Visit Highclere Castle, the Cotswolds village of Bampton and other sites on a full-day 'Downton Abbey' tour from London! After traveling to Oxfordshire with an expert guide, knowledgeable about the hit British TV series, visit Cogges Manor Farm (entry included) and then continue to Bampton — the setting of Downton village. See Bampton Library (entry included), the church and the popular Grantham Arms pub, and then spend the afternoon at Highclere Castle aka the Grantham family home. Tour the state rooms and gardens and learn all about the real-life Carnarvon family who own the estate.
Numbers are limited to 18 on this small-group tour, ensuring personalized attention from a guide.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Entry to Bampton Library
✔ Professional guide
✔ Entry to Cogges Manor Farm
✔ Guided tour of Bampton
✔ Transport by air-conditioned minivan
✔ Entry to Highclere Castle
✖ Food and drinks
✖ Gratuities
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the pick up time. This tour will depart at 07.30am. Please wait outside the Cumberland Hotel main entrance, Marble Arch (formerly the Hard Rock Hotel), Nearest tube station is Marble Arch
Itinerary
1
Cogges Manor Farm
Leave London’s Marble Arch by air-conditioned minivan, and travel west to the rolling limestone hills of Oxfordshire. On the journey, your guide will keep you entertained with tales and trivia about the Downton Abbey TV series that has a fan base spread all over the world. Filmed mostly in and around Oxfordshire, the British period drama of Downton Abbey documents the dramas and scandals of the fictional Crawley family and their servants in the days leading up to and after the First World War. Hear insider gossip about characters such as Lady Mary, and discover little-known facts about the shooting locations included on your tour. Stop at a farm nestled in the hills near Cogges and enjoy a hot drink (own expense) in the farm’s rustic cafe before discovering a few of the farm’s filming locations.
Duration: 60 minutes
4
Bampton Library
Continue to Bampton in the Cotswolds, a quintessentially English village that was used extensively as Downton village throughout the entire series. On a walking tour, enter Bampton Library — which doubles as Downton Cottage Hospital, see the village church — the site of Lady Mary’s wedding to Matthew Crawley — and the house that was once used as the Crawley family home. Stroll along the main street, seeing shops used for filming as well as sights such as the fictional Grantham Arms pub.
Duration: 30 minutes
5
Highclere Castle
Continue to Highclere Castle, the best-known Downton filming location, to explore with your guide. Explore the lavish estate that surrounds the castle, comprising Monk’s Garden, White Border, Secret Garden and the Wood of Goodwill, and hear all about Highclere Castle’s role as the Grantham family home.
Enjoy lunch or a snack in the onsite tea rooms that serve food from the castle’s kitchens, then step inside Highclere Castle to explore its stately rooms. See the dining, music and smoking rooms that Lady Sybil graced with her presence and learn about the real-life family who have owned Highclere Castle since the late 17th century: the Carnarvons.
In the basement is the special Egyptology exhibition, thanks to the 5th Earl of Carnarvon’s excavations in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.
Take in further areas of the famous filming site; the Red Stairs, saloon, gallery and bedrooms, before returning to your minivan. Relax on the journey to London, where we finish at Victoria Train Station.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please note: Once the booking is submitted all sales are final, non-changeable, non-transferable and incur 100% cancellation penalties
• 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.
• Please note that the dates 10th May 2025 to 16th May 2025 are part of a special event; Living with a Film Crew. Your ticket includes a talk, guided tour of the Castle, admission to the Egyptian Exhibition and a signed copy of Lady Carnarvon’s book ‘Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey’.
