Highclere Castle Express
- Fully refundable and amendable up until 14 days before travel
An architectural masterpiece, Highclere Castle is best known for doubling as Downton Abbey in the popular TV series and subsequent films. International Friends invites you to explore the lavishly decorated interior, and the 1,000-acre Capability Brown–designed grounds.
This day trip from London includes;
- Round trip transfers from London in an executive vehicle
- Entry to Highclere Castle and Grounds (Downton Abbey) with guides available in the rooms
- Services of an experienced driver (please note that this service is not guided)
- Flexible booking guarantee!
Depart London on our Highclere Castle Shuttle Bus and drive towards the South West of England, a journey that takes around 90 minutes. On arrival at Highclere Castle there will be time to enjoy the beautiful gardens; The Monks Garden, White Border, Secret Garden and Wood of Goodwill before we enter the Castle. There will be time for a visit to the tearooms where you can enjoy a light lunch, snack or afternoon tea made in the Castle kitchen. We plan to spend at least 3 hours at the Castle.
Highclere Castle has been the seat of the Carnarvon family since 1679. Major rebuilding work was carried out in the 18th and 19th centuries, and in 1838, the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon brought in Sir Charles Barry to transform his home into a truly stunning mansion. During the First World War the Castle was transformed into a hospital, returning to a private home in 1922. To this day the current (8th) Earl and Countess of Carnarvon live partly in the Castle and partly nearby, but remain closely involved in the Castle's day to day life.
On entry to Highclere Castle, visitors follow a route through the Castle, with guides in each State room. The State rooms include the Saloon, Library, Dining room, Music room, Drawing room and Smoking room. Visitors can then go up the Red Stairs to view some of the Bedrooms and the Gallery, before walking down the Oak staircase back to the Saloon in the heart of the house. Many of the rooms from the Downton Abbey series can be seen on the tour, including the Parlour where the Crawleys take tea, the bedrooms and of course the Dining room (the scene of many family arguments!).
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.
| TIME | DESTINATION | |
|---|---|---|
| Departs Arrives |
08:15am 09:45am |
Central London Highclere Castle |
| Departs Arrives |
1:30pm 3:00pm |
Highclere Castle London Victoria |
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 get back to 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 | Afternoon departure point |
|---|---|
| 07:45am | Outside The British Museum main entrance on Great Russell Street (MAP). Nearest tube stations are Holborn or Tottenham Court Road. |
| 08:00am | Outside the Cumberland Hotel main entrance, Marble Arch (formerly the Hard Rock Hotel) (MAP) Nearest tube station is Marble Arch |
| 08:15am | Outside Gloucester Road Tube station, meet at the station exit. (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