Downton Abbey Filming locations, Cotswolds and Highclere Castle - Small Group Tour
- Available April to October on dates when Highclere Castle open to the public
- Fully refundable and amendable up until 14 days before travel
An absolute must for all Downton Abbey fans. Join this small group tour from London to Downton Abbey filming locations accompanied by a friendly guide and Downton expert all in one! See Yew Tree farm, Downton village and the stately Downton Abbey house itself, on this fun filled and informative day trip.
- Small group day trip - maximum 18 people per tour
- Entry to Highclere Castle
- See the main filming locations including Downton Village, Church and Farm
- Explore hidden filming sites that the big coaches cannot get to in the stunning Cotswolds
- If your date is not showing as available in the 'Book this Tour' box we have more dates available by coach and also a Highclere Castle Express service. Click here for details.
- COVID19 Safety Policies Apply. All vehicles used are deep cleaned and disinfected daily.
- Flexible booking guarantee!
After a coffee break we will continue to explore the region, stopping in delightful Shilton with its shallow ford, used in Series Two to double for the pub where Bates found employment and the village of Swinbrook where Lady Sybil and Tom Branson spent the night on their aborted elopement. Onwards to Bampton to see St Mary's church scene of so many weddings, a funeral or two and a jilting when it was transformed into St Michael's in Downton Abbey. See the Cottage Hospital and Mrs Crawley's house during the guided walk, visit the village green, see the post office, Mrs Patmore’s Bed and Breakfast and The Grantham Arms pub.
We then make our journey southwards from the Cotswolds to the chalk down land of Hampshire, to visit the magnificent Highclere Castle. This will be known to many as Lord Grantham's family seat, Downton Abbey itself. We head through the landscaped grounds by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown and up the gravel drive to the door. Lord and Lady Carnarvon have welcomed cast and crew here for the entire run of the show and the subsequent film, so one can come across so many familiar locations both inside and outside the house. See where O’Brien tripped up Bates, where Kemal Pamuk’s body was moved, the dining room where delicious dialogue was served up with the 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 and then explore 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.
We will spend around 3 hours in Highclere Castle & Grounds, before our small group day trip ends and we begin the journey back to London.
- This day trip is operated in partnership with Oxfordshire Cotswolds tourism. All destination images used have been provided by Oxfordshire Cotswolds. For further details of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds please go to http://www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org
- Disclaimer: International Friends Downton Abbey day trips and tours are not endorsed, sanctioned or in any other way supported, directly or indirectly, by Carnival Films, NBC Universal or Julian Fellowes and his representatives.
- Please note that Highclere Castle is a private residence, and as such reserve the right to close part or all of the Castle, Gardens or exhibition at short notice. As such, the itinerary for this tour is subject to change at any time.
- International Friends would like to politely remind our guests to please bear in mind that although used as a filming location, Bampton is not a film set, and is home to many residents. Disrespectful behaviour, such as taking photographs through front room windows, sitting on or causing damage to residential property, or causing any distress to the residents of Bampton will not be tolerated. Any guests found to behave in this way may be asked to leave the tour and make their way back to London at their own expense.
Time | Destination | |
---|---|---|
Departs Arrives |
07:45am 09:30am |
Central London Arrive at Cogges Farm |
Departs Arrives |
10:45am 11:45am |
Cogges Farm via Shilton & Swinbrook Bampton |
Departs Arrives |
12:15pm 1:15pm |
Bampton Highclere Castle |
Departs Arrives |
4:15pm 6:30pm |
Highclere Castle London Victoria Station |
Please note that all timings above are estimated and assuming normal traffic conditions. Due to the changeable nature of road conditions, we cannot guarantee a precise time when you will arrive back in London.
On the return to London your driver will drop you at Victoria Train Station in the city centre. This is one of the largest transport stations in London, with excellent connections to all parts of London and beyond.
Please ensure you arrive at your allocated departure point at least 10 minutes before your departure time.
Time | London departure points |
---|---|
07:15am | Outside The British Museum main entrance on Great Russell Street (MAP). Nearest tube stations are Holborn or Tottenham Court Road. |
07:30am | Outside the Hard Rock Hotel main entrance, Marble Arch (formerly the Cumberland Hotel). (MAP) Nearest tube station is Marble Arch |
07:45am | 97 Cromwell Road, SW7 4DN - Formerly Holiday Inn Kensington Forum - Please wait at Bus Stop GV on Cromwell Road (Ashburn Gardens Stop) (MAP) Nearest tube station is Gloucester Road |
If you intend to travel to our central London meeting points by public transport, you can plan your journey in advance on the Transport for London website - click here