prior to booking this transfer service. You can arrange a pickup from Heathrow Airport, Visit the Castle then travel to your accommodation in London. Also you can arrange a pickup from London to the Castle then get dropped off at Heathrow Airport or Hotels near the Airport. This is a private transfer and the price showing here is per vehicle not per person. London vehicle tax included in the price and there are no hidden costs. Heathrow Airport pickup/drop off vehicle/luggage guide: Saloon car - 2 pax + 2 check luggage + 2 hand luggage Estate car - 3 pax + 3 check luggage + 3 hand luggage Mpv - 4 pax + 4 check luggage + 4 hand luggage 8 seater van - up to 8pax + 8 check luggage (23kg each) + 8 hand luggage (23kg each) We will pickup and drop off within following areas in London : E1, WC1, WC2, EC1, EC2, EC3, EC4, SE1, W1, W2, W3,W4, W5, W6, W7, W8, W9, W10, W11, W12, W13, W14, N1, SW1, SW2,SW3, SW4, SW5, SW6, SW7, SW8, SW9, SW10,, NW1, NW2, NW3, NW4, NW5, NW6, NW7, NW8, NW9, NW10, NW11, , HA0 to HA9, TW6,TW5

Depart London in the morning, making your first stop at Yew Tree Farm (Cogges Manor Farm), the home of the Downton Abbey tenant farmers. This beautiful, well-preserved 13th century manor house is situated on the banks of the River Windrush, and was featured in the fourth Downton Abbey series. Beginning with the fifth series, the farm became home to the secret love child of Lady Edith. In the sixth series, Mr. Mason moved in with aid of Daisy. Enjoy a tea/coffee break on your arrival at the farm’s refurbished rustic Cow Shed Café and then take a tour and learn of the encounters between the tenant farmers and the landowners, featured in the TV series. Your private tour of Yew Tree Farm is scheduled before it opens to the public! Once you’ve visited the farm, you’ll continue on to Downton village, which is actually called Bampton, a lovely, well-preserved village in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds. This village has been featured extensively throughout the popular TV series as its Downton village. The local library served as the Downton Cottage Hospital and Doctors’ surgery, and St. Mary’s Church became Downton Church. Churchgate House also featured in exterior shots as the Crawley family home. Now, you will have the chance to walk along these village streets! In the early afternoon, you’ll head to Highclere Castle, the Grantham family home. You’ll have time to explore the Monk’s Garden, the White Border, the Secret Garden, and the Wood of Goodwill, and have time for a light lunch at the café/tearooms in the Castle kitchens. The Carnarvon family have lived at Highclere Castle since 1679. In 1838, the Third Earl of Carnarvon commissioned Sir Charles Barry to transform the castle into an outstanding mansion. It served as a hospital during the Great War and was returned to private residential use in 1922. The current Earl and his wife, the Countess of Carnarvon, live part of the time in the castle and part of the time nearby in their country home. They remain closely involved in the everyday life of the castle and the plans for its future. Once you have entered the castle, you’ll follow a set route with guides in each state room, including the saloon, library, dining room, music room, drawing room, and smoking room. You can also go up the red stairs to see some of the bedrooms and the gallery, before making your way down the oak staircase back to the saloon in the center of the castle.

Tour Highlights: Itinerary: University of Oxford ( 2 hours) Begin your day with a walking tour of the University of Oxford, a beautiful city that has been home to universities since 1196. Spend approximately 2 hours exploring the university's historic colleges, charming streets, and renowned landmarks. Lunch Break (1 hour) Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant or café in Oxford. Highclere Castle (3 hours) Travel to Highclere Castle, the central location of the TV series Downton Abbey, and the real-life home of Lord and Lady Carnarvon. Spend approximately 3 hours exploring the magnificent castle and its beautiful grounds, and immerse yourself in the world of Downton Abbey. Additional Info: Admission Excluded: Please note that admission fees to attractions are not included in the tour price, providing you with flexibility to tailor your experience according to your preferences. Personalised Experience: Choose from our wide selection of vehicles, ranging from saloon cars to 8-seater vehicles, ensuring a comfortable and tailored journey. With pick-up and drop-off available at any London accommodation, enjoy the convenience of having a dedicated driver at your disposal for the duration of the 10-hour tour. Spend 6 hours exploring the tour destinations and 4 hours in driving time, ensuring a personalized and comfortable journey through Oxford and Highclere Castle's historic landmarks. Booking and Cancellation Policy: Booking: To ensure the best experience, advance booking is highly recommended as it allows us to tailor the tour to your interests. The period of hire is calculated from the selected pick-up time until the moment the group is dropped off at their final destination. The prices are provided for having the vehicle at your disposal for the duration of the hire. If the group requires more time, extra charges might apply. Payment: Full payment is required no later than 3 days prior to the scheduled pick-up date. Cancellation Policy: For a complete refund, cancellations must be made no later than 24 hours prior to the start time of the experience. Cancellations received within 24 hours of the tour's commencement are not eligible for a refund. Any amendments to the booking made within the 24-hour window leading up to the experience will not be accepted. Immerse yourself in the academic splendour of Oxford and the aristocratic elegance of Highclere Castle, where each moment unfolds with intrigue and nostalgia.

