Downton Abbey Filming Locations and Highclere Castle

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- Available April to October on dates Highclere Castle open to the public
- Fully refundable and amendable up until 14 days before travel
- Book direct with us for Best Rates guarateed

Join a Downton Abbey expert on this Downton themed day tour from London! Enter the grand and elegant world of Downton Abbey, discover the locations used in the hit TV series, join your knowledgeable guide and long time fan who will take you to explore Downton village, St Mary's Church, Yew Tree Farm and majestic Downton Abbey itself.

  • Travel by executive coach with an expert guide
  • Entry to Downton Abbey (Highclere Castle)
  • Visit Downton Village, Downton Farm and Downton Church
  • If your date is not showing as available in the 'Book this Tour' box we have more dates available on our small group day trip and a Highclere Castle Express service. Click here for details.
  • Flexible booking guarantee!
We depart London to begin our Downton Abbey day out! Firstly, we'll drive through the delightful and charming Cotswolds which double up for Yorkshire in the Downton Abbey TV series and the recent Downton Abbey films. Here we can explore honey coloured villages and gentle rolling hills as we head over to the centuries-old farm at Cogges. We can enjoy a stroll though the farmyard and fields and say hello to the friendly animals that live here. We will learn of the role Cogges played in Downton Abbey as Yew Tree Farm, home of the Drewe family and the place where Lady Edith's daughter Marigold was raised. Take your seats in the Manor House for a specially recorded documentary centred on a day's filming here then relax over a coffee in the old milking barn.
 
Next stop on our day trip is Bampton village, which any Downton Abbey fan will immediately recognise as Downton Village. Here we can explore the church and graveyard at St Mary's where some of the characters have their final resting place. Inside the church we can see where many of them married, and at least one was jilted. Outside is Mrs Crawley's house and the village green. The Cottage Hospital lies next door and we can see the houses that were transformed into the Grantham Arms pub, the Dog and Duck, Mrs Patmore’s Bed and Breakfast and the village post office. Souvenir hunters will love the little gift shop here where Downton memorabilia can be purchased.
 
Next stop is our visit to Downton Abbey itself! The magnificent house was designed by Charles Barry for the Earls of Carnarvon and Highclere Castle is still the home of the 8th Earl today. But for many of us this beautiful house and the landscaped gardens by "Capability" Brown will always be the house and grounds of Downton Abbey, both in the TV series and the hit film. 
 
See the dining room, scene of some of Violet's most wonderful comments, Lord Robert's library, the sitting room, the family bedrooms and walk down the grand staircase to the salon. Check out the Tutenkhamun and Egyptology exhibition in the basement and learn of the 5th Earl's expeditions to the Valley of the Kings. Explore the landscaped grounds and gardens and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea in the restaurant. Don't forget to visit some of the filming locations outside on other parts of estate. After your visit to Downton Abbey, our day trip ends and we return to London, after a wonderful day of discovery for any Downton Abbey fan!
 
  • 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.

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

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

TimeLondon 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 Cumberland Hotel main entrance, Marble Arch (formerly the Hard Rock Hotel). (MAP) 
Nearest tube station is Marble Arch

  07:45am

 Outside Gloucester Road Tube station, meet at the station exit. (MAP)

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

 TimeDestination
Departs
Arrives		 07:45am
09:30am		 Central London
Cogges Farm
Departs
Arrives		 10:30am
11:00am		 Cogges Farm
Bampton
Departs
Arrives		 12:00pm
1:00pm		 Bampton
Highclere Castle
Departs
Arrives		 4:00pm
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 get back to London, it is usually between 6-7pm.

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 and Highclere Castle

 

  • 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 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 executive Mini Buses or Coaches. 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 - We spend approximately 60 minutes in Bampton where you will see the Church, the cottage hospital, the village green & the post office.
    • Highclere Castle - You will spend around 3 hours exploring Lord Grantham's family seat, Downton Abbey itself. Time to visit the magnificent gardens, tea rooms and the Egyptology exhibition in the basement of the castle itself.

This day trip is carefully planned to ensure all customers have a fantastic experience whilst visiting these wonderful sites. All customers must stick to the timings provided (these will be confirmed by your guide on the day). If you think you may be late or lost you can phone the emergency number for help, but we cannot amend the day trip for all passengers because of latecomers. Should you miss a departure at one of the sightseeing stops our staff will do their best in assisting you to catch up with the tour or in returning to London. This will be at your own expense.

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

    • This tour includes entry into Cogges Farm, Bampton Library & Highclere Castle.

  • 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. 

  • Is food and drink included in my tour?

    • This day trip does not include food and drink. There will be opportunities to buy food whilst touring at all 3 stops. To maximise sightseeing time 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.

    • Highclere Castle - 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 Highclere coach tours. Numbers can vary from day to day but you can expect there to be between 30 & 50 people with our expert guide. You will be able to explore the Castle at your own pace and will not be expected to stay with the group. 

  • 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 all timings are estimated and assuming normal traffic conditions. On 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. 

This tour is not available to book online, please email [email protected]



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