Downton Abbey and Highclere Castle Tour From London

We’re excited to dive into the enchanting world of Downton Abbey and explore the historic Highclere Castle on this captivating day trip from London. As fans of the beloved series, we’ll discover the picturesque filming locations and uncover the castle’s fascinating past with the help of knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re a devoted follower or simply intrigued by the grandeur of British estates, this tour promises a memorable experience that you won’t want to miss. Let’s delve further into the details and see what this captivating excursion has in store.

Key Points

• Full-day tour from London to explore Downton Abbey filming locations in Oxfordshire, including Cogges Manor Farm, Bampton village, and Highclere Castle.
• Tour includes guided grounds exploration, visits to the Monk’s Garden and Secret Garden, and insider trivia about the show.
• Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and knowledgeable guides provided; entry fees to all sites included.
• Tour starts at 7:30 am from Marble Arch, London, and returns to Victoria Station around 6:30 pm.
• Tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, but meals are not provided, and early booking is recommended due to high demand.

Tour Overview and Itinerary

The full-day tour from London takes visitors to the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, where they can explore the filming locations of the beloved television series Downton Abbey.

The itinerary includes a visit to Cogges Manor Farm, the Bampton village (known as Downton village), and the iconic Highclere Castle, the actual filming location for Downton Abbey.

At Highclere, we’ll tour the grounds, including the Monk’s Garden and Secret Garden.

Along the way, our knowledgeable guide will share trivia and insider gossip about the show’s characters.

The tour provides entry to all the sites and comfortable transportation.

Meeting and Departure Details

To begin the tour, we’ll meet at the Cumberland Hotel in Marble Arch, London, ensuring a prompt 7:30 am departure.

Make sure to arrive 10 minutes early to check in. We’ll return to London Victoria Station around 6:30 pm.

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle that accommodates up to 50 travelers. This comfortable transportation will take us to the Downton Abbey filming locations in Oxfordshire throughout the day.

Remember to dress for variable British weather and wear comfortable shoes, as we’ll be doing some walking during the tour.

Tour Inclusions and Accessibility

Professional guides, entry fees, and comfortable transportation are included in this tour.

No need to worry about meals or tickets – those are all taken care of. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Just keep in mind that food and drinks aren’t provided, so you’ll need to plan for lunch at the tea rooms during the day.

Confirmation is received at booking, but this is a non-refundable tour with 100% cancellation penalties.

Guest Experiences and Feedback

Based on the overwhelmingly positive reviews, it seems many guests have thoroughly enjoyed this Downton Abbey and Highclere Castle tour.

With an average rating of 4.6 from 89 reviews, the tour appears to be a hit among fans of the show.

Highlights cited by previous travelers include:

• The beauty and historical significance of the filming locations
• The knowledgeable and engaging tour guides
• The well-organized nature of the day-long excursion
• The opportunity to explore Highclere Castle’s grounds and gardens
• The unique connection to the beloved TV series

While some guests have noted disappointment with the group size and limited time at Highclere, the tour overall seems to provide a memorable Downton Abbey experience.

Travel Tips and Recommendations

How should we dress for this Downton Abbey and Highclere Castle tour?

The weather in Britain can be quite variable, so it’s best to dress in layers. Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella, as rain is always a possibility.

Comfortable, sturdy footwear is a must, as we’ll be doing some walking around the estates.

Early booking is also highly recommended, as this tour is in high demand among Downton Abbey fans.

Following these simple tips will ensure we’ve an enjoyable and comfortable experience exploring the iconic filming locations featured in the beloved TV series.

Exploring Cogges Manor Farm

After exploring the beautiful grounds of Highclere Castle, we’ll venture to our next stop – Cogges Manor Farm.

This historic farmstead provides a glimpse into rural life during the Downton Abbey era. We’ll wander through the charming 14th-century manor house, admiring the traditional architecture and furnishings.

Outside, we can explore the:

• Quaint farm buildings
• Heritage apple orchard
• Livestock paddocks with sheep and goats
• Restored Victorian kitchen garden
• Scenic riverside walks

Cogges Manor Farm offers a delightful contrast to the grandeur of Highclere Castle, allowing us to further immerse ourselves in the world of Downton Abbey.

Discovering Bampton Village

Next, we’ll venture to the charming village of Bampton, which served as the primary filming location for the fictional Downton village in the hit TV series.

We’ll explore the idyllic streets, landmarks, and shops that appeared on screen as the backdrop for the Crawley family’s world. Highlights include the local church, the Grantham Arms pub, and the village green.

Our guide will share insider stories and trivia, giving us a deeper appreciation for how this quaint Oxfordshire setting brought the show to life.

With ample time to wander, we’ll immerse ourselves in the Downton magic.

Visiting Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle, the stately home that served as the iconic backdrop for Downton Abbey, now awaits our arrival.

As we step through the grand entrance, we’re immediately transported back in time to the world of the Crawley family. The tour allows us to explore the opulent State Rooms and discover the fascinating history of this Victorian estate.

Notable highlights include:

• Wandering the breathtaking Monk’s Garden
• Uncovering secrets in the hidden Secret Garden
• Marveling at the intricate architecture and furnishings
• Imaging the lives of the aristocratic residents
• Capturing the perfect photo op with the Highclere Castle facade.

The Sum Up

On this captivating tour, we’ll immerse ourselves in the enchanting world of Downton Abbey. From the historic Highclere Castle to the charming Bampton village, each stop promises a delightful experience for fans and history buffs alike. With comfortable transportation and accessible facilities, we’ll embark on a truly memorable adventure that captures the essence of this beloved television series.