For fans of the beloved Downton Abbey series, this guided tour from London offers a chance to take in the world of the iconic show. Exploring the charming Cotswolds and visiting Highclere Castle, the filming location of the grand estate, this small-group experience promises a captivating day in the English countryside. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to discover the castle’s Egyptian exhibition, this tour invites travelers to step into the past and uncover the enchanting stories that have captivated audiences worldwide.

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Key Points

A day-long tour exploring the Cotswolds and famous Downton Abbey filming locations, including Highclere Castle, the estate used as the show’s setting.
Priced from $258.77 per person for a small-group tour, with round-trip transportation and approximately three hours at Highclere Castle.
Highlights include visits to Cogges Manor Farm, Bampton Library, and the Egyptian exhibition in Highclere Castle’s basement.
Tour provides an immersive Downton Abbey experience, with high ratings for professionalism, knowledge, and value.
Comfortable transportation, knowledgeable driver, and the opportunity to explore remote areas of the Cotswolds are additional benefits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The London: Downton Abbey, Cotswolds, and Highclere Castle Tour offers a day-long exploration of the scenic Cotswolds region and iconic filming locations from the beloved TV series Downton Abbey.

Priced from $258.77 per person, the small-group tour with a live English-speaking guide promises a full itinerary. Visitors can expect to spend approximately three hours at Highclere Castle, the filming location for Downton Abbey, and discover its interiors, including the famous library and dining room.

With round-trip transportation and free cancellation up to 14 days in advance, the tour earns high ratings for its professionalism, knowledge, and value.

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Itinerary Highlights

As visitors embark on this immersive tour, they’ll explore the picturesque Cotswolds region, visiting Cogges Manor Farm (known as Yew Tree Farm in Downton Abbey) and Bampton Library, which doubled as the Downton Cottage Hospital.

The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Highclere Castle, the filming location for Downton Abbey. Guests will discover the castle’s interior, including the Earl of Grantham’s library and dining room, as well as the Egyptian exhibition in the basement.

With approximately three hours at Highclere Castle, visitors can fully enjoy the world of the beloved TV series.

Transportation and Comfort

Round-trip transportation by tour bus or van ensures visitors can travel in comfort to the Downton Abbey filming locations, which are often inaccessible by larger vehicles.

The small-group tour utilizes a minibus, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. This convenient mode of transport provides the following benefits:

Hassle-free travel to remote areas of the Cotswolds.
Comfortable seating and ample legroom for a relaxing journey.
Knowledgeable driver who navigates the winding country roads with ease.
Efficient transportation to maximize time spent at each filming location.

Customer Experience and Reviews

Based on the 4.8/5 rating from 237 reviews, customers have overwhelmingly enjoyed this Downton Abbey tour.

Guides, particularly Toby, receive high praise for their professionalism and extensive knowledge. Customers highlight the tour’s overall enjoyable experience, from the comfortable transportation to the value for money.

Guides, especially Toby, receive high praise for their professionalism and extensive knowledge, contributing to the tour’s overall enjoyable experience.

The round-trip transportation by minibus allows access to locations inaccessible by larger vehicles, contributing to the tour’s convenience.

With a 4.9/5 rating for guides and 4.8/5 for transportation, this tour delivers a consistently exceptional customer experience, as evident in the positive reviews.

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Important Information and What to Bring

The tour meeting point is outside the Cumberland Hotel’s main entrance at Marble Arch.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

The tour itinerary may be reversed depending on the castle’s entry time.

From May 10 to May 16, 2025, a special event is offered, which includes:

A talk
Guided tour
Admission to the Egyptian Exhibition
A signed book by Lady Carnarvon

Guests should come prepared to make the most of this immersive Downton Abbey and Highclere Castle experience.

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The Scenic Cotswolds

After preparing for the tour, guests embark on a scenic journey through the picturesque Cotswolds region.

This designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is known for its rolling hills, honey-colored stone villages, and charming country lanes.

Along the way, the tour visits Cogges Manor Farm, which served as Yew Tree Farm in Downton Abbey. Guests can explore the farmyard and see the stunning manor house.

Next, the tour heads to Bampton, the filming location for the village of Downton. Here, visitors can wander the streets and visit familiar sights like the library, church, and pub.

Discovering Highclere Castle

Having explored the charming Cotswolds, the tour now arrives at the grand Highclere Castle, the iconic filming location for the acclaimed television series "Downton Abbey".

Visitors can discover the castle’s rich history and its connection to the beloved show:

Tour the impressive interior, including Robert Crawley’s library and dining room.
Venture down to the castle’s basement to explore the Egyptian exhibition.
Spend approximately three hours exploring the castle and its beautifully manicured grounds.
Learn fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the knowledgeable local guide.

Filming Locations and Bampton Village

Although the tour has already explored the grandeur of Highclere Castle, the experience doesn’t end there.

The journey continues to the charming village of Bampton, which served as the filming location for the fictional town of Downton. Visitors will discover familiar sites like the Bampton Library, which stood in for the Downton Cottage Hospital, and Mrs. Crawley’s house.

They’ll also visit the St. Mary’s Church and The Grantham Arms pub, both crucial settings in the beloved TV series. Exploring these picturesque backdrops brings the world of Downton Abbey to life in a unique and immersive way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any specific dietary accommodations. However, guests should feel free to inform the tour provider of any dietary needs or restrictions, and the staff will do their best to accommodate them.

What Is the Group Size for This Small-Group Tour?

The tour is a small-group experience, though the exact group size is not specified. The tour description indicates it’s a small-group tour, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom breaks at various locations along the way, allowing guests to use facilities as needed during the day. Comfort and convenience are prioritized throughout the tour experience.

Can I Buy Souvenirs at Highclere Castle?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at Highclere Castle. The castle has a gift shop that offers a range of Downton Abbey-themed merchandise, including books, DVDs, clothing, and other memorabilia, allowing guests to take home a piece of the Downton experience.

Can I Take Photos Inside Highclere Castle?

Yes, visitors can take photos inside Highclere Castle, with some restrictions. Photography is allowed in most public areas, but flash and tripods are prohibited. Guests should check with staff for any additional guidelines during their visit.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a captivating glimpse into the allure of the Cotswolds and the iconic Downton Abbey filming locations. Guests can enjoy the grandeur of Highclere Castle, explore the charming Bampton village, and enjoy comfortable transportation and knowledgeable guides throughout the day. It’s an ideal opportunity to experience the enchanting English countryside and uncover the magic behind one of television’s most beloved series.