DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Please ensure you arrive at your allocated departure point at least 10 minutes before your departure time.

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

TOUR TIMINGS

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.

Helpful Information about the day of your Tour

Downton Abbey Filming locations, Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace

• Are the meeting points easy to find?

  • YES! All are within short walking distances of tube and bus stops, and very easy access for taxis. We recommend you arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the departure time. Your International Friends day trip has been carefully planned to ensure maximum enjoyment, which sadly means we cannot delay our departure times to wait for latecomers. This would impact the day's itinerary and could mean we miss booked entry times at certain attractions. If you are running late please phone the emergency number and our team will help you. If you miss the departure for your tour, you are welcome to join the tour at the first scheduled stop. Any expenses incurred in doing so will be at your own expense. Refunds cannot be issued for passengers who miss their tours departure through lateness.

• How will I identify the International Friends vehicle at the meeting point?

  • Depending on the number of people travelling on a particular day we use 8 or 16 seater executive vehicles. On arrival at the pick up location the guide/driver will announce themselves, will be holding a sign reading “International Friends” and will be aware of your names ready to welcome you on board.

• How much time at each sightseeing stop?

  All of our day trips have been carefully planned to ensure maximum enjoyment.

  • Cogges Farm - Approximately 1 hour. As the original Downton Tour Company, Cogges Farm opens early for our customers giving us private access before they open to the public, therefore missing the queues and crowds!

  • Bampton - You will have approximately 1 hour in Bampton where you will see the Church, the cottage hospital, the village green & the post office.

  • Woodstock - We make a 1 hour stop in beautiful Woodstock. Explore the shops or enjoy lunch in a traditional tea shop or Cotswolds Country pub.

  •  Blenheim Palace - You will spend around 2 hours exploring the Childhood Home of Winston Churchil. With time to wander round the magnificent palace, before paying a visit to the truly stunning grounds.

• Are entries into the attractions included in my ticket price?

  • This tour includes entry into Cogges Farm and Blenheim Palace & Gardens.

• Will we get to meet any of the cast of Downton Abbey?

  • We never say never! However it is very unlikely. Sadly when filming is taking place most of the locations are shut off to the general public. You will however be immersed in the history and story of the hit drama as your guide shows you many of the locations that as a fan of the series, we are sure you will recognise. We do ask all customers to please be mindful that places such as Bampton are not film sets. You will be visiting villages with peoples homes, please be respectful of their privacy.

• How can I find out more information about the attractions we will see on this tour?

  You can visit the attractions own websites here:
  • Cogges Farm - www.cogges.org.uk/
  • Bampton - www.oxfordshirecotswolds.org/plan-your-visit/towns-and-villages/bampton
  • Blenheim Palace - https://www.blenheimpalace.com

• Is food and drink included in my tour?

  • Unless specifically stated as part of the itinerary, our tours do not include food and drink. There will be opportunities to buy food whilst touring, and to maximise time spent sightseeing you are welcome to bring a packed lunch with you.

• Can I bring food and drink onboard the vehicle?

  • There is to be NO Hot Food or Beverages (exception if hot beverage is in a sealed reusable thermal cup) on board the coaches due to the risk of scalds or burns and smells remaining on board the vehicle. Only Cold food & beverages with screw top lids are to be taken on board any vehicle. All litter must be taken from the vehicle and disposed of appropriately.

• How much walking is involved in this tour?

  • Cogges Farm - Very short walks along pathed areas
  • Bampton - Approximately 200-250 yards between the Pub, Church and Post Office.
  • Blenheim Palace - In the Castle itself there is very limited walking and some stairs. If you choose to explore the Gardens there will be 30-45 minutes walking involved.

• What should I wear?

  • British weather can be variable and so guests are advised to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately. It is recommended to bring some warm clothes with you especially in the winter months and layers are good for adapting to the ever-changing weather conditions. It is a good idea to wear appropriate footwear as there is walking involved on our tours. England is known for its rain so it is advisable to bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella with you. 

• How many people will be joining this tour?

  • This is one of our Small & Friendly day trips with a maximum of 16 people.

• Do we need to tip staff?

  • Tips are entirely at the customer’s discretion and in no way expected. Should you feel inclined to tip, your driver or guide would be grateful, but you should not feel obliged. A 10% tip is considered customary in the UK.

• What time do we arrive back in London?

  • We aim to arrive back in London at approximately 6:30pm. Please note that all timings above are estimated and assuming normal traffic conditions. 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.