Downton Abbey & Highclere Castle Tour from London, with Oxford
Description
Explore the iconic filming locations of the award-winning Downton Abbey television series on this full-day tour from London. Following the release of Downton Abbey 3: The Grand Finale, immerse yourself in the magic of the show by visiting the real-life places that brought the story to life. Begin with a guided tour of historic Oxford, often called the “City of Dreaming Spires,” and home to one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Your next stop is Bampton (Downton Village), a picturesque village in the Cotswolds and the charming setting for many of the show’s outdoor scenes. Finally, visit Highclere, the magnificent home of the real Downton Abbey. Discover fascinating insights into Edwardian England, hear behind-the-scenes stories about your favorite characters, and learn about the real family who have owned the castle since the 17th century. This popular tour has limited availability and often sells out quickly, Book now to secure your place!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the timeless beauty of Oxford on a guided walking tour through this historic city, home to world-renowned universities since 1196. Stroll through picturesque streets beneath the city’s iconic ‘dreaming spires,’ explore renowned colleges, and learn about the scholars who shaped history, from Tolkien to Einstein.
Learn about Oxford’s centuries-long legacy of academic excellence, where notable figures like Stephen Hawking, Oscar Wilde, and Margaret Thatcher studied. Wander through the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera, both treasures of knowledge and history.
Discover the charming village of Bampton, the picturesque setting for many of Downton Abbey's most memorable scenes. Stroll through the village streets and recognize iconic filming locations like the village green and the historic Bampton Library, which served as the fictional “Downton village” throughout the series. Immerse yourself in the world of the Crawley family as you explore these charming spots and learn about the real-life village that became part of television history.
Admire the church’s striking exterior and peaceful atmosphere, which made St. Mary’s the perfect backdrop for the fictional village of Downton, adding to the show’s sense of history and tradition.
End your day with the grand finale: a visit to the magnificent Highclere Castle, the iconic home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and the stunning setting of Downton Abbey. Explore the lavish State Rooms, filled with priceless antiques and artwork, and step into the very halls where the Crawley family and their staff once walked. Wander through the castle’s beautifully manicured grounds, taking in the breathtaking views that make Highclere a truly unforgettable experience. With the release of Downton Abbey 3: The Grand Finale, this is your chance to experience the real-life locations that brought the story to life.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The itinerary is subject to change. The visit to Bampton cannot be guaranteed in case of events taking place in the village. In this case extra time will be spent in Oxford.
- The tour operates between April and early September, 3–4 days per week. There is no tour in June due to Highclere Castle being closed.
Reviews(839)
A lovely day out, visiting Oxford, Bampton and Highclere Castle. The tour fully lived up our expectations, and even exceeded them, having such a good tour guide and coach driver. Eva had such energy and enthusiasm, which never waivered throughout the day. Thank you to both Eva and Carlos, for a memorable day. From 2 Yorkshire girls😊
Eva is an incredible tour guide. Chipper, knowledgeable, and so kind. Our driver Carlos was also so, so nice and a great, safe driver. I couldn’t recommend this tour more. The timing was great and it was nice to do multiple stops.
Ava was an amazing guide, very knowledgeable and friendly. Made the whole trip fun and enjoyable. She was very funny and good at her job. I would absolutely book another tour with her. Carlos was a wonderful driver’
We had Eva as our tour guide, and she was superb. We thoroughly enjoyed her insight at Oxford, Bampton and Highclere. Time everywhere was great-though Bampton was short. Loved spending most of the day at Highclere. The price was perfect for what we received. It was a wonderful experience in a relaxed atmosphere. Felt more like a family group rather than a formal tour. Best for fans of Downton Abbey. It was worth it. And a special thanks to Carlos, our bus driver, who kept us safe and drove smoother than any other tour on which we’ve been.
Our family consisting of three generations had the most delightful day exploring Oxford and so many amazing Downton Abbey sites. Our guide, Ava, was entertaining and full of interesting information! She was very well organized and successfully led 75 people around Oxford which takes talent. Of course, the highlight of the day was exploring Highclere Castle which did not disappoint. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and highly recommend taking this tour!
Eva, the guide made this trip event better. Big thanks
Wonderful time. Thank you for arranging this experience.
Eva and Carlos were spectacular tour guides, making the day very efficient and fun, and were very knowledgeable. This was our first tour company trip and it far exceeded our expectations.
It was wonderful. Beyond my expectations. We got to go in many of the rooms at Highclere castle. Carol, the tour guide was a delight.
Oxford and Highclere were great. Too much driving in between. They should have skipped Bampton because as cool as it was, there is 5 minutes to see and an hour of driving to get there.
