Shared Group Downton Abbey and Highclere Castle Tour From London

For die-hard fans of the beloved television series Downton Abbey, this shared group tour from London presents a unique opportunity to take in the show’s captivating world. Departing from The Cumberland Hotel, the full-day itinerary takes visitors to iconic filming locations, including the charming village of Bampton and the opulent Highclere Castle – the real-life setting for the Crawley family’s grand estate. With a professional guide on hand to share insightful anecdotes, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for those eager to uncover the rich history and stunning landscapes that brought the show to life. But what secrets might these locations hold, just waiting to be discovered?

About Your Stay

• This full-day tour takes visitors to the iconic filming locations of the Downton Abbey TV series, including Highclere Castle, the Crawley family’s ancestral home.
• The tour includes a guided walk in Bampton, showcasing the church and other key locations featured in the show, as well as a visit to Cogges Manor Farm.
• Guests can explore the opulent chambers and picturesque gardens of Highclere Castle, the real-life setting for Downton Abbey, while learning engaging anecdotes from a knowledgeable guide.
• For a special event, the tour offers an enhanced experience with a talk and guided tour of Highclere Castle, as well as admission to the Egyptian Exhibition featuring artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb.
• The tour provides transportation, admission to all sites, and a professional guide, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive Downton Abbey experience for fans and history enthusiasts.

Tour Highlights

While the full-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of ‘Downton Abbey’ filming locations, its key highlights include an in-depth visit to Cogges Manor Farm, where visitors can enjoy a hot drink.

The tour then ventures to Bampton, the real-life village that portrayed Downton, for a guided walk showcasing the church and Crawley family home.

The grand crescendo comes at Highclere Castle, the iconic setting of the beloved series. Guests can enjoy the opulent chambers, picturesque gardens, and historic grounds of this stately manor.

Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares engaging anecdotes about the show and its characters.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a 07:30 am departure from The Cumberland Hotel in London, whisking visitors away to the first stop – Cogges Manor Farm.

Guests can explore this historic farm and enjoy a hot drink, at their own expense.

Next, the group heads to Bampton, where they’ll take a guided walking tour of the village, including the church and the Crawley family home.

The highlight is a tour of the magnificent Highclere Castle, home of the Crawley family, featuring the opulent chambers, beautiful gardens, and the grounds.

Key filming locations like the Grantham Arms pub and the Secret Garden are also included.

What’s Included

The tour includes transportation by air-conditioned minivan. A professional guide provides anecdotes about the Downton Abbey series and its characters throughout the day. Admission is included for Cogges Manor Farm, Bampton Library, and Highclere Castle, allowing visitors to explore the iconic filming locations. While gratuities, food, and drinks are not included, the tour provides recommendations for appropriate clothing due to the variable British weather. A special event from May 10-16, 2025 offers additional perks, including a talk, guided castle tour, Egyptian exhibition admission, and a signed book by Lady Carnarvon.

Inclusions	Additional Details
Transportation	Air-conditioned minivan
Guided Tour	Knowledgeable guide with Downton Abbey insights
Admissions	Cogges Manor Farm, Bampton Library, Highclere Castle
Exclusions	Gratuities, food, drinks
Clothing Tips	Recommendations for variable British weather

Special Event Information

Along With the standard Downton Abbey tour, a special event from May 10-16, 2025 offers an enhanced experience for fans.

The special event includes:

1. A talk and guided tour of Highclere Castle, providing behind-the-scenes insights.
2. Admission to the castle’s Egyptian Exhibition, featuring artifacts from the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
3. A signed book by Lady Carnarvon, the current Countess of Carnarvon, sharing personal stories and history of the estate.

This exclusive opportunity allows guests to dive deeper into the world of Downton Abbey and the real-life Highclere Castle.

Questions About Your Stay

Is Photography Allowed Inside Highclere Castle?

Photography is generally allowed inside Highclere Castle, but some restrictions may apply. Visitors should check with the staff on-site for the latest guidelines before taking photos within the castle’s opulent chambers and grounds.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes transport by minivan, but any food, drinks, and gratuities are not included. The tour recommends appropriate clothing due to variable British weather.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Highclere Castle?

The best time to visit Highclere Castle is during the summer months when the gardens are in full bloom and the weather is mild. Visitors can enjoy the castle’s opulent chambers and explore the expansive grounds during this prime touring season.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets in Advance for This Tour?

Yes, it’s recommended to purchase tickets in advance for this tour, as it’s a popular attraction with limited availability. This ensures you secure your spot and avoid the disappointment of a sold-out tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. It’s suitable for all ages, though children may find some aspects more engaging than others. The tour allows participants to explore the Downton Abbey filming locations in a small-group setting.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This immersive Downton Abbey and Highclere Castle Tour from London offers fans a chance to step into the world of the beloved series. Visitors can explore iconic filming locations, learn about the show’s rich history, and marvel at the opulent Highclere Castle. With a professional guide’s insights, this tour provides an unforgettable experience that brings the magic of Downton Abbey to life.