Experience the ultimate Downton Abbey adventure with our Private Downton Abbey Day Tour. Starting with a pick-up in Central London, our meticulously crafted tour, tailor-made for die-hard fans of the acclaimed series, takes all the hassle out of visiting sites from the hit TV series and two films. This immersive experience includes visits to iconic locations such as Bampton, the charming village that doubles as Downton Village on screen, and Highclere Castle, the majestic house and grounds, which stars as Downton Abbey. Designed with convenience in mind to take all the work out of visiting these fantastic Downton Abbey locations, this tour begins and concludes at your London hotel or a designated pick-up point, ensuring a seamless exploration of the Downton Abbey universe and its historical and cinematic treasures. Guiding you through this journey is an expert, experienced guide with an unparalleled passion for Downton Abbey and extensive historical knowledge, who will reveal how the locations you will visit are used in Downton Abbey and their real-life historical significance. Your guide's wealth of knowledge, including behind-the-scenes secrets and anecdotes about the filming process, guarantees that every query you have will be met with insightful answers and that you will return to London as a fully-fledged Downton Abbey expert. During the tour, you will visit: Bampton, which many people today know as Downton Village! Its streets have served as the backdrop for all six series and the cinematic adaptation of Downton Abbey. Among Bampton's iconic landmarks are the Downton cottage hospital, Crawley House, and the famous church, where pivotal moments in Lady Mary's and Lady Edith's lives unfold. As we journey from Bampton to Highclere Castle, we will stop for a traditional British Pub Lunch. This stop gives you the chance to enjoy some fantastic food and drink before continuing your journey on to Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey! Our final location is Highclere Castle, renowned worldwide as 'the real Downton Abbey'. This magnificent estate beckons to fans of the show and admirers of English heritage alike is inhabited by the 8th Earl of Carnarvon and his family. Upon arrival, your guide will help you to explore the House and its Grounds. Once inside, you'll have the opportunity to tour the meticulously preserved rooms spanning the ground and first floors, each of which played a significant role in the Downton Abbey narrative. After immersing yourself in the grandeur of the Castle's interiors, you'll have ample time to wander through its breathtaking grounds, soaking in the splendour of the surrounding landscape and even enjoy some of the highly praised Highclere gin!

Experience the ultimate Downton Abbey adventure with our Private Downton Abbey Day Tour. Starting with a pick-up in Central London, our meticulously crafted tour, tailor-made for die-hard fans of the acclaimed series, takes all the hassle out of visiting sites from the hit TV series and two films. This immersive experience includes visits to iconic locations such as Cogges Manor Farm (home to Mr and Mrs Drew), Bampton, the charming village that doubles as Downton Village on screen, and Highclere Castle, the majestic house and grounds, which stars as Downton Abbey. Designed with convenience in mind to take all the work out of visiting these fantastic Downton Abbey locations, this tour begins and concludes at your London hotel or a designated pick-up point, ensuring a seamless exploration of the Downton Abbey universe and its historical and cinematic treasures. Guiding you through this journey is an expert, experienced guide with an unparalleled passion for Downton Abbey and extensive historical knowledge, who will reveal how the locations you will visit are used in Downton Abbey and their real-life historical significance. Your guide's wealth of knowledge, including behind-the-scenes secrets and anecdotes about the filming process, guarantees that every query you have will be met with insightful answers and that you will return to London as a fully-fledged Downton Abbey expert. During the tour, you will visit: Cogges Manor Farm which was used as the picturesque Yew Tree Farm in the world of Downton Abbey. Featured prominently in series 4, 5, and 6 of Downton Abbey, this location holds a special place in the hearts of our guides, with many considering it their favorite stop on the tour not just because of the Downton filming which took place here, but also because of Cogges' own special charm. Bampton, which many people today know as Downton Village! Its streets have served as the backdrop for all six series and the cinematic adaptation of Downton Abbey. Among Bampton's iconic landmarks are the Downton cottage hospital, Crawley House, and the famous church, where pivotal moments in Lady Mary's and Lady Edith's lives unfold. Our final location is Highclere Castle, renowned worldwide as 'the real Downton Abbey'. This magnificent estate beckons to fans of the show and admirers of English heritage alike is inhabited by the 8th Earl of Carnarvon and his family. Upon arrival, your guide will help you to explore the House and its Grounds. Once inside, you'll have the opportunity to tour the meticulously preserved rooms spanning the ground and first floors, each of which played a significant role in the Downton Abbey narrative. After immersing yourself in the grandeur of the Castle's interiors, you'll have ample time to wander through its breathtaking grounds, soaking in the splendour of the surrounding landscape and even enjoy some of the highly praised Highclere gin!